The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-19
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD

The secret is now out. A poor man cannot run for the vice-presidency. This statement has been made by former Rep resentative shively of Indiana, who gives that as the reason why he would not ac- cept the place if nominated. Mr. Shive- ly thinks a poor man is barred from run ming for office in this country. It is in- teresting to note that his views have been shared by many other public men in the United States who have "been up against social life in Washington. Although the vice-presidency has not heretofore been considered in this light, there is no req son why it should not be just as expen- sive as a seat in the senate or a cabinet portfolio. Since the days of George Washington and his immediate success sors living in the national capital has become very expensive matter to our public officials, although Washington was a greater stiekler for form and ceremony than many of the presidents who have followed.
 'Backstairs tattle' seems to be profit able field of literature just at present From time to time volumes have been is-
 
 corning the inside lives of noted men and women that was gleaned in a domestic capacity, but here of late such works seem to be on the increase. It is notice able that those dealing with the private affairs of persons. whether royal or merely great through their own achieve ments, who have been accused of profi- gacy, command a brisk sale. The public is always pleased to accept anything that looks like a scandal, consequently faith- full servitors are working hard to supply the demand. The latest addition to this kind of literature is called '"The Private Lives of William II. and His Consort.' which was compiled by Dame du Pa- ris,' who was formerly a trusted ser- want of the empress, and it is simply a secret history of the court of Berlin. When these facts are considered 1t is easy to see that the work makes very delectable reading for certain classes of people. Although such books frequently contain valuable bits of history that would otherwise be overlooked, there real ly seems to be little excuse for their ex- istence and when they distort history for sensational purposes the limit is assured ly reached.
 Girl ushers in theatres constitute re- cent novelty and from present indications they have come to stay. It is argued that girls will be more polite than boys and hence we see another example of the celerity with which women are crowding out men. The girls wear a neat uniform of black and white, which, when com bined with a pretty face and a smile, proves very captivating to patrons who have become accustomed to the smirking faces of boys. But the fair sex has not yet gathered enough courage to face the gods in the gallery, where politeness is not deemed essential. In that chosen realm of all theatres boys hold their sway supreme as ushers with scant prospects of ever being busted by girls. Girls as ushers are certainly more appropriate than girls as messenger boys. Although no criticism can be made of their services there is an indefinable barrier that will effectually prevent them from ever don ming the natty blue uniform of the West ern Union or the Postars patriotic gray.
 P. c.