The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-24

A HE yellow IeNtr Sltualloh HI AeA- lCD as has really become serious and the fear now exists that 1t may spread further than was at first antici- hated. San Antonio has been uuaran- tined by many nearby counties as pro- lection. Although the number of cases is not yet large yellow fever Is one dis ease that no one cares to trifie with and when it makes It's appearance there Is cause enough for alarm. It Is stated that Fort Sam Houston. just outside the Alamo city, has been quarantined. There are a number of troops stationed at this post and it would be very unfortunate in- deed if fever shoulds break out among them. Fortunately Texas is big state and it's large towns are far apart. It is a far cry from San Antonio to Hous- ton. so that it will be much easier to pre- vent contagion than would otherwise be the case in a thickly settled country. From present indications our medical ex- perts will make good fight against yell low fever and until the situation becomes more alarming than at present there is no reason to fear they will not succeed in stamping out the plague.
 
 Now that the Japs have become base ball enthusiasts there is no doubt of their progress. They are prepared to get in the van without further delay. So far they have become remarkably proficient in the sport. They know how to make an umpire miserable and that is prime re- quisite. Baseball was introduced into Japan about twenty-five years ago and has proved increasingly popular every year until now all large cities and even a few villages can boast of a nine. In some towns there are three of four teams This Is a sport to appeal particularly to the agile Japanese for size and strength do not count so much as skill. Japanese are not able to wield the American bat with ease and all wear peculiar gloves but in running and throwing they excel Football has met with scant favor in the Mikado's realm, although tennis is com ing into favor. Football is perhaps llt- tie too strenuous and Japanese show their wisdom by leaving 1t severely alone However, the game is sometimes played and in the course of time we may ex- pect to see the long haired collegians of Tokio performing wonderful feats on the gridiron.
 A recent case of negro who swallowed laudanum for the purpose of ending his life recalls to mind that self-destruction is very rare among members of the race The negro disposition is too careless and happy to give wax to despondeney and as a result he seldom continues long in a gloomy frame of mind. His light-heart- edness is proverbial and it is hard to im- agine a darkey deliberately setting about to end his life. Perhaps in this respect he is infinitely blessed. We have often been told that happiness Is more than wealth and in spite of adverse howls ne- groes, especially the ignorant class down south. have a good share.
 Poor old Kruger, He is a pitiable east away on the shores of time, and the sure approach of death is bringing him relief from memories of his peoples downfall The former president accompanied by his suite and several members of his family. will soon begin his winter residence at Mentone, where the little colony occupied two villas last year. faithful few still finger about the dying old man. and their presence no doubt is a great comfort to him in his last days, He is always sur rounded by a little court consisting of two secretaries. a chaplain, a physician. a man who combines the duties of nurse and valet and several of his children and grandchildren. Without power. and with out government the former president of the Boer republic is rapidly sinking into senile decay. He has already reached such an advanced stage that worldly affairs are of small moment. Perhar it is better thus If he could brood over his troubles his condition would be far worse. Whether we sympathize with the Boers or not we cannot deny that they made sturdy fight for independence. and the same fight that our own ancestors made so success fully during the days of the revolution. They certainly have no cause to feel ashamed of the part they Lave played. s.s- ..-