The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-11-22
IILE other countries are blow
 ing and clustering about their achievements in various lines

VIZ ing and clustering .l ,s,O',u about lhelr ,i'ar
 of endeavor Holland says nothing but
 plods steadily along carrying prosperity
 in her train. The Dutch people are noted
 for their thrift and industry, two very estimable qualities that neither time nor
 the advent of new ideas has served to l impair. The home population of the coun- ' try numbers 5000, 900 with many millions more in the East Indian colonies where profitable trade is derived. The banks of Holland now have large reserve funds and, so long as they continue the con servative forms of business with which they are familiar they will prosper. It is true that several new institutions have endeavored to reach out in certain specu- lative fields, but subsequent losses have paid the penalty. So long as they loan to the sturdy merchants there is no fear that they will ever come to grief. AL thoug Holland has neither coal nor ore it maintains it financial power through legi innate trade channels and no people to- day can make cotton goods cheaper or better It was comparatively an easy task to undersel the English in Calcutta
 
 happier or more contented people than the Hollanders. Both from their natural disposition and the conditions which sur round them they arc to be envied by such countries as Servia. Although 1t is rumored that the fair Queen Wilnelmina Is not happy as she deserves, the peo- pie are contented under her rule and the country, at least. is almost model It is rumored at Pekin that the throne has endorsed a sharp criticism of Prince Tsai Chen, who Is charged with dissolute conduct. Although it is nothing unusual for a prince to be accused of misdemean- OTIS 1t is seldom that we hear of Chinese being openly censured for misconduct. Perhaps the evil influence of western civilization has penetrated into the F'lowery Kingdom deeper than most peo- pie suppose for dissipation as people in this country accept it, is somewhat out of place in China. The pipe and few rounds of fan tan are appropriate to the surroundings but the idea of a noble Celestial wearing a healthy western jag is somewhat repulsive to our sensibilties. The Chinese have been criticised and laughed at many times and often for their reluctance to adopt new ideas but one cannot but think what good things they have missed in life by their ten acity to old beliefs. For instance few can appreciate a bottle of champagne and until they leave home few know the pleasures of poker or a good pipe of real tobacco. Evidently Prince Chen is educated In such matters for like Prince Hal he has managed to scandaize the royal family by his escapades.
 Someone has seen fit to make few remarks on flats and spiritual life. The two together have a strange and disjoin- ed sound. How would it be possible for man with a family, dog and a piano to be spiritual in an apartment of three rooms and space for a picture? In fact it is utterly absurd to discuss the two subjects in the same breath, as has long ago been proven conslusively by the car toonists and others who would be witty at the expense of their fellows. The Rev. Dr. Rainsford of New York naievely re- marks that 1t is his opinion that life in a fiat destroys or impairs all interest in the church, civic pride and political re- sponsbility. Another preacher comes for ward and says that the statements of his reverend brother are all bosh and the whole matter depends on the personal ity of the person who inha bits a flat If he has good principles within him he will not be corrupted. Both are wrong, from the simple fact that person who reposes in one of those havens of rest has no control over the evil influences which confront him at every turn. He may be Tin need of funds, but it would never do for the neighbor next door to learn Of Il. and hence he sinks to deceit and assumes a prosperous appearance if he has it not. Then something unpleasant may occur be-