The Washington times., 1903-01-20

/ tonaI Government and men from every
State and Territory in the Union. fha
history Of the association movement is
stranger than fiction. Half d century aSo
there was but one association in the
woTld-a few young men of noble spirit.
but with little money. meeting in a
small room in London Now there are
over 800 associations. with over G20,-
GOO members. owning and occupying 81,
buildings, valued at over $50, 600, 600, and
all without the money-making impulse.
The man who founded this great broth
erhood under the Fatherhood of God
George Williams. Of London. still lives.
successful in business. and knighted by
Queen Victoria. Was there ever a more
perfect gentle knight?-to enjoy tine
affectionatc admiration OF a mighty army
of young men stretching around the
globe. In spite OF all dtmcuIres, and
all temptations. the movement has held
. on its successful way keeping its pvin-
ciples bright, and living up to its great
name a Christian association of young
men
Not a Charitable Institution.
II is not a charitable institution. It IS
not a political institution; it is a
union of young ran for mutual help. and
for the help Of others. in the spirit OF
the elder brother. This is the age of
problems The word has become the
catchvcrd OF our time. Aud we mean
generally socia! problems. We some
times think ~ltE 8isw 5rcly that there
o..
isfactory answer 10 social problems IS
that which is suggested by he purpose
OF the Young Mems Christian Azsocfa-
ton They arc to be answered nor 50
much by the mind as by tha spirit. -ha
applied teachings Of Christ furnish The
only solution. This is why the assorja-
ton has some beyond its own building.
valuable a. their athlete. educational
social ard religious facilities are. and
has been drawn into work for railroad
men, fer men IN all sorts Of industrial
pursuits. as well as for she army and
he navy. This is why l. Is succeeding
where Other agencies have failed This
is why it is welcomed whore formerly
it was opposed. It Has become. like
many other transpIanted things. greatest
in the United States. lis place in the IA
tional lie has broadened ana developed
until it touches all Important interests
and has become indfspens tbIe.
Work of Committee.
Dr. LucieR Warner. chairman Of the
international committee. SPOKE of the
general work OF the committee which
conducts the big work Of The association.
At the CCIClusioE Of this address. Pr,si-
dent Woodward prcsenre1 bouquets OF
roses to the Rev Thomas Duncan and
William J. Rhees. two OF the three fc1ln-
ders Of the local ASSOCIATION now living
Each bouquet contained lily roses. sig.
nihcant Of the occasion.
number Of field secretaries spoke
on their particular lines of work. The
were c. c. Kitchener. in charge
Of the work among industrial classes. /
w B. Miller in charge of the army /
and navy work and John R. Mott. who I.
directed The association work among /
and colleges
Because Of illness. c. 7. Hicks in /
charge Of the work among railroad men
was unable to be present, and Col. J. J. /
of New York. told of the won
derful strides of the association along
that line. Fred B. Smith, of London. /
followed He spoke of the imperative
need Of work among boys.
Mr.. Macfarland then introduced the
President with the following words.
IF there is one man in the United
States who typifes the purpose OF the
Young Mems Christian Association the
development OF the body, mind, and
spirit 10 the highest degree. it is Tbeo-
lore Roosevelt. President of the United
states. We rejoice that when our fell
ow-member. President Mckinley. whose
memory is an inspiration. was taken
away, dying the death Of the righteous.
such a successor was ready and that we
lave in the White House. in the great
sst office in the world. one who repre-
5ents our best ideas and ideals, a young
nan, Christian man. in closest SYM
5athy with our association. It is a great
pleasure 10 present President Roose-
reIt."
The Presidents Address.
The President said in part.
Nj Chairman. Gentlemen: It is no ac-
idenl that we should meet here TO cele-
rate a record Of fifty years-the haIf|
entury which has seen the gigantic in
ustrial change of the world. which has
cen the fTuition of the forces that have
rought about a revolution, socially and
such as was hardly seen
.ithiu any preceding five centuries.