The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-21
MEN, WOMEN
 AND THINGS
Turn out, turn out.

farmers warning or the approach oL the British
 Did they turn out? They did. Will Birmingham turn out to commemorate his ride? Ask any of the thousands who lined it's streets on Thursday night or stood for hours in Capitol park to listen to patriotic addresses.
 | A few weeks ago when I suggested in this column that Liberty Day be observed with a parade and conclude with speak ing, was told it could not be done.
 Some of the croakers (and they are almost as bad as "slackers') said: Why, Birmingham can't get together on any thing what's the use trying" I'm happy to state that Birmingham is fast learning the art of getting to- gether. Do you doubt 1t? Then you at Capitol park on last Sunday after noon and failed to be there Thursday night.
 Will Birmingham turn out and march? Ask the 150Oo who were in line on Thurs day night?
 Will the various nationalties take part in a public demonstration? They will, for there passed in review before our gov- ernor men of many different countries, but now all American citizens.
 Is Joe Loveman a good man to lead? Ask the various committeeman who served with him. When made chairman he closed his desk at Loveman, Joseph & Loeb's and said: My time is now my cty's time; get In behind me, men, and let's do big thing" and they did. It developed at the meeting that Joe is some speaker.
 One of the first difficulties was to get music. Everyone on the inside was bothered but Thursday night there were seven bands playing patriotic songs. l
 l The news columns carried the story of the parade in detail and I will only give a few sdelights. Strange to say, all of the speakers assembled promptly at the Tutwiler. Governors and senators seemed to realize it would be wrong to keep the people standing along the route of the parade any longer than absolutely necessary.
 1 I had the pleasure of riding by the side of Governor Henderson The great crowds, the lighted streets, the big build ings impressed him deeply with his re- sponsibility and opportunity at this crisis to help his state and he is going to do it.
 l I found him tremendously interested in the effort to speed up the farmers to raise foodstuffs He is behind the move ment with every ounce of strength he can command. He was greatly interested in ] the flood slogans" carried in the pa l rade. 1 The crowds cheered him heartily and he greatly appreciated their good will. 1 He was constantly on the lookout for the l little boys and girls, and when they waved flags at him, he waved a bouquet someone threw into his carriage at them. l A caught his fancy and for fear I hadn't seen him, he pointed him out. While reviewing the parade, Senator Underwood, who came up from Mont ] gomery on the night train, joined us. Someone in the automobile next to ours said: Governor, how many people do you suppose are on the streets tonight?" | q don't know" he replied, asking, l What's Brmingham's population?" "One hundred and eighty thousand" was the reply Then said the governor, that's the number, for they all seem to be here.
 The ceremonies opened at Capitol park by the raising of the American flag as the band played the "Star-Spangled Ban ner" The flag was raised by Miss Susie Hoskins, who was dressed in the Amer ican flag Mrs. Johcn W. Cannon, dressed to represent Liberty, stood by with lighted torch in her hand and as the flag ascended into the air the crowd cheered continuously. It was a pretty and appropriate part of the programme.
 A unique incident was the gift of an l American flag made of silk. It was the gift of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs McGlawn made the presentation in a happy speech.
 It was to me a great night I had longed for proper celebration of Lib erty Day. As I stood and introduced each speaker, my heart glowed with pride as looked into the faces of thou. sands upon thousands of thoughtful men, women and children who had assembled to show their loyalty to the flag that stands for freedom.
 Governor Henderson made the speech of his life His voice was resonant and his sentiments lofty. He really surprised his
 warmest admirers by his great patriotic
 outburst He made a decided hit with
 Birmnghams leading citizens. His visit
 to our city won for him many friends. |
 Governor Brough of Arkansas is a yer itable patriotic whirlwind evangelist when !, he gets in motion If Billy Sunday puts as much vigor into his sermons as the 1 'sArkansaw Traveller" who paid us T , visit, all I've got to say is "Billy's got
 the punch" l hope he will come to Br
 mingham again. He is a ed-blooded, | h hn ic