The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-02-14
MEN, WOMEN
 AND THINGS

Every now and then something happens to hearten even a busy and tired news paper man. Just at present I'm head over heels in work, trying to get a grasp on my new job. I'm submerged in business and my entry is incidental.
 I closed my column recently with these words: "If you pass my way drop in and see me whether you know me personally or not. I'm on the ground floor, just by the door,"
 Naturally I expected my friends would do this, but who do you reckon Q'm a southerner, that's my excuse for using reckon rather than guess) was my first caller?
 Here is why I'm going about my work with lighter heart: My first caller was a Russian Jew. The mere mention of this fact brought up chain of the degrada- tion that his race had suffered at the hands of the unconscionable bureaucracy. Bishineff and its horrors came to haunt me.
 The meeting of protest held here at one of the theatres came into my mind. remembered the speeches of Colonel Rhodes, John B. Knox and others. It was the speech of Dr. Phillips that burned deepest in my memory. Said he: We came here tonight not merely to pro- test against the injustice to the Jew, but the crime against humanity"
 My visitor was none other than pr. Jacob I. Mendelssohn, who was recently inducted into office as rabbi of Knesseth Israel. This model and charming young man was educated in the Jewish Theo- logical Seminary of America at New York. I feel sure that have found in him a man whorn I'm going to greatly enjoy.
 It gives me pleasure to know that Dr. Mendelssohn, who has been here only six weeks, is getting a strong hold on his congregation, and that they are giving him their hearty support. His sermons on Friday night are drawing large and interested crowds.
 All my life have counted it privilege to number among my friends a number of Jews. Here in Birmingham some of those prominent in the business world were my piaymates at Eufaula. hold them in affection and high esteem.
 I was reared in Barbour county. Eu- faula, the loveliest little city know, was my boyhood home. have lived in many cities. but the older I grow the dearer the beautiful town overlooking the Chat tahoochee becomes to me.
 Just across the street from me lived a Jewish family. The boys and girls in it were my playmates. Years have gone by since have seen any of them and yet they are as dear to me as my own kin. door to a Jew.
 My father for years before his death spent his time In looking after the poor of Eufaula. He did not supply all their needs from his own purse, but called on his friends to help him.
 A few years after his death met Hugo Schloss. a retired merchant. In talking of my father, he said: The greatest com pliment ever paid to me as citizen of Eufaula was that Dr. Barnett called me friend and permitted me to join the select few who aided him when he found a case of need" There were tears in his eyes ss he said it.
 Now he meant it. He wasn't like a Jew that a friend of mine told mo about II seems a certain preacher who touched his friends and acquaintances for loans went into the place of business of a wealthy Israelite to separate him from some coin.
 Said he to him: T have come to confer a great favor upon you.'' With true Jew ish humility the Israelite without guile pleaded that he felt himself unworthy te accept favor at the hands of so distin. guished q divine.
 
 True" said the preacher. "but Tn going to count you worthy and permit you to have the honor of indorsing my note for $100." Did he get it? He die not. With a knowing wink the Jew par. ried by saying: My dear doctor. I tolt you in tho beginning was unworthy ant the more think about it the unworthiel get, and therefore as much as cove the honor, I'm going to decline it." Just here I recall certain New Eng land preacher, a man of great gifts, bu a born grafter, who lost both friend. and pulpit by his detestable habit O holding up the well-to-do in his ant others flocks.
 His method of touch, to say the leas l of it, was unique. He would pick ou some rich member and spend the night Just before bedtime he would call for { Bible and conduct family worship. Tn, Scripture lesson well selected in advanc, to meet the hour and his need woult bear on the beauty and holiness O. charity.
 The Scripture lead made the approach easier. but he relied on his prayer to ge
 the loan or gift. He would begin in thi
 wise. "Oh. Lord. thou hast blessed ou, dear brother with much worldly goods
 Thou hast given him loving wife an,
 lovely sons and daughters. He has mucl