The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-06-01
M EN, w 0 M FEN
 A ND T HIN c s

1 Tn the old days when I was practic- ing law here in Birmingham there used to be a promoter who frequently looked in on me and my partner, and Icing engaged in the game he was he wasn't overcareful In his statements, J But he was & genuine exploiter and had a fascinating personality and plenty of Individuality, and a manner most agreeable. I'll never forget the salutation my partner always made when he came around, for he said: Come in. you are the most cheerful liar who favors this office with his presence"
 I could write whole story around promotion and the gentle art of lying, but I might give out the impression that in some way promoters had a. monopoly on falsehood when there are others. For instance, after years of inside study of printing plants I sus- pected that the ease with which they promised jobs were due to very elastic consciences.
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 But If 1t came to a showdown and had to award the palm to bunch of expert promisers and amateur per formers I would unhesitatingly place l 1t on the brow of the average cleaner. There must be some reliable firms, for have friends whom l regard highly who are in the business, but they have caused me many disappointments. I suppose, however, that at present I am a bit bitter on account of the way a chum of mine did me in re- gard to certain article of wear. To be plain it's the sad story of fancy US it matters not how much we may do to overcome always retains at least small remnant of original sin. But this Is not to be a theological ! tract, but rather a confession, as unblushingly admit that in spite of creed and profession I have an un conquerable hankering after varie- gated waistcoats q believe that Dick -ens makes David copperfield guilty of the same desire by saying that on fall ing in love he bought four sumptuous cnes). We all have our weaknesses If we will only admit them.
 Enter my good friend, Fred M. Jack son on the scene. Knowing my fond ness for graduating exercises and that
  Southern's close, he invited me to go | through the country with him to the commencement of the Woman's col | lege at Montgomery, he being the chairman of the board of trustees. accepted on the spot as I have learned that Fred is mighty charming host. l Learning that he had a pair of striped white trousers I thought it was up to me to keep up the Baptist end of the combination by at least wearing a fancy vest. looked through my assortment and finding the one wanted soiled, I took it to a cleaner given me his. word of honor as cleaner that I could get it back on the same day, by o'clock.
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 In spite of repeated betrayals of trust by the promising tribe to which he belongs, I. with the faith of a It. tie child, placed it in his hands, and with faith unbelievable called for it at the hour set. only to find that it would not arrive, as it always took ] two days to clean silk articles. But" said I, you told me positively if I came for it on my way home it would be ready"
 Seeing my grief he kindly agreed 70 send special messenger and get 1t and have 1t pressed and ready by 8 the next morning, our leaving time. I went for it. but it had not arrived He rushed messenger for it and said 1t will be at Mr Jackson's office in 15 minutes. I waited a half hour and no vest came. then went to his place of business and was told that he had sent it to the place agreed upon
 Fred kindly offered to go by his office and did so, but no vest had shown up. Once more back to the promising cleaners" to be told that the boy in whose care the much sought 1 article had been entrusted was only half-witted. and by that time I was l about wholly crazy. Fred had caught the spirit of the chase and once more we doubled only to be told that the boy and the vest had arrived, but he had taken it to the Louisville and Nashville station, thinking I was go- ing Montgomery on the train.
 I gave it up, and we started out of town. but Fred, after going several blocks, said, tFrank. I'm going to get that vest for you if 1t takes all day." and before I knew it he had wheeled around and headed for his office, and To and behold, it was there, my fancy vest. the pride and joy of my ward robe. have told this story to show up the promising" cleaners as well as to let the world know that Fred Jack son is ready to go to any trouble for a friend
 l caDu1tltlENdAontlH
 WERE vICTORIANs REsTRAINEDs Stanley T. Williams. in the North