The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-04-14
Rr TOccoa COzart.


 few weeks since. the music of Ma bel McKinleys Golden Rod" was published in The Advertiser. The pop ular subject, and the interest naturally felt in the author of the score made many pause to read. who would other wise have passed 1t by.
 Yet Alabamians have more than passing interest in this tacit accept ance of the National Flower" It is known to many, but not to all, that an Alabama woman wielded magic influence upon more than one conven- tion of men and caused high tide of popularity to bear our golden crest ed flower" on its wave.
 Here is the story; all Alabamians should read with pride and pleasure:
 In 1889. in November, the National Farmers Convention met in Montgom- cry; and among other questions con- sidered worthy of discussion, was that of the adoption of national flower. To the average, fun loving American who cartoons everything. there may have been an element of mirth provok ing tendency in the picture presented by these sober men, gravely yet Benti- mentally discussing the merits of a flower!
 The student of history however. re- members that England's fair fields were drenched in blood for that for which a red rose and a white rose stood. Scotlands Thistle has typified unconquered country from time imme- morial. While one who should speak scoffingly of the Shamrock, might lind himself confronting the knotty prob lems of the "blackthorn!
 So, the farmers-whose ancestors had fired the shot heard round the world '-gravely aired the secret sem timents of their souls and weighed tho # e.. honor.
 Into the deliberations of this honor able body, there came a messenger with greetings from a iar-away Ala bama city's patriotic women. They sent suggestion and inspiration.
 The fair little city of Athens holds many jewels of womanhood, but none more priceless than the daughter of Alabama's great son, Luke Pryor. As the true "helpmeet" of her husband, Mrs. Aurora Pryor Mcclellan looked we'll to the ways of her household" yet, with the Southern womans fine adaptablity, she found time to think on higher things"
 Her mind had already grasped the possibilities of the National Farmers Convention. She resolved to seek it's aid in establishing the claims of the Golden Rod to supremacy over all Americas wealth of Flowers. From the door of her home in the far famed Tennessee Valley, she had looked forth upon golden crowned hills and wide plains spread with royal carpet flow like the free full spirit, yet steady purpose, of American life! This weed flower, that disdained not the dusty roadside, yet was equally Rt home in dim cathedral aisles!"
 So inspired, Mrs. Mcclellan called the women of her city together to take counsel one with anotker. The result of their deliberations was brief, clear, scholarly 'memorial' setting forth their hopes and the merits of their chosen flower. 1t was signed by their committee: Mrs. Aurora Mo- Clellan, chairman, Mary Peebles and Fannie Snow Pryor"
 Greatly impressed by the communl- cation were the farmers; and they took the matter under advisement" After years delay--uscd to consult with all the notable florists and flower lovers of the countryside Farmers Convention, assembled in Iowa, for tlair 1890 meeting formally adopted the Golden Rod as their National Flower,' and instructed their Becre- tary to send a copy their proceed ings to the Pr.Sident of the Floral Association of Athens, Alabama" This presideH' of course. was Mrs. Nc Clellan,