The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-26
PEOPLE TALKED ABOUT

General Miles has plenty of time to reflect on matters of the past since he entered the well paid ranks of retired mill itary officers and if he decides to turn his attention to literature he could no doubt discuss some interesting events in the history of this country.
 It is noticeable that General Leonard Wood has been keeping conspieuously silent during the military investigation of his conduct in Cuba and the Philip pines The letter to a friend which was published yesterday is the first authorita- tive denial he has made of any of the charges
 Col. Henri Watterson, editor of the Lou isville Courier Journal, is probably the most widely known newspaper man in the country with the possible exception of Mir Hearst. Col Wattersons vigorous editorials and picturesque personality have made him more widely quoted than any other American editor.
 It Is rumored that Cardinal Merry del Val will shortly leave the Borgia apart ment in the vatican because of a belief in some quarters that the room is adorned by such priceless works of art that it is not suitable for living apartment. The Borgia apartment was decorated by Pin turicchio, and is one of the handsomest in the great papal palace. ,
 Rear Admiral Edwin White, U. s. N, retired, dropped dead Thursday in the Brooklyn navy yard from a stroke of apoplexy. Rear Admiral White was native of Ohio and lived in Princeton, N. J. He entered the naval academy November 20, 1861, and was made a rear admiral the day he was retired, Decem- b-r 2S, 1899.
 Senator Allison warmly commended MT. Cleveland's policy in upholdng the gold standard during the perilous times of 1893 to 1896. It is seldom indeed that a statesman who has been roundly cen sured lives to see his course vindicated by the opposite political party and the Sage of Princeton no doubt fishes with quiet satisfaction while such a revulsion of feeling is taking place.
 King Edward and the royal family of England celebrated Christmas very quiet fly at Sandringham castle. According to ancient custom presents were distributed rom the royal Christmas tree, but it is noticeable that several customs that were popular with the late Queen Victoria have been abolished and Windsor's kitch- ems presenteu deserted air on the great est day of the year in England
 
 Horace N. Allen, United States minister to Corea, has made a complaint to inc state department regarding the size of his legation. MT. Allen is six feet and two inches tall without hls hat, while the ceiling of the legation is six feet and six inches high. It can readily be seen that when he wears his top hat the diplomat has hard time getting about comforta- bly, in his narrow quarters and he has, therefore, entered a mild protest at Wash ington, which has caused vast amount of amusement.
 l Speed Blount, author of Ben Blunt '" | a political novel, has been discharged | from his office as deputy clerk of the Missouri supreme court on account of his book Mir Blount gives explicit details | of grafting, lobbying and other tricks of the trade" which were too applicable to state politicians. It is said he gave one lobbyist character in his story the wink of Governor Cookery and the traits l of other Missourians were utilized.