The Denver star., 1913-06-07
POTENT uPLIFr AGENCY.
Years Work at Y. M. c. A. Show,
Large Results.

Large Results.
| Washington.-The success of the
Twelfth street branch of the Young
Mems Christian association in this
city for the first year Is indeed graft
flying to its officials and to its many
friends 1t will be recalled that lust
one year ago the Hon. Henry L. Stim-
son, then secretary of war. represent
ing President William Howard Taft.
stood upon the front steps of the hand
some structure and delivered an elo-
quent address of dedication.
In November. 1907. President Theo,
dore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone
with impressive ceremonies. The as
sociation, 1t will be seen, has had
some eminent sponsors and has at 9TH
er times been addressed by President
Taft, Ambassador Bryce. William Jen-
nings Bryan. Booker T. Washington,
Senators Borah, Smoot and Works and
others of like prominence.
The association had its inception in
the pressing demand in this cosmopoli-
tan city for an active. aggressive and
efficient agency for the moral, mental
and physical regeneration Of the men
and boys. A nucleus was formed sew
eral years ago. and from this modest
beginning, through persistent and well
directed agitation. there has grown up
an association that today boasts Of be-
ing the largest institution of its kind
in the world.
The building is modern in every par
ticular and is four stories and base
ment in height. 1t has forty-four dor
mitories and is equipped with all of
the accessories that go with properly
regulated resort for men and boys. In
Guiding swimming pool. shower baths.
bowling alleys. billiard parlor. reading
rooms and halls of all sizes for assem-
blies of every type. In addition to be-
ing health resort and an educational
factor it is a civic center. A score OF
organizations utilize the building as
their regular meeting place. The struc-
ture is heated by steam and is lighted
by electricity.
In It's initial year the Y. NJ. c. A. has
won many friends to its cause. At the
outset many well disposed persons
wondered whether 1t could withstand
the strain and stress Of life in the ma
tons capital. Expressions Of hope
were nanked by prophecies Of disaster.
The solid financial showing indicated
by Secretary Johnson's books more
than allays apprehension on this score.
and the increasing enthusiasm display
ed by the most influential elements of
the city's populace bespeaks a success
full career in the future.
The institution Is entirely out Of debt
and has snug balance in its strong
box. OF the 100000 raised for the
building $4,000 was contributed by
the colored people themselves. John
d. Rockefeller gave 5000. and julius
Rosenwald of Chicago gave a like
amount, and the remainder was paid
by the central association of this city.
1t is noteworthy as an example of
the spirit OF self helpfulness Of the
race that Henry w. Chase, an ex-slave.
gave $500 to the building fund as an
Investment in the "men OF tomorrow"
The lions share Of the work OF plan
ming and developing this laudable en-
terprise has been carried on by Lewis z.
Johnson of Cleveland. o., young man
Of rare energy. unfaltering courage,
readiness Of resource and implicit faith
In the possibilities of the movement
for the Christian education Of the
youth Of the race.