The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1910-02-09
BIG CRUSADE TO
CONSERVE BOYS
y N. G. A. Project For Welfare
Of the Nation.
COuNTRYLADH OPEoFA AMERICA

Let Three Of Best Five Youths 90 70
the City, but Keep Two on the Farm,
Says John r. OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
United States ls Being Impoverished
by Exodus Of lts Young Men.
A new conservation movement is to
become a factor in American life. The
greatest of the nations natural re-
sources, the country boy, is the object
Of its protection. Its voice is raised
for the stemming Of the tide that Is
sweeping the best manhood Of the
country to the great Cities"
"Let three of the average FIVE best
youths which the farms produce go to
the city," was the platform recently
outlined by John R. Boardman, a lead.
er in the work. 1.-THE city needs them
and would stagnate without them. But
we insist that the other two shall stay
in the country. The country needs
them and is being impoverished by
their loss"
Eighteen States Represented.
Mr.. Boardman is senior secretary Of
the country work department Of the
international committee Of the Young
Mems Christian association. He pre-
sided at a standardization confer
ence" which was held at Chicago a
few days ago. where representatives
Of the county and state work Of eight
cen states and provinces gathered to
systematic the undertakings of this
tivity.
"The country is being depleted of it's
vitality by the lure Of the city," said
Mr.. Boardman in explanation Of the
organizations mission. 1T is not out
Of selfish interest, but with concern
for the welfare of the nation, that we
insist that two Of every five natural
leaders produced by the country shall
stay in the country. The country boy
is the hope of America.
1--WE are willing to give up three to
the city. and one of the missions Of
our department is to see that the coun-
try boys who go to the city shall go
among friends and favoring influences.
But the other feature of our work is
to organize the Young Mems Christian
associations Of the small towns of the
country in a way to enrich the life of
the boys Of the country and lead them
to a life of satisfaction and usefulness
at home"
Outlines Departments Work.
The following is a summary of what
the country work department of the
international Young Mems Christian
association stands for, as Mr.. Board
man outlined it:
For the recognition of the inherent value
Of country life in and for itself.
n maximum development of construc-
tive forces in rural communities.
The creation of a new social community
In village and in open country.
Dellverance from the enervating pater-
nalism of the city.
Better health and sanitation in farm
homes and country communities.
A redirected educational system which
Will fit for life in the country.
"A more scientific type of crop produc-
ton and farm administration as essential
to greater satisfaction in rural life.
A wholesome development of the recre-
alive life.
Dominance of Christian ideals in the
character of the manhood and boyhood
of the country.
Need Of Country Leaders.
"The country still is the nursery of
the nations leaders," said Mr.. Board
man. But there is as great a need
for leaders in the country as il the
cities. Not alone is the country being
Impoverished. but its best fruits are
wasted. for the country boy on going
to the city. ignorant of urban condi-
tons. frequently goes to ruin.
ION the other hand. the majority of
the college men Of the whole country
hail from the smaller towns and the
rural districts. In the conservation of
the youth Of the country the country
work department Of the Young Mems
Christian association has a mission of
greatest Importance.
Our work is coordinate with that
of the city associations. and it Is CO.
operative in its concern for the well
fare of the youths who leave the coun-
try to go to the city. The undertaking
Is not new. but only Of recent times
have effective measures been found to
meet conditions. The value of our
work has received the recognition of
the federal administration, which is
DESTROYS Of the extension Of the Y. NJ.
@. A. county work into the reclamation
projects of the west"