The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-15
GUSHING PATRIOTISM
By sAvoYARD

find either Young or Perkins available, tor.
 Employing that word available. causes digression and here is an anecdote that many managing editor ought to appre- ciate, though spoiled in the telling. The late Oliver Lucas of Louisville, Ky, de-
 ightful man, was long the private secre- tary of the famous George D. Prentice who made the Louisville Journal a fa- nous newspaper. It was the old whg and democrat era before the war, when poli- tics was fast and fierce enough to be pret- ty nearly war. One day the great editor got letter from a rural rooster asking to be appointed to the editorial staff of the Journal. Prentice called Oliver and dictated a reply like this; My Dear MT. Smith (colon) I am just in receipt of your valued favor of Monday (comma) and in reply (comma) It gives me poignant re- gret to say that at present there is no vacancy on our editorial staff s(period) Indeed (eemma) unless these abominable locofoco times mend we shall ,be reduced to the painful exigency of curtailing our force s(period) But if opportunity affords fcomma) be assured that shall be swift and happy to avail myself of your com manding abilities and invaluable services (semicolon) for know of no writer any where I would sooner have to reinforce me in the patriotic campaign we are wag- ing. against the vile and contemptible party now in control of our public af- fairs (period) With the highest admir- ation for your brilliant parts and the sin cerest hopes for your future prosperity and happiness (comma) I am very cordial ly yours" When 1t was finished and signed, the writer said: Now. Oliver, put it in an envelope and get a stamp. Address it to the blank blank scamp and be sure to mail it. l would not have him on the paper "A hours for Main street store. He is continually annoying me with his absurd and clumsy and inter- minable essays on politics and since have been fool enough to print one or two of them he thinks he is a great writer
 That anecdote. becomes pertinent when the managing editor returns your stuff with the politest of printed replies regret ting that it is not quite 'available."s But 1t Is truth to say that both Young and Perkins are available" from the stand pat standpoint of view;
 But that is a Aggression and fear un- pardonable. Does Lafe Young know how It came that the flag Is displayed on ev- cry public building owned by the govern ment and thousands of others that are rented? Possibly not It is due to some crafty and thrifty patriotism on the part of "Old Ben Butler, who owned bunt- ing factory and 1t was more or less monopoly in that line. Protected by an outrageous tariff. Butler concluded to make merchandise of patriotism. and so he secured the act of Congress making it imperative to hoist the flag over public buildings in Washington and elsewhere, and the tradition is that the old fellow made pretty pot of money out of the scheme. of course, we all honor and love the flag; but why should we proclaim It from the housetops to the abuse of Gods patience and the Kings EnglIsh?" Do not put ''Old Glory to uses suggestive of Gessler's cap. Let. us love the flag, but not gush over it. s.5i,4.
 Washington, March '. 1911.