The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-05-13
Harry N. Burhans, in the Earth tSar
 ta Fe Railroad)

Harry N. Burhans, in the Earth San
 ta Fe Railroad)
 1T LEFT Arthur Chapman just a few II minutes ago, and during the course = of our conversation I said to nim. "Art. there are so many different stories about when, where and how you wrote Out Where the West Begins I wish you would tell me the truth about it.
 He replied. saying that about seven years ago he was working on the Dem yer Republican and that he had a poem day to write for the top of his col umn, headed, Center Shots.''
 While lie did not remember the exact date. he did recall that it was about 10 minutes of and he wanted to catch the 6 o'clock car for home. While he was trying to figure out something to write. he passed the managing editors desk and saw an A. P. dispatch which stated that the governors of the western states, while holding their annual meeting. had fallen into a discussion about where the west begins. some contending for the Allegheny mountains, others the Missis- sippi and some the Rockies. It afforded him the suggestion for the choicest bit of western verse that has ever been writ ten.
 He sat down at the typewriter and in a few minutes "Out Where the West Be- gins" was hanging on the copy hook. He left the office on the run and caught ha q obo inlx ha poem out of the ordinary" he said. but the next day a number of my friends said that it was the best thing I had ever done'
 Newspapers and magazines all over the United States published the poem. The verses have passed over the Pacific to Australia and Hongkong, and the At lantic to the countries of Europe. In all parts of the United States you may trict, but who transferred to one of the conferences in Texas q do not know which one, for believe that there arc five in the Lone Star State) He is pastor of a large and influential church at Fort Worth and is making reputa- ton for himself as a strong preacher and organizer.
 Some oae came up behind me and said. Hello. Brother Barnett I turned to find that it was Dr. Hoyt Dobbs, dean of the theological department of the Southern Methodist university, at Dal- las, and one of the marked men in south ern Methodism. I asked Texas man if his state had any candidate for bishopric. and he laughingly replied, "Only five, but while they each have their friends and foes, I believe Hoyt Dopbs is winner, for it appears all forces favor him." I hope he gave me the right tip, for I would dearly love to see the brilliant son of my dear friend, $. E. Dobbs, pluck the biggest plum in his denomination.
 I always got down to the church be- fore taking in time in order to catch my friends as they came in and was mighty proud of the class of delegates sent by the Alabama and the North Alabama conferences. noted that they LOOK part in all the big things going on while was present and seemed to be looked upon as leaders in the body. They were marked men in the lobby of the Pied mont, the headquarters, and always had a group about them.
 pr. L. c. Branscomb is not much of a public performer He is not spotlight seeker. No one could rightfully accuse him of being a publicity hound" but he is set down as one of the wise men. and his counsel is sought whenever the interests of Southern Methodism is at stake. It looks like to me, a mere Baptist on the side lines that he is one day to be a member of the college of bishops. am willing to put the Alabama Baptists behind him.
 I spent several delightful days with my Methodist brethren, The fellowship was fine I almost felt as if I was dele gate, for st a dinner at the Southern club Arthur crowder, chairman of the Birmingham college campaign. had