The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-12-28

1IlE DlgMl IN Ol1 AIM English. Also it is sought to stand ardize among children of American stock, as well as those, of European and Asiatic stocks, pronunciation ap. proved by the best authorities. Again Americans have long been proverbial for their poor enunciation. It used to be that only teachers of elocution stressed the importance of voice meditation and clear speaking, but distinct enunciation should be stressed everywhere.
 Women's clubs and other cultural agencies are ready to cooperate earn estly in this movement, but in their desire to render great service along the lines of virile Americanism, let not the promoters of "good speech push into the background everyday grammar, even for the duration of the war. Children are we'll taught in the primary schools, and every boy and girl who enters the high school has learned the difference between the
 
 verbs "to lie" and "to lay;" but the less ambitious get them mixed in oral English. Most of them know better, but T seen it" and q done it" are still heard in this neck of the woods. not only among children, but in the commercial walks of life.
 The teacher of English at Monte vallo has accomplished much, and the influence of that educational center will in time be widely felt. But for the present the work of teaching in- habitants of America of foreign tongue will have the right of way. and 1t should receive enthusiastic SUD- port in all directions.
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 President Wilson seems to think his olstinguished son-in-law is a glutton for work. Secretary McAdoo was al. ready earning salary of not less than slo'oOo,ooo year when asked to take charge of the nations railroads.
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 With Von Tirpitz conceding that the U-boat campaign hasn't accomplished the results expected, is it any wonder that the allies go bit further and say the submarine campaign Is a failure?
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 T had the pleasure of shooting a Ger man and taking his rifle."LOne of Persh- ing's men. Could anything be more agreeable to fighting man, unless it were shooting two Germans?
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 After reading descriptions of Flanders mud. a motorist should be able to whis- tie few bars of "The tar-Spangled Banner" no matter how deeply his car is stuck in American mud
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 Oh, well, it wasn't Santa Claus ia dlt if thousands of Christmas quarts never reached their destination There is a well-founded suspicion that Santa takes a nip occasionally.
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 The high price of hair tonic will not increase the number of bald heads in this country. Hair falls as naturally as the leaves in autumn.
 Jack ashore exposes almost as much chest as debutante, but who would ven- ture to suggest locket for Jacks manly bosom?
 A writer says it is preposterous to talk of England being invaded. The Hun airman is merely casual visitor.
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 The Mexican border occasionally be- comes alive, with the result that there are a few more dead Mexicans
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 "A Peerage for Jellicoe," is the way the headlines put it. What it really means is "A Sop for Jellicoe." The Italian equivalent of '"They shall not pass" is being rigidly adhered to along the Piave.
 Germany is beginning to realize at last that an enemy more or less does make difference.
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 One of the easiest ways to offend 1 Bolshevik is to tell him, Thou shalt rot loot"
 Many pampered poodle has not yet been made to feel that this country is al war.
 The man who beefs about beefless day will bear watching.