The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-06-12
THE Y. M. c. A. IN WAR.
The Governments Attitude Toward
the Association and It's Work.


what IS the attitude of the army toward
the Young Mems Christian Association?
When the call for troops was first given
the Young Mems Christian Association,
with its characteristic energy, wrote the
following letter:
April so, 1S98.-Nelson A. Miles, Major
General United States Army, Washington,
d. C.-My Dear Sir: You are doubtless
aware of the efficient social and Christian
work that has been done by our associa-
lions for number of summers at several
OF the national guard encampments. This
work has commanded so hearty an ap-
proval by both officers and men that the
committees are undertaking the work at
the state camps now forming.
The army committee of the international
committee feel that in the present emer-
gency somewhat similar work could and
should be instituted at our national camps
In brief, the plan is to locate one or
more of the large tents at each camp with
experienced men in charge. These tents
Will be equipped to offer the soldiers a
reading room with the daily papers, maya
zines, and other reading matter; facilities
for correspondence; games of skill and rec
reative sports; entertainments, music,
meetings and as many other social and
religious privileges as possible.
The aim is to make these places of re-
sort homelike and attractive to the men,
and surround them with wholesome and
uplifting influences.
1t viii be a part Of the plan to form an
organization within each regiment that at
least some of the work begun in the camp
may be continued in the field. The entire
work will be patterned as nearly as posi-
BILE upon the present lines of association eff
fort in our cities and towns, which has
been so successful in conserving and up
lifting the lives and characters of young
men.
Does the plan, as outlined, meet with
your approval, or would you make any
sugges tons for its Improvement? 1t would
be very great assistance to us in this
movement If you would lend your infiu-
ence and Endorsement, and these / be-
speak on behalf of the army committee.
Thanking you in advance for your kind
ness, remain, yours very sincerely,
w. b. Miller
Secretary Army Committee.
In reply to this letter, the following in
dorsement was given;
Headquarters of the Army. Washington,
D. c., April 30, 1S9S.-By direction of major
general commanding The army, permission
is hereby given the international commit
tee Of the Young Mems Christian Associa-
ton to locate their tent or tents with
any of the commands subject TO the super
vision and direction of commanding Of
GERS. (signeO f. Mlchler,
Captain and Aide-de-Camp.
The army committee of the Young Mems
Christian Association wrote also to the
quartermaster general, and he in turn
wrote the following letter to the Secretary
of War:
War Department Quartermaster Cen
erals once, Washington, May 81, 1885,
To the Honorable Secretary of War: Sir
have the honor to submit herewith appli-
cation Of the secretary of the army COM
Init p h.
clation for free transportation OF tentage
and necessary camp equipage for comfort
and convenienceS of the representatives
OF the association, to travel with the army
both by rail and wagon, to and from de-
pots and camps, and between points of
| movement of troops. Also for the author
| ization of the travel of these representa-
tives by rail al the same rates which may
be agreed upon for the transportation of
! the troops
The matter is respectfully submitted for
such action as the secretary may deem
proper. 1t is understood that similar con-
| cessions were made during the civil war
for members Of the Christian commission.
| The quartermaster general sees
no objection to having the
tentage and material carried by
| these representatives TO go free
with the baggage of the troops as a bag
gage or box car is furnished free for each
/ 100 men transported.
No difficulty is anticipated in conp,v-
| ing with further request that these repre-
sentatives be transported at the same rs te
fixed for tho transportation of the troops
| IN each case.
Upon notification of approval by the
| Secretary Of War the necessary lnstruc-
tons viii be issued by the quartermaster
general. Respectfully.
(Signed) NJ. I. Ludington,
Quartermaster General U. IT, A.
War Department. May %, 1S9S.-Ap-
proved, c. d. MeikleJohn, Assistant Sec
| rotary of War.
Since the establishment of the Y NJ G.
A. tent at Camp Northen Col. Lawton has
written the following letter to Mr.. S. Wa
| ters McGin, state secretary Y NJ. c. A.
Headquarters. LIST Ga, Inf. U. S. ", camp
Northen, Griffin. Ga. June 4, 1855.
Waters McGfl, State Secretary, Y. NJ. G..
| A. sir:-It gives me much pleasure to
testify my appreciation of the valuable
| services rendered to the men OF this COM
| mand by the branch of your associat ton
| established in the camp 1t gave me much
pleasure to permit its establishment end
the location of its tent in a prominent
| position within the camp: and have since
been more than pleased with the result.
l hope the association win accompany Us
| wherever we may so. Very respectfully,
your obedient servant.
Alexander r. Lawton.
Colonel LIST Ga. Inf. u. 9. A
The chaplain of the regiment also tesd-
| hes as follows:
Camp Northen Griffin, Ga, June T. 1898.
| Mr. S. Waters McGill, Atlanta, Ca: My
Dear Sir and Bro--It gives me great
pleasure TO speak of the splendid work
being done at Camp Northen by the Y. NJ.
c. A. The plan of, work was a magnificent
| conception. The results, l am sure. viii be
highly gratifying The reading aud writ
ing tables, together with the games, music,
| social fellowship and religious services at
the tent constitute a pleasant and whole
i some influence that tho boys seem TO ap-
preciate and enjoy Johnson and Boland
are the right men in the right place; and
the work In their hands win be practically
| and successfully managed
My own work among the soldiers has
been greatly supplemented and strengthen
| ed by the presence of the Y. NJ. c. A. tent.
and workers. / welcome them gladly and
appreciate their presence ana help i'm the
Christian work Of the camp. I shall glad
~ aid you in every way possible in the
army work Of the associat ton. Command
me at any time. Yours cordially in the
| work, Ed. +. Cook. Chaplain,
LIST Ga. Reg, U. s. V.