Birmingham state herald., 1896-05-24

(Au Items of social interest will be gladly noted in these columns if sent to Mrs. George c. Ball, Nineteenth street, between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, South Hlgh- lands. Telephone 9SS.)
 While the open letter of Dr. J. l.. M. Curry was addressed to the gubernato- rial andidates-Capt. Joseph F. John ston and Hon. A. T. Goodwyn-it is of vital interest to every Alabamian. Talk ing the position that Dr. Curry does, that the education of the masses is a matter of paramount importance, compared to which many of the dominating issues of the day are of minor concern, he is leading the public mind in the highest and best direction. To educate the peo- pie is to place within their reach the power to settle intelligently all public questions which affect their Well-being, whether social, financial or political. It will make of them better citizens and purer patriots. Education, with it's cer- tainty of broadening the faculties. re- moves from men and women the fatal prejudices which appertain to ignorance, and gives them the ability to settle for themselves questions of moment and inn portance. With education men cease to be tools and dupes and become honorable citizens contributing towards the pros perity of their state and nation by their capacity to meet the requirements of this progressive age. If Alabama is properly aroused on this question there will be less reason in the future for dallying with foreign capital and pleading for aid from outsiders Our own people will become equal to the demands of the times and will be able to utilize the tremendous opportunities that are within our grasp Set mans brain to work and there will be corresponding activity of all his vital forces.
 Ty.1ne Ia I.a1J erly educated there is little hope of ma terial prosperity. Millions may come to us for a development of our resources, but those millions will only benefit the investors unless we are able to cope mentally with them, and we shall remain "the hewers of wood and drawers of water unto the end of time unless we arouse ourselves upon this matter of the education of the masses. Prosperity and public schools go hand in hand, and ev- cry condition of life is rendered purer by the dissemination of knowledge among all classes.
 The peopl<have right to demand an education fSom the state, and that state which denies this right is unworthy of a good citizenship.
 The inevitable is at our very doors and we cannot bar it out! It is worse than useless to shut our eyes to the questions which stand in our pathway, and which cannot be put aside by force or persua- sion. Next to the education of the masses perhaps comes the never-ending woman question, which constantly assumes different aspect, yet is always the one and the same thing, Liberal educat tion will settle this as all other questions and the most conservative man will be forced to admit that what woman has the capacity to perform she has the right to do. In this time of tremendous mental activity, with it's vast potentialities, it Is absurd to limit any human creature with rules and prejudices of century ago. No man or woman will advance perma- nently beyond his or her mental ability, and of one thing we may be certain: If a woman has the ability to fill certain posi- tions and the physical energy in accord with her intellectual attachments she is apt to advance notwithstanding the jeers and taunts of inferior men.
 Singular to say, in the same issue of the State Herald which published Dr. Curry's admirable plea for popular edu- cation there was an excellent editorial from the Kansas City Star relative to the action of the Methodist Protestant conference in regard to the admission of women delegates. and a statement in the report of the Cumberland Presbyterian assembly, now in session in our city, that Miss H. M. Bixler of Lebanon, Tenn petitioned the general assembly to au- ihorize the board of trustees of the Cum lerland university to grant her diploma as graduate of the Theological semi nary; while in the issue of the previous day was an account of the discussion at the diocesan convention at Selma of the advisabillty of permitting women to vote in the election of vestrymen of the Epis copal church. The agitation seems uni yersal in ecclesiastical circles, and the following paragraph from the Kansas City Star is especially timely:
 "In neither church, it may well be be- lieved, will the action of the conferences affect in the least the work of women, IS it now exists. Neither church will silence while the question of their rights is pend- ing the eloquent and persuasive voices or the women, everywhere heard in the churchs cause, nor will the work of women the manifold cares and labors on behalf of these churches, without which neither of them would ever have been es- tablished or have continued to exist, be diminished in the least. While the women will be compelled to wait they will be al- lowed their ancient liberty to work. That their demand for equal rights and privi- leges will be granted on the next trial is probable. The conferences, however are losing time. When demand is right the time to grant it is today, not tomorrow"
 But Dr. Curry has struck the keynote in the inharmonious confusion which is abroad in the land, concerning all pub lie questions. We have but to educate the people and the questions will settle themselves. Bigotry. prejudice and the useless fighting against the advancing, progressive facts of today will disappear with other matters which pertain to medieval age. Education means freedom of thought freedom of will and broad comprehension of all things which per- tain to the good of humanity. When Dr. Curry's ambition-for the people-is real ized there will be little need for useless discussion of the woman question. for that will be settled satisfactorily by edu- cated citizens who keep pace with the progress of the times.
 Alabamians are capable of great achievements notwithstanding the long black mark which stands against us in Dr. Curry's statistics. Alabamians have demonstrated their capacity by their suc- cessful accomplishments of high aims and purposes. Of this I was fully con- vinced a short while ago by visit to one of the most fourishing medical in- stitutions of our city, which has been established by two physicians. who are not only natives of our state. but were born and reared in Jefferson county. This saritarium or infirmary Is supplied with all the comforts of home, and every