The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-26
FORMATION IS
THE CHIEF WORK
Students of Sociology Recognize
That to Prevent is Better
Than to Save.
THIS is MISSION OF Y. M NJ c. A.
Much Has Already Been Accom-
plished and Prospects Are
Very Bright.
THIS is MISSION OF Y. M. C. A.

Students OF sociology are fast becom-
ing n unit in the conviction that formation
is the work that should demand the at
tention of every Intelligent citizen and
phianthropist. OF contse, thousands OF
men have been redeemed from Il desolate
life and from all characters OF sin, but
every man who has so fallen is left
SCARED, il not in his physical life, In his
more important mental and spiritual life.
For this reason the work of prevention
and formation is becoming the YORK OF
first attention, not only in homes sand
with individuals, but also on the part OF
municipality and State. The message OF
the day Is, begin with the grandfather
The wonderful strides that have been
made by the Young Mems Christian As
ISOLATION in It's work of prevention and
uplift, especially in the United States
and Canada, are attracting the attention
of the philanthropic world. a little more
than fifty years ago this organization
found n footing In this country, and to-
day there are 1,S00 associations, with
membership OF over 100000 men and
boys. At the beginning tho work was
largely religious. No other lines Of work
were attempted. In n few years the
social element was introduced through
definite effort Then came the great work
OF the physical department.. and last. but
not least, the educational work. So that
this organization OF to-day, the represent
alive OF all the churches and the business
community, offers to young men and boys
every facility for development in body,
mind and spirit.
W..
One Of the first associations to be Or
ganized in America was the Richmond
Association From the very beginning
men OF strong character have been con-
nectcd with the Richmond Associations.
To-day 1t stands in the front rank with
the leading associations of the land. and
has grown until the work is seriously
hampered by the limitations OF the pres
ent building.
or this more will be said In the near
future. All these years the work has
been supported By membership fees and
contributions on the part of the business
community. Some have wondered why
this should be. The Finance Committee
has recently issued a very compact state
ment,. In which 1t Is clearly set forth
that all organizations of an educational
or preventive character are supported In
part by volunteer contributions. From
the best possible available Information.
1t is found that n college education Is at
the command OF a young man only be-
cause of the gifts from the State or in
lividunls. and through contributions and
endowments At Columbia 1t costs Sl,4Oo
annually per student in excess OF The
amount paid by the STUDENT at Cornell.
$1,000; at Princeton, $3.50: University OF
Virginia, s15l; Virginia Polytechnic In
stitute, $113, and so on.
The directors OF the association, in
their appeal for current expense funds
for Sthe year ending next Wednesday
set forth the fact that We're 1t not for
such contributions, every college would
have to shut Its doors In the face OF
| worthy young men. and that the asso-
citation is only able to keep the member
shop fee within reach Of the average
! young man OF limited means through the