Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-11-24
ADDRESS BY BRYAN
Uses Parable of the ProdigaI
Son as His Text.
AUDIENCE OF ONLY 5000
Enthusiastic Demonstration in
Honor of Nebraskan
UNDER AUSPICES OF Y. NJ; c. A.
Introduction by Secretary Cortel-
you-Handshaking in Order at
Conclusion of the Meeting.
UNDER AUSPICES OF Y. NJ, c. A.

audience of 5000 persons in Convention
Hall yesterday afternoon in connection
with the thirty-sixth international con-
vention of Young Mems Christian Asso-
citation. Preparations had been made for
an open-air meeting south of the Treas
ury building, but the downpour of rain
made necessary a change of scene to
Convention Hall. Mr.. Bryan talked of
the efforts of the Young Mems Christian
Associations throughout the world, and
declared that they are performing a
wonderful work for good. His address
was of the nature Of a sermon, in which
he finally took as his text the parable Of
the prodigal son.
Mr.. Bryan's appearance at Convention
Hall was the signal for an ovation
which nearly rivaled those of the two
campaigns in which he was the demo-
cratic candidate. The great hall was
crowded when he reached it in company
with George B. Cortalyou,, Secretary of
the Treasury, and local COMMITTEES rep
resenting the Young Mems Christian AS
sociation. During half an hour preceding
the arrival of the guests, John Virgo
led the audience in singing popular
hymns, in which thousands of voices
Joined, resounding with wonderful eff
feet through the great arched auditorium
Many of the prominent delegates to the
convention were seated on the stage in
the center of the hall.
Introduction by Secretary Cortelyou.
The assemblage was called to order by
Selden P. Spencer, president of the asso-
citation, introducing John Timothy Stone,
who led in prayer. Mr.. Spencer then
presented Secretary Cortelyou. IAe lat
ter said the presence here of the dele
gates in international convention is an
inspiration to good citizenship every
where.
There cannot be too much of the en-
thusiasm for clean manhood and Chris
tian living which you so conspicuousiy
display" he said. May the sublime faith
and practical helpfulness of your great
and more to our people. for. whatever our
differences upon the passing themes of
the moment, you represent those things
which do not pass away; you are living
examples of the truth that Righteousness
exalteth a nation. .
I'm the prosecution Of your work
among the young men of North America
you have the support and encouragement
of many who are prominent In public af-
fairs. Among the number Is the distin-
guished American whom have been ask
ed to introduce to you. but I shall vary
somewhat from the terms of that re-
quest for he needs no introduction. His
interest in your undertakings Is well
known, and this afternoon he will speak
to you upon a subject not only timely but
peculiarly appropriate to this gathering.
Signal for Demonstration.
Mr.. Bryan's appearance was another
signal for a demonstration in his favor.
He raised his hand, commanding silence.
He had been interested in the work of
Young Mems Christian Associations from
his young manhood; in fact, since he was
fourteen years of age, he said. and he had
found that the precepts so formed by him
had done much to guide him in the right
way when he went through college. He
spoke of the ties that bind Christian men,
and in beautiful language pictured the
various human ties that cement friend
ship. the ties of nationality, of race, Of
common interest and of home, but, above
them all, he declared, the ties Of Chris
tian love- He had experienced those ties
in far-away Japan among people of
strange tongue, who, like himself, were
followers of Christ. .
The Young Mems Christian Association
can supplement the work of schools by
providing night instruction and can -ad-
vance manliness through the influence of
the gymnasium, but only through the zeal
Of Christianity can 1t perform the great
work 1t has undertaken. Such an organ
lZdllou, the speaker ItIudIheQ, Is Ill ecu
nomic advantage in every city, as 1t Is
cheaper to guide men Alright than to
reform them in penftentiaries. From an
economic standpoint every city can well
afford to sustain Young Mems Christian
Associations, because they spread in
fluences that uplift.
Basis for Progress.
II believe" Mr.. Bryan declared, that
this nation is more indebted to the Chris
tian religion for it's progress than to all
other causes combined. Young men some
times sneer at religious belief, and 1 am
glad that Secretary Cortelyou is here be-
cause of the testimony given by IBIS pres
ence. If he can be here and interested
in this association, how can the clerks In
his department sheer and think they are
too smart to Join in such work?"
The tendency of many men, the speaker
said, is to talk about and object to the
mysteries of religion, but he wished to tell
such people that If they will only try to
live up to that which they do understand
they will not have time to worry about
the things they do not understand.
Mr. Bryan spoke of the prodigal son
and pictured the fathers love as demon
strated by the parable. He approved the
work of missionaries in carrying Chris
tian life into the midst Of the heather,
and said If enough ministers cannot be
secuI ed for prosecuting this work 1t should
be carried on by establishing Christian
homes in lands that do not know the re-
ligion of Christ, so that the good work
can be promoted by such object lessons.
At the conclusion of the meeting Mr..
Bryan held an informal reception and
shook hands with thousands of those
who had assembled to hear him.