The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-28

MA ENERAL CORBIN takes occasion N to make few remarks on the value of 'the man behind the desk,p and the scant share of glory that he receives. Inadvertently the general throws few bouquets at himself, as be- longing to a class of army officials upon whom great deal depends. If the man behind the desk does not faithfully attend to his duties army matters would get into bad tangle, but it has been pointed out to the general that George Washing ton, for example, did very well in spite of the man behind the desk. Yet there Is no doubt that the revolutionary gener- al would have had far less hardship to endure had capable men been at the head of affairs. No one denies that capable management in the departments of the adjutant general and the quartermaster general is a good thing and much desired but it would have been more in keeping with modesty if General Cobin had al- lowed some one else to state his case. Perhaps criticism evoked by the treat ment of General Miles by the administra- tion has caused in General Corbin a de- sire to dispel i'll feeling by calling att tention to the good record he has made. But after all the man behind the gun is more important than the man behind the desk and justly deserves more glory. In pinch the former could get along without the latter, as he has often done before.
 fe l.
 quislte verses appearing in a Russian periodical over the signature of "Olaf'' were written by Czar Nicholas. Critics affirm that they possess striking poetic beauty, and if this is true Emperor Will liam will have to look after his laurels. Czar Nicholas is a modest ruler and 1t would be natural for him to keep his identity secret. should be venture into verse making. Inasmuch as the lines are tinged with sadness they are ap propiate to the czar's life It is hard to see how man with the Russian emnire on his shoulders can find time to write poetry, but even a monarch must be al- lowed recreation and Nicholas rhyrnine does no harm
 A Kansas professor In the music de- pertinent of Washington college has re- sumed his attack on what he calls rag tune church music. In language more forcible than eloquent he ridicules high priced singers who make faces in the choir while launching forth their operatic airs. The subject matter of these songs. their general style, and their malxeun IS equally displeasing to Prof. Penny, who py the way has cheap name. But the Professor Is not at all original in his criticism. Our forefathers once sat with stin backs and protested vigorously against the introduction of the organ and the bbase viol. but their objections had little effect. We look at these matters music to be heard in church the larger will be the congregations. We did not stop at an organ but now we have all the material for making a first-class opera company and the pay of church singers Is no inconsiderable item in the years expenses. It looks like sacrelige to nav singers for praising the Supreme Being ior with them It IS merely matter of business, but high class church music has come to say and some churches must have it in order to hold fashionable con- gregation. From the fact that Kansas is noted for the vigor with which her people do things Prof. Penny has perhaps said more than he really means. His crusade against modern church music will be fraught with many difficulties, to say the least, and before very long he will