The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-06-26
Opinions of the Alabama
Woman's Press Association

Several weeks ago the secretary and
treasurer of the Alabama Women's Press
Association, Mrs. FAC Smith, of Birming-
ham, wrote the members of the assoeia-
tion that it was the desire of the president
that their influence should be thrown with
all possible weight and force for con-
stitutional convention for Alabama, and for
more and better public schools for the state.
In reply the following interesting and en-
couragfng letters have been received, which
indicate that these vital questions will not
slumber as long as the women of Alabama
continue to think upon and discuss those
matters, which so closely touch the homes
and firesides of the people Mrs. A. 7.
Goodwin of Robinson Springs writes:
My Dear Mrs Smith-Your letter written
70 me by request of the president of the
Woman's Press Association of Alabama,
was received this morning. In answer to
II, can express entire sympathy with a
constitutional convention, so far as such
a convention will have power to influence
beneficially the school systems. Improve
ment in educational methods, especially in
the less enlightened districts of the state
is of first Importance, and whatever tends
to that end L shall most heartily indorse.
Refofmatory schools are a necessary feat
ure to good government. Education, nine
times out of ten, is redemption. Therefore
L believe these schools should be estab-
Ished without unnecessary delay. l think
also education should be compulsory The
Woman's Press Association of Alabama
may feel assured that any influence l have
will be given gladly to those objects, that
will make possible longer school periods
more rigid examination for teachers, bet
ter pay for teachers and more general
interest in educational matters.
Sincerely yours,
Il IA
Mrs. j. M. P. Ockenden says the need
Tor womans work on the press, and of
course our first necessity Is the constitu-
tional convention. Then we may hope to
obtain state legislation to support our good
purposes in educational and moral direc-
tions.
1 have written much on these subjects,
but nervous prostraton has sifenced my
pen recently.
True reform is dear to my heart and the
future of the youth of our country is still
dearer. Some of my thoughts and sugges-
tons, hope, will at least show my interest
and sympathy in whatever direction the as
ISOLATION may send us. The loss of Mrs.
Davis was very sad one to us in the be-
ginning of our career. With kind regards
and the hope that we will meet again, and
assuring you and our president that | am
ready to do everything in my power to
advance these good ends, I reamin, cor
0ietiiS yOufS,
j. NJ. PORTER ocKBNDEN.
Unontown, Ala, June a. 1858.
Dear Mrs. Smith:
In reference to your letter respecting the
work to be undertaken by our association,
/ assure you of my personal support and
hearty cooperation In any measure rela-
tive to obtaining a better school system for
the masses and for q new constitution.
The necessity of a reformatory, however,
appeals to me more touchingly than all
else. Please pardon my delay.
I am sorry I did not meet you in Tusca-
loosa. Very truly,
AMIE E. YER3Y.
Dear Mrs. Smith: Your communicat ton
received some time since has not been neg
lected. 1 am one on the committee of
thiuty-three'' for Information of the edu-
cational status of Alabama. I am confident
the A e. A., to meet in Tuscaloosa June
$780, will accomplish much good along the
line you mention.
Yours for the betterment of mankind in
church and school and state
MRS. s. F. H. TARRANT.
MY Dear Mrs. Smith: I am quite int
ested in all the subjects of which yoll
letter speaks and 1 shall be glad to US,
my influence towards their accomplishment
OF course, being a lifelong teacher, L am
deeply interested in all that pertains to the
educational facilities of Alabama, and this
interest has been the chief cause of my be-
coming devoted a press woman and so
loyal and earnest a Chautauquan. saw
opportunities in these.two lines of endeavor
for furthering educational features in our
beloved state. AS to the reformatory pro-
ject I am not we'll Informed, but l hope
you will enlighten me when the time is ripe
In the meantime count upon my co-opera-
ton when anything toward the settlement
of our brothers condition comes in the
pathway of the Alabama Press association.
1 was so delighted that during the late
meeting OF the State Federation of Literary
clubs stress was laid in all our delibera-
lions, not so much as to what we were do
ing for ourselves, as upon what as state
organization we could do for others who
needed our helping hands.
Yours most cordially.
MRS. NJ. Rolf JARVIS,
My Dear Mrs. Smith:
I am thoroughly in accord with you as to
the subjects for which the press associa-
ton should work. but am extremely pes
simistic as to results. Still we can try.
We ought certainly to try to rave the "age
of consent raised. 1t is a frghtful dis
grace to Alabama.
1 think more real good is accomplished
by bringing influence to bear on legislators
than in any other way.
You know perhaps, that I am somewhat
of an invalid, but I will write when the
time comes. We will want concerted ac-
ton. I see the Federation of Clubs takes
up the same line of work. That ought to
help, but Alabama politics are hde-bound.
We may not be able to make scratch on
the thick skin.
Keep me posted as to what you are
doing. Very sincerely,
E. S. HILDRETH.
Mrs. R. A. Moseley writes: 81 will en-
courage to the best of my ability the move
ment for reformatories and Others of a
similar nature that 1t may be deemed well
for our association to undertake. Sincerely
yours
ELLA LOWERY MOSELEY.