Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1892-08-17
THs Y. NJ. c. 4.
A Move in the Right Direction.

Mems Christian Association, of this city
at the present time, is considerable dis
cussion about the purchase OF building
for Association purposes. The site chos-
en- by the committee, the old Temperance
Hall. corner Maryland Avenue and state
Circle owned By Annapolis Division No
10, S. of T. is decidedly the best place in
the CITY for q work of this kind. A wise
thing was done when the committee re-
commended the purchase of this proper
tv, for IL is centrally located and easy OF
access. At the cost of small outlay the
building could be put in condition as
to give every facility TO the inauguration
Of educational classes. lecture courses.
gymnasium, with baths and pool and
other necessary arrangements Tor the
proper conducting of successful Asso-
citation. We are Informed the revenue
from this building pays the taxes, insur-
ance and the interest on the purchase
money, so there Is no risk in the way OF
the Board of Directors securing this
place for the home OF the Annapolis As
ISOLATION, while the dues from members
and other incomes would tend TO advance
the work along all lines. As journalists
we glory in everything that tends to the
advancement of our city and its citizens
and hail with delight the movement of
the young men in trying to get quarters
for q permanent abiding place Push
along the work until you shall find your
goal.
What are the benefits 10 be derived by
the Association owning building? They
are many, not only to the Association.
but TO the city as well. We only have
space at this time to refer 10 some of the
most prominent advantages TO be derived
from such an undertaking. Towns much
smaller than Annapolis boast of their
fine Association buildings, in many cases
the gift of the citizens. The work is so
encouraged as to justify paid general
secretary TO take charge of the work In
those fields. While 1t is understood that
the community has q right TO expect GER
tain things from a Young Mems Chris
tian Association, the Association at the
same time has a right to expect an amount
OF interest and encouragement financial
ly and otherwise, eQuel 10 the amount
OF license paid to run the saloons OF a
city According to the meagre sum at
the command of the Association, the
work in this city last year was fairly
successful, showing with proper sup
port much good might be accomplished.
The first reason why the Annapolis
Association should own building, is to
EAM ANENGN . 3OAuNAAy q bCuA-
porary experiment, now an institution of
the city," gives the explanation in nut
shell. By having a permanent home the
work takes q more decided standing in q
city and is thereby saved the embarrass-
ment of frequent removals from one place
to another, so when a young man comes
to town he knows exactly where the Y.
NJ. g. A. Is and does not have to hunt
from one place to another to find read
ing room or gymnasium. The large
rents required for rooms adapted for the
purposes, greatly retards the work in
more urgent directions, hence a perma-
nent home brings US to the second reason
why the Association should own build
Ing, namely, PUBLICITY.
By owning large and imposing build
ing upon q principal street. leads the
people of a community to look upon the
same with respect for the work of up
lifting and upbuilding young men. With.
out notoriety nothing can survive and be
successful In the plans laid out to do any
thing for q community. Every project,
to be of any benefit. must be constantly
before the gaze of the public. An Asso-
citation building would be the best means
of advertising the work carried on there
In. for every one would see that this at
tTdClIOu was OulN ACadCA OA W tnC
greater things under its roof, provided
for the amusement and pleasure of the
men of city. Seeing this monument,
would remind one of the efforts of Geo.
Williams. the originator OF the Associa-
ton idea, and would insure public con-
fidence that the work was one of great
importance
Now that we have shown several rea-
sons why Annapolis should own it's own
Association building. 1t would be well to
consider some of the results likely to be de-
rived from such purchase of the Temper
anceHall property The chief result would
be largely increased attendance at the
rooms and meetings and correspond
ing increase in membership A de-
sirable class of young men would be
more interested in the work, bringing
out the best christian and business abili
ty to its management, thus ensuring wis
dom and economy In the administration
of it's affairs. The contributions would
increase and there would be more of
them. While the work would be more
fruitful, and engender a home feeling,
binding the members strongly together
and establishing the Association in the
affections of the people, causing them TO
look with pride upon an institution de-
ok tC0 ~ nCtR tAC A4AOAoAs ohO
social condition of the many young men
of our town. Putting these safe guards
around them to keep them from being
drawn into temptation is a magnificent
undertaking.
We cannot close this article without
urging the Directors of the Association
to place in charge of the work general
secretary. Such an officer should be en-
gagged Immediately. so that he could get
fully acquainted with all members and
have an opportunity to thoroughly exam
inc the field to find out what would be
best needed in the work for the coming
fall and winter. 1t seems necessary that
such step should be taken, for all bust
ness must have q manager. A work of
this kind surely needs some one to do
the planning. while the members carry
out and help in these directions.
In. tho Cnvrr,fEw