The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-15

matter is rather antiquated, and the idea that babies are luxuries could hardly be called new, it is always live topic, and as long as there are babies there will al-
 ways be opportunity afforded for such economic discussions. Usually few writ CTS treat the subject of babies with that
 gravity so necessary to carry conviction.
 Exceptions are those serious old maids
 who discuss so learnedly of infant hy- glene and proper apparel in the columns of the Ladies Home Journal. These We leave out of the count Tom Mason was at one time an authority on the possibil- ities of babies, and his contributions to
 Puck were very instructive. To return to the question of their being luxuries, no one has ever attempted to deny that fact.
 From the first squall until he begins to draw his little salary of $40 a month and
 smokes around the house without fear
 of a caning, or until she departs in a
 shower of rice, the infant is an expensive
 item. Figuring up time and money ex- pended, sleep lost wear and tear of tenn
 per, and numerous other trials the proud parent feels that he has deserved a rest
 when the age of maturity is reached.
 Bed-ridden Tolstoi has lost none of that
 vigorous mental power that gave us '"rhe
 Resurrection" and thrilling romances pre-
 eeding this later day masterpiece. The
 great Russian novelist has now been Ill
 for long time but has no idea of ceasing
 his labors and it is even predicted that We
 may expect to receive a new story in
 which the prophets gospel will be even more fully set forth Tolstoi is now re- lieving his mind by reading modern Eng fish novels. Although It is hard to asso- ciate a man like Tolstoi with a fondness for popular novels it Is quite likely that he makes a judicious choice of his reading matter before beginning. When the great Russian literateur rieaches his end, which now seems to be drawing near the world will be deprived of one of Its greatest men and it will be a long time before the czars dominions produce another like him. Perhaps his fame is greater in for eisn countries than in his own land but even at that he is recognized as power in the national life of Russia.
 An interesting figure in the sporting life of today Is Barney Oldfield, the mile-a- minute automobile driver, who Is consid- cred the most daring racer in America. Although a man who risks his life in such manner will not hand his fame down to posterlty as a great benefactor. he is very important parsonage while the fad lasts and it connot be denied that his performances are spectacular Far more dangerous than the fastest trip in big locomotive, an automobile race re- quires a supply of daring that very few men possess. Nothing seems to daunt Oldfeld, however, and he fondly predicts that he will soon be able to do a mile in 52 seconds. As long as no other neck than his own Is involved we have no ob- jections. Yet we cannot but have some respect for a man who takes his life in his hands with so little concern.
 The new Lyric theater in New York was dedicated last night by the presen- tation of "Old Heidelberg" by MT. Rich ard Mansfield and his excellent com pany. The play Is comedy, written by Wilhelm Meyer Forster, and has already achieved international distinction. It is a pleasing story of university life in the old German town and affords a wide scope for Mansfield to display those quail tiles that have made him famous. He assumes the character of Prince Carl who leaves court splendors to live and love among the students. The part is said to bear favorable compari- son with Beau Brummel and Beaucaire although it will hardly equal the latter in interest for American people. AL though some of us are inclined to criti- else Mansfield off the stage no one has any remarks to make against his acting Last season he was unfortunate in choos- ing a part that gave him little opportu- nifty to reach his sublime heights, and as Julius Caesar he came very near be- ing overshadowed by his understudy. This year his choice of starring vehicle precludes any danger of this kind. Mir Mansfield is very popular in the south and always plays to crowded houses. If he decides to take his company on a southern tour such an announcement will be hailed with joy " his admirers in this part of the country. P. C.