The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-12

~AeSAOA VI ppIlliSllSlus 1il., anu MT the national illiteracy commission V the Southern Illiteracy convention.
 Following brief devotional exer- elses, M. l.. Britain, superintendent Of education of Georgia, took charge of the meeting and introduced the speakers.
 MT. Magill, known as one of the foremost educators in America, di- rected his remarks principally to re- lation to illiteraey education to the great national education program, declaring it to be the principal as. pect of the movement. "The devel- opment of good American citizen- ship Is the outstanding aim of our educational movement" declared the speaker, as he registered a stirring appeal for the suppression over the country of conscientious objectors who have fought school taxation and the very life of constructive edu- cational program, from US ineip- iency.
 Illiterate Class.
 The very principles laid down by our forebears provided for gov ernment under which life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness might be vouchsafed to all, none of which can be enjoyed in ignorance, con cluded MT. Magill, in final appeal for the leaders in the south and other sections to arise to the unfin- ished task of emancipating the it. literate class.
 Mrs. Stewart brought a message of cheer and encouragement to the capacity anudience representing 10 southern states, as she told of the growing interest and cooperation of the national, state and civic organ izations with the educational organs, In it's campaign to free the United States of her 5,000,0OO illiterate adults by 1880.
 Mrs. Stewart recalled the national issues of slavery, suffrage and pro- hibition, as they came and were suc- cessfully confronted and declaring that f'the idea of emancipating ilIit- crate has come, she expressed high hope that the efforts of the noble workers throughout the country will eventually be crowned with that same success.
 Opening Session.
 More than 200 delegates from Ala bama and nine other southern states assembled for the opening session of the regional illiteracy conference in the Sunday school room of the First Methodist church yesterday morning
 Dr. George k. Stuart, pastor ot the First Methodist churc.t gave the invocation, and was followed by pr. John W. Abercrombie. Montgomery, state superintendent of education and Dr. c. B. Glenn, superintendent of schools of Birmingham, who made welcome addresses to the hundreds of T s1nfr Tre. states, present. In the absence of Hon. J. F, Swearingen of South Caro- lima, response was brought by E. B. Tucker of the Arkansas illiteracy commission, of Little Rock.
 Illiteracy's High Rate
 Dr. Abercrombie, dealt with a com parative study of illiteracy in the va lrfous states, calling attention to the fact that Alabama stood among the foremost in the reduction of Hitter ates in the past, and spoke of his gratitude that such a meeting of this kind was being held in Birmingham, and especially at a time when those who are really interested in the great educational movement can also be inspired with renewed vigor and ideas gained at the citizens conference and the meeting of the Alabama Educa-  be in session from tomorrow morn ing until Saturday.
 History of Movement
 The speaker also outlined the his- tory of the illiteracy movement in Alabama which had it's origin in 1915 with the creation of state commits sion of five members, as a part of the educational system, but void of any financial support. It was through the loyal support of the Alabama Fed eration of Women's clubs and other organizations, according to Dr. Aber- crombie, that the commission was kept active and resuir-producing un- til 1919 when the division of excep- tioGal education was created to sup plant the commission. of which Miss Sarah Luther is director.
 Dr. Abercrombie gs" interesting statistics of the grow of the move ment in Alabama to reDsce adult illit- eracy from the very bottom of the list to seventh from the bottom, most of the great work haNing been accom- plished since early 1920. Under the direction of Miss Luther, 5000 illtt- crates have been taught to read and write. it was pointed out. Dr. Aber- crombie concluded with very fit ting and high tribute to Mrs. stewart, chairman of the convention.
 Glenn Delivers Address
 Dr. Glenn then delivered the ad- dress of welcome on behalf of Bir- mingham and told the conference or the recent action of the city commits sion to ask the voters of the city for s5. 0O0. 900 for bonds for schools and ST, ,00O, ,000 for general educational pur- poses, including parks, playgrounds and an auditorium, as an illustration of Birmingham's support of the move- ment. n,
 .Illiteracy a National Problem" was the next subject of discussion. featured by an address from William l.. Stookbury of Knoxville, Tenn, su- perintendent of education in that city. who addressed the conference in the absence of J. B. Brown, superintend-. ent of public instruction for the state of Tennessee.
 south Not Limit MT. Stock bury discounted the bellef among many classes that all the 1iilt- eracy in the country prevailed In the Applachian' region and the south' stating that it existed in every sec tion, even in cultured Boston. Elm phasis' was placed on the importance of educating the foreign born as well as the native born Americans to the principles of Americanism. and spoke very hopefully of the early passage or the bill now before Congress. provid- ing appropriations to give every man. woman and child an opportunity to become an independent educated citi- zen.
 Britain Outlines Crusade
 NJ l.. Britain. state superintendent