The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-05-18

Proclajming The Age-Heralds big oratory contest a remarkable success and an epoch in southern educational and patriotic progress, educators and civic leaders throughout Alabama have sent their congratulations to The Age Herald and suggested that the contest be made an annual event.
 Almost without exception, the princi- pals of the high schools of the state. from which the hundreds of contestants were drawn, have declared the contest accomplished great good, not only in this state, but throughout the south and the country.
 The purpose of the contest was to increase interest in and respect for the constitution of the United States, and in the estimation of Chief Justice John c. Anderson of the Alabama supreme court, it has been instrumental in bringing to thousands of Alabamians A better understanding of the framework of the national government.
 Orators Return
 The champion orators from six states. who met in Birmingham Friday night in the all-southern finals, had re- turned to their homes Saturday. The Dixie championship remained in Bir- mingham, and its proud possessor was Jack Turner, of the Phillips High school.
 Jack, on June 6, will compete with six other sectional champions for the United States championship. Presi- dent Coolidge will preside and the justices or the supreme court will judge the oratorical abilities of the speakers! Prizes totaling $5,000 will be awarded the winners. First prize is $3,500 in gold, and Jack says he is going to put his whole soul into his oration in an effort to bring home the bacon"
 The following letter from P. NJ. Munro, principal of the Selma High school, reflects the general attitude of Alabama educators towards The Age Herald's contest. He wrote:
 T think this contest should, by all means, be continued. It reached a great number of persons this year and would reach even more next year. It en- courages interest in the two most worth while matters. First, our young sters need stimulation to express them selves orally, Second, we need greater familiarity with the United States Con stitution.
 We'll Worth While
 T think the state and national aspect of this contest is quite worth while. It is most broadening for the students from the different sections to get to- gether. Heretofore, the most emphasis has been placed on athletics. Many youngsters are left out of athletic con tests by virtue of physical inaptitude
 'I shall always be interested in this contest. l believe next year more of our students will go into it. do hope The Age-Herald will continue its ef- forts to raise the standard of American citizenship by means of this contest"
 w. E. Snuggs, principal of the Cof- fee County High school of Enterprise, wrote that the contest was "a great step in the right direction"
 Interest will grow each year, and the contest will work wonders towards raising our standard of citizenship. sincerely hope that The Age Herald will continue the contest, because of the great good that will result from it." Professor SnuGgs added.
 Proud Of Ags-HeraId
 This came from Prof. J. E. Wilson, principal of the State Secondary Agri- cultural school at Hamilton
 We feel very proud of The Age t1erolu eIIOfLS 10 cnl1Ven interest In our COnstitutiOn and to develop orators on such subject matter. The contest has done great good. Students every where took great interest in it, and next year it would be an even greater sue cess.'
 Prof, E. A. Thomas, principal of the Oakman High school, expressed him self as follows:
 II certainly think the contest sue cessful in that all participants, as we'll as thousands of citizens, know much more about our fundamental law than they would have otherwise I believe this knowledge will create greater love for the country, and love causes respect and obedience, both of which are neces- sary to good citizenship"
 In addition to scores of educators, many of the high school students who participated in the various contests preliminary to the state and all-south- ern finals, have written letters urging that the contest be continued.