Gloucester County Democrat., 1912-03-07
Y. NJ. c. A. NOTES.

The Young Mems Christian Associ-
alton has been in the business of bet
tering men, for the past sixty-seyen
years of its history. 1t has over 1000
centers in North America alone, and
a membership of one-half million
men and boys. The employmed force
numbers over 5000 men, trained and
becoming Increasingly efficient be-
cause of experience and study. 1t
has demonstrated it's ability in eff
fectiyely meeting many of the needs
of the boys and young men, along
social, intellectual, religious and
physical lines.
The following statement made by
President Taft, at a conference at
the White House, a little over a
year ago, is indicative of the atti-
tude of our most prominent citizens:
The Young Mems Christian Asso-
citation has established it's useful
ness, and we know what we are
talking about when we speak of it
as an instrument for the elevation of
any community, in which it has full
scope. 1t appeals to me as the liv-
ing example of doing things. Its
secretaries know how to conduct
these organizations so as to elevate
the character of the young men in
the community at time when their
characters and lives can be formed.
Wherever ] go on the Canal Zone
my observations have convinced me
that there is nothing better adapted
to carry out the legitimate purpose
of the Government to have the canal
constructed by contented people,
than the establishment of organiza-
tions like this. / have seen the or
CARNATIONS work in Manila, Hong
kong, Shangai. Many there are who
are not confessed Christians, realize
its advantage and give their money
to continue it's usefulness"
On account of it's genius of adapt
ion, it has met with success in it's
work among various classes of MEN.
1t services among railroad men is so
pronounced in its value that great
railway companies readily make ap-
preparations for it, and it has entered
great Industrial plants, doing a work
that seemed impossible of accom-
plishment In lumber camps, min
ing regions and construction work,
it has become almost indispensable.
Thousands of students in prepara-
tory schools and colleges come under
its influence each year, and thereby
some of our choicest young men are
conserved for the best in life. No
phase of the work appeals more
OF nJx
of the army and navy.
General Leonard Woods observa-
ton of the work is convincing:
I'm Havana some twelve years ago,
/ had a chance to observe for four
years the Associations good work.
There is saved a great many of our
soldiers and young men from all
sorts of trouble. In Manila, where
our young men, a long way from
home were subjected to all sorts of
temptation, it's influence was even
more pronounced There it helped
to bring the young men of both races
together, and did great deal to help
us in the government of the ISL
ands. 1t impressed the Philippines
as it had the Cubans, with the fav-
orable idea of the American spirit,
and they saw the Association doing
everything to uplift and take care of
the young men. In South America
l had chance to see it's splendid
work. No one can realize, unless
he has been there, what a great work
our Association is doing. You have
done good deal to uplift and help
the service, and as an officer of the
army, | want to thank you, and beg
of you to keep up this work, of which
all officers are deeply appreciative.
Enough has already been proved
Of the value of the work among the
j COlored Men, to warrant larger ex-
penditures of money. 1t is answer
ing the call of young men of foreign
lands, and impressing upon them the
principles of Christianity, so that it
has quickly become a potent factor
| in the mission field. Other depart
ments and phases of the work chal-
lenge attention as well as these men
toned. That it is a great move
ment, none can deny, when informed
! of its accomplishments.
1t stands as one of the greatest al
lies of the church, and the home, and
ever extends the welcome hand to
the boy and young man, Offering di-
rection and encouragement for life
of service to the home, church and
community.
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