The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-06-25
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD

physician. The utter disregard with which his holiness has always treated the warn ings of Dr. Laponl is well known He has insisted for many years that the older he became the more he needed fresh air. and has never trusted anyone with the care of his grapevines. The other day it was hinted that the vines might be in need of his attention when he replied. T can trust Giovanni: he knows more about them than do." This caused the old attendant to shed tears, for 1t was only few months ago that his holiness insisted that Giovanni did not know any thing and that he himself wal the only authority on grape culture.
 It has been 125 years since Washington spent the winter in Valley Forge. and the American people have not yet had pa- triotism enough to establish a memorial there to the greatest general perhaps, that the country has ever produced. It is announced that steps are being taken to convert the place into public park but this is tardy as well as slight apprecia- tiony A memorial worthy of the spot and the man who made 1t famous should be erected in historic Valley Forge.
 While humane persons are decrying the slaughter of birds to be used in decorat- ing ladies' hats. some figures on the sale of live birds in this country are of in- terest. About 1500O wild birds are import ed into this country every year. Most of these are bullhnches, goldfinches, lnnets and thrushes. African bullfnches cannot sing they are bought for ornament and bring $2 to s1o a pair. The bullfnch is a fine whistler, and can be taught to whistle sometimes as many as six distinct tunes. A bird possessing these accomplishments sells for s25 upward. The demand for caged birds in this country is said to be rapidly increasing. due partly to the in crease in population and the interest now being taken In the pets.
 The emigration figures issued at Copen- hagen for May, 1903, show that twice as many persons emigrated from Denmark In that month this year than in the same period of last year. And the fever shows no signs of abatng. This drain is, how ever. more than balanced by the money sent back by scandinavians to their mother country. Tn 1902, 100000 kroners were remitted to Norway through bank drafts, postal orders and steamship com panies. In addition, much more was sent loose enclosed in letters.
 The gossips of India are much exer- cised over the actions of Lord Kitchener. According to reports the famous general and man of iron'' has taken surprising interest In the amusements of the Anglo Indian social set and has entered with vim into the whirl of society. He has added ballroom to his headquarters, and is said to have melted down numer- ous valuable trophies in order to make a dinner service. He has reached the limit by joining a dramatic company, and final ly Dame Rumor has it that the fre-eat- ing commander-in-chief is engaged to more ladies than he can conveniently keep up with.
 The servant 1assies up north have or ganzed union. and the outlook for the country is indeed bad. The union states decisively that no wages less than $5 per week will be accepted; that the front door must be available for their com pany as well as that of the "missus,' and that a suitable place other than the kitchen must be provided in which to en- certain the policeman and others who may drop in for chat. In addition to these requirements the following edict has been issued:
 No Sunday night suppers will be pre- pared. No work will be done in the kitchen between 7:3O p. m. and 5:3O a. m. No babies will be minded between acts of ordinary housework. No children will be allowed in the kitchen. Each girl shall have three nights out per week."
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