The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-02-09
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD

have to be abolished with all other uten- sils which now do so much to scatter germs broadcast over the land. These improvements will come to pass when we have ceased to shake hands and oscula- uon has become an unknown practice.
 But there is positively no danger that hankshaking will ever be abolished, in spite Of the frantic warning of scientists. In the first place it is always the first step to doing a person, and secondly no politician could be a success without 1t. The whole fabric of national politics would tumble down like castle made of pasteboard. So long as a man keeps his hands comparatively free from dirt he need not fear that his hearty grip will be refused on the score of microbgs
 The public has become so accustomed to considering anything called mid way as something risque and to be avoided by prudish persons, that 1t will be something of a surprise to learn that such will not be the case with the St. Louis midway, or "The Pike" as it is called, ohieaso made the mistake of having shows that were really objectionable and although it was great experience to do all the remarkable places on that remarkable thoroughfare some discretion had to be exercised when female compan- ions were carried along. St. Louis has profited by the example and will endeayor to provide instructive and elevating amusement on "The Pike which will not QPtranf fIo a4,,o possess no objectionable features. At least that is the promise. Although the average midway" is not quite so bad as 1t is pictured by reformers and moralists. 1t is bad enough for all present purposes. The main reason why this class of amuse- ments is kept fairly moral is the fact that they must cater to all classes and if they did not have many shows of high moral character there would be great falling off in the receipts. Although too strict censorship may result in making The Pike" seem tame" to a certain class of visitors. the majority will not complain.
 It is predicted that the democratic convention at St. Louis may witness a "spouting tourney such as has never been seen in this country. If Isador Ray ner should nominate German, Bourke Cochran nominate Cleveland, David B. Hill Judge Parker, and William Jennings Bryan William Randolph Hearst elo- quence would be so plentiful that it would be hard to chose, All these gentlemen suggested as nominators are noted for their abilities to pour out words and if they should all get started on hot sum- mer day there Is no telling what would be the result. But somehow oratory is not so powerful now as in the early days and some of the strongest public men we have today are not exceptional speakers. It is also noticeable that eloquent Presidents have also become rarity and the late William Mckinley kept off the plaform as much as possible. Although MT. Roose- welt does not mind talking he has never been accused of Demosthenean eloquence. Public events are shaped differently these days, and whether it is for the better or not. the time is past when one man with flashing eyes and persuasive tongue can stir a nation to rush into battle Nova days they stop to figure on expenditures and consider the possibility of interna- tional complications. P. c.