The age-herald., 1898-09-13
WILL BE GLORIOUS
 HOME COMING Plans to Receive the Gallant First on
 Its Return. MEETING OF THE LADIES They Will Have an Ample Menu of , Good Things.
SERVED AT THE AUDITORIUM
Ladies of All Suburban Towns Will Co., operate in the Work-Mrs. T. O. Smith Enthusiastically Made
 Chairman of Meeting.

ments, which is sufficient to assure the brave soldier boys who left the city on the memorable May morning, when all Bir- mingham was at the depot to bid them god-speed, that their home coming will be none the less enthusiastic.
 In response to the request of the com mittee of the Commercial club in charge of the arrangements, there was an outpour- ing of the ladies of Birmingham yester- day afternoon, each one anxious to do her part towards properly receiving the brave boys who, four months ago, leit home and loved ones in response to call to arms in defense of their country and it's flag.
 The Commercial club rooms were taxed to their utmost capacity to accommodate the large crowd which had assembled, and when the meeting was called to order at 5 o'clock standing room was at a premium, so to speak, many of the ladies being compelled to stand.
 Rufus N. Rhodes called the meeting to order, and briefly stated that the ladies had been called together for the purpose of lending hand towards the reception of the First Alabama Volunteers, who were expected to reach the city on Saturday, according to a telegram from Colonel Hig- don to Captain Demere. He stated that the committee had discussed several plans, but that the matter had been left open.
 Meet Them at the Depot
 One of the plans he said, was to meet the soldiers at the depot and to escort them to the Auditorium, where a luncheon would be served. He further stated that it had been suggested in view of the fact that the lNn x-,ith al. whose gaze would be centered on the feast ing soldiers, that this plan would not be altogether appreciated by the boys.
 Another of the plans, he said, was bar becue, and still another, an old-fashioned basket picnic. The ladies had been called in said MT. Rhodes, to decide what should be done.
 Captain Demere suggested that a secre- tary should be appointed, and without ob- jection the chair named Miss Alma Ritten- berry to act as secretary.
 Mr Rhodes asked permission to make further explanations, and stated that barbecue would have to be provided for with cash, which at this time, he thought, was rather a hard thing to get.
 One of the ladies suggested that, in view of the fact that the boys have seen con- siderable outdoor service, that luncheon at the Auditorium would be more appro- priate and acceptable
 Lunch at Auditorium
 MT. Rhodes asked for some expression on the subject, and on motion 1t was de- cided to serve a luncheon at the Audito- rum.
 Mrs. sinnige suggested that the ladies furnish the secretary with list of what they would cont ute, which she thought would be proper way of ascertaining what could be expected.
 Mrs. Jones moved that the lunch be served by the matrons and misses of the city who desired to assist, which was unanimously carried
 Captain Demere, chairman of the sub- committee of the Commercial club, asked what amount of money would be necessary to defray expenses, and MT. Rhodes gave as his opinion that it would require $15O He stated that if there was anything left over from that amount it could be donated to the Mercy Home.
 Captain Demere reported that his com- mittee lad already secured $35 and twenty gallons of ice cream and suggested that the ladies furnish as many substantials as possible.
 A Lady Chairman
 MT. Rountree suggested that inasmuch as the Commercial club committee had discharged it's duty as far as possible, that the ladies elect chairman and take charge of the meeting. The name of Mrs. T. O. Smith was placed in nomination, and Mrs. Smith was unanimously elected chairman.
 She was escorted to the chair by MT. Rhodes, who stated that she needed no iItroouction to the ladies of Birmingham, referring to her as the wife of the gallant Major Tom o. Smith of the First Alabama, which brought forth enthusiastic applause. In assuming the duties of chairman, Mrs. Smith stated that she appreciated the honor conferred upon her, but thought that MT Rhodes should be retained as presiding officer. She stated that in her opinion sufficient money had already been raised, since the ladies would contribute the eata- bles
 Mir Rhodes replied that he had consid- erable experience with such matters, and that he did not think his estimate would fall far short of the amount that would be required.
 Captain Demere suggested that commit tees from Woodlawn, East Lake, Bessemer. Pratt City, Avondale, Irondale, Gate City and other suburban towns be appointed to assist in the work.
 The chair stated that she would be pleased to hear from any ladies that might be present from those towns. Mrs. Samuel Mullen of Bessemer was recognized and stated that the ladies of that city had held a meeting yesterday morning and had de- cided to give local reception to their home company after the mastering out.
 They VIII All Cooperate
 Mrs. Eager of East Lake and several