Birmingham state herald., 1896-09-09

George c. Ball. Nineteenth street. between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, South High iands Telephone 988.)
 Very much of interest has been written of Gail Hamilton-Grace Abigail Dodge since her death, and everything told of her adds to the impression held by the public of her strong intellectual powers and her brilliant personality. A recent exchange says, among many other things: Miss Dodge's strong character istics left their impress upon the career of James G. Blaine It was one of the traditions of the capital that MT. Blaine leaned upon her judgment. When in doubt as to matters political, literary or diplomatic it was with her that he was wont to consult before any one else. Miss Dodges skill as a politician and her judgment of men were said to be re- markedly keen, and with his wife and her cousin as his advisers it used to be g. common saying that MT. Blaine had cabinet a president might envy. Years ago. before MT. Blaine's literary reputa- tion was as firmly established as it was before his death, there was popular be- lief that Miss Dodge wrote his speeches and reviews for him. As late as 1881, when Blaine was in the Garfield ca abinet, he was suspected of having Miss Dodge as his assistant in the preparation of di- plomatic dispatches. During the season of President Harrisons administration Miss Dodge conducted a Bible class at the house of the secretary of state every Sunday afternoon. The Bible lesson was an intellectual feast, and after it ma terial feast of tea and cakes was served. The class was the outcome of a sugges- tion from Miss Dodge that few bright and clever people, whom she knew to be interested in the study of the Bible, should meet for study and discussion. fhn ar+rA fec, n ed. Recognizing her charm as teacher, her friends abandoned the original idea, and she became their minister, for this title Is not too ambitious for the office she occupied. Her lessons were really ser mons, in the preparation of which she thought. Few people have been fortu- nate enough to preside over so brilliant circle Statesmen, philosophers, scien- lists, diplomats, scholars of every sect and persuasion were among her hearers. When the sessions of the class came to a close it's members entreated Miss Dodge to have the papers published. This was done for private circulation at first Subsequently the book, under the title of A Washington Bible Class was gener- ally circulated.'
 Harriet Prescott Spofford has written for Harpers Bazaar a brief and concise account of Gail Hamilton as woman of the world, as charming member of the most brilliant society on the American continent-that of Washington city-and as a sweet and loving member of the home circle. In every relation of life she was conspicuous for her breadth and strength of character her fascination and her magnetic charm, and for her ex- traordinary mental attainments. Few women of this century have. been more widely known than Grace Abigail Dodge Gail Hamilton-and none worthier of the admiration her talents and accom- plishments excited.
 Miss Sallie Winston has returned from visit of several months to relatives in
 Mrs. J. D. Kirkpatrick and children have returned from Alabama White Sul- phur Springs, where they spent several weeks.
 sss 4-ia' Rev. and Mrs. Howard V. Richards of Kentucky are in the city for few days. Mrs. Geo. R. Ward leaves this morning for Anniston, where she will be the guest for several days of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Noble.
 Mrs. Jack o. Cohen and children have returned from three months visit to
 relatives at New York.
 Ine DOaTu or managers or the tt1llman hospital are requested to meet promptly | tomorrow CThursday) morning at 10 o'clock at the hospital.
 This afternoon at 4:30 o'clock the Pel- l ham chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy will hold an important | meeting at the home of the president, l Mrs. Joseph F. Johnston, South High l lands. Every member of the chapter and everyone who desires to become a mem | Der is cordially and earnestly invited to attend the meeting this afternoon. | Mrs Henry Meyer of Tuskaloosa is 1 spending few days with friends in Bir- mingham.
 
 | MT. and Mrs. John Hne are at home | again from St. Clair Springs. Miss Elose Johnston is the guest of | Miss Rinnie Leigh Head at her summer cottage at St. Clair Springs. The Tuesday Whist club was enter tained yesterday afternoon by Mrs. D. H. Cabanss. The prize, beautiful coffee cups, was won by Mrs. Thomas D. Parke. Mrs. Cabaniss served delicious, refreshments after the games of whist. The final meeting of the series occurs next Tuesday evening at the home of MT. and Mrs. c. P. Perrin, Highland avenue, when the membSrs of the club will en- certain their husbands.
 Mrs. J. M. Davidson has returned from a visit to relatives at Biloxi, Miss.
 Mrs. Harry Jones is at home again after serveral months spent in the moun- tains of Virginia.
 Mrs. Jane Ware and Miss Bessie Walk CT. who have been the guests of Dr. and Mrs. B. l.. Wyman, left Monday for their home at Montgomery.
 The vestry of the Church of the Ad- vent presented a very elegant sterling silver waiter to Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Beard on last Saturday as an evidence of their great esteem and affection for their former rector. Gen. Rufus N. Rhodes was selected by the society to present this beautiful gift to Dr. Beard The members of the Ninteenth Century club were the guests yesterday afternoon of Miss Kathleen Hooper. Miss Hannah Elliott read selection from 'sThe World Beautiful" and Miss Emily Koenig head a short story, Helping Hands" The young ladies enjoyed tempting refresh ments after the literary programme