The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-08-25
COMMENTS ON MEN AND z
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD

bad day for the sheep-raiser and the cot. ton man when paper clothes come into favor
 It is announced in Berlin that Baron won Stengel, Bavarian plenipotentiary in the Bundesrath, has been appointed head of Germany's finances in succession to Baron von Thlelman, former secretary of the treasury. Baron Thielman resigned on account of his inability to carry out certain reforms. It was the fal of the borrower. Instead of devising new sources of revenue the usual expedient was to place loan to balance the budget. If he had held office in this country it is hardly probable that the American reople would have permitted him to resign. Graft tactics are tolerated to certain extent, but inefficiency in office Is one thing the hustling American will not allow.
 It has been discovered that many Eng ling peers are "queer." Most people who have ever seen the animal in real life reached that opinion long ago, and those who have studied his characteristics in novels think he is out of the ordinary class of the human species. So much fun has been poked at the old world mo- blity by the press of this country that a visiting lord is sadly handicapped in his efforts to attain popularity. Their poverty, their "honor'' and their desper- ate attempts to win the favor of heir esses have all been the subject of wit ticisms for ages past, so it seems to the weary reader.
 At last the Doukhobars are beginning to realize the error of their ways and are beginning to adopt more rational views of life. Whipping their insane priestesses and forcing them to return home marked the last stage in the extreme fanaticism of these people who were given up as hopeless cases by their native land of Russia. It is a queer sect and they have queer ideas. but they cannot withstand the enlightening influence of American customs. A people who show such un- swervng loyalty to their beliefs are worthy of better religion, and if the present reformation continues we may look for them to eventually develop into TcdSDDdDle dIlu lDUuStTlOuS CillzeuS VI Canada.
 Prince Ludwig Ferdinand of Bavaria. a musician. doctor and man of wisdom, says ip top-lofty style that 1t will be a sacriege to produce wagners "Parsifar' in America. Perhaps we barbarians on this side the water will have much diff- culty in understanding the great music drama but we are going to pay money and the manager does not care whether we appreciate the presentation or not. Art is a great institution and an ennobling one, but the almighty dollar Is very CO., gent It is hardly probable that Hein- rich Conreld Is working himself thin sim ply for the pleasure of giving New York CTS a musical treat such as they have never yet enjoyed
 One of the lovable human beings brought forth by the yacht races is the "Clearing-On Man" He was to be found in all the parties hurrying to witness the international struggle for the cup. His cheerful Well, think it is going to clear up." was a ray of sunshine in the disagreeable weather conditions which prevailed during the first trial. Although his optimistic prediction did not come true. his hopefulness was greatly appre- ciated by people of less pleasant disposi- tion. It seems that Sir Thomas Lipton has taken a dose of the same medicine, for he continues hopeful although 1t is believed that his chances for beating the Reliance even one race are as ninil.
 The picturesque land ''rushes" of tho west are practically thing of the past. The country is being rapidly settled up and soon there will br no necessity for throwing open lands Tn order to attract col,nists. Some of the old rushas were exciting affairs and many poor fellows who had lived hard all til air lives are w enjoying comforts as q result of the gen erosity ct uncie Sum and his own luck In being first to stake out desirable piece of land p C