Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-11-23
Foreign Ambassadors Present
at Y. N. c. A. Exercises.
NATIONAL ANTHEMS SUNG
Addresses Made by Ambassador
Bryce and Gov. Glenn.
AN ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION
Meetings Held, Addresses Delivered
and Reports Received Yesterday
Afternoon-Other Features.

The ambassadors of Great Britain
France and Japan were central figures
last night in one of the greatest audi
ences that were ever assembled in Con-
vention Hall. The occasion was the con.
Guiding meeting of the first day of the
thirty-sixth international convention OF
the Young Mems Christian Association
The extensive auditorium was prettily
decorated with the tricolor of the United
States. while just in the rear of the
stage the flags of England, France, Japan
and this country formed picturesque
background, suggestive of the world-work
that is being accomplished by the pro-
gressive organization.
The iron rafters of the big hall fairly
rang when the thousands in the vast
audience Joined in singing America" and
God Save the King at the opening OF
the meeting. The enthusiasm of the vast
throng seemed to be contagious and
found vent on many occasions, but es-
pecially during the addresses of the prin-
cipal speakers of the evening. the British
ambassador, Mr.. James Bryce, and Gov
R. B. Glenn of North Carolina. whose
subject was The Nations Need for
Strong Christian Young Men," At times
the scene was thrilling as the thousands
applauded and waved their handkerchief
The picture that followed when Judge
Sheldon P. Spencer of st. Louis Mo
moved vote of thanks to the English
French and Japanese ambassadors was
almost beyond description Men and
women arose in their places and cheered
wildly. hats and handkerchiefs were
waved and there was a perfect storm OF
handclapping.
Ambassador Bryce's Address.
Judge Spencer. in introducing Ambassa-
dor Bryce of Great Britain, said his in
fiuence. through his writings, had done
much to cement the two great English
speaking nations together. Before Mr.
Bryce began his speech the British ma
tional anthem was sung with hearty spirit
Mr.. Bryce spoke of the features in the
Young Mems Christian Associate move
ment which are remarka BILE as signs OF
the times, the spirit of unity in faith and
hope which the association is developing
He spoke, too. of the great good which it
is doing in helping young men avoid the
dangers to which city life exposes them.
las this convention is international ami
the Young Mems Christian Associations
Of Britain and Canada have sent delegates
here" Mr.. Bryce continued, lit seems
natural and right that one who Is charged
with represe nting Britain and her colonies
in the United States should express those
wishes for the continued growth and sue
cess of your movement, which must be
felt by all in Europe who know how much
good it has done there. There are fea-
lures in the movement which are remark
able as signs of the times. as showing
what are the special deeds of this age
and what is the new spirit that pervades
it. This association. with it's branches in
every city. stands ready to welcome every
newcomer who seeks to base his life upon
it's faith and hope. 1t cheers him, 1t
opens to him means of raising his own
thoughts by communing with others more
experienced or advanced than himself, ii
gives him facilities for useful work in
trying to serve his fellow-men.
Faith in Fundamental Truths.
1.-THE faith on which the association is
founded is faith in the fundamental
truths of Christianity. for it desires to
overlap all distinctions of existing re-
ligious bodies and to gather together into
fraternal union the members of any and
every denomination. 1t is hopeful sign
of our times that those minor differences
between Christians in strife over which
so much zeal and energy were in past
days spent to so little purpose have now
fallen into the background. A sense OF
unity, a desire to dwell upon and promote
unity. Is now in the ascendant.
People have sometimes said that Chris
tianity was intended only for the indi-