Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1882-02-21
For the SPECTATOR.
A Plea for the Boys and Young Men OF
StauntOn.

The recent session of the Grand Jury dis
closed a sad state of habits in large NUMBER
of the boys and young men Of our town. All
thoughtful citizens are discussing the causes
and remedies of this condition of things, and
universal desire prevails. even among 1ntem-
perate men, to provided remedy. Some advo-
cate more stringent enforcement of the laws,
whilst others propose Local Option. Both are
desirable things. but the first will only Keep
step with public sentiment, while the latter
must be attended with much bitterne 8, many
fierce political struggles and will array good
men against those who are reckless and self
indulgent, which is what Col. Baldwin used to
call "a bad divide, and may, in the end.
| make matters worse than they are now.
desire to offer few words as to the philos-
ophy of our troubles, and to propose partial
remedy, which can neither harm anybody nor
cause any bitter animosities; and toward
| which,
lst The business men OF our day. and espe-
cially of our town, work SO hard and are 80 alb
sorbed in business, that they take little or no
time to make home attractive to their sons. or
to provide them with innocent amusements at
home.
End, "Fun" is a physiological necessity to
most healthy boys. and if they cannot get 1t at
home, and of an innocent nature. they will
seek 1t abroad, and not be too particular as to
its character.
3rd, Youths are never so safe as when In COM
pany with refined and intelligent ladies.
4th. Many are attracted into places and hab-
Its of dissipation, because, as they say, they
can find recreation no where else; and this is
true not only of our youths but of many of
their seniors.
My proposition is this: Let joint stock
company be formed with capital of $1,000 or
s., 600, purchase desirable lot and build sub
stantial brick building 40 by 100 feet and fit up
the ground floor for roller skating. bicycling.
ten pins, and a complete gymnasium. Let 1t
be comfortably furnished and Kept under such
regulations that ladies will find it totally I'M
Objectionable, and even children find it safe.
Raised seats can be arranged for elderly ladies
who can chat with their neighbors while OBJ
serving the sports of their sons and husb stands
and daughters.
The shares should not be more than $50 each.
and payable in six equal monthly instalments.
SO as to be in reach of young men who earn
even small wages and let men of property take
five or ten shares. When enough shares, say
200, have been taken, let the subscribers meet
and elect president and directors. and agree
upon SUCH FcgulaLlOus as Will DeSG SECURE the
objects in view, namely, of providing safe
and pleasant place for social recreation and
exercise to which we may confidently invite
our wives and sons and daughters. or sweet
hearts. as the case may be. Such enterprises
have proven very successful and profitable in
other places, and surely there was never u time
when something of the sort was more needed
in Stsunton, nor when our people we're more
able to afford it. The upper story could be
rented at good prices.
The following gentlemen will be found ready
to receive subscriptions at their places of bu-
siness: c. E. Haines. r. W. Burke. 1. Witt. j.
A. Cochran, Waldo Allen, Howard Wayt, Guy
cochran, Alex. F. Robertson, c N. Whittle. h.
B. Brown. J. M. Carroll, W. A. Hudson.
In this effort to aid the youth of our town,
there can be no money lost, for the stock will
be represented by real estate, nor will it en-
gender animosties but make our people know
and respect each other more. let all, who are
not too old or too exclusive to sympathize with
| human infirmity, put their shoulders 10 the
| wheel with energy.
FRIEND OF THE YOUNG.
GLADKE is selling Ladies' Misses, and
Cnildren's SHOES at less than cost. feb7-f