Wichita eagle., 1889-12-31
THE BOYS LEAGUE.
To the Editor Of the Eagle.

No statement is more generally accepted
than that the environments of the boy of
today determine the character of the man
| of tomorrow 1t is universally conceded
that crime is decreased not by reforming
criminals but by stopping the manufac-
ture of them; that men Of sterling worth
are not made from reclaimed vagabonds
but are the result of careful training from
youth up. Any philantnropic effort di-
rected toward the suppression of crime,
| instead OF its prevention not only dis
courage> its projectors but has not more
lasting effect on mankind than damming
stream has on its flow toward the sea.
The Boys league has been organized
| upon the conviction that the best time to
lasd person to the Savior is before ne
has wandered far away from Him; that
the best way TO stop the manufacture of
drunkards is to attack the first glass; that
information is a more powerful weapon
| han the law to stop the sale of the cigar
cite: that II Self-reSpect and manliness
would be furthered. and vice and seif-de-
struction decreased, the seventh COM
mandment must be purposely interpreted
| to boys; that the surest way TO settle the
labor and loafer problem is to teach the boy
| the dignity of the one and the disgrace of
the other, and inculcate lessons of patient
industry, self-help and business integrity.
For over two months, meetings exclu-
siveiy for boys have been held regularly
every Friday evening, In room at 125
North Market street. The service has
consisted of short testimony and prayer
service by the christian boys present, and
the presentation of the gospel to the I'M
saved by the leader. Several conversions
have already been the result of these ser
vices, and deep interest has been awaK-
ened that can hardly fail to reach many
others.
We wish now to supplement the relig-
ious service by another meeting on q diff
ferent evening, for the discussion and
study of subjects relating to the physical,
social and moral welfare of the boys, hints
of the nature OF which are gwen above.
have never known of a meeting of this
character. but that there is ample work in
this direction cannot be doubted.
1t has for some time been the conviction
not only of myself, but of some of the boys
who have been most active in our work,
that we ought to have room
fitted up expressly for our work among
the boys. Thus far we have had no rent
to pay, but beginning with the 1st of Jan
uary we will be obliged the pay for our
room or discontinue our work. After
considerable deiiberation we have decided
to do no soliciting whatever for means to
carry on the work, raising as much as pos
sible among the boys who attend and
trusting that the Wichita people. seeing
the Importance of the work. viii not fail
to render such assistance as they are able.
Ten dollars month will keep the room
opened every evening and we'll lighted and
warmed, and considerable of this viii be
furnished by the boys themselves
On New Years night "wednesday all
boys in the city beseen the ages of twelve
and eighteen years are invited TO spend
the evening at our room. The time from
10 Ii O'Clock will be spent
with games, music, etc, and
very pleasant time is anticipated.
Thinking there may be parents who are
interested in our noble work We have de-
cided to hold reception at the room from
2 to 5 O'Clock p. m, on Wednesday, when
we will be pleased TO welcome all who may
wish TO call We are hoping that the day
may bring some books TO add to our nu-
cleus for library, few games and little
money. Our room Is on the second floor,
front, 125 North Market.
The boys league is non sectarian. IL
aims to reach the rich and poor, black and
white The work will be carried forward
as we'll as possible If no financial assistance
comes to us, but il cannot be far-reaching
unless we can fir MP pleasant room which
will offer greater attractions than the street
and the billiard halls.
RALPH FIELn.