The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-09-08
NAVAL BRANCH OF THE NEW
PORT YOUNG MEMS CHRIS
TIAN ASSOCIATION.


A splendid work has been done I'm
Newport this summer among the sail
ors from the battleships that hav@been
in the harbor.
Upon the arrival OF the North Allan
tic squadron i'm Newport harbor an ap-
peal was sent out by the officers 90 the
citizens OF Newport In behalf of the
sailors who would be given opportunity
TO enjoy the pleasures OF the city.
At recent convention OF the Young
Mems Christian Association, Rear Ad-
mir-al +. j. Higginson made similar
plea for the Men Behind the Guns"
He said: IF there is any man in this
world who is entitled TO the care and
attention of the Y. NJ. c. A. IL is the
sailor when on liberty. On board ship
the pressure of discipline is never for
one moment absent. When this pres
sure is removed and he finds himself
on shore untrammeled in his move
ments. with youth. health and high
spirits. II is not to be wondered at that
the reaction sometimes causes unwise
iDdulgences The greater the enjoyment
on shore the greater the zest with
which he will return TO his labors on
board ship. but the pleasure must be
along healthy and respectable path
ways.
There are many temptations which
these men are compelled to face, and
all possible assistance to resist these
should be given them
They desire a respectable place to go
to when ashore. a place where they
may sleep at night after the evenings
pleasure is over assured Of fair treat
ment a clean bed and freedom from
the dangers OF being robbed or drugged.
and from which they may go I'm the
morning clear. sober and self-respect-
ing men,"
All these requirements were fully
comprehended by the Jealous workers
connected with the Newport Y. NJ. G.
A. and for 90 days this summer, end
ing with last week Thursday-30O0 OF
these sailors have attended the several
departments connected with the Naval
branch of the local association. of whom
1876 have occupied beds. The bathroom
has been used by 1913 and $4,000 has been
deposited for safe keeping.
II has been said that Newport is even
more deficient i'm clean 'accommoda-
tions for the sailors who are on liberty
than New York, and is In proportion
10 her size better prepared TO demoral-
ize them.
The Y. NJ c. A. gave the only re-
sponse to the appeal OF the ships offl-
GERS for the welfare of the men. Buyers
Exchange was at once rented and fitted
with facilities for reading. writing, rec
reation, smoking and sleeping. Safe
places for money and valuables were
provided and the gymnasium and bath
room OF the local association placed at
the disposal OF the men. A lunch coun-
ter was included in the equipment, and
a bountiful supply of hot coffee and
ice water was always kept on tap. The
largest number OF men accommodated
i'm one night was 81. The rooms were
open day and night, and no man in the
service was ever turned away.
Rear Admirals Higginson and Luce
gave valuable suggestions regarding
the needs and habits of the men, and
Captain c. H. Stockton gave personal
attention 90 many or the details con-
nected with the establishment or the
work thus enabling the committees 10
reach the sailors from the start. While
there were no religious services carried
on specially i'm ehis department the men
were given a cordial welcome at those
held by the association directly across
the street. The work received the en-
dorsement OF the officers mentioned
above. also Rear Admiral Sampson and
Captains Taylor. Chadwick and Sigs-
bee and all the chaplains of the fleet.
The sailor branch of the Y. nj. G. A.
has been largely fruitful of good re-
suits; concerning 1t President Mckinley
or branch of the Young Mems Christian
Association was brought TO my atten-
tion and greatly interests me. L am
glad TO know of the efforts that are be-
ing made TO bring this ennobling in
fiuence more and more within the reach
of our sailors and soldiers. What you
have already accomplished in so short
a time should be an announcement TO
all engaged I'm similar work.
The central organization has always
49,. rs..... Dc lAaa
ure to me TO commend any extensions
of II and 10 wish IL success.
The Newport Y NJ. G. a. were active
during the summer of 1898 in the es-
tablishment of special army work.
They erected two tents at Fort Ad-
ans, 45x25 and 30x20 feet respectively.
Total atterSlance estimated at $4,000
Writing paper distributed, $4,000 sheets.
Letters written, $4,000.
l03 religious services, at which many
men expressed an interest in personal
religion whose names and addresses
were secured and forwarded To the cler-
gymen OF their home churches, with
request that the men be visited upon
their discharge from the service.
Writing facilities for so: reading mat
ter for so. and games for 81 at once.
Work was non-sectarian. Many So
cials, entertainments. athletic events
were held. and patriotic addresses given
Addresses were delivered by Bishop
Potter. Senator Chauncey Nj. Depew
Tents In operation 1i2 days from June
IS 10 October 10. 1898, in charge of Asst.
Sec'y w +. Robb
The work of this summer has been
recently discontinued but will be re-
sumed II the battleships should come
into the harbor and any Of the sailors
be allowed liberty on shore. There Is an
excellent corps OF workers at the local
association and an efficient general sec
retary.
RHODE ISLAND SUNDAY SCHOOL
ASSOCIATION
The fourth Sunday School convention
OF the East Greenwich district is 10 be
held i'm the Bapt ~ church. Wexford.
September II. All the sunday schools
I'm East Greenwich Hills Grove. Ap-
ponaug. old Warwick Lafayette. AL
lenton and WEXFORD are included in
this district.
PROGRAM.
John q. Lewis. Chairman.
First Session.
n