The age-herald., 1897-08-07
TECHNICS FROM
 t. CURRENT TOPICS

fs CURRENT TOPICS
 The Alabamians are undoubtedly a con | servative people. so conservative that our states progress fails to arouse in us a l natural and helpful enthusiasm. We are such an honest, genuine. wholesome race that we have a way of deriding that self assertion and self-praise, which, while making the people of a neighboring state somewhat absurd, have nevertheless con tributed largely to it's growth and pros perity. Faith in one's country, ones state. ones city and ones self is essential to per- manent success, perhaps more so than any other one quality. As a people, we Ala bamians have an unconscious, unintention- al way of writing ourselves down. We claim too little we expect too little, and, in con- sequence, lose much that rightfully be- longs to us, and which is diverted into other and less desirable channels. Out siders are beginning to appreciate Ala bamas natural advantages notwithstand- ing our modesty. The great coal and iron ore mines of this section the magnificent farm lands of middle, north and south Ala bama; our climate, and the general good health of our citizens, together with the successful manufacture of iron, steel and
 
 daily drawing the attention of the outside world tol us.
 Only few days ago the governor of an- other state wrote Governor Johnston say ing that some of his relatives were anx- ious to invest in bonds. and he thought so well of Alabama securities that he wished to know at what price they could be pur- chasedL' There is also tendency on the part of northerners to settle in colonies in our state, and letters of inquiry from prom inent men of the north in regard to bring ing colonies to Alabama have been received at the executive department, at Mont gomery, very lately.
 We will naturally grow, because of the momentum which we have attained, but we will increase in power and wealth with greater rapidty when realize the value of that individual enthusiasm and upbuild- ing which have made Georgia the empire state of the south. Georgia has not any advantage that we have not, while she has nothing that compares with our iron and steel industries. Whatever we arro- gate to ourselves the world will accord; Alabama cannot arrogate too much; her advantages will outweigh even the most extravagant claims we may make.
 Besides our corn and cotton fields and our iron and coal minees, we have, within the borders of our commonwealth the great rivers, which flow silently to the Gulf. while rippling mountain streams empty into their depths their never-failing waters. There are streams and streams to be seen, some pouring over shining peb- bles," like Tennysons immortal brook -oth-s CTS that gurgle a lazy song all the day long, as they flow through thickets of vine and bush But there is one stream in Alabama which as suddenly leaped into fame. be- cause on its reedy banks, it is said, a sing ing convention was recently held, and sev-. eral state officials aided the vocalists by catching few fshi Conventions of all kinds, having for their object the good of the people, should be encouraged, individ- ually and officially, and a singing con vention," warranted to promote harmony, should stand near the head of the list. There can be nothing wrong in any state officer caroling few sweet southern songs with the good wives, daughters and sweet hearts Of the men whose strong arms do so much to make Alabama great. It is just as harmless to sing with our friends as to dance with them, as was the fashion some years ago; indeed, there is nothing hurtful in either diversion, if carried on in moderation. Perhaps a pretty girl is more attractive this warm weather. with song book on a broad verandah, than she would be in ballroom. But tastes change with the years, especially public taste, and now singing conventions'' are wisely being substituted for the dances of short while ago, SO the papers say.
 At this special singing convention" which has become a matter of state his tory now, the pretty girls, handsome ma irons and little children were absent, sad to relate. In their stead, there were only a few stalwart men, of serious mien and heavy avordupois who had not been ema- ciated by the cares of official life. They harmlessly caught fish all the long sum- mer day from the wel-stocked stream; eat heartily of Alabama food, and at night tree to tree, and the mocking birds war bled in magnolia and pine. The river sang lullaby; the night winds whispered mel odies of their childhood days; across the cotton fields came the echo of plantation songs, while the rustling blades of corn sang hymn of praise, for the plenty that is ours. Next day the men, in blissful ig- norance of carping tongues, fished again eat again and slept again, and, at least, returned to the habitations of men, only to find that they had wasted whole week out of their busy lives, for they might have been at singing convention" or a coun- try dance, instead of fishing, eating and sleeping in the innocent, voteless glades on an Alabama plantation In the light of his tory, they had made a blunder. It is said frolics after this, and await invitations to singing conventions" and rural dances like those that were popular several years ago with state officials.
 That man, or set of men, who keep in touch with the people of all sections of the state, are wise in this generation.
 BALL.
 
 WITH THE ALABAMA EDITORS.