The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-08-17

d sea rushing over the low. marshy pat of land which they call home. The V lenee of the West Indian hurried seems to have expended itself on maiea.
 Wiseacres announce that the mu must go. It has been found that his log~ cal successor is the "zebrulu," cros between the horse and the zebra. Thos who have studied this important matte are of the opinion that the "zebrula" superior to the plain mule, and it prophesed that he will supplant the lat ter in the army and in commerce. Al this may be very true, but it would be good idea to think twice before parting with the mule for new beast of burden that has never yet stood the test of time. If In the future he ''zebrulu" be- comes he accepted beast of burden in place of the mule it will be a sad blow to the southern darky. This picturesque team of the sunny south will then live only in tradition.
 At banquet given in honor of Colonel Pond of the United States army, in St. Paul, President James J. Hill of the Great Northern railroad said the stand ing army of this country should consist of 100000 men. A hundred thousand men should be always at hand to act on short notice, and an additional hundred thousand should be easily within reach. There are many observant men who voice the sentiments of MT. Hill, but the cry of militarism and taxation always proves an effective check. Uncle Sans broad provinces certainly ought to have ample protection in time of peace as dur ing war, but, at any rate, he can rely on his loyal subjects to come to the rescue whenever necessary It is strange state of affairs when viewed through foreign eyes that one of the greatest nations in the world has a standing army that is rediculously small. Hamlin Garland says the Red Man Is not hopeless case. and that white men have never understood their brother of the forest It was never intended that all men should live alike, and therefore the Indians should be allowed to thrive unmoested by the dictates of civilization. Poor Lo has indeed endured much since the arrogant visitors from across the sea came over to deprive him of his home, but he has also had a good chance to demonstrate his ability to absorb civiliza- tion. It must be confessed that he has done little in this respect, and although novelists may rave over his picturesque qualities he is decidedly back num- Der.
 The popularity of Sir Thomas Lipton in America is evidenced by cursory exam nation of the daily papers. He is the most talked-about man before the public today. The genial Irishman seems to have captivated the American people. It is Sir Thomas at the opera, Sir Thomas bur lescued Sir Thomas here, there and everywhere, until the mind becomes be- wildered trying to keep up with his movements Now he tells witty story and the next moment he will be quoted on the subject of babies. Even if he does not win the cup the yachtsman will carry away something far more valuable-the good will of the American people.
 Secretary Root deserves commendaton for an act of humanity which marks the close of his public career. He has issued an order prohibiting the cruel practice of docking horses tails in the United States army. It is hard to conceive how people can tolerate this senseless custom. Instead of beautifying the animal it de- prives him of his greatest ornament, and in addition inflicts needless discomfort. It Is exceedingly hard to improve on nature, and when the Creator gave the horse tail he evidently intended that the an- imal should retain the appendage.
 P. c.
 
 T TIT AN NT