Birmingham state herald., 1896-12-03
AN APPEAL FOR EDUCATION Full of Burning EIoquence Heard
 by the Lawmakers. REV. DIR. J. L. M. CURRY Delivers Powerful Address In the Lower House of the General Assembly, HE PICTURES AlABAMA'S POSITION In the Scale of Education of States and App peals For Relief For Her People
 Doings in the Legislature
 Items of Interest.
HE PICTURES ALABAMKS POSITION

Montgomery, Ala, Dec. 2.-.(Staff Cor respondence9-Oneo of the most eloauent, profound, scholarly addresses ever de- llvered before the general assembly was the ardent appeal today of Dr. J. L. M. Curry, agent for the Peabody and Slater educational fund.
 According to a joint resolution adopted yesterday the house and senate adjourned at 12 o'clock and assembled in the hall or the lower house for the purpose of nearing an address by this great advocate of education. Dr. Curry having once been citizen of Alabama requires no eu- logy from the local press, for the people Of this state remember and revere him as citizen and admire him for his great achievements in educa tional work since his removal from the state.
 The speaker was introduced by Col. L. M. Stansel, of the house. His address extended over two hours during which time the assembly, the lobby and the gal 1ery frequently applauded the sentiments and words of wisdom that flowed so free ly, and seemed to have as their fountain head the very heart of the man who Is representing these great interests. A synopsis of Dr. Currys appeal is as fol- lows:
 Gentlemen of the General Assembly and
 Ladies and Gentlemen
 "I appreciate profoundly the honor of being invited to appear before this body and especially the privilege of discussing the subject of education. My mind and heart are full of "reminiscences as I stand here and recall with distinctness the names and faces of those who are con spicuous in the history of Alabama. was here many years before some of you ,INpx. Nf A1,n nfr. .11- ture. Since that time have had a varied experience, having travelled in all of the states except three, and all of the terri tories except three and all over Europe, Asia and Africa, but as I stand here this morning I can say truthfully that my heart comes back to dear old Alabama as the fairest and best beloved spot on all the eagth read speech from dis tingushed gentleman who preferred his patriotism to exist in loyalty to the union and in no love for any particular section, but my patriotism begins at home. It lies with my family, with my memories, with the graves of those who have gone before and are cherished for their. works, to my county and then to my state. My patriotism consists in all that I love, and it takes in the whole union from the Att 1antic to the Pacific. And if I have that patriotism which is known as altruism I am willing to give what remains to the Chinese and Japanese. There Is no
 
 zen. for no more honorable or valuable citizens have lived in any country that ever existed. A government rising up from the will and suffrage of the people have no anchorage except in that peoples intelligence. One who has no knowledge of our government and free institutions is a dull dead drone, living in darkness and ignorance of true citizenship. He has no conception of citizenship.
 It is shame to throw obstacles in the of+ hoe bo a a q n n1prt and honest effort.
 We hear a great deal about poll tax and the single and income tax, but it is of more importance to have something to be taxed. I wish to make the statement, and I challenge any man in this intelli- gent body to deny 1t. that in the history of this world, that an ignorant people have never been prosperous people.
 The speaker referred to Massachusetts as state in which education had shown its fruits. He dwelt upon the great de- velopment of the states few resources and compared Its standing in science, literature and art, with the states where illiteracy has a stronger hold.
 "A member of this house stated to me yesterday that the people of Alabama are too poor to have their children educated Gentlemen, I wish to say that prosperity and riches can come from no other source than through general education Of your people. The state of Mississippi has three hundred millions of dollars that she would not have had without her thorough educational system. The only way to make Alabama able to support public school system IS 10 eoucate ner people and they will become prosperous This will have to come first, poverty or no poverty There Is not an example to the contrary in the history Of mankind Education is the greatest agency Of pros- perity. If you are anxious for the pros nerity of your people, then you will lose no time in giving them liberal educa- tion Intelligence is great money-mak- CT It creates progress. The nignest principles of political economy demand education. If you wish to make Alabama grow in wealth and progress, you must have general intelligence and skilled la bor. Let it be the foremost principles of your new constitution if you really intend fo hold constitutional convention.
 This will place Alabama far far ahead of any other state in the union. The leg islature which forgets education in mak- ing laws for a people is no friend or that people and does not represent US con stituent's interests. I am aware of the financial depression which exists and am giving YOU remedy for the depression and that remedy is well established and maintained public school system. Free education is thousand times more important than free silver. standard life and upright character is thousand times more valuable than the single gold standard The party of morals ana ln- telligence Is a million times more 1m- portant than the parity of gold and sil- yer. Education Is worth more to the people of Alabama than any of these can possibly be- The true mint of wealth Is not at Philadelphia, or San Francisco, but it is in the school house. As I stood there in the lobby this morning I could not help wishing that I was back here fn Alabama I thought if God would only rejuvenate me and place me back in this legislature I would devote my ws1ble life to this one question of educa- ton. Oh! if I were only young man s like many of you here this morning, | would not for the world fail to identify Z myself and, my name with this great work. I would send message of cheer