The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-27

the United States. Several Van Dykes, Rembrandts and Rubens have been purchased by Americans recently. Prices are advancing rapidly, but rich men who are interested in art do not mind that. Henry c. Prick did not hesitate to pay $25O,O00 for a rare old painting year or so ago, and he is known to be still in the market for the best that owners of old master works may offer.
 One of the leading newspapers of Philadelphia has criticized MT. Prick for spending $25O,O0 on a picture. The editor thought the money could have been expended in a more useful way But the generous art collector was to be commended. Only the very rich can afford to buy such costly paintings and they should be encour- aged instead of criticized for getting together splendid collection, especi- ally since the purpose of the collec- tion in this case is to turn it over to the public some day The Philadelphia newspaper man must have the mind of a Philistine.
 At the rate art prices are jumping it will not be long before we hear of $500, ,000 paintings.
 A California man who was being sued for divorce asked the court how he could prevent quarrels with his wife. The judge wrote poem of two stanzas en- titled Kiss Her. and mailed it to the defendant. The wife must be rather good looking to inspire the judge, or writing poetry may be just habit with him.
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 Chicago washerwomen have organized a union to get higher pay and decent luncheons" Is it possible that their em- ployers do not set out the family's best silverware and cut glass when lunch con" is served to the "washladies?"
 
 A woman recently presided as speaker of the Oregon house of representatives for the first time in the history of the state. Solons who chew tobacco had a good laugh at the expense of smoking solons who didn't dare Tight up." Northwestern university has girl stu- dent who established what is said to be a new worlds record for women in 5e- yard low hurdles. A girl like that should have no difficulty in catching subur- ban train. Efforts are afoot to regulate San Fran keeps sweeping on the time will soon come when there will be no place for tourist to go when neS all dressed up. Washington society women are stirred up because trained nurse was proposed for membership in an exclusive club. Isn't that dreadful to think about? After seeing the way women mob a handsome movie actor when he comes to town, the superior attitude of most men is more superior than ever. It may seem hard hearted, but when a female crank goes on hunger strike a great many people positively decline to shed any tears. The American submarine G-1 can dive like a German U-boat but has not yet &C., quired the bad habits attributed to Ger man submarines. It is reported that bread has won the fight against beer in England. Here of late bread is getting to be hard hit ter A New York schoolboy who was caned was awarded $15oo damages by jury. The old-fashioned boy never thought of that.
 $ * It has almost reached the point in this country when each days low descending sun shines on new prohibition bill
 * * In passing it may be well to call atten- ton to the fact that the Kaiser has deco rated General von Mackensen again. Thomas W. Lawson could finance that "leak" investigation. but as usual, Uncle Sam will have to pay the bill.
 * So far as the President is concerned, smashing precedent is all in the days work
 
 LUKE M'LUKE SAYS The trouble with gossips is that they believe everything they hear and make up the rest. When she takes a rapt interest in the story of your life, and your heroism IS mirrored in her starry eyes. you are a gonner, son, you are a gonner.
 Funny how things turn out. The old- fashioned small town boy who was to be hanged before he was 21 because he played pool and smoked cigarettes is now