The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-05
Response by Mrs. William Gray

Response by Mrs. William Gray Mrs. William Gray of the Topeka chap
 ter gave most graceful response to the addresses of welcome, commenting upon
 the beauty of the welcome accorded the
 visitors, the dignity of the place which is
 giving them welcome and its own great
 record of achievement; she so completely
 and so charmingly presented her address
 as to win from the gracious regent, Mrs.
 Goode. as especial encomum for, as Mrs.
 Goode stated, though it was her maiden speech, she spoke as though born to the forum
 In the presence of Mrs. Bryan, native
 Alabamian but for 36 years a resident of Tennessee, and that of Mrs. J. Nor gan Smith, another beloved member Of
 state and national organizations, the con- vention expressed itself as especially hon. ored and gratifed, for both have had the distinction of being slated for president general, the highest office in the power of the national body to confer. Mrs. Bryan when called upon to address
 the body expressed her qualification at being left to her own devices for a topic;
 she was most eloquent in her story of the
 work of the women of Alabama and Ten
 nessee in educational affairs, and most
 cordial in her expressions of love and rev
 erence for the state which was for so
 many years her home. Mrs. Smith when
 called upon to add her welcome, gave it
 with her unfailing sweetness, dignity and simplicity, and with a word of apprecia-
 ton for the honors bestowed her by the
 women of her state, she disclaimed the idea of having deserved it's praise, but
 expressed her deep appreciation neverthe- less.
 There were many prominent D. A R.'s
 at the two sessions, but the absence of those who have always taken a conspic- uous part in the work was none the less observed and commented upon. In the resignation of Mrs. Charles Sharp, state vice regent, general regret was expressed.
 Both Mrs Sharp and Mrs. J. E. Frazier are former regents of General Sumter chapter, and conspicuous factors in Ala bama patriotic work are prevented be- cause of recent bereavement from en- gazing in the D. A. R. work this winter, and this fact is regarded as a double source of regret to the state body. Afternoon Session In the afternoon session, which was in- troduced at o'clock, the committee re- ports and minutes of the Alabama confer ence of 1911, the latter entertainily pre- sented by Mrs. Harvey of Talladega, comprised an afternoon replete with inter- esting data as to the happenings in D. A. R. circles in Alabama and elsewhere. The programme in fuii included: | Vocal solo, selected. Miss Lucy Dickin- son. 4t
 Report of chairman credentials com mittee.
 Roll call.
 Minutes of conference, 1911. Minutes of meeting of Alabama dele gates to national congress, 1912. Reports of state officers. Announcements by offffcal reader. REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEES. Graves of Revolutionary Soldiers Mrs. J. " Allen, chairman. Real Daughters" Mrs. A. A. Wiley, chairman.
 Continental Hall" Mrs. Ellen Peter Bryce chairman.
 Revolutionary Reics.p Mrs. Matthew Brewster, chairman.
 REPORT OF WORKING COMMITTEES. Proper Observance of National Anni- versares and Alabama Day." Jackson Trace in Alabama Mrs l w. w. Whteside, chairman Child Labor Legislation" Mrs. William Gray, chairman.
 "JacksOn Memorial Road Mrs n