The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-06-24

R Y the death of Major James Bur K1A ton Pond this country lost one
 a of it's most unique and interest," Ing characters. He created the profess sion of directing famous men and women In featuring tours and was the most widely known lecture manager in the world. Major Pond was born in Cuba, Allegheny county, New York, in 1SSs He was reared on a farm in Wisconsin and at the age of g he became the publisher of the Markesan, Wis, Journal He con- ducted the paper until the civil war broke out when he entered the Union army He rose from the rank of lieutenant to that of major in the Third Wisconsin cavalry. After the close of the war Major Pond tried merchandising for while, but soon tired of 1t.
 In 1874 Major Pond purchased the Ly- ceum Lecture bureau of Boston and be- gan the work that was to make his name househould word in every part of the country. He was intimately acquainted with all the noted lecturers and his anec- dotes of them are innumerable His book on the "Eccentricities of Genius contains some interesting sidelights on was at various times in his life connect ed
 The use of the American flag in Porto Rico Is becoming more popular every day. At "lestas," and similar celebrations the Stars and Stripes are much in evidence. On the other hand the number of Spanish flags in use is decreasing. This Is very gratifying state of affairs to Uncle Sam. In the small town of Dorado on a recent saints day celebration there was not a Spanish flag to be seen, but from every house and shack Old Glory was waving to the breeze The capital city of the island seems to be the hardest to conquer It makes no difference what the day to be observed signifies many people persist in flying the Spanish flag. Even on the Fourth of July 1t is quite likely that many will adorn their houses with the yellow flag of Spain.
 In the month of June Paris is inundated with roses. All along the streets of the @fe1ehA Aue-t VI tfOCtiCdA CTieS ED up from the flower sellers who stagser under pots of sweet scented blooms. Tt is the sea- son of beauty Adorn yourselves, ladies. with flowers Fill your windows with them" Many women yield to the tempt ation to buy and the dirty window lodges of the quarter are frightened in places by pots of roses. As is well known the French people have remarkable talent for arranging flowers and vegetables artisti- cally and at this season of the year the French capital is particularly attractive with profuslon of flowers everywhere.
 King Edward is now exercising his royal privilege to set the fashions for his male subjects in hats. neckties, and clothes. The latest edict issued from the august presence is that only the silk hat, and not the Panama, is good form in the ultra fashionable circles. As the silk hat Is much cheaper article of dress than the Panama the dandies of the realm have cause to feel grateful to. ward their monarch. but the tradesmen are not so highly pleased.
 Having decided the momentous oues- tion of the hat Edward had given out that knee brooches are proper for the ordinary evening dress of gentlemen. These are also cheaper than the usual full trousers. The looking glasses of fashion made no complaint at these in- novations but when the king attempted to Introduce light blue neckties tbera was some demur. The ruddy counten- ance of the Briton would not harmonize well with the azure tints of the new tie and the combination would give an enr tirely too juvenile effect.
 George M. Gould. Philadelphia physi-