The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-03-22

4 i q.
~ ROVER CLEVELAND, to whom
W. so many eyes are turning these
days during the discussion of the
democratic nomination for the presidency,
was 81 years. old on Friday.
He did not make the anniversary nota-
BILE by any further declarations of his
political views. No repetition of the
statement that he will not be a candidate
under any circumstances was forthcom-
ing from him, but that it is his dearest
wish to spend the remainder of his days
in his beautiful home in Princeton was
more than ever made evident yesterday.
"It must be evident to anyone who
sees my life here" he said to a Herald
reporter, with a kindly smile, that this
is what l love. Anyone, l should think,
who sees my home life and how deep and
entire Is my satisfaction in my present
surroundings. must wonder how anyone
surrounded as | am, with all that man
cares the most for could even consider
giving 1t up for any honors, however
great
1t would be difficult to find anywhere
a man who appears to be happier than
is Mr.. Cleveland. He has lately been de-
voting himself several hours every day
to his library. 1t was learned yesterday
that he has just presented to the Prince
ton university library many of the books
from his own library, which has been
growing for many years, and has now ex-
ceeded the capacity of his shelves. Many
valuable reports and books in Spanish
and French are among those he has given
to Princeton, and among them is a Bible
printed in the Dakota tongue.
He has been spending most OF his after
Moons for the last month in sorting and
rearranging his books while the weather
has been so inclement that he did not
care to spend much time out of doors. and
one result of this work is the gift to the
Princeton library.
Simplicity is the keynote OF his exist
ence in Princeton. One day is much like
the next In Its round of simple duties and
pleasures. He rises early, and there is
a family gathering at breakfast. The
three older children. Esther, Marion and
Richard Folsom--"Dick," as his father
calls him, or esquire upon occasions
then troop of to Miss Fines school, and
their father goes to his library and opens
his mornings mail,
or late this has been no easy task. Since
there has been so much talk Of the possi-
bility of his again becoming candidate
for the presidency letters on this question
have been pouring in on him from all
parts of the country. Old personal
friends. from some of whom he has not
before heard in years, have been writing
him, most of them urging him to signify
In even a slight way that he might, under
certain circumstances, be willing to ac-
cept fourth nomination.
Many other letters have been from po-
liticians who seek light on the future, so
that they may trim their sails according
ly Still other letters are from secreta-
ries of organizations of every character
throughout the country which are anxious
to obtain Mr.. Cieveland's promise to
speak before them.
Nearly all of these letters demand re-
ply, and about every other day the former
president calls In a stenographer and die
tates to him for several hours.
This work all Of this winter has occu-
pied all of Mr.. Cievelands mornings. and
has been interrupted only by the return
of the children from school, Luncheon Is
served at 1880 o'clock, and the half hour
following is very apt to be devoted to a
rollicking play with the youngsters.
Those who have seen Mr. Cleveland