The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1921-04-21

The President was invited to attend the
semicentennial. of Birmingham's exist
ence May 81. Very frankly, he stated
that he could not do so. He then de-
clared that he was In love with the
south, and that he wanted again to sec
the south, and especially Alabama. II
was his suggestion that If an invitation
was extended for the coming fall, he
would be delighted to accept.
SECTIONALISM DEAD
The President reiterated mis- former
statement that it had become a passion
with him to make the south know that
this country is one in spirit, and while
there is room for difference of opinion,
there is none for sectionalism He de-
csared that his reception in Texas, Okla
homa and Florida will ever be a sweet
memory and that it was his hope TO
become even better acquainted with the
beautiful country to the south of us'.
Mr. Harding declared as another reason
for his desire to visit Alabama, his friend
ship and admiration for Senator Under
wood. with whom he was paired during
his senatorial career, and his reverence
for the late Senator Bankhead, who, the
president added. was ''the salt of the
earth"
Mr. Glass in extending the invitation
made a most felicitous speech in which
he declared that Birmingham was de-
Lighted with the President and charmed
by your sweetness of smile and warmth
OF heart" He told of Birmingham s
wonderful growth in period of fifty
years and suggested that a visit by the
President would serve as a stimulus for
still greater achievements. Senator In
derwood then informed the President that
he would make no speech because "you
have heard me too much in the Senate"
to which the President demurred.
GOOD TIME ASSURED
But" said Senator Underwood, I'VE
really want you to come and we win
give you a real southern welcome and a
royal good time"
The President was most cordial After
his agreement to visit Birmingham ia
do no campaigning, and thus not try
to save you from yourselves"
Facetious reference, at that point, was
made by I. II. Aldrich, republican
member of the committee, to the fact
that the President received about 40 per
cent of the vote OF Birmingham. and inn
mediate environs- The President nodded
as If already aware of that fact. and
quickly changed the subject.
b. ALtGT tic COu1cTcuSe the f>IeSlQeHt 6C-
companied the committee to the rear Of
the executive offices where group pic
ture was made. While posing he talked
golf with Senator Underwood, whom he
called Oscar and spoke Of the fun pos
sible of attainment on the municipal
links where every player, irrespective or
his identity. Is required to pay q cents.
KIDS THE SENATOR
He advised Senator, Underwood 10 pay
your quarter like a gentleman" When
the senator responded that the links
were very good but not very sporty, the
President, with grim smile In memory
OF his own experience declared them
sporty enough for the, average office
holder" 80
In the Birmingham delegation were
Senator Underwood, Frank r.. Glass, T.
II. Aldrlch, Forney Johnston Frank K
Butler. Charles l.. Harold, Thomas w
Martin. w. W. Walmsley and Sidney w.
Lee. The visiting members Of the COM
mittee incidentally were starnpedcd at
sight OF the presidential mint bed, and
several of the more daring walked OFT
with mint leaves attached to their
lapels as souvenirs of the occasion. and
evidence that the spirit of the world,
after all. IL not entirely dry and sere.