The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-07-29
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD

by his visit to Ireland and the expecta- ton has been more than fulfilled. It is said the best part of the talks was that they were not "taffy' but the real ex- pressious of English Kings sentiments
 Since the death of Pope Leo much in- terest has centered about the eamerlengo who serves as pontiff during the interre- gnum. The word really means cham berlain," although 1t Is far removed from that comparatively humble office when applied to the papal dignitary. The basis of both words Is the Latin "camera" and the terminations '1engo" and Tain" are only corruptions of "lanus." In the early days the eamerlengo was nothing more than household officer who shared his duties with the chambermaid. When the office was in the household of king or other potentate there was of course much more honor attached and the chamberlain was something of a conf dential secretary. In the Catholic church the growth of the camerlengo in power soon removed him from all dependence on the whims of the pope, whom he was supposed to serve. At present the cam erlengo is one of the most powerful of church dignitarles and Is a constant re- hinder to the pope of his approaching end, state of affairs that Is not apt to cause any very cordial relations between the two.
 The immigration agents announce that the influx of foreign citizens next year will number not less than one million. Many of these viii come as a re5ult of the Kishineff massacre and the persecu- tions against the Jewish race in Russia. It is said that the class of immigrants will be far from desirable additions to the population of the United States. both on account of their poverty and their low social rank. Those Jews who would really be an addition to American citizenship will not come. It will be only those who are in the very depths of ignorance and des- titution. America likes to be called the refuge of all persecuted nations but there is limit to the number of people she can take care of and many who come to these shores during the next year expecting to find a glorious land overhowing with comforts and pleasures will be sadly dis appointed. In this country it Is the strong who win and the Kishneff Jews will come badly handicapped in the race.
 
 Up in New York they are calling the Black Maria "a disgrace to civilization" Of course 1t is, but the particular fault Gothamtes are finding with their wagon is that 1t is unventilated and otherwise uncomfortable for those passengers who take enforced rides therein. The interior is very dark, withal, and the comfort of those who ride is of little moment to the hardhearted officers. Such a state of affairs is indeed deplorable and reform should be instituted at once. In the first place windows should be provided so that the unfortunates can be gaped at by thousands as they ride along the streets in their disgrace. Luxurious cushions should be provided and the interior might be supplied with small library of choice religious books for the perusal of the peni- tent wrongdoers while on their way to jail A buffet might not be practicable but an electric fan would seem to be a necessity.