The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-11-21
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD

Dowie in New York, but Dowie has re- tired now and she has the field to her self Of the two it cannot be denied that Dowie is the more interesting, but it is astonishing how the public clings to old favorites sometimes. Mrs. Nation has re- tained her notoriety remarkably well, considering the numerous other sideshows
 with which she has to compete. Dowie came very near putting her out of bus mess" but she has risen refreshed and with a new assortment of epithets. It is hard to decide whether Mrs. Nation is in earnest or is fraud, or merely insane.
 There is a difference of opinion over the matter that has not yet been settled.
 Although she furnished material for a
 headline story by her assault on the white
 house and also did a very good business | in hatchets, the venture could not be call
 ed a conspicuous success, and moreover
 it cost her a fine of $25. In the mean
 time it would be interesting to know
 what has become of that humble indi- vidual who styles himself as MT. Nation. l It is proposed to start a crusade against
 the use of too much scenery in our thea tres. If success marks the movement It will be instrumental in doing away with the most necessary feature of a modern play. Very few dramas are written now adays that will hold an audience by their
 lines alone. Gorgeous stage trappings must be provided and frequently weak play is saved by the consummate art of the scene painter, the costumer, and the property man. On the other hand 1t is not desired that we revert to the forlorn beakness of Shakespeare's day when sign was hung out which informed the audience that a grove of trees was sup posed to be in the vicinity and overwork- ed imagination was left to do the rest Reformers will have a hard time con vnclng an average theatregoer that the stage would be better without elaborate adornment It is almost as desirable to please the eye as it is to refresh the mind
 in a theatre and in nine times out Of ten more so. It is hardly probable that any scholar, no matter how erudite, will ever
 be able to abolish modern stage scenery in any form. Artists have reached a high degree OI eXcelenI anu So ioilS dS lilou- sands are held in mute admiration of the dazzling pictures presented scenery will stay. Pretty girls, pretty clothes, and pretty scenery are three factors that no manager dares to ignore, even if he is
 producing the dreariest tragedy imagina-
 ble.
 It is quite probable that Dr. Amador
 will be the first president of the new
 republic of Panama. Several municipali. ties have united in declaring him their
 "favorite son. and his great popularity
 among all classes Is an augury of his sue.
 cess. pr. Amador is one of the Panama
 commissioners to the United States and
 has for many years been prominent
 man in the affairs of his country. His
 ability and talents as a diplomat have been recognized by his countrymen, with
 the result that he was chosen for the im-
 portant mission to Washington in the in- terests of independence. In fact from
 what Americans have been able to judge
 of M. Bunau-Varila and Dr. Amador the Panamans have been remarkably fortu- nate in their choice of representatives
 Both men have already given evidences of being wise councillors as well as very smooth diplomats. PC.