The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-17

the friendliness, hopeless sort-there IS nothing that appeals more strongly than an effort to place within the reach of such environments which tend to their uplift- ing and ediflcation.
 Birmingham might well be called "The City of Good Deeds" so ready Is 1t al- ways to respond to appeals for worthy causes, and in no case has generosity been better bestowed than when contri- buttons have been made to the Boys club. To Mrs, James Weatherly, the able president and her capable corps of as- sistants, Mrs. w L. Murdoch, Mrs. W. b. Nesbitt. and the presidents of the various chapters, is the credit generously ac- corded of fostering and ameliorating con- ditions relative to the Boys club which has placed it high in the list of successful institutions in this city, and today every man, woman and child in Birmingham is given the opportunity to lend a helping hand to this worthy undertaking.
 When found Mrs. Murdoch yesterday afternoon, with the members of the board of control, at the Boys club rooms busi- ly engaged in the final preparations for Tag Day. I felt that there was very lit tie opportunity for me to have any sort of talk with her. But she graciously gave me few moments of her time and found out many interesting things about the Boys club which I had never real ized before.
 How clever you women are to do this sort kind of thing" I said to Mrs. Mur- doch, land what splendid work 1t is! How the boys of Birmingham must ap- preciate it.'
 Tt isF a genuine pleasure for everyone of us engaged in the work" said Mrs. Murdoch enthusiastically. "If you could see the little fellows who belong to the club at their thorough enjoyment of ev- erything we do for them I feel sure that the people of Birmingham would feel personal pride Tn the work"
 And what boys are eligible to the club" asked.
 Every boy in Birmingham" said Mrs. Murdoch. Particularly the newsboys and the street boys of the city. It Is our aim to cooperate with the home, the church. the school the city authorities and all those interested in the betterment of and the uplift of the children of the streets
 Your clubrooms are very attractive" I remarked as I glanced around at the large reading room and spacious surroundings. 'I had no idea you were so well equipped"
 'Through the generosity of friends of the Boys club we have been able to fit up the reading rooms with about 200 vol umes besides lots of nice magazines, whic hthe boys thoroughly enjoy. Our dormitory-for the use of the boys who don't live nowhere'-with the large bath rooms, with hot and cold shower baths dhe shower bath being furnished from the proceeds of Chapter D Is perfect joy to the boys"
 "How Is the club governed. Mrs. Mur- doch?'' I inquired.
 Tt Is under the active control of a board of women, having three auxiliary chapters for helpers and the advisory board is made up of some of Birming- hams most public spirited citizens.
 And Mir Willows, the superintendent, tells me something of his work. I have heard that his success with the bows and his influence over them is wonderful" remarked.
 Ut would take whole book to tell you about the good qualities and the splendid work that MT. Willows has done. He is greatly beloved by the boys and his work is a living monument to his character and fine personality" said Mrs. Murdoch.
 Continuing, she said, "Do you know the city of Birmingham is unique in one way. at least? We have a probation of ficer and a real juvenile court without any law. Every morning MT. Willows and his capable assistant MT Graham, are in court to look after all juvenile offenders and these the Boys club cares for An how many times this year has MT Willows said to me, Where shall I place this boy? Not bad boy, not a delinquent, but homeless little wa1f or humanity. And do you know, that Is how boys become delinquent? They are generally first dependent
 ''Where do you send boy like that, Mrs. Murdoch? I shosld think it would be problem to kno% just what to do. Ohl how it makes my heart ache, to hear of such little fellows running around
 
 how fortunate they are to have you good women to care for them,' ] said
 we usually try to put boy of this kind in some good home, if possible. Sometimes we send them to the 1ndus- trial school at East Lake, but as beau- tiful and good as that institution Is,
 
 Miss Mary Ruth McLester, MT. Perry Howze, MT. Richard Hawkins, MT Ky burn Pinckard, MT. Hill Ferguson, MT. George Ward, MT. Robert Johnston, MT. Reid Lawson, MT. Ed Irwin, MT. Will Hams, MT. Jelks, MT, Thomas Hall, MT John Dawson, MT. George Eggleston and Dr. Mortimer Jordan.
 Mrs. Crockard was gowned for the even- ing in becoming white dancing frock Her guest was charming in yellow evening gown with gold trimmings.