The age-herald., 1897-11-07
ETCHTNGS FROM
 CURRENT TOPICS,

question of the hour, in Alabama--the need of g. nsw=T, wiser and broader con- stitution-received a tremendous irn- petus Friday afternoon at the hands of an influential intellectual body of wo- men. Of the success of th9 constttu- tional convention there need be little doubt now that the woman of Alabama will inteligently discuss and advocate it in their clubs. and around their firs- sides. It is the women of a nation who can readily see the necessity for certain reforms, because they are tha chief suf- ferers from the Limitations of certain conditions, and are also generally so situated that their opinions are not bfaSzd and warped by s.lfish motives. The present impossibility of their be- coming office seekers or office holders, gives them clear unobscured vision, which, eombinsd with their natural in- tuitions, make them trustworthy ad- vi1srs and discreet advocates. The judg- ment and adu1ce of we1-poised in- teIbectuan, progressive women is oftimes more valuable to the men of her family than all the councils of state, or cau- cuSes of political campaignerS.
 
 The best step, the longest step and the most helpful step toward the constitu- tional convention was taken Friday af- ternoon at the meeting of the Cadmean Literary Circle, when the women of that important organization, by a rising vote. took an unequivocal, unmlstakable po- stion in advocacy of the constitutional convention and voted to present that position to ths consideration of the To- cal Federations of Women's Clubs, which convenes Nov. 23. It Is hoped that the local federation in entering up- on it's active duties will enthusiastically labor, in season and out of Seatson. to efuicats the public mind to tha over whe1ming necessity for a constitution which will bring to the citizens of Ala bama-aH classes and all conditions absolutely free schools, and will also furnish an incentive to blot out the dis grace and humiliation of the present illiteracy of a large percentage of the voters of the state.
 In assuming @ positive position on this vital issue, even the most conserva- tlvs woman should feel a deep and albid. ing concern. for 1t means to every hu- man creature advancement and inl- provement along lines which touch the schools. the homes and the religions of the aople. It does mot suggest woman'5 suffrage, woman's nights or any other ism which has tendency to alright the conservative instincts of SO many worthy southern women4 It only means this: That Alabama women have determined to use their influence wherever 1t may extend to secure for their state a cont stitution which will place within the reach of the 9lumblest, poorest child d good English education; which will begin by judichous management to erase for ever from the educational statistics the fact that Alabama is the most illIterate state in the union. save two; and which will improve the judiciary system so that the laws may ba enforced better and more promptly. Every woman who loves her home, her husband and her children owes it to herself and to those naar and dear to her, ito consider this question in all its phases and having considered, to take her position on the side of education. and better enforce ment of the laws of Albama-
 
 The Cadmean Literary Circle, by its nobl- action Friday afternoon, has lifted high above the unfortunate, petty dis cussions of political trimmers, thIe torch of truth, which wi1 ultimately illuminate aM the dark places and bring into the right way every nan who loves his state more than he loves himself The gentle voice of woman has now been heard. advocating the education of the child I'en of Alabama, and it will prove in this approaching campaign, as powerful as the trumpets, at the blasts of which the walls of Jsriclro fell. Above and beyond all else the men of the state can depend upon their wives, daughters, sisters and sweet thearts executing t1rs task they finley have undertaken, with the same urfa;ning womanliness with which they perform th;tr fnomelest dutias. The women of Alabama are filming up' on the side of educationt better laws and an early extermination of the present ap- palling ilat:racy. God speed thle good work
 In discussing tllfs constitutional con- vention. there need be no bitterness en- gendered, or personal antag agonisms ex- cits,d. This is a question of vital im- port to every Alabamian man and wo- wan, and the people are to be aroused about the matter by arguments and the expression of the views of those p;.r'souas who ars sa-iously considering the issue. I understand that Col. W. H. Denson construed the etchings of Thursday uncn his personal motives. Thls is to be regretted. as such was not intended. He is well-knowm patriotic citizen, and as such his opinions are entitled to re- spectful hearing. Tthose who oppose his views will endeavor to bring every helpful argument to the consideration of the people of tIha state, and the ques- tfon need not be vested with any person. al excitement or prejudice. The opposi- tion int srad5 none. BALL.
 Those "Respectable'' Murderers