The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-07-15
BAPTIST YOUNG FOLKS.
Eighth International Convention Young
Peoples Union at Buffalo,

Buffalo, Y. N, July 14-The eighth
annual international convention of the
Baptist Young Peoples Union opened
most auspiciously this morning at the
Rrmory where the convention was held.
This afternoon the reports of the board of
managers and treasurer were read. The
annual report was in part as follows:
''The Baptist Young Peoples Union
OF America has just completed its seventh
year as an organization. Its growth has
been phenomenal, yet it is still in its
initial and formative stage. The year
just closed has been marked by intensive
rather than extensive development. In
1897 the work of state and provincial or
CARNATIONS had already been carried SO
Tar as to include nearly all cur vast terri
tory. Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada,
Wyoming and New Mexico alone remain
unorganized. Much, however, remains to
be done to ill up this frame work and its
Instinct with life and well directed
energy.
1.-THE basis of union effected last year
with the b. Y. p. U. auxiliary to the S. e.
C., provided for the preservation of
autonomy while it secured practical
union. The relations then established
have been harmonious and delightful.
The development of the work in the South
has been one of the outstanding features
Of the year. New unions have been estab-
lished and the movement has gained a
force which promises to be far reaching
and cumulative. The new conditions
which have arisen in our national life are
contributing to this unihcation. The
partial compensations for the strife of
war upon which our nation has entered
in freedoms name is the qulckening of
the consciousness of common life.
Differences have been forgotten; dividing
lines have been obliterated; in the enlist
ment for u common cause, there has been
q fusing in the nations life. Today is
the face of a common foe there is no
north, no south, no east, no west. butone
nation loyal and indiyisible, all hearts
pulsating with the passions of noble
patriotism.
1.-THE conditions which have evoked this
new manifes6ationIof patriotism have also
strengthened the bond of Union with our
brethren IN the Dominion of Canada.
Whatever may be the outcome of present
discussions concerning an An9lo-Ameri-
can alliance, the events of the past few
months have surely brought the two great
branches of our common English speak
ing stock closer together, and will tend
towards a mutual good understanding.
Tho Stars and Stripes and the Union
Jack will float proudly side by side, as
banners OF brotherhood, and harbingers
of new era for humanity. In this work
of unitoation the B. Y. p. U. A. is q
factor, weaving bonds of good fellowship
"No feature of our work show more
the marked development than the Junior
department.
"a reduction of $l196 has been made in
the indebtedness, the liabilities in excess
of assets now being only Sl026.
"1he progress OF our work has been
hampered by the burden of debt and we
call upon all our young people and upon
all friends of the cause in the churches
for prompt and generous help tocemove
the burden. We have reached the stage
of self support and with our enoumber-
Rnce removed would need to make no
further appeals