The daily morning Alaskan. (Skagway, Alaska) 1899-1904, 1900-08-16

principal to a membership contest. Per-
haps IS had joined before that time, and
similar number were brought in later bv
one of the contestants.
One of The women who withdrew, and
is the wife of prominent Skagwavan,
stated Yesterday:
81 " ithdrew because do not like t o as
socate with coored people. believe the
Y. N. C. A. is a good | stituton and does
good, and nv husband las always main
tanned the same opinion He has helped
the association and hive done as much
for it as could. am willing to continue
to help the association, and have consider
ed, since my withdrawal, the proposition
of getting up benefit entertainment else
where for the association. Yet, do not
care to 90 where | must meet colored men,
have southern blood, 1t is true, but have
the greatest respect for eolored person in
his proper place. regret the mistake in
the present case has occurred because of
some, but it cannot be helped.
81 was in the gymnasium few days
ago when one OF the col ed men saw me
trying to punch a bag lie came up and
volunteered to give me lessons. Now.
do not like such a proceeding, On another
occasion one of the colored men took part
in a basket ball team witi,the white men,
| do not think that proper."
Secretary Reid last evening, VIII asked
about the matter. said:
The Young Mems Christian Associa>
ton knows no color line. 1t stands for
young men regardless of nationality the
world over. The only eli se in our con-
stitution regarding who shall be eligible to
associate membership is that of good moral
character. The same constitution applies
the world over. In the South where the
race prejudice is strong and the large num-
esr Of oolored people warrant conducting Of
distinct work along the same line, they
have separate institutions. Where this is
not the case they are treated like anyone
else as long as thew conduct themselves in
proper manner.
"As for Skagwav, there can be no ex-
cepton, we shall treat all alike. The ar
rangement of the classes provides two
evenings, Tuesday and Friday, for the
soldiers for class work and recreation. In
a like manner classes are provided for all,
setting apart Monday. "Wednesday and
Saturday evenings for general class work
for those whom classes are not otherwise
provided, 50 that there is no occasion for
feeling on the part of anyone. During the
hours set apart for the ladies' on Monday
and Thursday afternoons from to 6
o'clock, the ladies have the exclusive use
of both gymnasium and baths, during
which time there is lady attendant in
charge. Everything that can possibly be
done for the pleasure and best interests of
its members, the association stands ready
to do, but to do show discrimination in
color it cannot-ChriStianit knows no
such discrimination.
at is unfortunate that such feeling
should exist, but inasmuch as it does,
nothing remains to be done but to permit
those who entertain this feeling to with
draw.
80 lar only seven have withdrawn their
membership cards
"The question was first brought up by
one of the colored boys asking is there
anything to prevent me becoming a mems
ber.' "
However, after all done and said, it ap
pears there is no particular blame to attach
to any of the parties concerned. The con-
sttution of the Y. M, Z. A. does not pro-
hibit the colored men becoming members
of the organization and it does not require
that anyone should remain in the organ
ization if not pleased with other members.
Those who wish to solicit members are
permitted to solicit from any walk of life
they choose, so long as their moral char
acter is good. The fellowship is not bind
ing, so those withdrawing follow their own
pleasure, those rem raining in do the same.
those who think the situation Is good
enough are please and those who are not
satisfied have recourse in following others
that have resigned, 50 there are avenues
open to all. and everything is lovely and
the COOS hangs high.
If vov want good work done telephone
No. 80 Kew Civ aundry. Thew take II