The age-herald., 1897-09-19
TECHNICS FROM
 CURRENT TOPICS

Has pecn 50 active Tn the Wofnan'S club movement as Birmingham, and this ac- tivity has been directed with judgment and discretion along the best lines in the past. The number and prosperous con- must be regarded as an indication of the wise and judicious management of the officers and a generous and intelli- gent cooperation on the part of individ- ual members. Thus far the work of the woman's clubs of the city has been en- tirely confined to the study of literature
 and history, except the Treble Claf, which Is a musical organization of tai- ented women, which has attained al- ready high rank among the best clubs of the south. The ume-has now arrived for the women of Birmingham to begin seriously to investigate the club methods of seitiss like Atlanta, and Memphis, which have made feminine thought and feminine opinion worth much wherever any good is to be accomplished for their sex or for the upbuilding of the human race. The undenia'ble power and strength of union is demonstrated in every branch of tradej every form of business; in
 the professions, lay and clerical, and wherever and whenever any great work is to be successfully inaugurated and carried out. That Birmingham women
 are genuinely attached to the present. foicn of clubs, now so popular in the oif tz, forded boundless pleasure to the mem- bers of the different organiza tions-for every club is regulated upon the self same basis-and has been the means of brnging about the very general and comemndaEble interest in literary and historical matters. With the advance of the club movement In the city there need be no d.ninutfon of this concern about sudh thngs, but there will and should be an enlarged, Tbroadened field of thought and study, and which would naturally result from an adoption of the plans and regulations now in vogue at Mem phis and Atlanta.
 It Is urged by persons opposed to an alteration of the present. club system, ttldl lnuCH SOCidl pledSuTe VIII Ue lOSJ in the adoption of newer and more pro- gressive methods. There is some truth in this argument but what would be gained in many ways, would aton+ for the lessening of purely social enjoyment. In the first place, by the removal of an especial limit to membership many cul- tivated, charming women could be addsd to a clubs roster, who otherwise are debarred because of the present rules governing membership. In the adoption of the club regulations of Memphis or Atlanta, it would become necessary to secure club rooms instead of entertain ing aa the homes of the various menl- bers. This would be a great step for ward in club progress, and when viewed dispassionately by Birmingham women. the benefits to be derived from such an arrangement would appeal to their good common sense. There are very few homes which can accommodate with parfect satisfaction a large club, all of whom must be seated, and seated ad- vantageously, with view to a partici- patton in the programme arranged for the meeting. Besides, the attention necessary from the member entertain ing, in regard to- these details, she must prepare refreshments for a large num- Der, which will distract her mind from the literary work of the afternoon, whils she attends to having them properly served. With rooms the intellectual side of club work need not be disturbed, by an essential anxiety about house hold matters. If refreshments are de- sired, after the programme is completed. it would be a simple matter to have chocolate, coffea or tea, with appropri- ate cakes furnished by the club at much less expense than is involved in the present plan of entertaining. This would keep alive, in all necessary features, the social side of club life, and this ar- rangement would permit larger mem- bership as well.
 Rooms in which every woman's club of Birmingham could meet can be easily secured at small expense, which could be prorated among the various organiz- ations using the rooms. If such quar- ters were secured, the literary clubs. Treble Clef club, Daughters of the Rev olution, Daught=rs of the Confectionery, and any other women's organization, could use them without clashing one with the ether. By selecting different days, and hours, the matter could cas- fly be arranged. The club rooms could be mad= homelilxe and attractive, with periodicals papers, and a piano, and it would prove very popular meeting place for Birmingham women. These quarters would also afford a suitable place for readings and lectures from dis tingGished wom=n who might be in- vited to the city. The procuring of such rooms by the local Federation of Wo- mems clubs. wuld be the first great step, towards the progressive m=thods now found so helpful in other citiss. With this arrangement once in operation, the most skeptical and conservative would be delighted swith the result.
 Many innovations must come slowly and quietly in order to reach public ap- proval, but when once adopted they oftmes prove a blessing and appeal to the understanding and appreciation of