The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-17
MEN, WOMEN
 AND THINGS

Hats off to Mir Crowder. president of the Chamber of Commerce, who made cracking good talk to the Rotarians yesterday. His election seems to have rejuvenated the conservative old mother of all of Birmingham's civic bodies.
 
 Arthur is some business man, but in the days I knew him best, he was Bir- mingham's chief beat, and from the / spring in his step and the fire in his eye. I am ready to believe that he IS going to lead grandma a lively dance The only thing I fear is that, having gotten into the life insurance game, he has lost some of his assurance, and may not be as bold as of .yore but in spite of his acquired modesty, I am , sure he will show her good time, and see that she has a seat of honor when ever Birmingham gives a reception. I I am, afraid that the Chamber of Commerce has been overchaperoned, and thereby lost some chances to get
  pulled off, while other more venture some civic danes were fox trotting for the prizes. Modesty and virtue are prizes within themselves and not to be lightly spoken against, but prudery can be overdone.
 ! I am sure that the chamber will be on dress parade more frequently than | heretofore, for Arthur is a great be- that his partner gets chance to be seen. It's mans business to see to it that l his lady love does not die of ennui. Knowing Arthur as I do, I can confi- dently say that he is an ideal escort, and will not permit his new love to be a wall flower.
 1 When I came back here Is years ago and found out that Arthur Crowder had limelght and that the Jacksonians had ijust so gotten into the habit of electing him mayor that there was little chance of his ever getting out of public office long enough to move back to his old home, was real depressed, for Arthur missed him and felt that so far as I was concerned Birmingham would never be the same old place to me with Arthur living in Mississippi and "grafted' in the capitol.
 Then one bright day, walking down Twentieth street, I heard a familiar voice cry: If there aint old Frank Barnett!" I turned, and there stood Arthur, and Birmingham has seemed more like home to me ever since he came back to stay. I am glad he has been put back in harness so quickly. He has done a quiet work as president of the Civitans, a fine bunch of fellows, but as the head of the Chamber of Com merce, he will have a chance to let his light shine, and he is some illuminatoi when he turns on all his reserve power Here is wishing him well. I am going to try and help him make good.
 | Now, I am going to tell true story on him: In the old days, when the Comu' club was situated on First avenue, { few of the more devilish young society fellows, under the lead of one A. Crowder organized themselves into Hacking Club" 1t was about the neanest thins was ever connected with, and I an blushing at the mere thought that eve had anything to do with it. The bii idea was for about a half-dozen hard ened old bachelors to go out on Sunda. |, afternoons and give the debutantes tn, third degree.
 , Crowder was the leader. It was rainy Sunday afternoon. Augusta Bush one of the loveliest young women eve 5 reared in Birmingham. was to be tn , first victim. We rang the bell and wer
 ushered into the drawing room. In few minutes down floated Augusta in
 beautiful clinging gown of blue Sh
 was just exhaling youth and gladness
 and reached cut both hands, but nc one of the miserable sinners grasped he e dainty fingers in theirs. Arthur was tn
 villain. Drawing himself up yer,
 straight, in a most cutting tone he said I'm sorry, but evidently there is som 6 mistake. We didn't ask for you; we onl n came in to get out of the rain." At gusta went red for a minute; then sh
 got herself together and drawing hei d self up like the good sport she wa : she made little courtesy and sweetl
 answered: "Why, Mr Crowder, you SUI prise me- Then cooly looking us owe
 she added; "I didn't know this bunc a had sense enough to come in out of tf
 wet" and with that she marched ol
 and upstairs. leaving as hacked bune . of hackers as ever went about tryir
 to have fun at the expense of debutante
 We elected her an honorary member
 the hackers band and disbanded on tl IS spot and apologized for our unpardoi
 able rudeness.
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 P. S.-If Arthur denies the story, I W nroye ii on him bv Dolly Da 11.vfnp1a