New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-06-09
TILE Y N q A


The Young Mems Christian Association met
in Louisville on Wednesday in its twenty
second annual international convention, and
after electing officers proceeded to review the
work of the year with good deal of justiiable
enthusiasm at its success. 1t reports one
thousand working organizations and over 1OO,-
900 members. Money to carry on the good
work has not been lacking, either as the ex-
pcnses of the State Association have amounted
to about half a million, and the property owned
by the Association amounts to three millions
The organization, as we know, is principally
composed of young men who work in behalf
of their own class. Now, one word OF plain
common sense with regard to this Association.
Nothing could be higher than the aims with
which it started ont III life; nothing more UNI
worldly and unseliish than its present motive
power. 1t was natural and proper that the
young men of the Church, seeing certain prac-
teal work to be done On every side which the
clergy could not or did not reach, should I'M
dertake to do it, and choose to do it alone,
unhampered by the conservatism or forms of
their elders. They understood the temptations
and needs of young men in large cities better
than did theft fathers, and therefore very fifty
They proposed to become their friends
and helpers, to find them employment,
care for them when sick, provide reading and
amusement which should keep them out of the
way of temptation, and gradually, if possible,
lead them into the Christian Church. The
most direct way to obtain this hold upon
them was by establishing an attractive place
of meeting in which a young man coming
friendless to a city could find warm, cheerful
rooms in which to spend his evenings, games,
books, newspapers, and companions. The chief
end which. these sincere men had i'll view was
to bling HIM into the service of Jesus; but
they felt they had gained much when they had
kept HIM from the temptation which lay in
wait for him at every corner of the streets.
so far the Association deserves all praise.
There is no reason why with its young blood
il should not become as powerful an Organza
ton for good as any ever formed. II started
out. like the Christian Church, with pure
missionary spirit, but like the Church its dan
gers and its weakness lie in the possession of
money and the love of display. The Y. III.
G.. A., during the few last years, has begun
to take what appears at first sight c0mmenda-
BILE pride in its costly buildings. Now,
COSTLY DulluiHrS are Eoou lhlnSo IA '''''i ""J'
but their way rs not to bring wandering sheep
into the fold of God. The shabby young me-
chanic or grimy laborer is daunted, not
tempted, by the display of stained glass and
velvet carpets; he turns instead into
the nearest grog-shop. A dozen clean,
comfortable coffee rooms, in back streets,
would answer the purpose thoroughly
and cost quarter the sum. The forty
eight buildings owned by the Association
have cost the report states, $1,000, 000-an
average of about So, 900 each. In Philadel-
phia clearinghouse started by the Associ-
alton. with the laudable purpose of aflording
board to poor young men and boys at cost
price. failed for lack of means Yet the Assoc
citation building is one of the most magnificent
ediGces IN the city. Surely, enough of the zeal
of the followers of Jesus has been put into
carved stone and drapeY in our costly