The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-03-22
M EN, w O M E N
 A ND T HIN G s

! about Hugh F. LAtimer.
 l I do not know whether my friend traces his ancestry back to the great reformer who made himself unpopular in ecclesiastical circles for criticlzing the lives of English priests and ''un- preaching \prelates," but for time weathered the storm of wrath through the protection of Henry VIII.
 It makes small differences so far as this appreciation is concerned, and yet the modern Hugh Latimer is made of the same fearless stuff which at last brought his great namesake with Rid ley to the stake at Oxford, for he has always dared in the twentieth century to stand for the best things in morals and civics without considering if it was the popular thing to do or not. There are some' royal natures, and when one comes into their presence It is not at all necessary that they shall be introduced as titled personages for there is something in their very man ner which makes itself known that they are natures noblemen. I am glad that this is true in our great Ameri- can democracy, where rank counts for nothing, but worth-is the only passport to true nobility.
 lam not, however, trying to pretend that T do not dearly love a lord or that 1 am insensible to the benefits which the great saristocracies of the old world have been in softening the manners of the people and making so- ciety more interesting, for i am only trying to point out that while there are ranks in the European courts, that even here in these United States we have different kinds of aristocracy, and am glad that it is so
 Every now and then some paper or prize Is offered for the best definition of gentleman" 1 have never cared for any of the answers submitted, for, as a matter of fact, it is a hard thing to define, but it is an easy thing to understand and appreciate when one
 
 bears unmistakable evidences of being one.
 Such one is Hugh F. Latimer the ahable and courteous railroad repre- sentative who for nearly a score of years was a familiar figure in the so- cial. civic and religious fife of this community. I think ,ne first time I ever met him was when he was the agent of the Alabama Great Southern at Tuscaloosa, but I first learned to know him well when he came here in the ticket office of the Southern rail- way, when it had offices in the Nor ris building.
 Nature cast him in A large mold and he moved about as a man among men. Open of countenance, easy in manner and friendly to a remarkable degree 1t was small wonder that he was a favorite not only in railroad circles bu. in all the walks of life. There was something aboutShim which gave out the impression that he was a person worthy of trust and also that he was willing to serve as he went about his business.
 Time came, however, when his him from sickness and TOT some years he was in a critical condition just how critical was only known to his few intimates. but at no time did he ever murmur, and never whine passed his lips when it seemed as if his life of unselfishpess was at an end. He was always the cheery, thoughtful mar of the world who was ready to take life as he found it and make the bes. of it without cursing his bad luck on account of suffering.
 He was a man who was neve. ashamed to let 1t be known that he was a Christian, though he never pa- raded his religion before his fellow man. He was absolutely free from any of the horrier than thou" attitude His interest in church work lay along two lines as he was wrapped up in Sunday schools and the laymen's move ment, always doing more than his share in both in, his local church as we'll as in his attendance upon theic state conventions.
 While here he was an active member of the Southside Baptist church. IL may not be known to many, but sew eral years back he was offered the po- sition of superintendent of the lay mems movement in Alabama, and 1t was earnestly desired by those behini the cause that he take it up but aft CT prayer and consideration he declined the work and continued on his job with the Southern. while functioning to the extent of his ability with his brethren in religious lines.
 I have purposely left out the busi- ness side of his career in which he made success in tho railroad world. It will be remembered that during the war he was at the head of the con- solidated ticket office in the Brown Marx building. On account of his health he went west for while and then was Transferred to Asheville, but of late has been stationed at Winston Salem. N. c.
 l have, however, emphasized his re- ligious leanings because it leads up to his present position, for he has retired from the railroad world to become the general secretary of the Winston Salem Young Mems Christian associa- tion. It is position which will give -him chance to exercise his remark- able gifts as a leader of men and as an executive of high vrrer. I am sure that he has been divinely led in talk ing up his new task, and personally to me it is great pleasure to know that he will have such congenial work.
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