The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-06-09
M EN, w o M FEN
 A ND T HIN G s


 What's the matter with Civitan?
 She's alright
 She teaches citizenship and friend-
 ship too,
 thru.
 What's the matter with Civitan?
 She's alright"
 Said Mercer Barnett, president of International Kiwanis, to Courtney Shropshire. president of International Civitan, Doe, old sport, your bunch has put more pep into the old town since prohibition took the joy out of life. Believe me, the Civitan infant isNsome husky baby when it comes to making a noise."
 It's q great thing to belong to an organization which gives a fellow a chance to be boy again, and that is just what the famous dinner clubs, which are taking America, annexing Europe and invading the Orient, are doing; and particularly so at their annual conventions, for every one forgets being a grown-up for the time being and frolics and rollics like a kid
 But just because the members are out for a good time don't let the idea that their gatherings are simply fun producers, for plenty of time is given to the more serious aspects of the or gari.ations, and they become inspir- atioral as well as informing. It would be impossible for them to have their present vogue if they were based simply on pleasure. Fellow skip and service are the foundations on which they are laid.
 Birmingham has peculiar interest in Civitan. for 1t had it's birth here. It is home affair, and shows forth to the outside world better than any of our manufactured products just why it is that this town of ours has been named the Magic City. Proud we are that Birmingham steel in Bir- mingham bottoms is finding it's way into the Seven Seas. but prouder still that the slogan Builders of Good Citizenship" is advertising it as place where Americanism is no idle phrase, but exemplified in the lives of the Civilians.
 I believe it was Emerson who said, That an institution is but the heightened shadow of a man." but whether the sage of Concord or some or not, it is indubitably true in many. cases, and in no instance moro out standingly than in Civitan. which but reflects the spirit of Dr. Courtney w. Shropshire, its first president and the soul of the movement. In saying this I do not forget that from the start he has had the active help of the faithful 12 who subscribed their names to its charter as well as the more recent additions to the magic circle.
 Far be it from me after "Dolly's" splendid appreciation of the interna- tional president of Civitan to even outline sketch of the genial phy- sician whose red carnation. like red badge of courage, is continual inspiration to his friends to get into the fight for every civic betterment. The doctor has the joy of life, big asset in these days when too many are wearing crepe. He is big in body, heart and mind. and these three virtues being backed up with unflagging interest and energy, it is small wonder that Ciwtan clubs are springing up all over the land.
 Builders of Better Citizenship" a wonderful motto to inscribe on any banner in these days. alas! with only a little time lapsed since our boys were dying on foreign shores for American ideals we are forgetting their unselfishness in our keen inter- est to get ahead at any cost. even though we drag in the dust some of the things for which the poor lads died. The slogan of the Civilians is clarion call to higher and better ser vice to city, state and nation; and right glad am that it Is sweeping over the country like a prairie fire burning up selfishness.
 Laugh if you wish at the dinner clubs, but behind the weekly dinings is long record of service. the mere cataloguing oA the good deeds done would fill volumes. If you doubt it.. ask any of those connected with the war activities as to the help received. Call upon the great societies, both re- ligious and secular. which are func- tioning in many channels, and they will gladly give praise to them for hearty cooperation in the various drives. The Civilians take an active interest in matters of education, san |itation. charity. law observance and other. matters of public interest. The record of the local club is too well known to be set down here. It's for these and other reasons that Bir- mingham felt honored in being host to the first International civitan con vention.
 | c31xlnlazNIAacss4l DELAYED PRAISE FOR J. B.