The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-06-21
GOSSIP FROM NEW YORK Nathan Straus Phanthrcpic Labors for Little Children to
 be Adopted in Chicago and Philadelphia Statutes in Cities
RY JOHN MARTHoL.

1 kstors like successful men. For this req son, they selected George c. Boldt of Philadelphia for the Waldorf-Astoria, and TOW secure William C. Muschenheim for the Hotel Astor. MT. Muschenheim was originally steward of the New York Ath- letic Club. Later he started the eele- brated Arena, one of the most original and popular restaurants in New York. It's growth and success was due to his abiIi- ty, and 1t became a veritable gold mine. II made him rich Tine opening of the rev Hotel Astor marks the beginning of & new hotel district. Near by Is the splendid Marie Antoinette. which has been recently doubled in size. This house is one of the most elegantly appointed in New York City, and is occupied the year around by the same families. It Is own ed by Henry S.. Thompson, recently ap- pointed by Mayor Low as superintendent Of buildings. It is managed by Albert R. Keen.
 In the public schools of the city the study of German has thus far been op- tionaI Now comes the demand from the German politicians that it shall be made compulsory. There are some Americans still left here, and they are not in very amiable mood over this foreign dicta-
 
 proposition would, of course. have the German vote nearly solid against 1t, and so the Teutons will probably have their way at the expense of their fellow citi- zens. By and by the Italians. when they become strong enough, will probably de- mand that the tongue of Petrarch be add ed to the curriculum. Some enthusiastic Irishmen intend. I understand, to Insist that Gaelic shall be added to the list. l1 1icf ksr,rr time left for English. There are now big sections of the metropolis where an American could not make himself under stood without the aid of an interpreter. The ratio of native to foreign population is lower in New York than in any other community in the country, except Fall River, Mass.
 That the hand of scandal now rests heavily on the postoffice in this city Is no surprise to many well informed per- sons. That 1t did not come before is sur prising. Every merchant in this city, ir- respective of party feeling. desires the light turned on. Next to the bank, the postoffice comes close to the business mans heart. Diverted monies, extraya- gance and waste mean sooner or later in- adequate facilities. Our service is none too good. Let the guilty be exposed, and let the cry be- Turn the rascals out" The New York County Republican com mittee has no desire to stand behind or shield the band of postoffice rgrafters. even though they have influence high up in Washington.
 The mightiest railroad warfare ever waged, said one of the potentates of transportation the other evening. "win begin within less than five years in this city. In fact, 1t has begun already, that the lines of attack and defense are under construction, and they are among the most stupendous enterprises ever under taken in any age of the worlds history. The prize to be contended for Is colossal in it's proportions, the practical control or the passenge and feight taffic of the Republic, not only on land, but on the ocean. refer, of course, to the impend- ing struggle between the two most pow erful railroad systems in existence, the Pennsylvania and the New York Central. Philadelphia, when the Pennsylvania plans are completed, will lose It's posi- ton as the headquarters of the road ex- cept for legal purposes. New York will become the heart of the system of opera ton in all It's ramihcations. That the Pennsylvania people mean to win Is shown by the projects of development