The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-07-29
Y. M. c. A. AT CAMP
THE GREAT WORK THAT IS BEING DDNE
BY THE ASSOCIATION.
The Army Secretary Gives an Outline of Work
Accomplished, the Services Held and
Value of The Associations
Help to the Soldiers.
Camp Dan Russell,
nulni.,L n ~ Inlrr o. L Snl

Raleigh, n. c., July q, 1898.
TO the Editor:
While write these few notes about
the army work of the Y. Nj. c. A. our
tent is crowded with young men writing
letters ut every available corner Of Ia
bic, which by the way, is not by any
means an uncommon thing, for nearly
all day long there are different sets OF
men in the tent writing letters, the &C
commodation provided for them being
great, stationery, pens ana INK beng
furnished free. The morning papers OF
the State are eagerly sought early i'll the
morning by tie soldiers. The New York
and Washington papers are also gladly
received there. The townspeople and the
Church Periodical Club furnish Il num-
Der of valuable religious and church pa-
ners, which are read and appreciated by
the men. The devotional services which
are held in the tent twice Il day by the
CHAPLAIN are well attended and the in
terest and attention are good. After the
meetings some men often hand to the
secretary their names rs having the de-
SIRE b become Christians. They are af-
forwards sought by the secretary and
chaplain and many have had pointed out
TO them the means of grace and have ne
cepted Jesus Christ as their personal
Savior. There is no sentiment about this
work. neither is there any excitement;
the Word is preached in its simplicity,
and results in accomplishing that whore
unto il Is sent
The Y. NJ. G. A. army work is not
simply providing place for men to
lounge about and keep out of the sun,
but it is a means of bringing men into
surroundings that are uplifting and help
ful. Yes n means of leading many to Il
higher life. The men are quite sensible
of the great accommodation the tent here
is to them and often speak with pleasure
how they appreciate it. Many mothers
hear much oftener from their boys in
blue i'm consequence of the facilities Of
fered in writing and procuring stamps
than they would if there were no such
accommodation. If the men were given a
grand reception every day it would not
be one-half SO much appreciated as the
work is by them: and it is well that the
people of the State. and especially the
supporters of this grand work, know that
the work is appreciated and that money
invested in its support pays. The work
not only benefits the men. but it reaches
into many homes throughout the State
making thankful many a mother that
there is a place where her boy can spend
his leisure hours amid uplifting influence
es.
The Standard Magazine offers to the
men an opportunity for intellectual bet
terment and enables them to keep up
with the events of the day.
The chaplain and the secretary work
together for the common good. and by
their united efforts much good is being
accomplished. On Sunday evening there
was quite n number Of ladies and gentle
men who came out from town to assist
in the singing. which was much enjoyed
by the men. we hope they will come of,
ten. There are two services in the Y. NJ
c. A. held on Sunday. one nj o a. m.
and one Mt $3.50; the chaplain holds ser
vice mt Z n. m. and 10 Il. m. and 8 u. m.
and I'll are well attended. SO also are
the services held daily at IL and p. m.
A visit to the camp will be interesting
to those who are helping the work.
Sincerely yours,
JULIAN T.. SMITH.
Army Secretary