The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-04
Gives Sound Advice To Normal
 Graduates
AT JACKSONVILLE SCHOOL
President Daugette Talks to Class and Confers Degrees on 31 Graduates. Largest List in History
 of the School.
By FLORENCE WEATHERLY.


 graduating exercises of the State Nor nal school yesterday closed the most notable commencement in the history of the school. The opera house was not sufficient to hold the vast concourse of people who had assembled to witness the exercises. Visitors from all sections of the state were present, as the school has representatives from over 50 coun- ties. Twenty-three young men and eight young women received their diplomas, this being the largest graduating class ever sent out from this school, an increase of 10 over last year.
 An intensely interesting and scholarly address was delivered to the class by Judge S. D. Weakley of Birmingham. Judge Wealxley spoke of the interesting occasion that had brought together such a large audience to witness the conferring of honors upon those who had measured up to the tests and demands of the in- stitution. He said that it is a serious time when young men and young women, after years of study, depart from the scholastic halls in which they have se- cured their education and go out into the world to take their places in the states citizenship. They owe a debt of grati- tude to their teachers, to the state of Alabama, for the adoption of an edu- cational policy which has planted this in stitution at this place and which Is nourished and supported from the treas ury of the state. At this hour," said Judge Wealkley, i've come to the point
 
 en, equipped for lfe's service, must go out into the ranks of citizenship and ally themselves with the builders of the state because it is true that every good cit izen of the state in the great march of progress and civilization is, must be, and should be builder of his state and the subject upon which I wish to speak to you today is the building of an American state.''
 Judge Wea1ley spoke of the relations of the federal and state government and of the evolution of our government. He laid great stress upon the importance of education in the building of a state. Education, he declared, is essential to en- able the voter to vote correctly, neces- sary to enable the members of our leg islature to pass the necessary laws to govern our state, necessary in every rela- tion of life. Intelligence, said the speak CT, education and the knowledge of those things that will enable the citizen to per- form his duties as citizen and that will enable the official to perform his duties as an official are of vital im- portance.
 There never has been a time when people of our land have been so aroused on the subject of education as they are today. They demand that there shall be established a complete and adequate sys- tenn of common schools-competent, edu- cated teaehers-and comfortable school houses in order that at least the ele- ments of a rudimentary education may be brought within the reach of every child'
 He also spoke of the importance of pro viding high schools, scientific and indus trial schools universities, schools for the education of the lawyers, doctors, etc.
 Need Good Laws.
 He stated that the great demand in building a state is for the enactment and enforcement of such wholesome laws as will be necessary to carry the state for ward to the highest plane of civilization, laws that will advance us along the lines of our onward march. He spoke of the great moral revolution through which our state has passed recently.
 He urged the young men and young women to lay up something for rainy day, to put something aside out of their earnings, be it ever so little, for future needs This, he said will give independ- ence of position, and he showed what terrible handicap is debt to ones pro gross, paralizing one-half of his powers and rendering him unable to accomplish that which he otherwise could accomp- fish. Judge Weakley encouraged the spirit of giving to Institutions. and spoke of the great demands made upon us. He paid a beautiful tribute to Mrs. R. b. Johnson for her great work in the In- dustrial School for Boys at East Lake.
 Bring Results.
 Continuing, he said: NOW just word to the young men and young women. You have received your training in a state in stitutiou which has fitted you for the great work of teaching-to go out into the highways and hill countries and val leys and gather in the children of the common schools and lead them on to a life that is worth living-and bring re- suits that are worth while. It may be that some of you may not always pur- sue that calling-ambition may call you to other professions" The speaker here named many different avocations, and urged the graduates to choose wisely, to have a wel-defined aim in life and to pursue 1t steadily. "If,' said he, you are in the position of poverty, not pos sessed of much of this worlds goods, count it to your gain, not to your loss. He pointed out the advantage of starting out in life without riches and with re- sponsibilities
 Addressing the young women he said ITO these young women what shall l say? l have for them a peculiar ten derness, because all my boys are girls As a teacher woman has wonderful opportunity She is the natural teacher The child clings to her as to one else The first and most lasting impressions are gained around the mothers knee truly, the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
 He here dwelt at length upon the great things accomplished by women-and how much better opportunities she now has for doing good than formerly. If a wom- an does not wish to become the head of a home if she wishes independence; to enter fields of endeavor, the world Is standing with open arms to receive her. not as an inferior, but as an equal. The speaker said he believed woman in many