The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-04
IN o movement is more significant OF
MI latter day progress toward aesthe-

NA y movement is more significant OF
MI latter day progress toward aesthe.
tieism than the village improve
ment societies that are to be found in
all parts of the United States. Even in
the great cities architects are planning
how they can make the clumsy slxyseraper
more beautiful and organizations under
many names are striving to relieve the
monotonous array of city blocks, side
walks and pavements which weary the
eye with their dullness. Flowers have
been placed in windows, parAs have been
laid off and trees have been planted along
the streets. Whitewash has also had lib
eral application. while the constant atten-
dance of trash wagons and street cleaners
has wrought wonders. The latest and
most unique stage of this civic improve
ment is marked by the ornamental trolley
pole. Such a thing is almost. inconceiv-
able but a pole has been cast in metal
which is not only artistic and pleasing
to the eye but Is far more serviceable than
its wooden predecessor On the street it
is extremely graceful. In front of show
places, public buildings and the like, 1t
may be destined for much honorable use.
AS yet the ornamental trolley pole Is
too much of a novelty and rather too ex-
pensive for general popularity but 1t will
be happy day for lover1 of the beauti-
full when the ornamental pole supplants
the wooden trolley pole in cities.
According to library statistics recently
compiled, it appears that the popularity
of standard novels il on the wane If
such condition j. becoming general 1t is
to bd regretted, although figures COM
piled in one library should not be taken
as authoritative for the whole country
1t will be a sorry day indeed when the
novels of Dickens, Scott and Thackery
are laid aside for the sawdust produe-
tions of today.
There will be something doing in the
Chicago strike now, for Strike Breaker
Farley is on the scene and has begun a
vigorous campaign. No more interesting
personality is to be found in the United
States than that of James Farley Alert,
Unconditional, master o. men and abso-
lutely without fear. Farley has proven
himself capable of controlling the most
violent Industrial agitation. His fees are
large but he is a specialist-a professional
strike breaker-and his presence in Chi
cage, fresh from victory over the SUBJ
way strikers in New York, is one of the
most important developments in the labor
war now being wageu in that town.
Virginia Harmed is reported to be indig-
nant because an admirer sent her a dia-
mond ring to wear on her toe while play
ing "Trilby." The story sounds like an
other of those press agent inspirations.
incidentally. Miss Harmed is the wife of
f. S. Sothern and was the original Trilby
in the United States.
The departure of the North Atlantic
squadron from Pensacola harbor must
leave something of void in that pictur-
esque town. OF course business will go
right along as before, and many a silver
dollar will be turned over, but the jackies
will be missed. They were a lively lot
and spent their money freely. The visit
of Uncle Sans fighting vessels greatly
stimulated trade and turned loose a hand
some sum among the citizens.
savant was discussing the art of writ
ing fiction. First of ALL" said he, comes
imagination. If you have no imagination