The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-11-22

understand the laws of their country and what is meant by obeying those laws. The plan Is to make of the school a city, the different rooms in the school wards of that city The children elect council and mayor and nave a court and system of police. Offenders are arrested and brought before the courts and tried. The board of education of Philadelphia is carrying the matter forward and hopes soon to have every school little repub- lie, where each child will be an appren- tiee in American citizenship
 "The new committed on improvement in rural schools has really done a wonderful work, and when the chairman, Mrs. Mat lock, most competent of women, gives her report during this convention. want all of you to read what has been accomp- lished in a few short months, and how eager the people of the rural districts have been to encourage and assist this able committed. They have travelled through the state suggesting to committees the formation of school improvement associa- tions, whose object shall be to provide better school house facilities, and to ad- vance educational interests in the dis trict in which each is organized
 Reciprocity.
 "'The very efficient chairman of the rec iprocity committed. Mrs. Albes of De- eatur, with the other members of her committee, has worked faithfully to have general reciprocity day, when, through year books and visitors from other clubs most profitable and helpful session may be spent. It has been suggested that the reciprocity committee be called the bureau of information, for as such 1t will better reach the comprehension of the clubs. Many do not realize just what this com mittee is for but when they find that they have calendars on file. as well as splendid papers on divers subjects, they will feel free to go to them for help In time of need. In short, if each club sends to this committee items that bear upon the work of the club. sketches of any work, legislative or philanthropic, new plans for the coming season, constitu- tions, bylaws, etc, 1t will vertically be- come a bureau of information and help fitness.
 My sincere thanks are due to each of the officers and to the chairmen of the various committees. who. by their loyalty, efficiency and zeal, have made us what we are, and my term In office a pleasure never to be forgotten Words fail to express all I would like to say of your corresponding secretary, Mrs. Craghead, who has at all times labored unselfshly for the good of the federa- fion and been to me a tower of strength and an ever present help fin time of need.
 Mrs. Morrisette.
 "During the past year among the loved and honored members who have passed to the bourne from which no traveller re- turns, Mrs. Kate Hutchison Morrisette of Montgomery. who was recognized by the women of her state as the most bril- liant representative and exponent of the reforms they advocated. has been taken to a higher sphere of usefulness.
 Mrs. Morrisette was always interested .t~. lxx.- tl.A and as manager of 'Woman's Work the only official organ ever owned by the Alabama Federation of Women's clubs. she used her forcefui pen in advancing every pro- ject which she believed right. As chair man of the educational committee of the federation she was the leader In the agi- tation for the educational qualification of county superintendents. Mrs. Morri- sette took an active interest in every thing pertaining to civic improvement and social betterment and showed untring energy in all work where her heart was interested. Her high ideals were an inspir- ation to her fe1low-workers and 1t can be truly said of her that the world is better for her having lived. for she was faith full to every trust
 General Federation.
 "rhis convention will decide the question of utilization with the General Federation of WomenS clubs-the most powerful or ganization now in existence for promot- ing high ideals in the way of social, civic and educational betterment. For those clubs who can see no benefit to be derived from the Alabama federation becoming part of that great body. I will quote from an open letter sent out by the ex- ecutive committee. on the good accom- plished through federation, and If we, mere pittance in numbers compared to the general federation. feel that we are accomplishing much, let us glance for moment at the changes wrought by the general federation for the individual woman in her various occupations and