The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-09-10
SHARPLY ATTACK
M'KEE METHODS
IN Y.M.C.A. WORK
State Secretary Ackley
Tells Board Change
Is Needed.
AIR TROUBLES IN
PUBLIC SESSION
Witnesses Assert That Unpopu-
larity of General Secretary
Keeps New Members Out.
Declare That Rooms Were
Searched by Negro Helpers.
Hearing Not Concluded.

That larger and more effective
work could be done by the Central Y
81 G. A. under q different leadership
than mat OF General Secretary Samuel
k- Mckee was the opinion given the
BOARD or directors of the association
iast night by 5. a. Ackley State secre-
tary OF the Young Mems Christian As
ISOLATION Of Virginia. who testified that
In his travels he heard more criticism
OF the Richmond association and its
methods than OF all the others in the
state combined.
Mr.. Ackley said that in the eighteen
years he has been In Richmond Mr. Nc
kee has done valuable work that
should have public recognition. but his
was the experience OF many man
against whom criticism has been d.
rected justly or unjustly to the point
where the mans usefulness in that
community has been greatly reduced.
Thinks Change Secensnry.
Mr.. Mckee's inability to do team
work was his chief defect. according
TO State Secretary Acklcy, who said no
one questioned Mr.. Mckees honesty
fidelity or sincerity. and that no one
regretted more than himself the CON
viction that however unpleasant, 1t was
his duty 10 come before the board and
advise that II make change in its
executive officer. Two years ago he
had privately advised Mr. Mckee to
accept position then open to him else
where.
Until midnight the board held an in
Ncstigation Into methods and conditions
in the Institution and the reasons. In
the opinion of many witnesses, why,
with all It's equipment and great out
lay. the local association Is not doing
more effective work.
Mckee Warmly Defended.
witnesses aniasonistic TO Mckee
We're sharply cross-examined by Lang
bourne NJ. Williams. of the board John
Is. Minor asked a number OF questions
and Oliver J. Sands warmly defended
the financial policy OF the general
secretary. Wide latitude was given by
President Duke. both In the matter OF
testimony and cross examination. which
roaIncd all the way from elaborate
comparative tables, presented by Mr..
Acklcy. $ TO the effectiveness of the
work OF the Richmond association. TO
the Indignation OF the dormitory men
at having the negro help. under Mr..
Mckee's direction make II secret search
of their rooms, including their private
effects to locate liquor. cards and other
contraband. There was ala abundance
of testimony from those taking part in
membership campaigns that eight out
OF ten men approached gave as their
reason for not joining their dislike Of
Mr.. Mckee, and that many people re-
fused 10 subscribe In the Young Wo-
mems Christian Association building
Mr.. Mckee would have something 10 do
with the management. or that 1t would
be run on similar lines
Umlnuf for Open Session.
The public investigation followed an
hour OF debate in executive session.
At o'clock President Duke an
nounced that the meeting would be
private and that all save those partic-
ularly invited to be present would be
excluded. Newspaper men left and an
Indignation meeting was held by a
large number OF members OF the as
ISOLATION. who had understood that II
was to be public meeting in the au-
ditorium instead of private inquiry
on the third floor After what Is said
TO have been n stormy debate. Jacob
Umlauf got through n motion TO have
open meeting. Before the doors
were opened Henry w. Wood, n for
mer president OF the Chamber of Com
merce. who was elected n director of
the Y NJ. c. a. last spring and de-
clined to serve, was heard. Mr.. Woods
statement was not later made public.
nor was letter from Secretary Nc
kee, saying that he would not be pres
ent. as it might embarrass those in
attendance from frank.eXpression of
opinion. read at the later public ses-
sion.
Brother Officers Testify.
Probably 200 members Of the asso-
citation were present when the board
reconvened in the open just before Q
o'clock. President Duke called in
order the names of certain men fur
nished him by the insurgent commit
tee as men who could throw light on
the conditions of unrest and dissatis-
faction. G. Lorraine. n director of the
Railway Y. NJ. &. a., was called, but
was not present DIR. Miller explaining
that he would come IL summoned, but
would not volunteer His opinion that
there has been friction between the
Central Y NJ c. A and the railway
branch for years was not denied, each
in recent years having gone his own
way with little effort at cooperation.
Secretary Todd. of the Street Rail
way Y NJ. c. a, was tho first witness
at the public session. There had been
friction i'm past years. he testified, but
none since he had taken charge. His
association declined to be organized as
Il department of the Central Associa-
tion and secured separate charter,
taking advantage of tho fact that
when organized the car barns were In
Henrico County. Personal relations
were pleasant, he testified but there
was no cooperation.
Not Worth While.
"FIave you ever asked for any CO.
operation, and has 1t been declined?"
asked President Duke.
II have not" said Mr.. Todd. "I un-
derstood the conditions. and knew II
would not be worth while" He was
closely questioned by Mr.. Sands as to
the troubles Of a secretary in dealing
with large bodies of men, Mr.. Sands
taking the ground that out Of small