The age-herald., 1898-04-02
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
 AND ELSEWHERE

to southern firms. but wcsGd go to those in the north and east. The only benefit that the southern industries would derive would be from the raw material which would be sold to the northern firms to be used in filling the contracts.
 ''T'he south has no political influence with the present administration and consequent ly would not obtain any of the contracts. Under normal conditions the south has no fear Of competition We have natural ad- vantages that enable us ito make pdg iron and cotton goods cheaper than they can be made elsewhere. But in the event of war, there would be @ revival of trade un- der fictitious conditions which would do more harm than good.
 "The south is just getting on its feet again i1dustr5ally, and under normal con- ditions will continue to advance Then again, besides the horrors of war which the country would have to endure, the pen- sion rolls. which are already far too large, would be enormously increased The people would be taxed to pay these pensions.
 While not an adherent of Mckinley, ad- mire the stand he has taken on tinds ques- ton. There is absolutely no need of rush. ing this country hastily into g. war. If na- tional honor can be upheld without 1t. If We whip Spain it would be no credit to us. as it is already totterdng on the verge of bankruptcy. But if Spain whipped us we would be the laughing stock of other na- ttons. I believe that nine out of ten think ing people hope that a war will be averted. Furthermore, I believe that the congress- npen who are so frantically shouting for war do not reflect the views of their com stttuents.
 Jacks a lucky dog," remarked we'll known and popular young man who makes big coal deals for Livelihood. He referred to 8 prominent and long-headed young man who had just left the crowd.
 "Do you know that lucky rascal,'' he con- tfnued, ''has featbered hds nest out of the stock market within the last seven days. He bought 200 shares of Metropolitan stock last Friday at $125 and sold out at s1.42, the highest point it reached this week. He made a clear profit of s3,4OO, g. neat profit for one week on an investment of $2o0."
 That's all right if you hit it right" chdmed in a listener. "But I didn't hit 1t right. I thought war would be declared last Monday and I sold fifty shares of stock I got out as quick as could, but they caught me for clean two hundred before I could extricate myself from the mess."
 ''I see the war department has suggested that Lieutenant O'Brien withdraw his res- ignation," said @ muchly y-travefed man ae the Morris yesterday. "O'Brfen is the man who got into so much trouble at the Att lanta barracks last year. have known ham casually for years. A bright fellow he Is. Led his class at West Point Did gooo service In the west. His only trouobe IS that he Mixes a socdai drink, and drink makes him crazy. He went all 1hrough the China-Japan war, suffered intense hard shtps sent a splendid report ito the war oe- partmeut and then had himsef recaaseo for getting on a spree in YoRohoma anu painting the town and while bedecKeu an his regimentals. Wath all his fausts' now ever. he is ai fighter and he will show m
 when war is declared"
 A good story, characteristic of Richard Harding Davis is told by the Criterion: ..It seems that MT. Richard Harding
 Davis, after the manner Of other greas
 men, has his favorite table in the club dining room The other evening he WaS
 late. and the head waiter, taking great
 risks. seated others at the Davis table. Of
 course, Davis came in presently with two other gentlemen, and was nightly wroth. He fumed, he drowned, and he made things generally uncomfortable for everyone con- cer1ed. dndeed, he even made the uncoal- scious intruders uncomfortable. Finallys as his own party arose, he steered for his table, and addressed the trio there:
 "It may please you to know, gentlemen" he said majestically, "whose places you
 have taken tonight This," he waved his hand, Ifs MT. Charles Dudley Warner" The three strangers bowed almost to the ground. "This is MT. Charles Dana Gib- son." Again most profound obeisance. And l." he said with superb consciousA ness, "am Richard Harding Davis" And he prepared to turn on his heel
 But one of the strangers gave a please ant little cough, and remarked: i've no doubt you'll be glad, also, to know who we are." He indicated one of his companions. '"rhis is the emperor of Austria" Again he waved his hand. "This is the emperor of Germany" He bowed humbly as hs concluded, And lam Queen Victoria" MT. Davis other remarks are not of record.
 "Have piece of candy, MT. Bowman" said the pretty typewriter in an insurance office of this city yesterday.
 "Ah. thanks" replied P. G. Bowman. and suiting the action to the word he took . most luscious bonbon from the box The young lady smiled sweetly the gen- ial insurance agent leaned back In his chaiJ preparatory to long, chatty war talk, and the office boy turned green with envy. "You must have been tasting this, Mss K, 1t is so sweet" said MT. Bowman in his most pleasing tones. But almost before he had finished the sentence he struck the April fool soap. which was of the strong. est trmpentine quality.
 He never uttered another word. The smile died from his face. He turned and rrt.