We have taught over a thousand men and women in Rowan County during the past three years, and now some twenty-five counties are putting forth an effort along this line. I have hundreds of letters which demonstrate the fact that men and women can learn to read and write in a very short time after their interest is quickened. I have letters from octogenarians besides many middle-aged and younger men and women. What has been done in Rowan County in three years in reducing and almost wiping out her illiteracy, can be done in Kentucky during the next six years--by the time the Federal census is taken. This movement started in Kentucky, and Kentucky is the State which should take the initiative and form a commission to advance this important work. I earnestly request that you will include in your message to the Legislature the suggestion that such a commission be formed. Hoping that you will see the expediency of this matter, and believing that you will stand for the enlightenment of the 208,084 benighted Kentuckians who cannot read or write, I am, Yours most respectfully, By return mail came Governor McCreary’s answer: Your letter, dated December 16, 1913, was received this morning. I thoroughly endorse all you say on the subject of an “Illiteracy Commission” “formed by legislative act to study the condition of adult illiteracy in our State and to give men and women their freedom from this bondage.” I congratulate you on the strong points presented in your letter, and I will be glad to assist you and to encourage any movement which has for its object the elimination of illiteracy from our State and the education of all our people. I will refer in my message to an “Illiteracy Commission” and the good work that can be performed by such a commission. After some further exchange of letters with the Governor on the subject, on February 19, 1914, he wrote: I congratulate you heartily, on the unanimous vote of both branches of the General Assembly in favor of the bill providing for the Kentucky Illiteracy Commission. Your address and the strong arguments in favor of this much-needed legislation caused its passage without opposition. There is nothing in life more pleasant than to feel that you are living for the benefit of humanity and to contribute to the welfare of men and women. I respect and admire you for devoting your intellect and energies to your good work among adult illiterates in Kentucky. The Governor appointed J. G. Crabbe, President of the Eastern Kentucky State Normal, H. H. Cherry, President of the Western Kentucky State Normal, Miss Ella Lewis, Superintendent of Grayson County schools and myself as members of the newly created Illiteracy Commission. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction was a member ex officio.