The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-09-24
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLT

1 from being exact, places the population
 the islands at 6,97657l. This immense
 main. comprising 20OO islands and as wi
 from east to west as the distance fro l New York to Chicago, has a populati l just little larger than the state of Pen l sylvania. Although the acquisition of f Philippines was made against protes from zealous citizens, who thought tn | foresaw the nations ultimate ruin, t situation is now accepted as a matter fact and every one is busily dlscussh the prospects for making money in q colonial possessions of America. IT comparatively small number of people 1 the Philippine Islands would lead one
 suppose that the country is sparsely se tied. This is, however not the case
 all the provinces. On the western coa of Luzon and In Cebu the population exceedingly dense. However, it is sa that those districts best adapt ed to Anne ican colonization are thinly sett.ed. A ready the enterprising Anllee IS tegf mig to make money out of the Filipno ar
 the possibilities in store Cor the islan, appear to be very great Amerl.an <, ganizers and developers will soon he a, anywhere. If they do not belle tnei, ra, characteristics the results oe their labo, will soon be evident Tn substantial n suits.
 The startling news reached us fro, Munich that Prince Ludwig Ferdinar of Bavaria is contemplating visit to u Vanderbilts in New York. The Prin, will listen to "Parsifal' as the guest the American millionaire and will doubt also perform on his violin for il delectation of the 400" When Wagn, Is on the boards Ludwig plays first violI at the new Prince Regent theatre
 Munich. Moreover the noble musician possessed of a great automobile, style 'The Ghost" and he will no doubt a great attraction for the smart societ of the Metropolis.
 The independent oil companies of Texs have organized to combat the Standar trust that has been making desperai efforts to drive them out of the stat The new corporation is called the Unite oil and Refining company and practical all the independent oil interests in Texs are included. One notable exception is tf J. M. Guffey Petroleum company, whic operates oil refineries at Port Arthu The new company proposes to begin tt construction of a large refinery nea Spindle Top at Beaumont The Standar Oil company has waged a vigorous wa on the Texas and Louisiana companie -4. 4-sIx q been very successful in keeping dow competition, but there yet remain a nun Der of concerns that have the couras to continue the struggle. These hay united for final stand against their DOW erful rival. The stories of salt water b, ing pumped into the Beaumont wells hay been pooh poohed in New York and Ch cago, but it would be difficult to cor vince a great many people that the trus when hard pushed.
 Another vice that we have recently dis covered, and one that is rapidly spread ing In this country, is the kerosene habf It Is only within the past year or two tha the prevalence of this habit has been re marked. Numbers of young boys ar now falling victims and adults yield to tn new intoxication. Little urchins climb on oil cars and inhale the fumes until the sink into a profound stupor. The effec is very similar to that of alcoholi liquors. A feeling of exhilaration is fol lowed by stupor and this in turn by heavy slumber. In some of the large cities young boys are taken to the hos pitals after having lost all consciousness from inhaling the fumes. We formerl had an idea that the old Romans wer fairly well versed in refinements of vic but nowadays still further progress ha been made. The Roman vice had at leas the quality of being attractive but tn orgies that are now taking place withi the noisome dens of American cities ar more fearful than the inexperienced dar contemplate. The pipe slave, the cocain fiend, the morphine eater, the absinth drinker constitute a quartette that ex emplifies the degradation of modern hu manity. P. c.