The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-10-08
MISS MARY CATALAN.

In A recent issue of Human Life, ap- pears the following sketch of Miss Mary Cahalan, of Birmingham, the principal of the Powell school. This article, written by MT. Paul Cook, pays magnificent tribute to Miss Cahalans work, and 1t will be read with much interest by every one appreciative of her public service, and this means all who know anything or the public school system in this city and of the men and women foremost in its development:
 No woman in Alabama is more widely known and loved than Miss Mary Ca- halan, who has been a school teacher continuously for thirty years, and for twenty years has been principal of the Powell school in Birmingham. Miss Ca- halans career as teacher has been singularly successful She is at present drawing one of the largest annual sala- ries paid to a woman educator in the south, and her school is considered model of the public school system in this country.
 Miss Cahalan was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky She was educated at St. Josephs convent at Columbus, Ga She showed remarkable proficiency in her studies and at an early age devoted her self to the profession of teaching.
 In 1885 the educational work of Bir- mingham was reorganized and Miss Ca nHlan was elecleu Ol llie OWth school Her fine literary attachments and her experience as a teacher fitted her ad- mirably to take charge of what was des- tined to become one of the most perfect public schools In the south
 Miss Cahalan has had charge of the Powell school ever since being elected principal and her success has been such that she is known and respected all over the south. Her pupils, both girls and boys number thousands while it is said that every one who has even been asso- ciated witt Miss Cahalan cherishes for her the warmest affection. Miss Caha- lan's success has been largely due to her ability to control children. As discip- linarian she is unsurpassed. The manner in which she exercises absolute authority over 500 or FOO boys and girls challenges ones admiration.
 Yet Miss Cahalan rules children by kindness alone. She makes friends with every one, and while she enforces her regulations to the letter, she never re- sorts to harsh methods. The Powell school has been visited by many distin- guished educators from all parts of the country who are united in praisng the system prevailing in every department and the efficient manner in which the pupils are instructed Miss Cahalan her self does little teaching now Her du- tics are largely executive.
 n interesting feature of the Powell Is a fire drill, which has been per-
 4 hy Miss Cahaan. This drill takes place two or three times a week and the alarm gong is always sounded without previous warning that the children never known whether there is really fire or merely a drill to be expected.
 Last winter there was fire in the Powell school. In three minutes after the alarm was sounded $50 children were lined up on the sidewalk outside the building, and greatly astonshed to see the smoke pouring from the windows of the third floor. There was not the slight est confusion and the drill was executed with clock-lilke precision.
 Miss Cahalan, of course plays a promi- nent part in southern educational affairs. Her long experience and signal success make her a valuable contributor to edu- cational publications. and woman whose presence is always felt at educa- tional conventions. An admirably poised character, together with graces of the heart and mind, have made Miss Cahalan so popular that Birmingham people look upon her almost as public official. as one whose services belong to the town. She is still in the prime of womanhood and looks forward to many more years of