The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-11-13
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD

stories of his travels over the land at Christmas times are all lies. Granted, but why do these worthy danes so hasten to further intensity the cold realty of life? There are not enough fairy tales now and if there were more people to believe those we have the world would be happier It is not so bad to disillusion a man or a woman when they attempt to create an artificial atmosphere about themselves that will shut out the cold and unhappiness but the abolition of the Santa Claus legend would strike at ev- cry child In the land who looks forward to the coming of Kris Kringle as confi- dently as if his existence were never questioned. It was sad day when many a boy and girl. now grown up, first dis covered that Santa Claus did not come down the chimney but through the front door and with latch key.
 The national campaign is gone, but the municipal campaign we still have with us. After all,r there is more fun to the square inch to be had in municipal con test than one in which the whole country Is interested. In the municipal campaign that picturesque character of American politics, the ''ward-heeler." shines eor- spicuously. His word is law and his presence is everywhere. His stock Of cigars and persuasive words never give out and his ability to josh" and mix is limited only by his capacity for liquor. which is generally enormous. The ward-heeler is a necessary adjunct to the game of politics as played in this country. He seldom if ever becomes great. Rarely indeed Is his name known outside Of the particular clique in which he is a'l- powerful, but in his proper place the ward-heeler is parsonage to be reek- oned with. Sometimes, in fact many times he is very good sort of a fellow. and he will always stick to his friends to the last ditch, but somehow the ap- plication ''ward-heeles' IS one that is not coveted except by t certain class of po:- iticians, who speak of one another as "the boys'' and affec. plug hats on all occasions.
 It does town good to be invaded now and then by small army of enthusiastic college boys. Their life and spirits are enough to stir the pulses If the most phlegmatic veteran of the business and commercial world who forgot his college :, days about the time he learned to make money. The vigor and enthusiasm If college boys is always infectious, and the sourest copper" on tho force IS inclined 1 to pardon their exubcrance. They do well to have a good time while they can, for tomorrow the bill collector will num- Der them among his victims.
 | The general prosperity mas communi- cated itself to Alabama. and in srite of the election results the people of this state are enjoying the good times with all the enthusiasm that good times bring. Reports from all par;s of .he state inGi- cate progress and development. Towns that have been dragging along for nearly half a century lave suddenly walked up in the past few years and are now boom- ing; visitors to th'5 state go back to the east and tell about the wealth of the Birmingham district, the development of the lumber industry and the prosperous conditions that prevail in all parts of this state. The man who croaks about hard times Is heard no more and Ala bama will be ready to join her sister states in celebrating Thanksgiving with a vim. PAUL COOK.