The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-11-16

O FEW short weeks ago when con 0P gressman spraddles came to z town and registered at the best hotel and 1t was asserted by an enthusi- astic and admiring press that Congress- man spraddles was the original Parker man, what did the congressman do? Did he resent the implication as unjust, un- true and a reflection on his political sa- gacity? He did not. The congressman took out a choice cigar, handed it to the reporter who was doing the talking and winked his eye There was a world of meaning in that wink, which the news paper man was at liberty to con- strue as best pleased him. Then the congressman opened his eye again. folded his arms debonairly and remarked half apologetically. Well, you will re- member that when Judge Parker's name was first mentioned l stated that he was the logical candidate. The more I see of him the better I like him, and when election day rolls around you willA see that we have made no mistake. At first lot of those radical fellows tried to queer Parker, but have said all along that he is the man. Me in the cabinet? Oh, pshawl However, believe some of my friends are talking about having me made secretary of war. But there Is plenty of time for that Let's go in and have something"
 That was the talk indulged in by hun dreds of "originar Parker men before the landslide came and the foodgates of re- publican ballots were turned loose. Now when Congressman spraddles comes to I town and the election is mentioned he | displays a surprising interest in good roads, in rural free delivery and many of those other questions that concern the welfare of his constituents, If the origi- nal Parker man is the topic of conversa- tion you will observe with what celerity he turns the conversation into differ ent channel. Forgotten are those dreams of the cabinet and those half sly, half authoritative tips he formerly gave with such unction in regard to democracys chances in New Jersey or the certainty of party victory in Maryland. The con gressman has undergone a transforma- tion. He has avowed that henceforth he will be the original man in nothing until he sees the goal within reach.
 When a husky inventor builds an afr ship these days does he go up in the clouds and risk his life for the sake of science? Well, hardly. He has a first lieutenant who takes all the risks while he stands below and explains to the press why 1t was that the motor broke down at a particular time and what will have to be done to prevent a repetition of the disaster Herein the inventor shows that he is a wise man. Not only does he preserve his life for the sake of his family and his friends, but he accom- plishes a greater object. If his lleute-
 ant should perish the inventor is still alive to work on his plans and draw nearer to the solution of the great prob lem, whereas if he should go aloft and break his neck his career would be at an end. Of course this Is rather hard on the lieutenant, but he ought to become an inventor. The modern airship admi- ral is like the Jap generals He believes in conducting his campaign in the air at a place where there is no danger of fall ing. However, the airship inventor will have to first trust himself to his craft before he can get much passenger busi- ness.
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