Evening journal., 1902-06-10
Y. NJ. G. A. MATTERs

The local Y. M. c. A. needs help. |
One contemporary says it needs money, !
but that our wealthy citizens are not
disposed to put their hands into their
pockets to pull It out OF the slough. |
There is truth in the first part of its
statement. but we do not believe the
last clause will be verified if there is a
purpose apparent of putting the asso-
citation on a secure footing. and of con-
Quoting il in a manner to justify its
existence. Business men do not part
with their money. ether in trade orl
philanthropy without some assurance
that it is to he well expended; but as
no other necessary and worthy enter
prise is allowed to languislh for want OF
funds, we see no reason why this as
it becomes plain that the money is tol
be used to the best possible advantage.
A new secretary has been chosen
and If he is a man suited to the work
and has proper equipment, we have mol
doubt that he will be able to command
all the support necessary. Philan-
thropic. as well as business institu-
tlons. are often built upon wrecks, and
success follows failure.
There is one object which should bel
striyen for; to make the institution
self-supporting. This may be an ideal
impossible CT realization, but it is
worth striving for The majority of
the young men who visit such places
are able to pay their part of the ex-
penses. They will do this in the shape
of dues, or membership fees. if the as
sociation is conducted in accordance
with rational ideas There is a class
in every city which visit such places
seeking charity and because they are
too lazy to work. Occasionally, it is
true, there are unfortunates to be cared
for, but these are comparatively few
We believe IL is possible to offer whole
some attractions to young men which
will attract sufficient number to
make the institution practically self
supporting, and at the same time ex-
ert a strong moral influence.
The newspapers have had certain
Suggestions to make, and we have
heard their utterances interpreted into
a wish to make of il a club for pleas
ant associations. We believe they have
been misinterpreted. Conditions must
be met as they exist, and the fact is
that when an association is turned into
q perpetual prayer-meeting. the young
p man decides that he can fall back on
some church. and sees no real need OF
e the association. The association should
@ recognize the many sides of the man,
the intellectual. the physical, and tn,
spiritual Proper amusement shoul,
play a prominent part, since it is re
taxation from the toll of the day.
If we were making suggestions w
q should advise a lyceum run unde
Is proper restrictions, a course of lecture
re on points of interest to young mer
ID educational classes and all games tina
9e could be provided which are not harm
~ ful. These privileges. together wit
,s Those Of the gymnasium, would be SUI
y hcient to attract the average youn
up man, whether he is a stranger, or ha
. home in the city. Under props
management there is a great field Il
We the association in this city AS
&C. the religious side. let there be religion
70 meetings and Bible classes; mai
Isl these services inviting, but the 9TH
'n features must not be neglected.
ny Something has been said about
es, smoking room, and while we shall n
sea give advice in this particular, yet it
OF well to consider the facts. We l1nc
'ou that majority Of young men smol
~ and that they will not be attracted
oe- a place to spend their evenings whe