The age-herald., 1899-09-27
IN HOTEL LOBBIES
 AND ELSEWHERE

Commenting upon the extraordinary ma- terlal development of the mineral region and the northern counties generally, Post office Inspector J. w. Bass said that there had been recently large increases in the re- eeipts of the principal postoffiees. As might have been expected, Birmingham leads and is easily first in Alabama. Mobile, Mont gomery and Birmingham are in same class. but the volume of business varies. The most notable increases in this district are accredited to Birmingham Tuscaloosa, Am niston, Talladega, Gadsden, Huntsville, Florence and Sheffield; though this is not meant to place those cities in the order in which they are here given. Inspector Bass gave no figures, but spoke generally. Pratt City, Ensley, Bessemer. Fort Payne, Rus sellville, the Decaturs, Tuscumbia, and, in fact, all the more prominent offices show gratifying progress. The postofce receipts of a town constitute a barometer of trade conditions. Rises and falls are very clearly indicated by the official reports of the post offices.
 IuGIt were d nuulDcI u itdt4iiS AlGil HUH various counties of the state in Birmlng- ham yesterday, several of whom were on their way to attend the Coosa River con- vention a Gadsdcn. Amongst the number were Former Congressman Richard II. Clarke, of Mobile; Representative John H. Bankhead, of the Sixth district; Repre- sentative Jesse F. Stallings, of the Second; Representative Gaston A. Robbins, of tho Fourth; Hon. Charles E. Waller, of Hale; Former Governor Thomas c. Jones, Of Montgomery. It was expected that the entire Alabama congressional delegation would attend the convention at Gadsden, as would many influential men not now in public office. Political interest was re- vived by the presence in the city of many men of consequence. The loungers and loterers in the Hobbies desired to be informed concerning things about which there was really no information to be had. All roads lead to Birmingham, the pollti- cal and industrial capital of the state. Everybody who is of consequence must needs visit this town.
 ''There is one matter of great importance in international politics that has been lit- tie considered" said a Canadian last night. Most people have doubtless given some little thought to the fact that Admiral Dewey did not call with the Olympia at an English port on his way home; but no special significance has been attached to this. It has not even occurred to the news papers that there was design in Dewey5 action. He stayed a week at Naples, and also at Villa Francha and two or three weeks a Gibraltar Uhnra fnll bpnOrs shown him by the governor and the mili- tary and naval officers. Gibraltar is Brit ish territory, and the honors accorded the admiral there were really honors from the British goeernment. But under normal con ditions the American would have cut short his stay at Gibraltar, and sailed for soutn- ampton. There is wherein was played the interesting game of international politics, CT, more properly speaking, statesmanlike diplomacy. It would not have been polite for Dewey to have called at a port of the British ilses, for the very fact of his call ing and the great reception that would have been accorded him would have strengthened the almost worldwide im- pression that there is something of an alli- ance between the United States and Great Britain. Therefore, Dewey sailed from Gib- raltar for New York direct. Doubtless he received a hint from Washington, and doubtless also the British government was made aware of the hint through the proper diplomatic channels. All of which is manifestation of great skill in politics, diplomacy and statesmanship. A royal British welcome to the most popular Ameri- can of this generation would have been pleasing to both peoples, but scarcely op- perfume. It is true that the president of the United States cannot ally this country with another power; but the world al large is not aware of the clearly defined limita- tions to the presidential authority"
 The delightfully."- cool weather which has prevailed during the past week has not silenced the cry for rain in the Birmingham district The quality and quantity of dust are most eXasperating. There is dust everywhere, in paved streets, macadamized roads, and all roads, In some of the out lying districts it is inches deep, and the light winds raise it in stihfng clouds Therefore in this immediate locality rain would be unqualified blessing; though it would be disastrous to the. cotton fields. So far the farmers have had almost un- precedentedly fine weather for harvesting the cotton crop. There has been a gratify- ing absence of rain in the cotton belt proper. Hence the quality of cotton being marketed is superior.
 United States Circuit Judge David D. Shelby, of Huntsville, is at the Morris.
 
 President James Crook, of the Alabama railroad commission is in the citV last night was in consultation with the local freight agents of some of the rail- roads. Hresumbably freight rates were un- der discussion.
 I.ncien Y IaTaste of Mnnt tcnmerY was