The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-09-30

S NGLAND's fruit crop has been GhA short this year, and as result O California has received the bene- fit It Is said that the time required to transport fruit across to London makes very little difference in it's quality, and most of the varieties stand the journey very well indeed It has been poor year in the east for fruit crops. Epicures have sadly missed the luscious Delaware peach. Somehow California peaches are much better to look at than to eat, and we have found this out. Although the Golden State has kept markets well sup piled so far as quantity is concerned, many people prefer fruit raised on this side of the Mississippi
 Agitation has been started against the wind shields for recerd-brealxing horses. This is the latest device of ingenious men to increase speed on our tracks, and has been the means of so many records being smashed during the season of 1903. View ed from a true sportsman's point of view the wind shield seems illegitimate. and many. believe that horse should not be thus protected. The old stars, Sunol Maud S., St. Julien, and others were not so favored It is safe to say that if Lou Dillon had been forced to breast the breezes, as did her predecessors on the track, she would not have made her phenomenal time of mile in two min utes. No, one objects to the use of pneu- matic tires, pacemakers, and the lightest sull1ies for harness horses that can be de- vised, but the line should be drawn at wind shields. After all, a fair field and no favors is the best way to have a race always command respect.
 We do not hear much of King Alfonso these days but that he is still on the throne of Spain is evidenced by the ar rest at Genoa of a man who Is accused of plotting against his life. Perhaps AL fonso has been overshadowed by events taking place at Rome, the Kishineff mas sacre and the Balkan disturbance. The question of whether he is a weakling or a splendid young fellow, in love with some princess or charming his ladies in wait ing, is of secondary importance compared Pto the greater problems that are now to be considered. For a young man of his years the Spanish king has been endowed with many characters. Shortly after his accession to the throne wild reports were circulated of his escapades in t;s royal palace to be immediately discredit- ed by others detailing his many excellen- cies. One day we were told that Alfonso was immoral and devoid of all respect for his mother or his councillors The next doy we read with surprise that the young man was well versed in affairs of state and devoted to the former queen regent. How much truth there was in these ru- mors Is hard to say but they left a very confused and unpleasant impression in the minds of many people in this eoun- try who would like to have them either verified or proved falsehoods. However, Alfonso seems to be getting along com paratively well at present and he may yet develop into wise and benificent rul- CT, if he can avoid assassination
 The war department is hard pressed to supply clerks for the Philippine service. All kinds of tempting offers have been made but government employees in this country are loath to leave. Every month