The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-11-19

JOHN R.
 We have with us this morning MT John R. Hornady
 Who is John?
 We'll as far as could be ascertainec by the scribe, John is the fellow who put the ''com' in the present commits sion form of government. In regular Henry James style. Mir. Hornady is a civic expert, with leanings Journalistic and otherwise.
 The reporter rubbed his "A1addin's Lamp" and forthwith the hero--J. R. H--as he signs his editorials, appeared A genial smile and 8 hearty handslakS at once impressed ard his first sentence brought out the mission of the man:
 q am at yoEr service"
 A simple phrase in common misuse but spoken simply by John Hornady il meant that as far as he was personally able he was at everyone's service. Jus, that, and nothing more.
 John R. Hornady is an intellectual and a self-made one. He came to Bir- Q parents. His coming to Birmingham was eventful as he landed in the midst of a cholera epidemic, but his tough wiry little frame survived His parents however, died few years later, whicf left John stranded high and dry on tho shores of privation and want Undaunt- ed, at least, he says he was undaunted John worked by day and studied by night.
 After gathering the rudiments of ar education, he became a reporter on The Age-Herald. As a member of The Age Herald he, of course, was very useful member of the community and, in fact his education may be said to have started with his employment there However, The Ledger, an afternoon paper, was started, and John was lured away from the kind. protecting fold oi the morning newspaper. John has beer an active newspaper man of eXtraor- dinary ability. He has capably filled the positio.is of reporter. city editor managing editor and is at the present time one of lne featured editorial writ CTS of the country. He is a clear, force full writer and during his 20-odd years of newspaper work in Birmingham his pen Typewriter in later years) was always in the van of what was benei- cial for the common veal
 It was while associated with The Led ger that John became interested ir civic reforms. His research work along this line has attracted wide attention especially from the short ballot organ ization of New York, of which Wood. row Wilson is president. The commits sion form of civic government was Johns particular pet, and he specialized on this idea until he was wanted all over the country as a speaker. John did not mind that very much and lie therefore is well known in all the large cities of the south, where he has con- ducted campaigns for the commission form of government. He Is. in fact, the papa" of the commission form of gov ternment in Birmingham.
 However. with all his activities, John did not seek political emoluments until about two years ago, when he an nounced as a candidate for city com missioner. That was one time when politics handed John an awful wallop for he was promptly told that he would have to withdraw from the race or look for another job. John decided to do both.
 John immediately after became man. a ging editor of another afternoon paper and also was elected president of the
 
 under his administration that the won. derful quarters in the Jefferson County Bank building were built
 AN ARDENT WORKER
 However. John being absorbed in his pet idea of commission form of govern. ment, worked increasingly in its behalf Finding that three commissioners would not do. he worked for five, which is nov the present law. He also is an ardek supporter of the initiative, referendum and recall. and has long been noted fol his active support of the municipal own. ership of all public utilities. In othel words, John is constructive critic ant student of civic affairs.
 ''What's the matter with Birmingham?' q John was asked right off the bat, as il were.
 Don't you read my editorials?" wal the reply just as quick
 T deprive myself that pleasure" said the scribe. lying gracefully.
 ''It doesn't matter" was the reply. '.as they are written for optimists and not for cynics.'
 So you're an optimist?"
 "I am the original bubble of hope, T eaid John. with enthusiasm. You know when I first came to Birmingham we lived where the Elks' club is now situ. ated. It is on hill. and in the morn. ings-foggy mornings-I would watch the fog lift itself. and 1t would reveal a great big magic city 1t seemed then to my childish imagination. Since thai time have seen the fog lift, and there ia veritable magic city left It is growing. growing all the time. It is e young mans town, a hustling, bustline beehive of strong, healthy. constructive activity I am an optimist, for have seen Birmingham grow and have growr with it.
 Well, that does not tell me what i. the matter with the city?"
 TROUSERS TOO TIGHT
 Nothing Is the matver with Birming ham. Of course, there are . few defectl