The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-04-07
COMMENTS ON MEN AND
 MATTERS OF THE WORLD

passed his eighty-third year. No man in the United States is more generally re- vered, and none is more typical of the best New England life. The career of such man, the good he has done in the world, and the cheer he has brought serve as a fitting example for others to emulate.
 An observant man has just propounded the question. Why do people on the stage act under an assumed name?' He points out that a man does not change his name when he goes into the practice of a profession, and there is no reason why he should do so when he becomes. an actor. The question is a conundrum hut there are some people venturesome enough to make a stab" at answering. The custom of adopting stage names nay be in part result of the old pre- judiee, now wearing off but still extant, against the stage. In Shakespeare's time player folks were held in low esteem, and mayhap when man "disgraced' himself by treading the boards he en- deavored to shield his family honor by playing under an assumed name This idea prevails even now in some classes. especially when the daughter of a preacher goes on the stage and calls herself Violet Vivian" rather than hu- initiate the white hairs of her severe ard hide-bound parent. Then again there is something mysterious and fas- cinating about stage names, quality that appeals to player folk and gives the press agent many opportunities. Stage Iames often serve as a cloak for an actors real identity and protect his pri- vate life from vulgar eyes. Last but rot least, there is human vanity to be considered. The chorus girl who calls herself Violet Vivian" or some other equally preposterous name, and the man who styles himself Langdon Debland do so because they want a more TO- mantle and more interesting name than that with which they. have been provid- ed also It is easy to see why married women on the stage almost invariably act under their maiden names.
 A party of getlemen were discussing seasickness. One wisee old fellow, who c"emed to have studied the subject under the most trying conditions, said that the chief explanation for nausea on the sea is an absence of the horizontal You are tossing about, the boat is pIunging, the waves are heaving. and the whole world appears to be spinning about in most bewlldering fashion. Naturally this sensation Is communicated to the wheels in ones head, and from there ex- tends to the stomach where the tossing oftentimes becomes pronounced. As long as crafty landlubber does not get out O sight of the shore he is all right, for the man who knows will keep his eyes hz ed on the shore line look at the water as little as possible and remain serene until the voyage is ended But once let him get out of sight of the land and his only resource is to trust to a gentle providence.
 Judging from the reports that are fy- ing in the air President Roosevelt went cut to have the time of his life, and is having it. Kindly remember that this Is the first time he has made junlSet as q real, properly elected President, who Is President on his own responsibility, and you will not be at a loss to explain the happiness that he is shedding all along the line. He's feeling immense.
 A FEARFUL STORY.
 He longed for fame-he really did
 And he tried. and tried and tried. I en he crooked, cashed in his checks
 Turned up his toes and died.
 
 Ring out the old. ring in the new is thoroughly applicable to musical come- dy jokes. PAUL COOK.