Birmingham state herald., 1896-09-08

the Trades council mounted the stage in the pavilion and introduced Mayor J. A. VanHoose, who welcomed the visit ing sons of toll in a brief, but appropriate, address. He was glad to see so many men and women and children present on this day set apart by congress as a. na- tional holiday.
 Dr. J. L. M. Curry.
 The next speaker introduced was the orator of the day. Dr. J. l.. M Curry, one of the ablest speakers the south has ever produced, whose life work has been devoted tostwo noble aims, religion and education
 The learned doctor of divinity was greeted by great applause and hand clapping.
 When quiet had been restored the speaker acknowledged the greeting in feeling words. He was glad to be with them as the guest of labor and more than proud that he had been honored by the Trades council in being called upon to address the laboging men of this dis trict on the all-important subject, labor The orator then reviewed educa tion in all its phases. He spoke of the value of higher education to the workingmen and women. With higher educa tion the skilled artisan and the unskilled workman could and would demand better remuneration for their labor
 
 The doctor then reviewed the status of education in the states and territories, using facts and statistical figures to show wherein this, his native state, was sadly deficient in education of her toiling masses. In the statistics of the United States Alabama ranks third to last in illiteracy.i Her percentage Is fl, while Louisiana and North Carolina rank last with percentage of 45. This, he claimed, was very poor showing for state like Alabama.
 EEducation, the Laboring Mans Interest. It Is to the interest of the laboring classes that their children should be edu- cated. The children. whether the parents were fortunate enough or not in this re- spect. should have education. If the perents could do no better, they should at least. if possible. strain a point and give them higher education.
 A Question Answered
 An auditor asked Dr. Curry if he fa- vored compulsory education In Alabama His reply was: When I was a boy many of my friends used to borrow. I never did. There used to be an old adage. Never bite Of more than you can chew In the name of humanity let us get some schools numerous and fit enough to educate our children before we decide to compel them to go to the stun we now have. I do not hesitate to say that in the time which Is to come
 
 ing sol it ought to be here as it is in Germany. where every teacher who teaches tn any school, from the univer- sity to the kindergarten, is required to be examined and prove equal to the task before a. license is given them. I do not hesitate to say that in the time when our schools are sufficiently established and amply large, as they ought to be. if the fathers and mothers are so indifferent to the welfare of their children, so blind to the prosperity of the state, so careless as to our glory and to their usefulness as to keep their children at home the children ought to be sent to school even against the protests of their parents"
 This was greeted with immense ap- plause.
 Confidence in the Executive
 In closing his remarks Dr. Curry paid Johnston. He was sure the peoples choice. would do all he could in the interest of education
 The Governor Talks
 President Umbenhauer then introduced the chief executive-elect, Capt Joseph F. Johnston. The governor-elect was greet ed with applause befitting Alabama's leading citizen. In few timely and well chosen words Governor Johnston referred to the address of Dr. Curry. and promised his hearers that one of his highest aims was to see better development of edu- d. F comed the laboring men and said he was glad to be among them. -.,es
 Devoid of Politics.
 One noticeable and commend3b bIe feat ure of the oratory was the marked ab- sence of politics from the three addresses. It was Labor Day. and politics, for the nonce, was set aside.
 Amusements.
 After the speaking contests were in order. There was foot races between sprinters from Gate City, Pratt City and Birmingham. The 100 yard race was captured by Gate City, and the half mile event by Blossburg.
 In the tug of war Birmingham was victorious over Gate City.
 The band contest was the most inter- esting feature. There were only two con- testants, Chaces city band and the Blossburg band. The former captured the first prize. $25, and the latter the second prize, $15.
 Last Night.
 The cake walk by colored couples was witnessed at night by an immense crowd. A negro band furnished the music for this event, and the contestants entered into the sport with plenty of spirit. There was dispute among the negroes at the finale, but everything passed off very we'll
 The pie-eating contest would have been enjoyable had the managers kept the stage clear, but this they failed to do and it was virtually failure.
 Dancing closed the programme, and Chace's orchestra played until way in the night, a great number participating.
 Notes of the Parade.
 Some of the stores were decorated in honor of Labor Day
 The printers in straw hats looked lit- tie cool, but showed up in great shape. There were fewer drunk men In town yesterday than are to be seen ordinarily. Only six of the sixteen aldermen ac- cepted the invitation to take part in the parade. Mayor VahHoose and Aldermen