The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-02-05

ly dependable. One was that if the first or second day of February was springlike, much winter weather was yet due; that if it were bleak and dreary an early spring might be ex- pected.
 The other dependable sign from time immemorial has been the conl- ing in of March.
 This years groundhog forecast has started off we'll. We have had rough weather since the 2d of the month and we will have great deal more be- tween now and the middle of March. It is healthy weather for this time of the year and the more freezes we have this month the better off will be the farmer and the better pleased will be the coal dealer and the cloth ing and dry g ods merchants. l < <: 1 Despite the fact that he owes allegiance to the Kaiser, Ambassador Won Bern storff is one of the most popular diplo- mats in Washington, and this knowledge should in some measure console him for his enforced retirement to private life. As ]. < The utility of the skunk is highly praised by an Alabama contemporary. However, the average man who wants to ger rich would rather raise chickens, as being less apt to cause social ostracism. By keeping his audience waiting half an hour. Julian Eltinge exercised an- other privilege of the fair sex which he impersonates so cleverly. However, the blame was placed on late train.
 < <
 The efficient Teutons are said to have found substitutes for nearly everything they need. They seem to think that they will also be able to find an effective substitute for American friendship.
 *
 An Age-Herald reader wants to know why gubernatorial candidates in Ala bama go to New York to make up their minds. Maybe that's because distance lends enchantment to the view.
 * !"
 MT. Bryan mistakes the temper of the American people. If there were a ref erendum on war, patriotism would answer that patience in the case of Germany has ceased to be virtue.
 The recent cold wave sent lazy heads of families clattering downstairs to stoke the furnace, who formerly dele- gated that important duty to Friend Wife.
 Mrs. Nicholas Longworth's cigarette case again figured in the dispatches re- gently T. R. may or may not squirm when he sees a news item like that
 
 The fact that diplomatic relations have been broken off with Germany will not cause American citizens with sharp ap- petites to quit eating "wienies."
 < !:
 The German soldier continues to get his beer, we are told. regardless of the civilians thirst. Who wouldn't-in Germany-go to be soldier?
 *
 MT. Bryan will deplore belligerency to the last moment but if this country is compelled to fight, Colonel Bryan will be among those present
 Now, if the little navy" people want to avoid embarrassment, in the light of recent events, they should crawl into hole and stay there.
 The Spanish-American war having be- come ancient history. Spain gracfously takes charge of Americas diplomatic af- fairs in Germany.
 In this grave crisis it is to be hoped that the suffragists had the good taste to remove their ''pickets'' from the White House.
 The spirit of '76" Is apparently abroad in the land once more, but there is no disposition this time to whale John Bull.
 Maybe some of those pestiferous Eng lishmen who have been calling us a na- ton of ".rotters' will change their opin- ion now.
 It may be sad news to Villa. but un- less he exerts himself prodigiously, he will have to stay off the front page awhile. Evidence accumulates that the bone dryness" of some states is going to be something more than a theoretical drouth
 
 Winter, like some of the theatrical companies, seldom fingers longer in this territory than three or four days  By going down in the sea at the t,.I% rrfA