The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-05-23


 church-goes and the magnificent build ings speak In an unmistakable way of the spirituaf>atmospher which pefvades this splendid community. Selma is a seat of refinement and culture, and this fact constitutes one of it's most charm ing features.
 Senator Pettus is at his delightful home in Selma. Asked if he was here for a summers rest, he answered: No. l am
 here for summers work and shall give attention to my law practice and to ob- servations among my people" The old
 Roman is enjoying vigorous health. Time | does not bend his shoulders, nor diminish ] the lustre of his countenance nor his
 manly bearing. He says what he thinks and thinks what he says, but declines to
 be interviewed for publication. He dues. I however, give expression personally to I hope for the success of national demo- cracy in the coming contest l The senator will not allow the use of
 his name for a place in the delegation to St. Louis. His idea seems to be that the | young men of the state should be put 1 in harness, and that conservatism and party loyalty should control the dellbera- tons of the convention. The distinguish 1 ed Alabamian dscourages that spirit of
 presumption which would essay to make rarty unity subordinate to personal opinions and desires
 Selma's new catch, the alligator made
 famous by local press references and jy
 the clever editorial in the Age Herald,
 Is still subject of comment in the hotel l Hobbies here. In fact this alligator Is l quite pet, and many declare their pur- | pose to hold his 'gatorship for Selma's zoo. You Birmingham people who seem surprised that this amphibious animal should have wandered so far from the
 sea as Selma, must have forgotten that
 more than one alligator was captured in
 the waters of Village creek when that little stream afforded Birmingham's water | supply.
 It was only the busy, busting noise of industrial Birmingham that frightened
 the breed away from your city. A north ern visitor here, who gazed upon this wonderful creature, asked: "Is he not an amphibious animal?" An old negro, stand ing by, who knew of the peculiar traits of gators" answered: ''Yes, boss ann phibus as de debl, and if you don't beves | it des put your hand on him." Our Yankee friend took the hint. | It Is a mistaken view that the farmers | of central Alabama have increased their cotton acreage by neglect of food crops. Immense fields of corn are in luxuriant
 growth on the plantations near Selma,
 and just now the hay-mowers are busily
 at work making the first cutting of John l ston grass.
 This fine hay affords three valuable cuttings per annum and Is most profit
 able crop. The cool nights, and the con-
 tinued drought have held back the cotton
 plant and proven somewhat detrimental
 to oats but there is not much anxiety
 expressed here as to the rinal yield Dallas and surrounding counties are
 much distinguished for the ownership and l rearing of fine driving horses, and a 1 number of teams of thoroughbreds are
 noticed on the streets of Selma. A gen
 tlemans driving park is one of the in-
 stitutions of this city. It has been clear lily demonstrated that the black belt or
 canebrake section of Alabama is val
 uable stock raising country and much att | tention is paid to horses, cattle, sheep, goats and hogs of the finer grades The
 old time lean cattle and piney woods
 rooters are no longer in evidence in this section.
 l The Age-Herald is read daily by hun l dreds of Semians and the news service 1 from this point sent by your local repre- l sentative here every day Is much appre- | ciated by these people. It brings Bir- mingham and Selma In close touch with l each other and Is welding fast the links which biAd the two prosperous Alabama cities.
 Selma enjoys the blessing of one of the most thoroughly organized and active | Young Mems Christian associations in the south. It's building Is one of the largest I and handsomest and most prominent of | all the imposing buildings in Selma and is thoroughly equipped and furnished 1 throughout.
 l The auditorium seats nearly 400. It contains a valuable library, a gymnasium 1 and a natatorium. This Is the central l Y M c. A. and besides this there is a
 railroad Y. M. c. A. near the great rail- 1 road shops which occupies a commodous
 building and is well furnished and equip ped for the great work.
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