Birmingham age-herald., 1895-02-24
Social and Otherwise.

IAll itema Of social interest will be gladly
 noted in this column if sent to Mrs. George
 c. Ball, 2161 Highland avenue.l
 h discussing the overcoming, appar- entIy inexhaustible woman, question, which has been brought afresh to the at tention of the public by the National Coun- cil of Women, which !s in session in Washington city, 1t is well for both sides to bear certain facts in mind. In the first place nothing is to be gained by depre- citation of the advocates of woman's sui frage and their mot 'yesS nor by the abuse of those who oppose It. This is one of the questions of the day which intelligent people are considering and weighing. It is one which has only recently enlisted much sympathy among southern men and women. But of late it has received the approval of some of our most conserva- tive and useful citizens of-both sexes. Many Of the women who have espoused the cause are performing all their duties in life with a conscientious devotion. Among it's advocates are women who wives and mothers have no superior, and day after day fulfill their part in every relation of life with fidelity and devotion. The same can be truthfull7 said of those good women who fear that even a discussion of this matter will bring loss of femininity. The good housekeeping, the wifely devotion and the mofherly im- notation are not confined to either faction by any means. A woman with brains, health and energy can be equal to the duties of home life and still have an inter est in questions which are expressing the attention of the thinking world. 1t has long been agreed among intelligent men and women that it is not necessary for the successful rearing of children that mother should simply be nurse, housemaid and cook. These things are well in their way, and good cooking and nursing and u neat home are essential in all we'll regulated families, as we all know, yet a woman oi intellect can supervise the menial duties of the home and still have time to improve her mind and keep in track with human ity. The most useful women of our times, the ones most interested in the charities, in literature and in the improvement of all things about them, are self-sacrih- cing; wise and tender, loving moth- CTS. And more than that, their children will compare favorably in every particular with the children of other women who disapprove of their interest in these matters. lam not woman sui fragist. I have absolutely To desire to cast a ballot. I belong to that fortunate class of women who have husbands and soDs to vote for them, but feel that we should discuss this and all other questions without detracting from the motives and virtues of I opportunities too broad for us to be ham, pered by prejudices, which always limit our vision. As l said before, the good wives, mothers and housskeepers are not confined to either faction, but are about equally divided among the women who are arguing pro and con. This interest in the questions of the day has brought to woin- anhood the boon of increased good health. Constant occupation, constant ex- ercise of mental and physical faculties have rxir nf the duties which pertain to the proper rearing and training of children, and which also renders them agreeable com panions as well as wives for their hus- bands. Let the women, who desire 80 to do, continue to argue this matter of woman suffrage, and, while you and may not agree with them, we should gladly admit their womanly virtues, their usefulness and ofttimes their genius.
 That southern women should feel an in- terest in the discussion of subjects of pub lie or political concern is not surprising. By right of inheritance many of them are natural politicians. The tastes and intel- lects of distinguished fathers often descend to daughters, and many southern woman comprehends public questions-question of national import-as thoroughly as the men of the country. And many loveable daughter of the south possesses political and oratoricaf genius, which she has ln- u. " . Such women must think and inform them selves on all points and sometimes s'speak out in meeting,'' and while they are doing this they can prepare for the sternest real ities of life sons who will .'rise up and call them blessed, ' for they are to them not only 4sweet, devoted mothers, but women whose intellect they admire and whose cul- tivarion they emulate.
 The Cadmean circle was entertained by Esoa nou Eridau of at her home on West Twentieth street. After.the business programme was com pleted Mrs. Willis J. Milner read paper, IA Discussion of the Imagination" and Mrs. Joseph McLester one, "An lllustra- tiop oft the Imaglnation.'
 Were it possible to publish the papers read before the Cadmean circle even those persons who have great faith in the mental power of women would b, surprised at the remarkable strength and beauty of the writings of Birmingham women, and no doubt this applies with truth to other lit- eraty circles in our city. Our women are not only readers, but many ofthem writers of uuusuai power and grace.
 Alter refresh ments- were delightfully."- served the circle adjourned to meet next Friday afternoon with Mrs. Maclin Sioss.
 Mrs. John M. Martin went over to Tus- kaioosa on Friday afternoon to spend few days with her brother, Dr. Samuel Minturn Peck.
 Miss Rosalie Sayye, after visit of sev- eraI weeks to her friends, Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Williams, on the sousp Highlands, will return Monday afternoon to her homo iu Montgomery. Miss sdRre has made many friends in Birmingha4 society a.-.--s'
 
 Mir. and Mrs. Charlie Caldwell leave this week for Bainbridge, Ga. where they will reside, as Mr. Caldwell has large lumber interests there, which necessitate his re- moyal. Their going from us Is cause for sincerest regret on the part of large cir cle of friends, all of whom will bid them most reluct ta nt farewell.