The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-13
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD

This is indeed an age of eommer- cialsm and the business that is not advertised has an excellent chance of becoming speedily defunct. Not many years ago a doctor of medicine con- sidered 1t beneath his dignity to advertise his services, but now certain classes of practitioners occupy more space in the papers than even breakfast foods. The latest additions to the ranks of the adver- tisers are the American colleges and uni- versailles. For many years their modest claims have appeared in print, stuck off in a corner of newspaper or maga- zine. but here of late in the day of big type and extravagant statements this has proven Ineffective and new scheme has been hit upon which compels the adfnira- tion. Entertaining stories are sent out un- der Cambride or Boston date mark every week to all the leading papers in the coun- try. These articles are well written, en- tertaining, and are. offered without 1 charge, with free illustrations into the bargain Everyone of these 'stories" is well worth publishing and some of them are worth a good price but all are given gratuitously by Publicity Bureau" Most of these articles are along the lines of scientific research and a casual glance reveals nothing suspicious. In fact some readers never realize that the "stores' are nothing but advertisements for liar yard university. Yet they are so cleverly written that this fact is lost sight of the | interest which is awakened. Harvard was the first to-start an advertising bureau but nearly all the larger educational insti- tutions have followed suit. However, 1t can be said that none of them is so sue cessful as the Boston enterprise. Per haps the classic atmosphere has some thing to do with this state of affairs. The idea at least is a good one and no doubt old Harvard is well repaid for her pro- gressiveness
 In his message to congress President Roosevelt seems to have performed an l other one of those remarkable feats wherein he fills up a dozen or more col- umns of newspapers with words which mean nothing. In fact our executive
 
 circumocution, especially where the ques- ton of the tariff is to be discussed. For the past year MT. Roosevelt has made great number of speeches but in none of them has he committed himself on any subject save glittering generalities about our need of larger navy, or better fighting force, or the great prosperity which has swept over the land under the benefcient rule of republcanism. MT. Roosevelt and his conferes wisely con slider 1t impoitic to traffic with the tariff so near the eve of a national election and are saying nothing at all on the sub ject. Yet. in spite of the outcry raised against him it is generally conceded on both sides that MT. Roosevelt will be the next nominee of the republican party. Whether he will win is another question. Democrats say not. but they have made that statement before and have been dis proved. The trust magnates are very ef- fective in a political campaign.
 And still the tide of immigration turns toward the old country. During the past ten days steamship lines report an unpre- '
 leaving America to return home. And most of these are going back to stay after having amassed what they consider competence in America. It is, indeed, time that the tide roll backward. since foreigners have been streaming into this country for years in constantly increasing numbers Yet the host going back is far smaller than the host that continues to arrive and no hopes are aroused that inn migration conditions are about to change Many foreigners who come to our shores cherish an undying hope of one day re- turning to their native land after they have made some money and it Is proud event for these when they board steam CT bound for home after years of grind ing toll in the new country. Perhaps the Chinese cling most faithfully to this de- sire since few of them ever become thor oughly accustomed to their new surround ings The people who are going back to their native lands in such numbers do not require wealth to keep them in compara- tive comfort and many depart with lit tie hoard which would be scorned by an American, but which promises for them long years of humble ease in a land where living is cheap
 After his last and most disastrous at tempt at flying it would seem that Prof. Langley has at last reached the limit of his endeavors. None would blame him for gamely keeping up the fight but he is cer- tainly not expected to call for more gov of ha disaster