The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-10
Arguments Are Temperate

The speeches of the distinguished Vis- itors were largely on the equal suffrage movement, and in each instance they presented facts and arguments that seemingly could not be successfully refu- ted or gainsaid. They were temperate, but most positive, in ,neir utterances. and at times, when a little sarcasm was indulged in at the expense of the lords of creaton,' it was with the keenness of a rapier rather than a blow from a bludgeon.
 Another fact was very much apparent, that instead of the hard featured and severely dressed woman of the caricatur- ist the group of speakers were splendid speeiments of American .vomanhood, at tractiyely gowned. and charming to be- holds In addition they were finished speakers, with a message to deliver to the people of Alabama and the ability to present it. The audience was somewhat slow to warm up but soon the applause became generous and prolonged It was generally led by the male portion of the audience.
 Every speaker expressed the utmost satisfaction and appreciation of the warm welcome that they had received at the hands of the men and women of
 Birmingham and the splendid assem- blaze that had gathered last night to hear their message; furthermore, that message contained no, word of par tisan politics.
 Owing to the immense crowd which necessitated the overflow meeting at the Cable hall Mrs Jacobs reffnquished the chair at the Jefferson theatre to James Bowron and took charge of the meeting at Cable hall, where she made the open ing address and introduced the several speakers As soon q speaker was through at the Jefferson theatre she was taken to the Cable hall that all those who attended the meeting heard the same speakers.
 Theatre Decorated in Suffrage COlOrs
 The Jefferson theatre was in the most attractive attire, the suffrage colors be- ing in evidence everywhere. Flags and suffrage pennants hung around the bal cony and boxes on which the suffrage slogan. Votes for Women" were de- picted The boxes and balconies were also draped in colors of the cause" On the back of the stage. represented as the world, was a large yellow strean with the words painted in black, Alabama women want the ballot on the same terms as the Alabama men" An at tractive feature was the girl ushers, a bevy of pretty young women attract
 lively gowned in white lingerie and wear ing the suffrage sash.
 There is no mistak:ng the fact that the women who spoke last night pre- sented a mighty strong argument for equal suffrage and one that will doubt less have to be reckoned with by the voters of Alabama in the very near fu- ture. The meeting lass night was thor oughly enjoyable. the speeches able and instructive. the large audience warm and responsive. The local suffragists are de- lighted with the splendid success of the first big equal suffrage meeting in Ala bama The visitors are equally delighted with the warm and hearty welcome they received
 Col, James Bowron presided at tie Jef- ferson theatre and fittingly introduced the several speakers. opening the meet .ng with a cordial address of welcome 70 tie notable visitors. Referring to the woman movement he said it was inevit~ able and that it was bound to coIre. He referred to the fact that the Confederate soldier was given life certificate re- sardless of other conditions which he sd i'd was very proper. bat in all fairness he contended that the ballot should also have been extended to the southern wom- on who passed through the trying war period and who suffered so much He said that social unrest was worldwide and that women Were taking the lead in welfare work, and all movements for the uplift of the hrman race anu that they should be given t.ic ballot in order to carry out these various reforms. He then introduced Mrs. Stanley McCermick. Surprised by Warmth of Welcome Mrs. Mccormick said that she was sure of q welcome in the south. but lid not expect such cordial. hearty. enthusia S. tice greeting as had been extended. and that was evidenced by the splendid audi tnce present. She was glad thas SO mary people of Birmingham had come out to hear their side of tho equal suffrage question. Briefly relating the history of the rational association. of which sue is the treasurer, she went into the body of her speech She said that the community , was the loser by the state refusing the bHllot to the women. for there were SO nany matters concerning the government of city that concerned the mother equally with the father and 9.lat the