The age-herald., 1898-05-29
TECHNICS FROM
 CURRENT TOPICS

| betterment of humanity. Their object is the improvement of the human race, and the effort at the accomplishment of this l object brings the hearts and souls of good men and women closer together in a bond of helpful sympathy.
 Isolation Is a species of mental suicide to separate the interests of humanity is to place around those interests a limit to growth and expansion. From the inter-, mingling of individual sympathies, energies and intellectual and moral endeavor come the grand results which tend towards the christianizing of the world, and the raising to higher plane the souls and bodies of mankind. The old axiom, ''In union there is strength Is more fully demonstrated in these latter day activities, than at any other period of the worlds history
 People have grown wise in this genera ton, and whatever they aspire to achieve, they seek to accomplish with the concern trated aid of the masses. This is time of combinations in the religious world, as well as in the business and the great mod ern movements which have been organized for the regeneration of the race, have been the combined work of all denominations and of all sects.
 The Young Mems Christian Association in its labors among men of every class and in nearly every portion of the world, has accomplished far more than is realized by the average person. In times of peace this association has endeavored to brighten the lives of busy men; has given places of refuge and comfort to men, young and old, who because of the exigencies of life, are without the sweet home ties, and 1t has accomplished great mission for good among the youth of christendom for it's lines reach throughout the civilized globe Now that war exists, this association finds that there Is grand work to do among the soldiers in camp, and with the same spirit that actuated the members in peaceful times it will go forward in this new field laboring for the good of the men in camp.
 With this end In view the patriotic mass meeting at the auditorium will be held this afternoon and there is every reason to ex- pect that the great building will be crowd ed with men and women who are con- cerned about the welfare of the soldier boys now camping on the gulf coast. More than forty different organizations have been invited to participate in this meet ing, and denominational lines will be ob- liberated by the streams of loving sympa- thy which shall flow from every human heart, gathered this afternoon to consider this glorious work.
 The Young Mems Christian association has already accomplished much in Ala bama. Forty-two years ago it was. first organized at Mobile, and ten years ago the first state secretary for Alabama was employed. The labors of the association have not been confined to any class. wherever good can be accomplished there It's influence is felt and made manifest among business and professional men, col lege students, railroad employees and me- chanics. It's ramifications are far reach ing, almost limitless The state executive committee numbers twenty-one and eight of these are prominent and useful citi- zens of Birmingham, which fact evidences the interest of this city in this organiza- ton. Therefore it is fitting that Birming- ham should take the initiative this after noon in arousing public sentiment upon this question of providing for the mental and moral comfort of Alabama soldiers who are now in camp, or who may be ordered to the front in the near future Every man and woman in the city should encourage by their presence at the auditorium this afternoon the committee which has so un- selfishly undertaken thi stask of making the lives of the soldiers happier and more bearable.
 Several state committees have for years carried on a successful work at the annual state encampments of the national guard, with the hearty approval of the officers and men, furnishing all necessary facilities, such as tents, tables, chairs, writing ma- terials, games, an organ, magazines, gospel hymn books and papers from the home towns of the soldiers. Competent men have always been in charge of these tents It is along these lines that present association work is undertaken. For its successful international committee has appointed an army committee, with secretary in charge, to cooperate with similar committee, appointed from each state committee. Ma ior Joseph Hardie and MT. James Bowron of this city are the resident members of the international committee, while Messrs Harry Hawkins of Birmingham, M. Cody, Jr.. of Montgomery and A. C.. Hare of Mobile represent the state committee. These committees were appointed as early as the soldiers were ordered into camp.
 At Mobile there now three Y. M. c. A. tents, one among the regulars and one in each of the regiments of Alabama vol unteers. Colonels Higdon and Cox have both signified their approval and apprecia- ton of this work Each association tent is in charge of a capable secretary
 The states of Mississippi and Louisiana provide tents, equipment and secretaries at Jackson and New Orleans.
 It is the hope and desire of the com mittees to provide such an outfit for each regiment that shall continue with it to the point of mobolzation and thence to the field of battle.
 In each of these Y. M. c. A. army tents from two hundred to five hundred letters are written daily free of cost; Bible classes are organized and religious meetings, with several hundred in attendance are held