The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-11-26
General crowder declares, that the

GeuSrdl OfOWuer QeCldTeSs bld1 NAO volunteer system has gone forever.
 When army authorities of high rank were being heard by the mili- tary committees of Congress Maj. Gen. Leonard Wood testified that "in addition to our regular force, includ- ing in this the naval establishment, we must have a citizenry so trained that they will be reasonably efficient soldiers in case of need;" and he was inclined to think that training as a permanent proposition, on the general lines proposed in the Chamberlain bill, would ultimately meet the demands of the situation.
 l What General Woodysaid in Decem- Der of 1916 he will doubtless say again and with much greater emphasis when he is asked to appear before mil Iitary committees of the Sixty fifth Congress.
 Representative Kahn of California, the ranking republican on the House committee on military affairs, who is an insistent advocate of universal training, makes a good point when he says: "It is appalling to learn from the records that 60 per cent of our boys are physically unfit for military service. Universal training would materially remedy this condition. Under such a system our boys would be taught hygiene and sanitation, among other things. The system would develop a more robust, more physically fit body of citizens"
 It is hoped that President Wilson, who is committed to the universal service principle, will back the pend ing measure. If he does it will be enacted into law by decisive ma jority in both houses of Congress.
 : :. ;: i A Connecticut man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for failing to report with other men drafted from his district. Promptness in that par ticular district is henceforth assured.
 j. s; < At any rate, Kerensky's private sec retary has escaped with letter for President Wilson. Being private secre- tary to a Russian leader nowadays Is an extra hazardous profession. | <. < T. The Russian ambassador in Washing ton is far enough from the scene of trouble to defy the Lenine regime with comparative safety.
 * i; # We don't make any distinction in the sex of rattlesnakes. Female spies should be rounded up, along with male conspira- tors.
 Bad Birmingham" is no more, but Busy Birmingham" is still creating envy among rival southern cities. 1 Y. * < Haig and Byng have names that are short, crisp and full of punch. Both are living up to their names. l # # # Many a southern newspaper man eu llogizes the 'possum who wouldn't eat one for love or money. .s *. :s
 The newly commissioned officer is in a frame of mind that makes it easy for a tailor to gouge him.
 T # ;.
 Wicked males don't object to a little crowding in an elevator if the elevator girl is good looking. T # # <
 A ton of "black diamonds will make suitable Christmas present. if the donor is wealthy.
 x $. *s The Kaiser's agents are not respon- sible for the epidemic of pneumonia at Camp Wheeler. < x x Nobody objects to certain amount !. of chestiness in a family who boast a service flag lla! x # # 7 No one takes himself quite as se- riorsly as the small town dramatic critic.
 i In the meantime the controversy ovel alien music rages with unabated fury
 4 < :s
 Henry Ford is one converted pacifis who shows no symptoms of backsliding
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 There is no getting around tho fac 1 that we still have the U-boats with us
 LUKE M'LUKE SAYS Another way in which a wife show her consistency is by abusing her hus g band in private and bragging about hin in public.
 Another thing we can't understand 1 rs..I I1