The evening times., 1900-04-11

The gymnasium of the Young Mems
Christian Association was filed with an in
terested audience last evening on the oc-
casiOn OF the closing exercises Of the
Educational Department OF the Association.
Preceding the formal exercises Of the ov-
ening, the orchestra of the Association,
under the leadership OF Prof. d. b. Mac
Leod, rendered several selections. Judge
Stanton J. Pcelle, chairman OF the cduca-
tional committee, presided, and introduc-
ed Rev. E. c. Shaver. assistant pastor Of
the New York Avenue Presbyterian
Church, who led in the invocation.
In his introductory remarks. Judge
Peelle referred TO the difficulties Lnder
which the educational work Of the Asso-
ciation had laborcd during the year just
closing. because Of the separation of many
Of tie classes from the main building, the
lcs-- number Of students enrolled having
rendered it necessary for the Association
u use the old rooms on New York Ave
nuc in addition TO the available space at
tho G. Street building.
After a selection by the orchestra, Dr.
Merrill z. Gates, former President Of Am
herst College. delivered an address upon
the topic. Take advantage Of your disad-
vantages." Or. Gates referred 10 the
great interest taken in educational work
the world over, and especially iu this
country. He called attention to the fact
that the gCeatcst means OF developing
character was the overcoming Of difficult
ties. Just as the oak develops stronger
timber when buffeted during its growth by
the storms so adversely and hardships in
carly life are the factors that build up
staying qualities in human nature. The
sons Of rich men, he said. furnish fire.
quent occasions for the observation of the
principle OF the need OF early discipline by
sinking below the intellectual and social
level Of their fathers, and Of their seem
ingly less fortunate fellows. even when
surrounded by the helpful environment Of
opportunity
The speaker referred to the fact that the
dominant races throughout the world fol-
low those isOthermiC lines in which ener-
gy, effort. and labor are essential requi-
sites; he pointed 10 the warmer climes,
where nature yields a harvest with spon-
taneity. as an evidence OF the effects Of
the absence OF the discipline which in other
climes nature exacts.
In quoting from Emerson. he said that
the besetments and disadvantage Of the
American youth in this land Of possibii-
ties and opportunity nay be likaued TO the
walls Of a gun barrel which are needed 10
guide the bullet toward the target. u is a
hopeful sign when the young men Of the
great middle class IN American lie. the
brain and Drawn OF its coming citizenship,
utilize opportunities FOR self-development
set before them by agencies like the Young
Mems Christian Association The perfect
H-n.re
carpenters bench. and no more promising
outlook for the future is given us than
that these same young men seek influences
which shall develop the perfect man,
physically spiritually, and Intellectually,
under surroundings that enoble. DR. Gates
concluded with an earnest appeal 10 the
young men to be lifelong students.
The roll Of students who. on account o.
proficiency in attendance. effort. and schol-
arship. are eEtiued to the Associations
certificate was read by Mr :. W. Wood
ward President OF the Association. This
list Of honor numbers 100 young men.
Following this The names Of the young
men who have successfully passed the eX-
animation submitted by the international
Committee in New-YorI were read by Alr.
Woodward who spoke OF the degree Of
scholarship which they indicated. Eighty
six certificates have been won by the mem
hers.
The students in the class Of mechanical
and architectural drafting. taught by Mr.
4. NJ. p. Maschmeyer, NJ. Dr. presented
their instructor with a beautiful onyx Ia
bic. TO which Mr. Maschmeyer feelingly
responded. a reception was given the stu
dents In the parlors. following the adjourn
ment in the gymnasium, and an exhibit 0f
class work was shown in the class rooms.
While the regular class work or the Assc-
citation Is formally closed tor the year.
few Of the more popular studies-French,
German. shorthand. and the classes in mU-
sic-will be continued for some time longer.