Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1884-11-26
BOZ. OF BE1.LArRE
Lectures tho People on the Y. IL Q. A. and
It's Relation to tho City.

Lectures tho People On the Y. n. o. A. and
It's Relation to the City.
The Young Mems Christian Association,
or what there still exists Of il, is made up of
young gentlemen who have religious scru-
Piles, and who desire to further the work Of
the Lord wherever it is possible. Every
community has more or less of this class OF
boys, and should be proud of them. But
are they not imposed upon to a certain ex-
tent u~nheedingly? Take fer instance the
association that was started in this place
about two years ago. 1t was made up of
the best timber in Bellaire. The
society had about thirty members
at its opening. II was decided shortly At
forwards to solicit aid among the people OF
the city in the way Of books, periodicals,
money, etc. The boys were only partially
successful, some of our best citizens giving
books and a few magazines. Time went on,
no new interest was manifested in the read
ing.room that was to be, if properly nursed
by the better class. After q while the SUB
iect was dropped altogether; some OF the
members dropped out Of the assocla-
ton; others failed to attend the
regular meetings. The burden of running
the whole business fell upon a few. Things
were looking blue when g lecture course was
arranged for. Good speakers were en-
gagged, but the people failed to appreciate
them, as there was hardly money enough
made to defray the expenses. One whole
winter had passed and no money was found
in the treasury Of the institution. The boys
we're not dismsyed. Last winter
they industriously searched out
four excellent lectures for the
season. Had 300 season tickets printed of
which they sold something over 200, hardly
enough to pay expenses entailed. In the
middle Of the season the McGibney family
also gave an entertainment under the
auspices Of the Y. NJ. C. A. Here is where
a little money was made, and it was the
only entertainment giyei in the history OF
the society that it could be rightfullY claim
ed that the association was ahead.
The above is two seasons work
of the Y. NJ. C.. Associa-
ton in a nut shell, and what does it amount
to? Literally nothing. Whose fault is itH
The people of our city, aud no one else.
They set up the cry hat there are no places
of amusement. No places where the chill
dren can receive intellectual or physical
training. outside of the school room and
playground. They would have SOM one
to build an opera house. Seine want a
gymnasium. Give them all they
want and their support viii be
found TO be very slim, in fact
they will have some fault to find, and after
all their buster will be busy fdding some
thing else We are in need OF. There is
another class who are busy assailing the
saloon men. What do they do it for?
Simply because they think they are q nuis-
ance. These people do not seem TO know
that the satoon keepers are not as much at
fault as the fathers and sons who frequent
these places Of resort. No saloon keeper IN
thy city, / venture to say, will ask
q man to take a drink or to treat
the crowd. Do the people OF this city sap.
pose that these sellers OF intoXicants like 10
SIC g man ruling or spewing in their place
OF hGsiyesS? As a rule theydp not. What
makes the father or the son habit these
places? Simply because the salooniSt offers
than more attraction ard better induce
ments than can be found elsewhere. Is it
not natural that the class in attendance at
saloons would be large? Besides, is it not
held up as better to spend your time around
o good fire than to knock around
on the streets of a cold day? There are
some persons who feel miserable if they re-
main at home in the evening. They must
have some place to go, and where are they
likely to find it? In the saloon. There Is
no other refuge. Now blame it on the saloon
men will you? 1t is not their fault as can
De plainly seen. But you will say il we
have no saloons We would have places, for
the amusement, development and mora.
and intellectual training Of our peoplel
Perhaps that is true, but we have the saloons
aud the only way for our hberty-loyiug peo-
pie 10 do, is 10 help all good causes that ex-
list and lednd their influence to those that
from time to time arite. Then there is an
other thing thar has been missed by me.
That skating rink. You all know of it,
and have you properly supported it? No
one dareS to say that there Is no develop
mcnt for the young people in this healthy
sport. But there is nos enough people pres
ent some eyings to pay expenses.
Ten years Of prosperity and progress is the
history Of our little city, yet what is it doing
to-day to make things neat and comforta-
ole? Look at the Public Square; is it not
a disgrace to the city? Hunt out the Pub
lie Building and see il it is not as nice as it
might be. Cast your eye over the city. 1t
is not wide. Two streets might be paved
for a few squares and greatly enhance the
appearance Of the city. Our city fathers
have been particularly careful about not
running the city in loo deep a debt, which
is remarkably good management, but if the
city don't wake up pretty soon and put on
some Of the airs Of our present President,
Chester Arthur, it will loose all the ambi-
lion it ever possessed. Again, ifthe people
OF this place want to advance, both in NOR
ais and other traits, they have to
throw off their drowsiness and
wake to the realization OF
matters. Now, when the next entertain
ment is given in this city don't let the at
tendance he like the one given San All
bIah about a week ago, at which time the
Y. NJ. C. A. paid 81 out Of pocket, but let
here be y full turnout. Also, remember
that the lecture course for this winter has
been arranged BY Rev. DIR. Williams, and
that tickets are now on sale. Buy one for
Yourself and children, as the lectures this
winter will be equal to the best, and the
money expended in this manner will never