The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-04

N\VH makes the startling disclosure
 that grating is going on in the city hall, and expresses the wish that he had power to make a clean sweep and send grafters flying out of every window. Such an announcement coming from a man in MT. Harrisons s position is proof conclusive. for he cer- tainly ought to know what he is talk ing about The heads of various de- partments follow the example of their chief by a naive confession that grating is prevalent among their employees. Such a state of affairs is bad for the Windy City, which is now in position to take rank with Jefferson City. Mo. There is no doubt that if Mayor Harrison were given the power to discharge employees there would be a great shake-up in mu- nicipal affairs His honor has already demonstrated that he docs not stand in fear of the politicians. be they good, had, or indifferent Chicago can take courage from the fact that her city government is not alone infested with that species of rascal termed the grafter The art is in a fiourshing condition in all parts of this great United States and the nation al capital itself furnishes the most strik-
 ing example.
 United States Senator Kearns of Utah thinks Sir Thomas Lipton should be ap- pointed to succeed the late Sir Michael Herbert as ambassador from England to the United States. Senator Kearns is of the oppinion that no ether man has dona fA between the two countries. Sir Thomas Is an accomplished diplomat, a polished gentleman, and one of the most success full business men in the world. It is quite probable that such an appointment would meet with general favor in this country where Sir Thomas Is justly pop ular As Sir Herbert had made himself so well liked by American people it may be somewhat difficult to find one to fill his place acceptably unless, indeed, Sir Thomas is the man. The yachtsman would doubtless make a fine ambassador and many people join with Senator Kearns in the wish that King Edward may not lose this opportunity for con tinuing pleasant relations already exist ing.
 1mpressario Conred has imported the German section of his chorus for the Metropolitan opera house in New York The singers number seventy, and among their number are some stunning faces for the front row. The Italian contingent of sixty persons will arrive in a short time. This promises to be a memorable season in grand opera. and Herr Con cied will be very busy man. Of course his most stupendous undertaking will be 'Parsifa" provided the opera is freed from litigation.
 Joseph Letter, the Chicago operator who figured in sensational deals in wheat a few years ago, has assumed a new role and will now act as stage manager, al- though he does not contemplate perman- ently entering the business MT. Letter has consented to supervise a rehearsal of the dramatization of Frank Norris novel, "The Pit" which will soon be put on at a New York theatre. Being an authority in such matters the operators suggestions will be very valuable and he will be able to point out many inconsistencies that would escape the eye of a person not well versed in stock market lore. Before MT. Norris began work on the novel that was to make him famous he was con- ducted through a Chicago stock exchange by MT. Letter and the operator has since taken a lively interest in the book as well as it's dramatzation. It is probable that MT. Letter will also act as stage manager one afternoon next week in order to make the play conform as near to reality as possible. His advice will be required most in the panic scene, a thrill ing part of the book, and one that re- quired very elaborate treatment. "The Pitt is one of series of financial stories