The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-01-21

and with the best and highest influ-
ences while thev are far away from
home, and while their lives are not
only a wearisome monotony, but are
beset by many trials and temptations,
is practically exhausted, and unless
some assistance is received, the bright
est and the most respected institution
connected with camp lfe--the Y. M. c.
A. army tent with all its pleasant as
sociations-will have passed away
Since our arrival here, the boys have
shown their appreciation. and, out of
the monthly pittance which they re-
ceive from the government, have SUBJ
scribed their mites, irrespective Of re-
ligious beliefs, in order that the army
branch of the organization may con-
tinue to the end. Those in charge have
been 10th to ask the boys to help
them, but they have not been slow to
do the best they can, according to their
means.
Some idea of what it costs to keep
the tent open must have been gained
from the figures already given and
from the outlay of money for all the
travelling from place to place after the
regiment, for the games, for the papers
and periodicals, and for the writing
materials which are constantly sup
piled. The running epenses every
month average about $780, the station
cry alone costing anything between $50
and SIS, and to offset this outlay the
members of the regiment subscribe SOS
Immediately after each pay day.
Aside from the Y. NJ. C. A. tent, there
is no place in or around camp where
the boys can spend pleasant hour of
recreation and amusement, and where
those who try to improve can find
proper encouragement, and when one
considers the temptations, which beset
and assail the soldier, especially if he
| is young it will not be hard to appre-
ciate the necessity of such an instltu-
| ton as the Y. NJ. G. A. army tent
wherein the teachings of home are
| once again emphasized, and the best
| influences are eXerted in lectures, in
| sermons, in readings, and in song on
| the minds and hearts of the hearers
ONLY REMINDED OF HOME LIFE
1t is the only vestige of home life
which remains or thrives in camp, and
perhaps, this is the highest compliment
which could be paid it.
The Y. NJ. C. A. army tent has been
| an undoubted blessing to the member:
| of the Thirteenth regiment. 1t has
| done it's work well, on the broadest
most charitable, Christian principles
and, therefore, deserves to be encour-
aged by every parent who has a son
or a near relative, in the regiment
irrespective of the possible differences
| in belief.
| This worthy institution has been will
us through heat and cold, through rair
and shine, through sickness and health
at Camp Hastings, at Camp Alger. anC
Camp Meade, and here again at CAM
Mackenzie; and the boys would no
regret anything more than to par
company with it now. Its work ha.
received the highest endorsements from
Chaplains Stahl of the Thirteenth, anC
| Jones, of the Eighth and is appreci
ated by every officer and enlisted MAJ
in the regiment. The army branch o
the Y. NJ. c. A. has become almost
necessary part of their camp existence
and they cling to it with a tenacit,
which does them credit, and at tn
same time pays it a deserving tribut,
for it's worth and it's works.
Richard ]. Bourke.