The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-10-19


 The south has had a great deal of free advertising. This has helped in drawing capital and upbuilders to Dixieland. But nothing will pay quite so well as systematic publicity cam paign such as the Southern Commer- cial congress proposes.
 There should be no trouble in rais- ing the funds. Banks, railroads and the agricultural departments of the sixteen states of the south will be ex- pected to contribute literally, and those in charge of the canvass will not be disappointed.
 When the Southern Commercial congress was organized less than ten years ago it attracted comparatively little attention. Although distin- guished men of affairs and experts of wide reputation have always par ticipated in the proceedings 1t did not rise above the experimental stage, perhaps, until the fifth annual con- vention was held in Mobile in 1913. President Woodrow Wilson attended and made his keynote speech on the subject of war, having in mind the possibilities of armed intervention in Mexico.
 Since then the congress has been recognized very generally as pow erful factor in advancing the interests of the south, and, incidentally, the interests of the whole country.
 It will come Birmingham's turn be- fore long to entertain the congress, and when that time arrives there will be no lack of hospitality or enthusi- asm here. The sooner we have it the better.
 An idol of the movies and the stage has again sought happiness at the matri- monial altar, we are told. Judging from the number of her previous marriages, she is ore of those beauties who believes in the old saying, If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
 Mrs William Jennings Bryan has been happily married a long time, yet she is making speeches greatly dispara gng men. Dear, dear, Why is it that when some women want the ballot they think the quickest way to get it is to call us hard names.
 According to a French view, Chancellor has g square head, a cracked voice and eats black bread and cold sausage late at night, His digestion must be pretty good, anyway
 A local Greek denies that former King Constantine was dominated by his Hohen- zoilern wife. It's strange how that im- pression got abroad and put "Tinor in a bad light.
 
 The Japs are struggling manfuily with their bukkatolli. Of course, you know that "bukkatoki' means the high cost of living in Japan.
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 In spite of flood of inventions to put them out of business, those pesky U-boats keep plugging away at allied shipping.
 "A contemporary discusses When New York goes dry Going dry and being
 < * are not getting much to eat in Germany Oh, well, neither are the Germans.
 It is reported that a new food has been invented in Germany. Probably some thing to fill long-felt want
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 While the American flag may never fly over Berlin, it is going to inspire con- siderable respect in Berlin.
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 So the shine bal'' is only myth, 3 snare and delusion. Still, it seems to have served it's purpose:
 Even though you never do your Christi mas shopping until the last moment, buy your liberty bond now.
 whether to swat John Barleycorn or ex- tend the glad hand.
 The Kaiser now looks shrunken and sad Greater men than he have learned to curse ambition. An Alabama lad, under draft age walked Is miles to enlist. That's the spirit of 1917.
 LITTLE MONEY IN OSTRICHES From the Brooklyn Eagle. One of the real benefits of the con, sular report is it's contribution to or anthology as well as commerce. Consu K A Wakafield at Port Elizabeth