The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-19
AT ANNUAL MEETING Y. M.C CA.
 !. HEARD REPORT OF SECRETARY
Attention Called to Fact;Ihat Montgomery Must Stir Itself to ProVideia Building New
 Members of Board

not so much the extension and improve ment of our work. It Is the more vital question of existence. After this year, if there Is to be any Young Mems Chris tian Association in Montgomefy, that As- sociation will have building of its own which Is adequate for its needs The question, shall Montgomery have any organized work for young men after this yearr can only be answered affirma- lively by an affirmative answer to the other question, shall Montgomery have Young Mems Christian Association Buildingr
 There can be but one answer. In all our Southland Montgomery stands alone as the only city with a population of over 5000 without building for her young men. Throughout the whole United States there are onlys,axShteen cities of over sooOo without iIon buildings. and nine of these BStka- Ing funds on hand and ow9S <{173s R3zl estate. On the other hand M cities having population Sn Montgomery in which the ffon town buildings.
 Why should Montgomery's name stand alone in the South or with the seventeen other cities In the United States on such a list? Shall it remain there longer than the year 1904?'
 We have begun canvass for s25. GOO which, with the s10000 to be raised by the Young Womens Christian Association will give us $S5.o0o with which to build. No member of the Association and no citizen of Montgomery can afford to re- fuse to help in this emergency A con- tribution to an Association building should be regarded as a splendid business investment. In fact the young man who gives $1o0 to this enterprise can be guar anteed return of 8 per cent in cash value on his investment so long as he retains his membership in the Associa- ton. To illustrate; a member now re- ceives in privileges $3.8 more than he pays for in dues. Add to this one mem ber's share of the interest on the invest ment of sS5,0oO at per cent or $5.17, and we have $S.45 which is over per cent on $100 investment.
 Value of Investment.
 But such a calculation appeals only to the most selfish, and the financial value of the investment is the most insigni- sficant. The dividends to be obtained in lthe elevation of character and the sal- sTation of the souls of men can not be sestimated. Is 1t not of as much value .as the conviction of criminals? Is 1t not better to direct the life of young man into right channels and help him. it himself for sphere of usefulness. than to neglect him and then punish him? It cost the State in 1902 $5e each to convict 194 criminals, not taking Into the count over $9, 900 which was expended in 15l cases where convictions were not secured. eff 1t is a good policy to expend over $20,000 year in one court for this pur- pose, and it doubtless is, does 1t not seem to be a small thing to ask the citi- zens of Montgomery for s36.000 for build ings for both her young men and young women once in many generations?
 But we must be more personal We all agree that Montgomery should raise the money needed, and we begin to look around to see who will give 1t. This crisis must make its appeal to your heart and to your pocket. Do not expect the other man to do your duty. Do not waste time pointing out men who could give the whole amount, or half of it, but determine how great a sacrifice you are willing to make to insure the success of this enterprise.
 we are facing a task that demands our best endeavor. Let us perform 1t in the fear of God. relying upon Him for the ultimate success of His cause as represented by the Young Mems Chris tian Association of Montgomery"
 The following gentlemen were elected directors of esthe Association for term of three years. ending January 1. 1907, George W. Ellis. Adolph Roemer. Joseph Norwood, George Stowers and L. w. Martin.
 After the business meeting the Ladies' Auxiliary served refreshments to the guests, and an informal social was held.