The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-19

T is noticeable in spite of vigilant offi- cers who are rendered so by the fear
 of stray bullets the gentle art of moonshining continues to flourish in the southland. It seems exceedingly hard to convince mountaineers that they should not manufacture contraband whisky and when their sentiments are known on the 1 subject it can easibly be understood why 1 they continue to run the risk of arrest and fight desperately against officers who come upon them unexpectedly. A moon sinner thinks he has a perfect right to make his own whisky. because the corn
 is his own and is grown on his own land
 He does not know or care whether he is breaking one or the laws of the United States government, and when a revenue officer appears on the scene trouble is imminent. Of course Tennessee, Ken lucky and North Carolina furnish the most picturesque types of the illicit dis tiller but North Alabama and Georgia are not far behind, while the quality Of "tanglefoot' manufactured in the noun tains of this state is not 10 be treated with disdain. Most people think that only isolated mountain districts are the locali- ties where stills are to be found but now the industry has been moved to town where it is far more difficult to locate a plant" on account of the smoke Per haps as the country progresses and schools become more numerous in rural districts moonshlning will begin to dimln- fr1, hut tI... q.
 tions of the law is not very encouraging to the army of spies and deputies employ ed to make the mountaineer lead trou- bled existence so long as he has a liking for homemade whisky.
 Robert Mantell recently presented what is generally considered to be a revival of "The Corscan Brothers" at the Four teenth street theatre in New York. It has been a long time since this romantic play of Alexandre Dumas has been seen in the metropolis and it was given an en- thusiastic welcome. Mir Mantelrs style of acting is peculiarly suited to this kind of play, where there is ample opportunity afforded for heroic scenes and cavalier deeds of other days. Robert Mantel be- longs to the old school of actors. a school which is unfortunately passing away be- fore the advance of new stars, but is nevertheless admired by many theatre goers. While so many problem plays, society plays, and plain everyday plots of vulgarty cucumber the modern stage 1t is quite refreshing to see again one of the old favorite like "The Corsican Brothers" or "rhe Light of Other Days" a beauti- ful drama in which MT. Mantell made quite a success earlier in the season. Com raring "rhe Light of Other Days" with Lady Roses Daughter for instance. it must be confessed that the latters suf- fers Although society plays may be ex- ceedingly difficult for the actors it is al- most impossible to make them so fresh and sparkling that there is not at least one moment when the audience leans back as one person and enjoys a yawn. Society plays are much in evidence this season, probably for the reason that good plays are hard to find. It is comfort ing to note that Shakespeare seems to be enjoying unusual popularity, but after all it would be very pleasant if there were more plays like '"The Corsican Brothers"