The age-herald., 1897-09-21

The enlargement, the broadening of the club movement among Birmingham wo- men, does not signify an encroachment into masculine realms. It need not sug- gest anything that savers of woman's rights or woman's suffrage in the faint est degree. It has for It's ultimate ob jeet the placing in feminine hands of the power to inaugurate certain reforma- tions and the possibility of bringing to any, and all, good causss the strength of woman's influence. It is more far reaching than an estimate of financial outlay, or consideration of a house. keepers convenience, or inconvenience in club entertaining. The influence of the woman of the present day is now brought into requisition for the pro- mitigation of all good doctrine the agi- tation of all reformations and whatever Is for the elevation and improvement of humanity. This influence is of small value in the individual; the power of union, the force of combined effort are necessary to accomplish any permanent exist like unto those of Memphis or results. Wherever large women's clubs Atlanta-there is center from which radiates certain potentialities that par- meate every branch of social life. In Georgia the club women are at present concerned about many things which will bring to their state opportunities and advantages that could originate in no other way than with a band of thought full, helpful women. They are now do- ing every thing possible to advance the cause of free kindergart=ns and to com pei the state university to open It's doors to the women of Georgia. Through the activity of the Atlanta Woman's club, a police matron was secured for their city and every cause which has for it's object the alleviation of suffering. as well as the progress of woman, finds ready sympathy and interest from the leading women who direct the thought and expression of this active, alert or ganization.
 
 This phase of woman's club work does not in any wise interfere with a thorough study of literature art, civics, current events, or music. Each one of these has certain times set apart for especial consideration. If woman feels an interest in literature and noth- ing else; in music and nothing else, or in art alone, there is no reason that she should become. a part. of ths philan- thropic schemes which are constantly pressed forward to successful compile ton by those women whose big, warm hearts keep them in touch with the ne ads of the human race. The advantage of the up-to-date woman's club is its va ried and diversified interests, which make it possible for every woman of brains and soul to find some congenial position where she can do some good, or receive some benefit
 
 Many of the most useful as well as intellectual womsn are debaTed from membership in Birmingham clubs not alone because of the narrow limits of membership, but for the more potent reason that they feel vsry littl= interest in purely literary matters. Their minds run in other, but equally intelligent di- rections. They care nothing for an af- ternoon devoted to a discussion of the merits of Tennyson's, Sheileys, Keats or Browning's poems they are more con cerned about the every day deeds of humanity, than with ths dissection of the literary virtues of Homer, Froissaet or Alexander Pope. There are other women who love books, but whose minds cannot be satisfied with only thess, liter ary qualifications. They are alive to the conditions which now appeal to ev- cry thinking man and women and they do not believe that the great power that wom n possesses for good should be per mitted to remain dormant, because of lack of proper channel through which it can flow out to bless the world.
 The uniting of the present. clubs of Birmingham bfto one great organization would be grand step forward But the magnitude of such an undertaking may prove too startling proposition at