The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-04-16
NED BRACES
SUNDAY CHAT

Inc governor was mere yesleFud3+
was in the Alabama National bank nearly
all day. The governor Is a director in the
bank, and he probably had private business
affairs to attend to-. The governor also
talked politics. He looked well and partial
ly happy. He was apparently happy be-
cause of the success of his poll of the legis-
lature. In his poll the governor didn't
eliminate populists or republicans. He evil
IDENTIFY expects to call an extra session for
the purpose of repeating the constitutional
convention act He did not say this yes
terday to the newspaper reporters, but in
response to their queries he replied: 'sWait
and see." 'Wait and See means an extra
session. The governor will call the legis-
lature together and then there will be
trouble. The first question will be whether
or not the repeal of the convention act will
be considered in a democratic caucus. I
hear the governor is opposed to democratic
eaucuses, though that is merely street ru-
NOR.
Governor Johnston is bit erratic, but he
seems to carry his nerve with him. He Is
hel-bent SO to speak, on having his own
way, and he is either going to have his way
or smash himself into kindling wood. The
to be decidedly for himself. He has ambi-
lions toward dictatorship. There is much
of the czar about Johnston. He will fight
hard to carry his point in the extra session,
but 1t is an open question whether he can
dictate to the legislature. He will have the
democratic executive committee to fight,
and, indeed the organized party of the state
to fight. It looks very much as If he were
1T
state of the power to say whether or not
they desire a constitutional convention
The question has been submitted to the
people by the legislature. It is to be voted
upon by the people in July, unless the legis-
lature rescinds Its act, and it would seem
that the governor is determined to have the
legislature. do this and deprive the. people
of their right to speak. Nobody knows
what the governor will do, but it does strike
the casual observer that the proceeding is
high-handed, to say the least.
However, let the politicians fight as much
as they want to among themselves. I am
glad to see that the business men of Br-
mingham are commencing to take an inter-
est in city affairs. Mr.. MCGOWAN, the paint
manufactures, is making gallant fight for
o1aNOS2o-
full Birmingham needs lower rates on a
good many public necessities. As mayor,
Frank Evans has worked hard to bring
about many needed changes in Birming-
ham, and considering the depleted city
treasury has done good work. Mel Dren-
men will probably carry on this good work
and may succeed in doing some of the
many things that are needed.
The real estate men are getting almost
too wild. They are excited. They imagine
that Birmingham is on another real estate
BOOM Every good citizen hopes that it is
not. Real estate booms are productive of
no lasting benefit. 1t is true that real es-
tate is very active in Birmingham just at
present, but there is no necessity for mark
ing up prices every day. Such a policy
drives coed people and actual investors
away. Real estate is cheap here now, and
it should be kept cheap in order that the
investors, who desire to improve, may do
so and have full margin of profits from
rentals.
Birmingham is improving in every way.
1t is a good sign when citizens devote some
of their time to the genuine pleasures of
play makes Jack dull boy" is very true.
Everybody was glad to see a full attend
ance at the musical entertainment given
at the opera house last week for the benefit
Of Miss Fallon. All the people are looking
forward with extreme pleasure to the May
Musical Festival, to the carnival, and the
floral parade.
The organization of country club and
and pleasures of Birmingham. Such feat
ures add wonderfully to Birmingham as
attractive home city. Visitors ON pleasure
bent will come to Birmingham, and besides
finding plenty to see, they will find all
manner of enjoyment and amusement The
citizens coming in contact with each other
and with visitors socially and nterminglng
on festive occasions will lead to unity of
purpose, to a better understanding with
one another, and better feelings gener-
ally.
Everybody likes to see happy people. A
life of smiles is far better and more salts
factory than one made up of trades and
frowns and business chickering's. Eight
hours a day is enough for any man to give
to business. The balance should be spent
in pleasures and sleep.
Birmingham is going ahead in every way.
1t is progressing as fast as it is from a
business and financial point of view.
NED BRACE.
TWO STANDARDIZATION STORIES