Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-12-11

Reyden's Analysis Of Its Aims, Working
Methods, Results, With Some Suggestions

ReydeH's Analysis Of Its Aims, Working
Methods, Results, With Some Suggestions
Proposing Creator Practical Scope.
Editor of the Globe.
The Y. M. O. A. conference now in ses-
sion ct Saltwater, has raised in my mind
the question as to whether the great mass
of young man are deriving the benefit they
should from an institution under the
name and for the purpos claimed. OF
the hundreds of young men one meets in
every day life, in business of all kinds,
young men making no profession Of re-
iigion, in fact the average young man,
wrongly no doub;) is inclined to snesr,
or, If not sheer to look with Indifference
on religious observances, but who, never
theless, are good fellows as the world
goes, honest il business, manly and cor
rect IN their relations with society. Of
these I would ask how many are
members of the Y. M. G. A..
Still these are the men who will. no doubt,
take prominent places in the worlds at
fairs. and have strong influence in socie-
ty in general, for l may venture to say an
equal, if not larger proportion of our re-
lieiously Indifferent, as our religiously in
clined young men, make a mark in the
world.
l wish to make The following sugges-
tons for which I would ask the careful
consideration of your readers: That as
sociations of young men be formed not
necessarily known as Christian associa-
tions, for although no MAJ; r'.-'' 80 asham-
ed of belonging TO : soci-i, ~ lined. It
is possible, as mach benefit would be re-
ceived from one known by another name,
for though it may be a sad fact, it is
nevertheless true that great many young
men whose moral surroundings it would
be desirable to improve are not particu-
larry enthusiastic in matters religious CT
having a tendency that way. These So
eieties would, suggest, build commodious
buildings with room for we'll appointed
gymnasium billiard tables, pool tables,
bowling alleys, library, reading rooms,
etc, all to be under the. su perintendency of
g thoroughly competent and honorable
man, and board of directors. claim,
as young man, that such an institution,
as give rough sketch of, would have
ten members where the Y. NJ. G.
A. now has one. claim that
properly governed, allowing no
gambling. drinking and swearing, but at
the same time offering good, heal.hful ex-
eTcIse, amusement and intellectual i'm
provement, would DO more good, offer
more inducements to young men who now
frequent other places of entertainment,
than the present organizations. If young
men, speaking in a broad sense, can't be
made church members or good Christians,
perhaps there are ways and means to lead
them in the right direction and Offer them
opportunities for improvement physically
and mentally, and innocent enjoyment
without having religion thrown at them at
every turn, thereby keeping away members
who would, were more considerate means
employed, be glad to stay. am positive of
one thing it is too big jump for the
majority of young men from the billiard
hall to the Y. NJ. G. A. prayer room.
Ny ideas, right or wrong, there is one
thing certain, the Y. M. O. A. as it now
eterds has not the sympathy and support
of the generality Of young men.
The increased membership I speak Of,
think would be assurance for increased in
come to meet expenses and the Interest