The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-06-14

paramount inrluence.
 Probably you wonder why I have said so much about educational matters. and other subjects of general interest. l say these things to you and through you and the ladies of this audience to the women of our state and country because of your paramount influence and your ability, to great extent, to bring about. indirectly, if not otherwise the desired results; no class of people in this country more appreciate the importance and necessity of education and the moral uplifting of our people. The influence of woman, through the means of education, is al- most without limit. A very large per centage, or large majority of the young of this country are trained by women- and it Is well understood that next to the mother the teacher has the oppor- tunity and the power, in a large measure, to impress upon the minds of the children and youths of the country the right prin- ciples, and direct their line of thought. Indeed, in very many cases the teacher possesses larger influence than that exerted in the home circle. Woman's in- fiuence does not stop in the school room, but Is strong and potential in society and with those with whom she may be associated wherever her duties may call. In fact. woman's Influence is the sheet anchor of society, and the laws, GUS toms and morals of society are what she decides they shall be. Woman reigns because she holds possession of our af- fections, and thus her influence is strong and lasting. Men are only likely to of fend her to the extent of her tolerance, and they hesitate long time before they unblushingy do those things which the women of the community in which they live have stamped withs their dis approval. Men. In many instances, are loose in their ideas and practices as to temperance because women. in many cases, simply smile upon their stiffness and think It amusing when men allow their reason to be dethroned and make idiots of themselves There are few men, particularly those who associate with women. whatever might De their taste or inclination, who would not cease to offend in this way if they were made to understand that such conduct would not be tolerated. Just in like manner woman's influence should demand higher ideals In every department of life--wheth- CT in public or private. Her Influence would eventually create demand for men of high character and pure lives in poltics-so that in the end anyone, who is unfit would not dare ask to be elevated to an office of honor and trust. Sheridan said beautifully:
 ''Women govern us; let us render them perfect. The more they are enlightened, so much more shall we be. On the cu1- tivation of the mind of women depends the wisdomeof men. It is by woman that nature writes on the hearts of men"
 do not say these things to flatter but believe that I appreciate and realize the great power woman possesses in free country like this-therefore, l wish to impress upon you the great responsibi1- ities which rest upon you. Let the women of this country set standard that is measured by character. education and re- finement, and not by the mere possession of money; let her make the standard Of duty higher, and turn her disapproval against the idea which prevails too much in making the accumulation of money the highest aim in life. We are in dam lin this country, in the strenuous bus mess life that men are leading. of plac- ing too much stress upon commercialisrn Henry Ward Beecher said that In this country "the child is not out of the cradle before he learns that he has got to make his own living; he is hereditarily impressed with the idea of money. He said: Sometimes when I see babies paving the air I think they are mak- ing change in their young minds about bargains This ought not to be. While children should be instructed from etne to time that they must be self-support- ing. and must be helpful to others. and for this purpose must equip themselves for business or profession which they may select--they should be taught that there is something higher In life and that the better nature of man should he cul- tlvated and should dominate his life.
 Life Is Opportunity.
 very natural question is: How shall make the most of my fife; where