The evening times., 1900-04-11

The gymnasium OF the Young Men s
Christian Association was filed with an in
terested audience last evening on the oc-
easion OF the closing exercises OF the
Educational Department of the Association.
Preceding the formal exercises of the ev-
ening, the orchestra of the Association,
under the leadership of Prof. ID. B. Mac
Leod, rendered several selections. Judge
Stanton J. Peelle, chairman of the educa-
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 Under
which the educational work of the Asso-
citation had labored during the year just
closing. because of the separation of many
of the classes from the main building, the
large number of students enrolled having
rendered il necessary for the Association
to use the old rooms on New York Ave-
nue. in addition 10 the available space at
the C Street building.
After a selection by the orchestra, DR..
Merrill f. Gates, former President of Am
herst College. delivered an address upon
the topic. Take advantage Of your disad-
vantages." DR. Gates referred 10 the
great interest taken in educational work
the world over, and especially in this
country. He called attention to the fact
that the greatest 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
early life are the factors that build up
staying qualities in human nature. The
sons of rich men, he said. 'furnlsh ire
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 TO the warmer cllmes,
where nature yields 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,
American youth in this land of possibli-
Ties and opportunity may be likened to the
walls Of a gun barrel which are needed TO
guide the bullet toward the target. II is
hopeful sign when the young men of the
great middle class in American life. the
brain and brawn OF its coming citizenship,
utilize opportunitieS for elf-deyelopment
set before them by agencies like the Young
Mems Christian Association. The perfect
man. Christ himself. dignified labor at the
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 10 be lifelong students.
Tie roll Of students who. on account OF
nroficiency in attendance, effort. ana sch0l
arship. are oEtitled to the Association
certificate. was read by Mr. s. w. Wood
ward. President Of the Association. This
list Of honor numbers $50 young men.
Following this the names CT the young
men who have successfully passed the eX-
animation submitted by the international
Committee in New-Nork were read by Mr..
Woodward. who spoke Of the degree OF
scholarship which they indicated. Eighty
six certificates have been won by the men,
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
ble. TO which Mr. Maschmeyer feeli4gly
responded. A reception was given the stu
dents in the parlors. following the adjourn
ment in the gymnasium, and an exhibit Of
class work was shown in the class rooms.
While the regular class work OF the Assc-
citation is formally closed for the year,
few of the more popular studies-French,
German. shorthand, and the classes in mu
sic-wilI be continued for some time longer.