The Oskaloosa herald., 1901-01-10
ECKELS ON Y. NJ. c. A.
The Distinguished Statesman's
Inaugural Address.


I trust the guests of the evening will
pardon me if | consume more tim, in
my Introductory words than properly be-
longs to one who presides upon such an
occasion. My excuse for doing 5 0 rests
in the wish to express in a public way
my sincere appreciation of the gracious
act of the Young Mems Christian Asso
citation of this city in comforting upon
me its presidency, and to give voice to
some thoughts which l hope may IN a
measure at least add to its strength and
efficiency as a power for good in this
community.
The compliment is the more highly
priced because l am called to an Office
which throughout the many years since
the organization of the Association has
enlisted the service of men of marked
ability, high Christian character and sig
nal fidelity to the duties attaching to the
position. All these men can survey the
work they have accomplished with a full
degree of satisfaction and rest content
in a knowledge of the good which they
have performed in their relations with
their fellows. They have left to me the
easier task of taking up the work at u
point where complete and perfect or
panization exists. where definite ends to
be attained have been determined upon
and the broader lines of what the Asso-
citation must really stand for laid down.
Within a period Of but little more than
half a century the Young Mems Chris
ton Association as such has gained for
itself a position in the world of affairs
in many respects beyond that of any one
or of all distinctive church organizations.
The citizen whose view is but that of a
superficial inquirer now readily acknowl-
edges it as an agency for good, while
the thoughtful investigator of its aims,
its endeavors and its accomplished re-
suits can we'll insist that it easily ranks
first among the many societies formed
for the betterment of young men. Its
tianity that is hemmed in by neither sects
nor creeds. 1t has regard for the essen
tial basis and truth of each and from
all it draws a willing support and to
all it renders with equal cheer aid and
comfort.
SALVATION OF YOUNG lei
Its announced great principle is "the
salvation of young men," and | can i'm
apine nothing that can more appeal to
the people of the great city of Chicago
than such a platform. The well-being of
the city, state and nation rests in the
accomplishment of the object of its ex-
istence. for only in "the salvation of
young men" from the evils which tempt
them, and the strengthening of them in
the higher attributes of character, car
they attain to a citizenship which is
mindful that the public good is based
upon private virtue.
COMPLEMENT OF HOME M CHURCH
This Association is the necessary COM
plement of the home and church in the
work to be done to make young men
what they ought to be as factors in the
larger duties which come to them as they
enter upon a fuller manhood. In no
sense does it try to, or should it, sup
plant the we'll directed teaching of a god
ly home or a godly church. 1t but makes
more efficient the earlier preceptS of both
to those who have been fortunate enough
to enjoy them, and grants to those ig-
norant of such blessings a protecting
care which must mean in their lives the
difference between failure and success,
bad citizenship and good. The efforts
put forth in its behalf and the support
rendered it ought not to be confined to
the few. The work it does and the COM
p%rehensive view it takes of the needs OF
young men warrant the many in giving
literally of time and money to make still
wider the territory of its occupancy and
the sphere of its influence. 1t does not re-
strict the work of aiding young men to
a spiritual sense onlv, but mindful that
healthy lives, careful habits, proper ply
steal development and mental training
are all contributing factors in making
we'll balanced men. men knowing and
discharging Alright the duties of a re-
| sponsible citizenship, it cares for all oil
these things we'll. A better Christianity
and a better manhood grow from a prop
er care of mind and body than from
their neglect, and appreciative of this
fact every Young Mems Christian Asso-
citation which accomplishes the best re-
suits cares for both. The Association
which has done and is doing so much
for this city has its school and gymnas
ium side by side with its place of prayer
and through the pathway of the former
| is willing entrance made to the latter.
is IT PRACTICAL.
| do not doubt but that there are very
many il Chicago who know of the splen.
did schools and gymnasiums maintained
BY the Association Of this city, but there
| are many who do not. All ought to know
the scope of the undertaking, for from
such knowledge would come a greater