Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1882-02-24
A Plea for the Boys and Young Men Of
Stanton.

NAbVA.
Editors indicator:
The recent session of the Grand jury
disclosed a sad state Of habits in large
number Of the boys and young men of our
town. All thoughtful citizens are discus
sing the causes and remedies of this con-
dition OF things, and universal desire
prevails, even among Incorporate men, to
pproyide a remedy. Some advocate more
sptringenu enforcement of the laws. whilst
others propose Local Option. Both are de-
sirable things, but the first will only keep
sten with public sentiment, while the lat
tor must be attended with much bitter
ness. many fierce political struggles, and
i will array good men against those who are
reckless and Seif-indugent, which is what
Col BALDWIN, used to call "a bad divide
and may, in the end, make matters worse
| thaa they are now.
d. sire to offer few words as to the
| philosophy of our troubles, and to propose
a partial remedy, which can neither harm
| a,yb, dy nor cause any bitter animoelties;
and toward which
If. he business men of our day, and
osneciallv OF our town. work SO hard and
| srr 80 absorbed in business, that they. take
| Ettle or DO time TO make home attractive
IN ,heir sous. or TO provide them with in
noce;lt ADJUSTMENTS at home.
I'D, Fun" is a physiological necessity
IN most healthy boys, and if they cannot
.,at It at b0me, and of all Innocent nature,
ffnry will seek it abroad, and not be too
particular as to it's character.
81. Youths ale never SO safe as when In
cnmpang with refined and Intelligent
ladies'.
habits of dissipation, bf cause, as they say
they can fini recreation no where else; and
this is true not ouly of our youths bat Of
| many of their seniors.
Nv proposition is this: Let q Joint stuck
company be formed with capital of Sc ,0Ou
or 81 900, purchase a desirable lot and
bnild substantial brick building 45 by
100 feet, and fit up the ground floor for
rollef-skating, bicycling, ten pms. and "a
complete gymnasium. Let it be comfort
Aaoly furnished and kept under such regu-
flations that ladies will find it totally I'M
objsctionab BILE, and even children hnd 1t
safe. Raised seats can be arranged for
elderly ladies who can chat with thelI
neighbors while obs rving the sports OF
= their sons and daughters.
The shares should not be more than s3(
each. and payable in six equal monthly III
stalments. 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 ZOU, nave DeeU
taken. let the subscribers meet and elect 8
president and directors. and agree upor
= such regulations as will best secure the
objects in view. namely, of providing 6
safe and pleasant place for social recrpa-
ton and exercise to which we may conf
IDENTIFY invite our wives end sons anc
daughters, or sweethearts, as the case may
be- Such enterprises nave proven very
successful and profitable in other places
} and surely there was never a time wher
something of the sort vas more needed IL
Sta unton. 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 fount
| ready 10 receive subscriptions at thel
places of business; G. E. Haines, R. w
, Burke, I. Witt, J. A. Cochran, Waldo
Allen, Howard Wayt, Guy Cochran, Alex
f. Robertson. Q. N. Whittle, H. B
Brown. j. M. Carroll, W. A Hudson.
In this effort to aid the youth of GU
: town, there can be no money lost, for thu
stock will be represented by real estate
nor will it engender animosities, but maxi
our people know and respect each othel
more. Let all, who are not too old or too
exclusive TO sympathize with human mfr
nifty, put their shoulders to the wheel will
energy.
A FRIEND OF THE YOUNG.