The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-13

cheer up the soldier boys who are fight
ing for their country, with the knowledge
that the folks at home have not forgotten
them.
1t is true that the old saint may not
appear in the trenches in person. In the
first place there are no chimneys in the
trenches and even saint may be ex-
cused IL he Is little nervous about cross
ing the shell swept zone, where even the
soldiers do not care to go unless It is
dark or the enemy's fire has slackened
a bit. The reindeer. too. are gun-shy.
He will be ably represented, however, by
the regimental quartermasters and the
quartermaster sergeants and their assist
ants OF the army service corps and the
commssariat department who must see
to it in any case that the men are fed
and have ammunition. These men. who
are really exposed to more constant dan
ger than the men of the combatant arms.
will add to their load a bit and bring
Santa's gifts from the commissariat bases
at the rear to the boys.
1t is just possible. however. that the
season of peace and good will may see
a temporary suspension of hostilities-
though hardly likely. The pope has en-
tered into negotiations with the various
belligent powers for suspension of hos
tilities on Christmas Day and If an agree
ment can be reached perhaps the road
will be clear for the saint to pay visit
to the front in persons with reindeer,
sleigh and all, but at present there seems
to be only the slightest chance that the
pope will succeed in his efforts. I under
stand that the triple entente powers and
their allies are willing to agree II they
can only be assured that the Germans will
observe the letter and spirit of an arm
istice. On one or two occasions before
when an armistice has been agreed to- 1t
is said. German commanders have taken
advantage of 1t to bring up reinforcements
or to occupy new positions. and the allies
feel that they would not be jutified even
for the sake of Santa Claus, in risking
the loss of any advantage.
In the meantime, however, the people
~~~~~~~~~
obs. but Gas | have said. the greatest
change has been in the discipline Cas-
it Is cal1ed) of the primary school.
There was a time when children were
ruled by fear, when the discipline
came from without, when the teacher
ruled with an iron hand, when perfect
stiffness was the standard of good or
der. Now perfect love casteth out fear
The emotions and affections are so
trained, the spirit of the child so de-
veloped. that it finds expression in a
happy natural freedom in the school
room. N
I'VE hope that the best is yet to be.
Teachers are EARNESTLY seeking bet
ter way. Mothers are studying their
children Even the fathers are meeting
together in many of-our schools Froe
bells appeal, Come. let us live with our
children has reached the heart of par
onthood everywhere. Our women s
clubs have taken up child study in an
earnest way. Our good doctors. here In
Birmingham. have. through the extern
sion lectures. given their services for
our children. Truly this is. as Ellen
Key has called 1t, the century of the
child
ut may be with many blunder and
foolish notion. but we shall. day by
day and year by year. reach something
higher and better for our children. We
will do 1t because parents and teachers
are earnest and honest in their efforts.
we will do it because civilization de-
mands better education we Will do II
because the. way. the truth, and the
light Of the world depend upon it. And
as we climb to higher things. the hand
of a little child shall lead us upward
the heart of a little child shall give
us wisdom and understanding. the light
of love and appreciation In the eyes OF
little child shall urge us onward. tn,
growth and development in the lives o.
our hovs and girls shall be our best
reward"