The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-07-06

l NSNA% nearly 50,0O0 below war strength. The ranks will now be brought up to the maximum, which is 300,0O0, by conscription.
 The regular will form the nucleus of great national army to be mobil- ized in France, but if they were not to be supported by larger body brought to the colors by conscrip- tion there would be little use in send ink any soldiers across the sea at all. This war is a serious business-as serious for the United States as it is for France and Great Britain. The country simply cannot afford to listen to men of the Hardwick type. When Congress, at the solicitation of Presi- dent Wilson, enacted selective draft legislation, there was nothing left for good, loyal Americans but to abide by it and that, too, with characteristic patriotism.
 Does Senator Hardwick think he is interpreting the sentiment of Geor- gia? If he reflects the attitude of any considerable proportion of the manhood of his state, more's the pity. What is the matter with Georgia any way? Atlanta made a poor showing on Registration Day, and Georgia as whole was disappointing to the ad- ministration, which had looked upon that commonwealth of heroic tradi- tions as still among the foremost of patriotic states.
 If Senator Hardwick's object was to encourage slackers, he has suc- ceeded, no doubt, especially in his state, where there are already many of them.
 Georgia has a host of brave right-thinking men whose views and whose voices should always dominate in crisis such as we are now facing. It is time they were coming to the front once more.
 * * have been made prisoners of war will receive the Iron Cross when they return home, if they can prove they did not surrender voluntarily. Still. that won't prevent the boys on the western front from raising their hands when the "Tornmies' heave in sight.
 < * * handling the "suffs" with care. This is humane and enlightened country. Per- sons suffering from mental disorders are always kindly treated.
 * <
 London newspapers devoted much space to Fourth of July festivities, de- spite the fact that the Fourth" is not chock full of pleasant memories for John Bull.
 While our transports reached France safely, 1t wasn't because the Germans didn't know all about their sailing and the route they took across the Atlantic.
 <
 Among the men arrested in Washington for interfering with the suffragists was one John Jones'" evidently modest citizen who shrinks from publicity. Despite language difficulties, American soldiers are fraternizing with French troops and have probably learned what to say to pretty Parisienne.
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 If Kingdom. Gould wants to marry an Italian beauty who was formerly a tu- tor in his family, it's nobody's business, but society Is prostrated.
 The knowledge that they are fighting for Russia now. and not the Czar, should enable the Russian troops to maintain their winning streak.
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 The British admiralty won't tell how nevertheless looks wise when the sub ject Is mentioned.
 No doubt the Second regiment would prefer duty in the trenches to hiking to Montgomery in this kind of weather
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 After ell is said and done. the fellow who is natural born stacker can't be made to feel ashamed of himself.
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 East St. Louis has lost completely and rrevocably all the popularity 1t ever had as mecca for southern negroes.
 
 If one-half China fights the other half. Japan can be depended on to do business with the winning half. N < * Paris celebrated the Fourth of July in way to make the rest of the world sit up and take notice.
 
 The Kaiser may or may not keep a