The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-08-30

A hE alleged attempt 10 bnangnal lCD a Brooklyn boy by the French
 bark Mareshal de Gontaut re- minds us of the early days when the crime of Kidnapping seafnen and pressing them into the service of a foreign, navy was of frequent occurrence. Of course, there are two sides to the present affair and it may after all develop into a sim pie case of a runaway boy becoming homesick, but for a time the situation was decidedly interesting for the two countries concerned. The exciting hunt in the darkness of night and the cap .ture affected by the revenue cutter Gresham could we'll have happened in the war of 1872 If it was a genuine at- tempt to shanghai an American youth the officers of the French boat certainly had assurance for they committed thein offense in the nations chief port. Just what diplomatic circles will do about the matter remains to be seen, but there seems to be strong desire to let the affair drop
 A movement has been inaugurated to erect a suitable monument to Harry Bikes, the bicycle pace follower. who was killed Tn the early part of the summer. Members of the National Cycling asso- citation have already contributed gener- ously to the fund. It is rather unusual for a memorial to be given a dead bicy- clist, and we are reminded that the pop ularity of this sport is decidedly on the wane. It never compared favorahly with horse racing for excitement and spectac- ular features. When the wheel first came into vogue races were held at every op- portunity, but for the past two years contests have been confined principally to the best known riders, and even they have attracted little attention. Bobby Walthour has kept up very well, but even he Is beginning to realize that the days of his popularity as a racer are numbered. When the bicycle began to lose public favor as a means of recrea- tion 1t naturally became a back number as a racing machine. The downfall was largely brought about by the automobile, which is in turn supplanted just at pres ent by Lou Dillon. Maybe after all the lovers of sports will come back solidly to
 
 old time favorites that have many quail tiles lacking in the latest fads.
 The Federation of Labor is making war on the United States Marine band Not only does this organization command higher prices than other bands, but it's expenses are paid by those who wish it's services. On this account other bands in the country are crowded out and the labor unions are determined if possible to put it out of the competition class. The attack is being made by the American Federation orr Musicians, who are most interested, and they are supported by the American Federation of Labor. The musicians seek to limit the Marine band to the govern ment service so that it Will not be able to compete with similar organizations for the public patronage. Congress will be asked for assistance. The United States Marine band has been in existence 100 years and is one of the most capable or ganizations of musicians now in the Unit ed States. It's splendid music has given pleasure to people in all parts of the coun- try, and there are many who would oh-
 
 It's performances entirely to concerts at affairs of state. The outcome of the con- troversy will be watched with much in terest.
 Again the hairbrained suggestion of a break for the North pole in an airship has been made by Sergeant Julius R. Freder- ick, who is survivor of the Greedy expe- dition. The adventurer is now i'll but says ne intends making another journey next year He thinks the airship now affords the best hopes of attaining the coveted goal, Since the unfortunate Andre sailed away never to return explorers have been somewhat chary of following his exam pie. At the present stage of its develop ment the man who attempts to cross the arctic ice in an airship takes 30 chances for losing his life to one for success. or escape Of course the North pole will be discovered some day but it may be in the