The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-02-11
And As Usual They
 Left It To Scudder
nx GonnoN MckINLEN

Everything was going on as usual yes terday in the city hall. the officials were handling the business of their several departments and visitors were coming and going with their advice, praise and com paints when scudder Ryall threw a monkey wrench into the works and spoiled the afternoon for everypody.
 At first glance the thing he handled so gingerly between thumb and finger tip looked like an ordinary envelope. For that matter. it was. TO the mayor ot Birmingham it was addressed, as II everybody hadn't heard all about com mission government by tnls time, put the stamp on It bore the crest of 'Merrie' england. scud bore the letter in to Dr. N. A. Barrett, president of the City Comnis- sion, who opened it, glanced at 1t, held his glasses before his eyes in his right hand, cleared his throat and looked at the lerter over his glasses, now firmly astrad- uie of his nose.
 why wish it off on me, Mr. Ryall?" The asked.
 Well, sir, scud replied, you come closer to being mayor than anybody else lin town
 pr Barrett leaned back in his chair | ana ledu. dlyuQ.
 The True Temperance Association
 "Telephone No, Central 1l7i. F. "President:
 The Right Hon the Earl of Halsbury. I "Chairman of Committees
 The Right Hon. the Earl of Plymouth, Dr. Barrett interjected:
 MT. Ryall. are you trying to put something over on me2'
 rNo, sir" Scud answered, 'it came in the mail
 "Ahem said the doctor, cryptically "Secretary: John A. Pace. bloomington House, Norfolk street | Strand, W. c. ?,
 Nineteenth January, 1920.
 Again an interjoction: I'll bet It's London Leave it to them to forget tc name the town.
 The Mayor, Birmingham, Alabama' U. s. A.
 The British public is in stats ol bewildcrment as to the real reception of prohibition in the United states
 Them and me both, interjected Scud
 .'This is \ owing mainly" the doctor read on, 'fo the divergent statements which are being made in this country, "On behalf of the True Temperance As, l sociation I am anxious to learn, and to DC able to present tO tIiS pupiiN iiSt - authoritative views on the matter, ant I should therefore be deeply grateful t2 YOU if you, as mayor of one of the grea' cities of the Uaited states "-at this poih' i Dr.. Barrett lowered the letter frightened his cravas and glanced at those aooHl him over the top of his glasses woui- favor me with a statement as to prohiol lion in Ameriea-Aow far 1t is effective how it is received by the citizens an' .rhether and to what extent it's effects arc good Or otherwise.
 "Thanking you in anticipation,
 "I am dear sir,
 "Yours faithfully,
 John A. Pace,
 Secretary"
 As tLe mayor had read further an' further into the colossal order. ih mo uths of those about fell open, and ,ac' man eyed his neighbor askance. Final The Mayor spoke:
 MT. Ryall, you will make it one q yohr first duties to secure this lni'rnH' tion for our cousins across the water.
 How many months leave of absenf do vou give me?' MT. Ryall asked 'sn' to what account shall l charge the eN l.penses?'
 ''Eh?" said Dr, Barrett. "l see Well take it around to the commissioners an' . let them wrestle with it. too"
 And Scudder did, and that was wh'