The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-09-04
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD
FTER all 1t seems that we will
 not soon have the pleasure of welcoming Lord Roberts. AL

N TIER all 1t seems that we will WA not soon have the pleasure of
 welcoming Lord Roberts. AL though the field marshal is still booked to sail on the Mayfiower September 2a 1t is hardly probable that he will make his trip to the United States this year.
 A London dispatch states that the war office does not want Lord Roberts to be absent while the new East African cam paign Is in preparation. The postpone ment of the distinguished Englishinan's visit is indeed to be regretted. He would have received a hearty welcome from the American people and his admirable char acter would have been appreciated in this land where every one loves a sturdy fight CT. Just now England has her hands full with the wild somali and the services of one of her greatest generals are great ly needed.
 Mary Magdala." the English version of Paul Heyse's drama, which was pre- scented in this country last year by Mrs. Fisk, creating furor in theatrical and religious circles, will be published in book form by the Macmillan company on Sep tember 14, the date selected for Mrs. Fisks reappearance in the play. The presentation of this intensely tragic Bible story awakened much discussion among, ministers of the gospel and other persons of serious minds who thought 1t desc cration to portray religious subjects on the modern stage. A Ben Hur" compa- ny touring the country about the same time furnished additional fuel for the flames and certain ministers even went so far as to denounce the play as a sacri- lege, a disgrace to Christianity, and alto gether planned to corrupt the minds of devout people. Several urged their fiocks to stay away from the theater. In At lanta a congregation actually gave the promise. Comparing the two plays it would seem that Ben Hut Is much more legitimate than Mary of Magdala.' While it is true that the former is based principally on scenes in the life of Christ yet 1t Is a thrilling story of the Holy Land that is faithfully portrayed by the excellent company who toured the south last year. Instead of having a baleful in- ffuence play of this kind presented on a magnificent scale fills the audience with wonder and awe. Few people of an i'm questionable nature win eyer forget how they felt when the curtain dropped on the last joyous scene in Ben Hur.' Mary Magdala" has not so many recom- mendations to pass 1t over the objections Of serious people. In the 1rst place the tragedy as portrayed by Mrs Fisk is of a sensational flavor. It treats of Biblical scenes and characters that somehow fn- stead of evozing our admiration awaken a feeling of horror
 The heavy hand of time has been laid upon Washington's tomb and former mansion at Mount Vernon. The tomb is built of limestone that is beginning to yield to the weather. It is indeed unfor- tunate that this national relic is not con structed of a more durable substance in order that the sepulchre might more ably withstand the buffeting of wind and rain steps are being taken by those who have charge of the grounds for preserving the stone by means of a vulcanizing pro- cess which will make the surface water- proof and imperishable. Mount Vernon is ueai to all Amerlcan hearts. Perhaps there Is not another spot in the country around which there cluster more hallowed memories of the nations great dead Monticello Is indeed a close rival in pI1blic favor but there is an atmosphere about Washington's home that is far more i'm perishable than the crumbling stone of which his tomb Is built Efforts should be made to keep the historic relics at Mount Vernon intact, not for another de- eade or two, but for all time, in order that American patriotism may continue to have shrine at which to worship.
 Along with many other good things which the fall days bring IS the succu- lent bvalve known by enthusiastic eni- cures all over the land as the oyster. This is the great staple food in winter for city people of the United States Where ever there is restaurant. lunch counter or cafe there you will find the oyster. As apt as not, there will also be a row of hungry mortals devouring half frys, whole frys and stew oo-oo-s "f The season has