Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-11-01

south for the uplift of humanity and for
extending the benefits Of our civilization
AS have often said, the flowers on Me-
mortal day are very pleasing, blending
OF patriotism with exquisite sympathy.
and the giving Of crosses, symbolized
the loyalty OF the women of the south
TO veterans; and the building of Confed-
crate monuments is both deserving and
gratifying to our hearts; but the educs-
ton OF the children is created than all,
for II is farther reaching and more vital
TO human progress than any or all the
rest.
This has been borne in upon my mind
for many. many years, and 1t came to me
as an inspiration when was a Georgia
visitor. under the auspices of our agrl-
cultural commissioner, Mr.. Nesbitt dur
ing the Centennial exposition held in
Nashville, Tenn, in the year 1887 df /
am not mistaken as to the date).
The annual reunion of the veterans Of
1.-THE Confederacy was held in Nashville at
the same time. and as l watched these
soId men parade the streets, fatigued and
STOPPING under the weight of years, It
seemed TO me there ought to be more
looming out of the lost cause than rebel
lyells," or fatiguing parades in rain or
shine. through the streets of our large
cities.
So. when i made my expected address
in the womsn's building ] said to the
audience, These attentions are pleasing
to the old soldiers and they cost consid-
cradle money, and so far, so good, but
the children of the dead comrades who
are unable TO be here deserve some
things that are not set down on the pro-
grams. and the question is What would
II a
come back here and ask for a benefac-
TOM -
The answer followed the question auto
matically. as il were. the need was so
urgent and the obligation so plain, name
lly: do the best thing possible-educate
the children"
distinguished Confederate general
from North Carolina said to me. You
have struck the keynote, Mrs. FELTON,
II viii meet the necessity or obligation
that Is upon us. and for myself, l will
say Il is the first proposal that has
measured up TO my conception of what
the survivors owe to the dead men who
persisted on the battlefield or hospitals
during the war OF the SOS"
Soon afterwards, l received an invita-
ton. to discuss the same subject when
the National u. ID. C. convention met in
Baltimore, and the invitation was moved
or started by United States Senator J.
w. DanieI-himself an ardent Confed-
Ierate-a senator from Virginia
4 had a lean purse for such trip, but
did go-and paid my own expenses-and
gave the convention the best that was in
me. in furtherance of this idea or plan,
and certain elect ladies of Tennessee had
chis address OF mine printed as a circu-
lar and distributed TO every U. d. c.
chapter in the state of Tennessee.
After begging pardon for this per-
sonal allusion and Renaissance in this
connection. I watched with interest all
that Is going on towards this educa-
tional movement thus inaugurated and
which has been growing ever since, and
viii eventually become the leading idea
in these annual u. ID. c. conventions,
because of its Importance.
1t was TO me a brilliant scene when
Miss Jessie Cobb. the president of the
Cartersville chapter. called the conven-
tion to order These ladies christened
the new Greenwood theater. built and
lowned by Mr.. J. r. Smith, of Atlanta,
when he graciously offered the use of
the building to them free of charge.
9Ir. Smith Is a very genius in generous
strategy, and he jus. made dozens of
influential friends by this timely court
csy and attention to the ladies OF our
town.
We were very proud of our Miss Jes-
sic Cobb. for her address was beautiful
and full OF fine points. The acoustics
OF the new theater are first-class, be-
cause every word uttered by the good
speakers was distinctly understood TO
the remotest seats OF the rear When
went into the convention hall, about IL
a m. Of the first day, there was not
vacant seat and many were glad to get
standing room, and with the veterans
and visitors IL presented a magnificent
spectacle to lockers on.
Miss Alice Baxter, the state president,
is fine presiding officer, and her per-
lsonnel is very pleasing. Mrs. Rounsa-
willie, OF Rome a former state president,
made a splendid address, and her inter
est in the work has never abated in the
least / did not hear the lecture Of
Miss Parrish. and very greatly regret
my inability to listen to Miss Mildred
Rutherford tonight, because the raw
wind that succeeded the heavy rain Of
today keeps me close indoors, but as /
lpen these words know the audience is
tcheering Miss Milly to the echo, for she
lis gifted as an oratoress, especially on
educational and southern movements.
1 You may set IL down that Gainesville
has been delighted to meet the splendid
women of the convention, and special
mention must be made OF Mrs Plane,
the venerable founder of the organlza-
Ition, who displays wonderful vigor for
lher years and length OF service 1 have
had two charming delegates in my
Ihome-both from Griffin, Ga, and / am
Iconvinced that Grifin will get the con-
vention in 1911, because these energetic
land capable ladies-Mrs. Boynton and
Mrs Joseph Thomas-have determined
! to entertain this meeting of the next
Iconvention in their enterprising and
hospitable city.
II has been a treat to my old eyes to
see together so many splendid workers,
and-shall / say it-so many fine
dresses and high-priced hats. Even the
lhobbIe skirts 1 find to be quite becom-
ing to pretty people, and the town has
had a good time in being so particularly
favored in every respect