Birmingham state herald., 1895-11-21
OUR SOCIAL WORLD

(All items of social interest will be gladly noted in those columns if sent to Mrs. George C. Ball, Nineteenth street, between Tenth and Eleyentli avenues, South High lands. Telephone 9SS.)
 While the woman question is being dis cussed in this country in all it's bearings with an energy and fervor which certain ly indicates interest, if not appreciation, the quiet and conservative English peo- pie have been surprised by statistics touching this matter in regard to their own country. It is generally conceded that America and Americans are large ly responsible for all the startling in- noyations of this present aggressive pc riod, yet it appears that English women have proven much more active and, ac- cording to figures, more satisfactory in political liIe in their own country than men generally care to acknowledge. The American woman has adopted other and perhaps not such fortunate political methods as those of her English sisters, and, as consequence, has brought upon herself criticisms and oft times the mer- tied ridieule of sensible men and women. It is refreshing to learn that other coun- tries furnish examples of political tn- terest on the part of intellectual women which have met the approval of conserv- atiye men. This is refreshing because many American women possess a kDowl- edge of politics and an appreciation of all the intrieacies of the science of govern ment quite equal to that of the most gifted politicians of our own country. This genius has frequently been inner ited from generations of statesmen. and united with it is a womans intuition, which has no corresponding talent in man, no matter how remarkable his in- tellectua1 endowments may be.
 I'm od n nrU York daily tells the story of woman's achievements in English politics:
 "In the last general election in England woman, 1t is said, exerted greater po- litical influence than ever before. Acting on this belief, a widely read social paper, the Gentlewoman, addressed an inquiry to every member of the new parliament with view to obtaining information on the subject Forty-five answers have been published, and in them there Is general agreement that woman has not only taken a greater personal interest in a political struggle than ever before, but that this interest has been on the whole beneficial.
 "This Is the first time that anything like positive and direct testimony has been furnished, and it Is therefore at this time valuable inasmuch as it contributes some light 10 vexed question in this country. Nearly all the members of par liament concede that women have both frightened and improved some of the la bors of canvas, which labors have hith- erto fallen to men. They have been par ticularly assiduous and effective in the purely clerical work. They have hunted up voters and brought to bear upon them an influence that proved effective, and in some cases they have participated in the speaking at the musings and driven tbe voters to the polls in their own pony car riageS.
 What Is especially notable is that not even the most conservative member of parliament has noted any of the evil effects which it was predicted would fol- low the participation of woman In active politics But it should be said in part ex- planation of this that so far the move ment has not extended to the class Of women from whom the evil effects were expected. It was from gentlewomen that the new assistance was received. We have yet to hear from the Lancashire lasses and the fishwomen of Billings Eat~.
 The following invitation has been sent out by the ladies of the Highland Pres bvterian church.. 'The ladies of the Highlsnd Presbyterian church at home with Mrs. Caldwell Bradshaw Thursday. N, vember 21, to Il p. m. Members ct the band-Mesdames w. H. McClintock. K. D. Johnston, E. l.. Bridges. J. K. Brockman, J. F. Pollard, T. H. Spencer.
 
 A. N Curry. A. H. Mccormack. w. B. Phillips" This reception this evening at Mrs Bradshaw's will doubtless ibring to- gether large and congenial crowd on pleasure bent and anxious to assist a. noble cause.
 Miss Frierson of Columbia, Tepn.. is visiting her friend, Miss Benners. S21 North Nineteenth street.
 Gen. and Mrs. E. w. Fucker returned at noon yesterday from brief visit to New Orleans.
 Rev. Dr. E. w. Spalding of Decatur spent yesterday in Birmingham, the guest of MT. and Mrs. R. H. Pearson. Dr Spalding had been to Montgomery to n. rform the marriage ceremony uniting Col Rolfe Saunders and Mrs. Howard, wbich happy event occurred yesterday m rning at 6:30 o'clock in the Church of the Holy Comforter at Montgomery.
 Col. and Mrs Rolfe Saunders were in Birmingham yesterday and received the friends. It is the hope of their large cir cle of friends that they decide to make Birmingham their permanent home in the future.
 Miss Grace Hardie. the lovely young daughter of MT. and Mrs. William Har- die, is engaged in the laudable effort to secure the membership of a History club. which will be composed. of bright young girls ranging from 10 to IS years of age. Already number have given their names to Miss Hardie or Miss Grace and as the club will be confined to membership of thirty three. the lim- ii will soon be reached. Miss Cora Palmer will lead the History club, and once each week. every Wednesday after noon, the members will meet at the diff fe-ant homes. Light and very simple re- fieshments will be served after the It,