Birmingham state herald., 1896-02-09

tllS ulSneu 1uGge:
 Resolved, That the willing husbands escort the willing wives to all social functions to which they may be invited"
 Answers are requested from any and all persons who feel that they would like a change from the present condition. and also from those who approve the social status now existing, giving the reasons flor the faith that Is in them."
 
 Now, having honestly stated the side of the willing men who have been forced to remain quietly at their offices and homes during the present festive season because they were not often in- cluded in the invitations, it is but right and proper to give some insight into the cause for such an effect. No women are more consderate and kindly than those of Birmingham; none are better, truer wives, and there is every reason to be- leve that their husbands are just as fas- cinating to them as they were when they first plghted their troth Strange as it may appear, the present social ignoring of the masculine element in our city has come about chiefly, if not entirely, be- cause of our love and regard for the comfort and well-being of our husbands. When Birmingham first began to assume the airs of a city and to entertain, vigor- ous efforts were made to induce the men to accept the invitations which came to them. Days of curtain lectures succeed ed the reception of every card that sug- gested a feast; remonstranceS and plead ings came from willing" wives to un- willing husbands, but all in vain. There was always some insuperable barrier to an acceptance of an invitation, and many a wife had to sit calmly by her home freside while disappointment ragged in the secret recesses of her loyal heart, and pretend to enjoy the thinking spells of her obdurate spouse while other people enjoyed the festivities. Some times unwilling husbands reluctantly ac- companied their importunate wives to scenes of mirth, only to look despairingly out from some unmolested nook upon the frivolous tendencies of the women who bore their names. Drearlly they awaited the midnight hour when they could say goodnight, and sometimes with a temerity born of despair they reminded their wives of the abject wearineSs that possessed them-by frequent pulls at the most convenient parts of their wives costumes. Many a woman's sleeve has been ruthlessly sacrificed to this 1ndlca- ton of desire to go home on the part of their devoted but fatigued, unwilling husbands So, after few years Of such futile social experiments and also after the destruction of many pair of sleeves in the gowns of willing wives, the women decided to enjoy themselves for a While unmolested by masculine pulls, appeals and hopeless glances. They determined
  tent of their husbands around the fam- fly hearthstone, but to leave them in the complete enjoyment of their newspapers and slippers. So there has followed fast and followed faster series of women's parties. and who shall say that our early experiences did not justify our conduct? The men are responsible for this state of affairS-entirely so-as any good Bir- mingham wife can testify, but now that they are growing weary Of staying at home with an inconsistency Which pe- longs to the sex they are clamoring for change, and decided change at that. They yearn to go to our entertainments, see all the pretty details ana appoint ments of which they read and to make few remarks to outsiders. Well, no gen erous woman will deny them the privi- lege of discussing this proposition: Re solved, That willing husbands shall es- cort the willing wives of Birmingham to the social functions to which they may be invited" My columns are open to anyone interested in the matter, and I shall be glad to hear from both willing and unwilling husbands.
 It has been suggested by man deep ly concerned in this social revolution that perhaps when some unwilling hus- bands discover that their wives are to be escorted-if the new order of things prevails-by some unwilling wives, very willing husbands to the entertainments to which they may be invited, change will immediately ensue and every man and woman will be more than anxious to be sacrificed upon the social altar. There is a good deal of quiet philosophy in this suggestion, and even a greater amount of unadulterated human nature. But we await the opinion of the men and women of Birmingham on this subject.
 
 Mrs. G. Mortimer Williams has re- turned from a visit of ten days to rela- tives and friends at Montgomery.
 Miss Mary Clare Miner left last night for a weeks stay with relatives in Bain- bridge Ga. Maj. w. J. Miner and MT. J M. Davidson are now in Bainbridge enjoying a vacation, hunting with friends.
 Mrs. Dan Greene will give luncheon next Wednesday at o'clock at her home on Eleventh avenue, South Highlands. in honor of Mrs. Robert P. McDavid of Montgomery.
 Miss Jamie Robertson gave a delight ful party yesterday afternoon from to o'clock at the handsome home of her parents, Dr. and Mrs. T. L. Robertson. on Sixth avenue, to thirty of her young friends. For several hours dancing and various games were enjoyed by Miss RObertSOn'S 8 guests, aIter Wnlcn ualnty, tempting refreshments were beautifully served The decorations were all pink. with embroideries, flowers and all ac- cessories corresponding.
 
 The Washington Post of the 5th instant gives the following account of the South ern Relief ball, which was even a more brilliant success this year than usual:
 ''The Southern Relief ball, given last night at the National Rifles armory was in every way great success, and scored another triumph for the ladies who labor each year so diligently in behalf of the veterans of the Confederacy. Possibly no greater crowd ever assembled within the hall, and certainly one never more con- genial and bent more upon having @ pleasant time. while dancing to the tunes of Dixie and the good. ofd-fashtoned southern airs. Early in the evening the dancing began anducontinued until with