The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-10-01
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD

rather doubtful, but this later story from Athens goes It even better. There may be people in the United States who have never seen a railroad train, in fact there Is reason to believe that they are fairly numerous in certain obscure districts of the country, but that a man or woman should arrive at an advanced age with out ever having seen a circus is almost beyond the bounds of belief Think of the joys that have been denied them and the barren lives they have led. If by any chance there are any more people in Ala bama who have never seen circus The Age-Herald is in favor of raising sub scription to buy them tickets the next time a show comes along.
 With the demise of "Mllt' O. Barlow, the elder. another figure picturesque in the early days of minstrelsy has passed from view. Like nearly all his contempor- aries Barlow had an interesting career and died Ion the boards" Even when they have amassed enough of this worlds goods to keep them in comfort for the remainder of their days 1t seems hard matter for minstrels to tear themselves away from the fascination of the foot lights. As matter of fact, few opponents of the burnt cork art ever get enough money to permit their retirement If one acquire wealth he soon contrives to lose it. When death overtakes him Barlow was preparing to take a part In "The County Chairman" George Wilson is an- other member of the old guard in min strelsy who is still before the public, and he has to ''hustle" for living as hard as he did at the beginning of his career.
 There can be no mistalSing the fact that the lamented Chief Joseph of the Neg Perces Indians goes to the happy hunt ing ground with halo of distinction about his venerable head that has been denied to most of his fellows. Chief Jo- seph was a great man. His name will go down in history along with those of Tecumseh, Black Hawk, King Philip and Sitting Bull. Of his noted contemporaries only Geronimo and Red Cloud survive. These are indeed illustrious among the Red Men. the greatest that their race ever produced, and when they take their departure the last vestiges of the "he- roic" Indian will be removed.
 The condition of the Alabama river is causing grave alarm among steamboat men, planters and others interested. The water is now so low that navigation has been practically suspended and there is little consolation to be derived from the weather man. similar state of af- fairs is said to exist on the Tombigbee river. Right here is where the superior ity of railroads over steamboats is again most forcibly illustrated.
 According to the statement of the pub fishers, Mcclure. Phillips & Co.,, MT. Dunne has been unable to complete an in- stallment of MT. Dooley" for next Sun- day. This is the second time MT. Dooley" has failed us at the pinch and if he continues his present tactics an expectant and disappointed public will begin to ask questions. Of course if MT. Dooley' is out after votes and finds it impossible to tear himself away from the "boys" long enough to talk to us, there Is no remeoy at hand, but the contract of MT. Dunne is too important to be again broken without sufficient ex- cuse. P.C.