The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-01-12

N COMING years the three great
 ports of this country will be New York, San Francisco and New Or leans. Of these the future is brightest for New Orleans and San Francisco. The greatness of New York is already estab- lished. The completion. of the Panama canal will of course, mark an important epoch in the history of New Orleans. Not only will the shipping interests of the town be vastly augmented, as well as those of Mobile, Pensacola and Calves ton, but every department of the city itself will leap forward as never before. The population may be expected to in- crease rapidly when the canal is thrown open to commerce, and 1t is no idle dream to predict that 1880 will see 100000 peo- pie residing in New Orleans. Now that 1 there is such a stir and turmoil in the orient, which has already resulted in great changes in the face of affairs, and augurs sweeping reforms in the future, San Francisco is becoming more impor- tant every day. The great doors that have shut off the mysterious and som nolent orient are being battered down by the march of progress, Japan has become the Yankee nation of the east, the vast bulk of China heaves spas- | medically and the Sacred City of L'Has- sa has been invaded. The present war be- tween Japan and Russia will also re- suit in throwing open new ports to the | trade and commerce of the world The tide still sets to our western coast. and will ri oh hor from It's oriental trade.
 San Francisco is a wonderful town the American gateway to regions of count less possibilities across the broad Pa cifc where new peoples are coming to the fore and civilization Is marching fast behind the heels of war There is here that half native half foreign at- mosphere of the two continents-of Asia and North America. Looking out to the l Golden Gate, one feeels that he stands on the threshold of a new world, world that calls to the adventurer and the poet. Yet San Francisco does not yield to the lethargy that has held Asia enthralled so long. Its busy, progressive population is not slow to take advantage of the opportunities being offered daily, and no poetic dreams will delay the pro- gress of Americas western metropolis. All eyes are now turned to Japan and the artery of trade courses through San Francisco.
 Mayor Drennen of Birmingham has leaped into lasting fame by his eulogy of President Roosevelt. Editorial writers have not yet had time to discuss the matter but the admiration which the President seems to have awakened in MT. Drennen is so contrary to the opin- who think they know MT. Roosevelt like book that 1t will cause talk MT. Vardaman of Mississippi and certain prominent citizens of Charleston, s. C., where Collector Crum holds forth, have expressed themselves otherwise. How ever, southern people will not find fault with MT. Drennen for liking President Roosevelt. If the nation has been en- tertaining an angel unawares in the White House the south will be glad to l be set alright.
 | Gen. Lew Wallaces novel Ben Hur," stage version of which will be pre- sented here shortly, is essentially one of those ''climactic" novels that have won fame and popularity in many lands. There is one great climax in Ben Hur." There is much before and much after