The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-27

intelligent but they are human and at the touch of nature may become hu- mane The demands of intelligent pub- lie sentiment considerably enforced have omnipotent power. Between the teacher and the official stands the citizen. Let him extend a kindly hand each way and the magic power of intelligent sympathy will twist the three-cord cable of progress so strongly that it may not be easily broken.
 Out from the Hampton school there went years since, a good negro that by sharing the knowledge gained at the school with his neighbors of both races doubled the potato crop of his county. On the same principle there are school districts and whole counties scattered throughout the south in which one edu- eated. tactful., forceful, white citizen beginning single handed and alone has so inspired teachers, officials and neigh bors as to increase a hundred fold the quality and quantity of public education. A single phrase settles the point in our present discussion. It voices itself to each delinquent. Go thou and do like wise
 Excellent Progress Made.
 And now assuming that the historic spirit of the conference is understood, that it's right to continued existence be- tdllSt LII d pifNtiliiil6 litfN 10 fiAAAAheAet that it's parental relation to other organ izations has not been obsured by expla- nation and that larger opportunities for usefulness are clearly before 1t. I have the privilege to commend to you for your consideration the admirable programme prepared by the vice president of the con ference. citizen of Alabama and ex- eeutive secretary of the Southern Edu- cation Board. MT. Edgar Gardner Mur- phy, with the assistance In the hour of need of Dr. Wallace Buttrick, secretary of the General Education Board.
 "It may be very readily said that the speakers make the programme. In sense they do. But what of the man that must bring topics and takers into symmetrical succession through worry and work? The distinguished men need ed for such an occasion as this are hu- mar and the unexpected is the only ah- solute certainty Thus it comes about that the maker of our programme deal ing with men from remote places finds that sclnes and unforeseen obligations enter the most distinguished circles and many keliedoscopic changes must occur before a proper programme confronts the audience. Therefore I ask apprecia- ton for the labor demanded by the ex- eeutive work in the arrangement of tho intellectual repast that the succeeding sessions of this conference has reason to expect
 A Feeling Tribute.
 For a few moments more I must ask your attention to a sorowful topic. We are here this evening by invitation from the state of Alabama. All who were at Richmond a year since will recall the presentation of this invitation by several citizens of this commonwealth. Promi- nent among them was the Hon. Joseph B. Graham of Talledega, field agent of the Southern Education Board All that heard his cordial message will recall the grace and sincerity of his utterance, the charm of his manner. the attractive ness of his personality. Also we remem- Der the forceful style of his later address upon local taxation for education. Little did we expect that coming here Tn re- sponse to his invitation we should miss him from the ranks of welcoming friends. In the early days of July last, just as he was about starting from his home city for a journey in the interest of the Board. his precious life was sud- denly taken by A railroad accident Ex- planation of the mysterious providence that removed him in all the rich maturity of his splendid young manhood is impos- shle
 eThe sympathy of this conference goes forth to the desolated home. Ills asso- cates in the work for the people perso- nally mourn for him. and the cause to which so much of his efforts was devoted is poorer in its loss of it's unique power and unselfish devotion. This conference is young in years but Is yet old enough to have a sacred roster of noble names of those who have passed from the fold of active work. Bright in this golden list so long as our personal memories shall last will shine the name of Joseph B. Graham. As we close up the ranks and accept the legacy of added responsibli- ty created by this latest bereavement let the solemnity of duty find inspiration frnr,n the fidelity of his great eXamnle.n