The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-10-02
MEN, WOMEN
 AND THINGS

1 It was the brilliant but cynical states man from Kansas. John Ingans, who, familiar with deplorabe political situa- tion, uttered the famous saying: "The purification of politics IS an irridescent dream"
 The idea for years was assiduously promulgated by the politicians and their packers that politics was not gentle mans game: that it was best for them to stay out, or they might get defiled Finally some men of brains, culture and patriotism, tiring of the selfish cry, tried | their hands and ever since have been winning not only office but the thanks of the people
 Then the astute politicians seeing that thought it wise to follow in the wake of the reform and save themselves by nominating men of probity, but men un- acquainted with the intricacies of the game, men whom they could publicly use while footing behind their backs. Thus
 
 ness and threw around politics a <bus- ness halo
 But things move fast in this country, and when moral issues were to the front, preachers emboldened began to take an active part in elections. Here in Ala bama during the prohibition fight any minister who stood against the saloons was held up to scorn by the shrewd leaders of the whisky forces as "politi- cal parsons" I was even accused of being one. but to this good day I have never denied it, but worn it as badge of honor.
 I thought the limit had been reached, but now comes a new issue 1t has been decreed in certain political circles that superintendent, but unfit for public of- flee. Now, I have not nor do I expect to use this column in the interest of any mans candidacy, but I would be untrue to my calling if let such a statement go unchallenged, and I resent it in the
 
 giving their time acting as supertnten- dents of Sunday schools in this district
 Sunday was 8 great day for the Sun day schools of Birmingham and when 1 think of the superntendents, officers and teachers, who have been slurred, for the thrust at the head goes on ha du md stigma on all who are engaged in any way whatsoever with one of the great est modern agencies for teaching Gods word and showing men, women and chiI- dren better way in which to serve the great Teacher, I feel deeply the slight,
 If such characteriza are allowed to pass without resentment or rebuke, someone will arise who will challenge the right of any Christian to seek office at the hands of his friends It is blow not merely at the Sunday schools, but at the churches; yes, at Christianity itself. It is such lowering of office seeking as to prevent any man of known Christian character from ever daring to stand for election to city office.
 God forgive us if Birmingham has reached that depth of infamy that a man must be outside the pale of Chris tianity before, he is considered fit to rule over this great city. If drinking, gambling and fast life is the open sesame to job in the city hall, then every decent man in town ought to hide his head in shame. Any man who puts date because he is upright and seeks to keep him in private life because he is connected with Sunday school work, should be frowned upon by all who be- | lieve in the organized work of the l churches.
 am writing without any personal | animosity whatever, and sincerely hope | that what was said by speaker in the | heat of a political campaign will be disavowed, for the sake of him who said it, for the sake of him for whom it was said, and for the sake of him about whom it was said I have tried to write without malice, or prejudice, and solely in the interest of public mor- ality l realize that it will open the way for much abuse to be cast upon me for saying what I have said, but not to have said what I have said would ] have been cowardice on my part. am not however, asking any special consid- eration because I happen to be preacher for l believe those who know me will give me credit for sufficient manliness to take what's coming to me without hiding behind the cloth.