The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1918-02-03

humor was a genuine appreciation Oh
Mr.. stalling's excellent work at Camp
wheeler, and the most "heinous"
charge which could be brought
against the Birmingham man was ef-
ficiency.
Secretary Bush summoned all the
army "Y's secretaries to come to the
administration building at once.
had been talked that many changes
in the staff would be made at tne
meeting. The court was called TO or
der Mr.. Stallings. the "culprit" was
dragged into the courtroom. Joe
Holmes was appointed prosecuting at
torney and DR.. Allen Fort. formerly
of Nashville. Tenn, to assist.
The charge consisted of about 40
counts, but only the three leading ones
were read: az. Mr.. stallings was ac-
cused of a1-round efficiency; (2), I'M
selfishness; CD, he was accused of be-
ing a. Christian gentleman, actually
taking part in religious services at
times.
Then the trial began.
Mr.. Martin. camp business secretary,
was first called He was asked to put
up his left hand He was then asked
if he would tell lie. a whole lie,
and nothing but a lie." Mr.. Martin
proceeded to throw some light upon
the subject.
1t then occurred to the court that
Mr.. Stallings should have lawyer to
represent him. Mr.. Coffman, building
secretary of As, was appointed to rep
resent the .'culprit." Mr.. Mckay was
then asked IL he would tell nothing
but a lie and coined the phrase which
was used during the remainder of the
trial, 80 help me onions" Mr.. Good
all, representing the American Library
association, was a good witness Tor
tho defense. Many of the witnesses
testified they had seen the "culprit"
cutting wood" carrying in coal"
policing the building and even maxi
ing religious talks, "all of which was
unbecoming to a camp secretary"
The evidence being in, Mr.. Holmes
was given five hours to make out his
case but generously took only half
that time. Mr.. Coffman took the floor
for the defense. After the storm had
subsidized and the court slowly sat in
silence. Mr.. Holmes bowed to Mr.. Coff-
man, his opponent, and admitted the
witnesses had been truthful and that
1t was the first time in his great ca
reer' as one "of the leading lawyers
of Birmingham that he had ever seen
both sides agree. Dad Gray, the court
reporter. was a nervous wreck, having
used up all the pencils in the room
taking evidence.
| The old chief was proven guilty OF
three charges: a.. All-round effici-
ency; ~, unselfishness: go, Chris
tian gentleman.
The judge submitted one of two
| things for Mr.. Stallings to accept:
Either remain as camp secretary or
accept" CAT this point the door was
opened and large leather travelling
bag was handed to the judge.) this
TEEN and friendship which the 'Y'
secretaries of Camp Wheeler extend
to YOU
Mr.. Stallings took the bag and. in a
feeling response, spoke of how the
"Y" work had been built up from
nothing to what it was now by CO.
operation.
Then he told of his trip ito New
York and of the wonderful "Y" meet
ing they had had. John r. Mott pre-
sided and about zoo of the leading
secretaries of the country were there.
He told how they had launched the
plan to raise 100000 to send select
secretaries to startegic points in the
world.
He thens told of his new work, that
Of building up the local Y. M. c. A.
over the state Of Alabama. This being
done, he stated, looking forward to
the end of the war. With round OF
handshaking and many good wishes,
Mr.. Stallings, the former efficient
camp Wheeler Y. M. c. A. camp secre :
tary left for Alabama.