Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-30
SOCIAL.

The Brad1ey-Mar fancy dress ball,
to be given in New York next month, is
attracting general. attention. The ex-
pense will reach over a quarter of mil
lion dollars. In view of the general des-
titution among the working people of
New York. and the widespread depres-
sion in business, the advisability and the
justice of this lavish outlay is being
seriously discussed. Even the English
papers have commented on.it. They say
that such extravaganza emphasizes the
extremes of wealth and poverty, and en-
courages the spirit of anarchy. They
say that the spirit of anarchy exists more
generally in the United States than in
England, for in the former every man
hopes TO become rich and enter society,
while in the latter social conditions are
fixed and man must remain in the con-
dition of life he is born in.
On the other hand, it is said that the
hundreds of thousands of dollars to be
spent on the ball will give work to the
butcher, the baker, and the candlestick
maker" These thousands of dollars that
are now idle will be scattered among the
people. This principle is not recognized
or received by many high in authority.
The governor of Alabama expressed his
desire to have as simple an Inauguration
as possible, and has since cut down
the Incidental expenses of the state gov
eminent He took the position that a
lavish display was not right or just in
the face of widespread want. Presi-
dent Mckinley objects to the eXpendi-
ture of $50, 900 on his inaugural ball.
These high officials know that the moral
effect of extravaganza over-balances any
temporary relief. The money thus spent
soon disappears, but the remembrance
of the expenditure endures. 1t is a NOR
al question, after all. Have rich peo-
pie the moral right to squander their
money? AS a rule. a fortune represents
the work of life time. AT big ball the
work of many lives will be squandered.
Again, it is not the dollar alone that is
spent, but 1t is the interest on that dol
lar dollar doubles itself in a dozen
years. In this light the Bradley Mar
tins ball will cost over half million.
Mr.. and Mrs. Earle Perkins have re-
turned from the north. ID
The ladies of the South Highland Pres
byterian church will not have their. usual
Saturday market on account of the ex-
cessive weather ai
The ladies' auxiliary of the Young
Mems Christian association will hold a
meeting at 10 o'clock Wednesday at the
asosciaton's parlors. 1t is desired that
all come promptly at 10 o'clock. n
The visit of Mrs. Rorer to this city
will give an impetus to the culinary art,
and will doubtless be followed by a cook
ing club that will keep alive this inter
est. If the ladies will organize such
a club, and admit men. the interest of
both sexes will be enlisted.
The ladies' who hesitate about giving
a description of their gowns, worn at So
cial functions, to the press, should re-
member that the paper has readers all
over the state who look to Birmingham
for hints as to good form.
The regular monthly meeting of Gen.
Sumpter Chapter of D. A. r. will be held
at Mrs. j. c. Dabneys, Nineteenth street
and Eleventh avenue, South Highlands,
on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 10 o'clock a. m.
A full meeting of the members is re-
Quested as several important matters
will come before the chapter.
MRS. ALBERT L. HENLEY,
.ss-. 5.sse II - Secretary.
Miss Anna Mae Herndon, charming
and accomplished young lady of Eutaw,
Ala, arrived in the city yesterday and
will spend some time the guest Of Miss
Myrtis Johnson, SIT Twenty-third street,
north.
YzaV =. - $3.50
All ladies DESTROYS of becoming men,
bers of the Creche are invited to meet
with the society this morning at the resi-
dence of Mrs. J. T. Nixon, Fourth avenue
and .Twenty-first street. at II O'Clock.
The Creche Is most worthy institution
and it's members comprise some of the
noblest women of Birmingham. To be
a member of the society is an honor and
those who desire becoming such will be
cordially and heartily greeted at the
mornings meeting.
The entertainment given In celebration
of the 18th birthday of Anna Pearl
and George Earl, twins, by their parents,
Mr.. and Mrs. G. Fordyce, was most
pleasant affair in every respect. Many
guests were present, refreshments were
served and the presents were numerous
The new woman objects to calling Eng
land "our mother country" contending
that he and not she is more truthful as
England has many masculine traits, such
as grasping, greed, bull-doggedness and
bravery.
The coming Elks' social session, which
and elegant rooms on Tuesday night,
promises to be an event of more than
ordinary interest among THE Best Peo-
pie on Earth" While no special invita-
lions will be- sent out 1t, is safe to assert
that fully 500 people will be present on
the occasion. The specia1guests of honor
will be the officers of the grand lodge,
knights Of Pythias, of Alabama, who
will be in the city on that evening. The
programme of exercises as always, wifi
be most enjoyable one.