The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-12-20
Interesting Meeting at Girls
 High School.
Addressed by Judge Thomas, Mayor Joseph, Major Screws and Dr.
 Gregory-$500 in Hand for Organised Charity.

The Civic Federation of Montgomery with an expressed purpose of advancing the philanthropic, moral and aesthetic interests of the city was organized last night at the Girls High School building. at . meeting marked by a deep earnest ness and a manifested sympathy in the purposes of the organization.
 A non-sectarian working charity with a capital. . definite aim and purpose was inauGurated and a committee represent ing all charity organizations of the city was named to take charge of the organ nations fund. which almost without eff fort amounts to about $500.
 The officers of the Civic Federation were not elected at last nights meeting. the election being deferred on account of the lateness of the hour when that part of the program was reached.
 The membership pledge to the Fedora ton is as follows:
 , '''we. the undersigned. desiring to form a non-poiiticai non-sectarian association, embracing all the forces that are now laboring to advance the philanthropic' moral and aesthetic interests of our city, hereby subscribe ourselves members or the Civic Federation of Montgomery.
 To this pledge there were about loo signers comprising all the attendants at last nights meeting. Fully half of those present were ladies and half of the mem bers of the Federation are ladies.
 A meeting of the Federation will be called in the near future at which officers will be elected.
 The non-sectarian charity committee will also meet at an early date at which it's nractical work will be mapped out.
 Meeting Called to Order.
 The meeting was called to order prompt ly at the appointed time by Hon. d. D. Gaston, Judge of Probate Of Montsom- cry County.
 Ha had no speech. he said, to deliver on the work of Civic Federation ne would state, however. that the present movement had originated in the endeavor to organize all the charities of Montgom- cry in one united, harmonious whole. The movement, Judge Gaston said. would appeal also to the good men ana good women of Montgomery.
 Rev. Neal L. Anderson, pastor Of the Central Presbyterian Church, eloquently and tmpressively invoked Divine guidance upon the meeting. He asked for higher and more ennobling ideals of citizenship. He asked aid for the movement to unite the charity of Montgomery. and advance all interests for the upbuilding Of the city. .t.s
 The next number on the program was the piano solo, "Tarantelle," Chopin, by Miss Dora Sternfeld. A burst of ap- piausa greatsd Miss Sternfeld's appear ance on the stage and testified to her popularity as a local favorite. Her skill and mastery of the instrument displayed in the execution of the difficult selection called for and received warm appreoia- ton from the audience.
 Hon. W. H. Thomas, Associated Judge of the City Court, was presented by Judge Gaston as one who needed no introduc- ton.
 Judge Thomas Speaks.
 Judge Thomas spoke on "The Need and Scope oe 6 Civic Federation" His ad- dress was more than mere explanation Of the purposes and principles of a Civic D0Qefat1Ou. 4b was 9 elAAAhA0 co-operation and assistance in the work of advancing the charitable and philan- thropic interest of Montgomery. The keynote of the address was an appeal for a more general charity. participated in by all without ostentation and With out hope of reward. ,4s
 Judge Thomas said that the city or Montgomery was to be congratulated that it had men of thought who caught the spirit of the times and set on foot this movement.
 'aThsse men of thought will be thrice blessed" said Judge Thomas. fin the name of the needy, the indigent and the helpless of the city"
 Judge Thomas paid q tribute of elo- ouence to home and the social memories that cluster about 1t. The beautlfying improvement and building up of city contributes to the happiness of the city s homes.
 The Federation. Judge Thomas said, would bring together in more or less sym pathy and acquaintanceship' men of diff ferent businesses and social ties.
 ''Univsrsal sympathy" said Judge Thomas, must claim our service in e universal benehcence. The time has arriv- ed for a union of forces, of power and of influence. It is a national characteristic of Amsriot to combine efforts.
 There never was such time for such an organization. From the denomina- tons there comes no note of discord. The spirit of toleration prevails as 1t never has before"
 Judge Thomas dwelt forcibly upon the different fields of endeavor to be entered by the Federation, It's advancement of the philanthropic, educational and chari-