The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1910-07-02


not extravagant or excessive and
which does not discourage self-help
by creating a spirit OF dependence in
those who enjoy the benefit which it
offers.
Another characteristic of the AS
ISOLATION Is its non-sectarian quality.
is tolerant, liberal in its scope and
knows no denomination, no race, no
politics. The truth Is the growth Of
the Young Metn's Christian Associa-
tion has been evidence Of, and, at the
! same time, an assistance to. the
growth of the spirit Of Christian tol-
erance among all denominations.
"On the Isthmus Of Panama four
club houses have been constructed at
Culebra. Empire, Georgiana and
Christobal. The buildings contain
writing. card and billiard rooms,
bowling alleys. gymnasiums. and
shower baths. A comprehensive plan
has been devised whereby the conf
mission, working in conjunction with
the Young Mems Christian Associa-
tion. will manage these and other
similar buildings. Four Association
secretaries are in charge Of the build
ings. Some questions have been as
to whether the expenditure of this
money was in the authority Of the
commission. have not the slightest
doubt Of 1t. The authority Of the
President in the construction of the
canal Is to build the canal, and ne
has. therefore. the right to expend
money in any way necessary to the
pursuance Of that purpose.
This Is a great enterprise, involy-
ing the moving Of this strips which
connects the two oceans in the far
distant tropics. Of colony of from
$4,000 to $4,000 men. To render
them efficient for the purpose they
were transported there 1t Is absolute
ly necessary that they be surrounded
by the influence and furnished with
the attractions which would keep
them in such a moral and physical
state OF mind as will make them effic-
lent laborers.
And 1 have not hesitated, there
fore. not only to authorize the con-
struction Of these club houses under
the auspices of the Y. M. c. A., but
also to confirm the action of the COM
mission in the payment of chaplains
of different denominations, who Off
ciate in the church services held in
the buildings of the Association in
the various labor centers across the
isthmus.
No problem in our whole social
life is more difficult than that pre-
sented to one who wishes to give
money to aid his fellowmen without
giving more injury than aid. The
instances of ill-advised generosity are
as many almost. as the instances OF
ill-advised investments, and when we
find an institution which has worked
out the problem of materially aiding
our fellowmen in the struggles of life
without discouraging their self-sup-
port toward better things, we have
something that We should greatly
prize.
"A great Christian Association club,
established in an adequate building
Will keep men from gambling, drink
ing, and other forms of vice by offer
Ing them opportunity to spend their
unoccupied hours in a home atmos-
phere. surrounded by the best in
fuence."
WHAT ROOSEVELT SAID.
Ex-President Roosevelt said: IF 1t
had not been for the work Of such or
ganizations, the country's immense
material progress during the past
half century, would have told for i'll,
not good. The effort of the Associa-
ton to combat the forces of evil have
been successful because it has tried
not to dwarf any of the impulse OF
the young, vigorous man, but to guide
him Alright. Hundreds Of young men
are every year being lured away from
the habit OF decent living because
they are not supplied with the chance
to go where innocent and healthfuI
amusements are provided amid sur
roundings that encourage education
and morality.
1T pays far better to support the
secretary of the Young Mems Chris
tian Association in a community than
10 pay the salary OF q nnliceman