The broad ax., 1920-07-24

IN IHE vAR1oUs sEO1IoHs OF
THE coUEzaH
TIE followiae = esPy Of q. highly
interesting letter which has been WIT
ten % AR L wiIbnr Messer, gem
erul Secretary Of the Y. M. Q. A. IN
this city by Hon. Julius ROsenwald,
president Of sesfs-B Oebuck 3 Co, and
it speaks for itself:
The Young Men s CHRISTIAN Asseeias
ZION of Chicago.
6eHtlemeA:-Ten years ago Il was
my privilege to OfeF through your or
ganizafion 10 aid eolored people in Sc
curing facilities for edneation, re-
creation and service such as are
afforded white people through Y. NJ.
C. A Buildings in Chicago and other
critics Il seemed to me that, both in
the interest Of the country, it was es-
sential that there should be in every
community, in which there are large
numbers Of Negroes, y building, pr,
marily for men and boys, devoted TO
their use. They had not in their own
ranks a sufficient number whose means
enabled them to provide sueh institu-
tons II, therefore, seemed the duty
of white people 70 show interest in
the welfare Of these their nighbors by
helping to supply this need.
1t was important that the best and
most permanent local organization,
such as the 7. N. C. A., take the mat
ter in hand 50 that the institutions
might be successfully managed. So i
made the offer through il.
Since 1910 thirteen buildings have
been provided. Your recent survey OF
the eleven long enough in active ser
vice to be judged fairly disclosed
reasonably satisfactory results and
gave promise that they win be success
full permanently.
Since the original offer, new and nm
expected conditions have developed,
especially in the industrial eenters Of
the North The Negro migration has
added large numbers to the eOlOred
population in many cities. Race rela-
tons show an Increasing strain; but
to help eOunteraet this there Is in
creased interest in the welfare Of Ne
grOes. This increased interest is pro
NOTED by the Y. N. c. A. Buildings.
campaigns to provide these
institutions bring white and eolOred
people together in wholesome co
operation. They are united by a mu-
tual interest. The buildings themselves
not only afford good service for those
otherwise denied this beeauEe of un.
reasonable discrimination, but are
helpful in improving racial understand
ings; and these are the foundation Of
better relations.
The new and unexpected conditions
to and the fact that eleven
rites now desire aid, as am in
formed, in erecting these institutions
me that another building pro-
gram is necessary. 1 am ready to help.
As the time limit in my original offer
has expired, am glad to authorize
you to continue the work for another
period of two (e) years under terms
somewhat modified by changed eireum-
stances.
Ny new offer, then, is to contribute
twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,0Oo)
toward the cost Of a building in any
.ity Of the United States, which by
popular subscription, participated in by
~ white and cOlored people, shall raise
rot les than one hundred and twenty
I've thousand dollars (sl25yOOO) to be
devoted TO the purchase of the land
or each such institution, the erection
# the building, and its equipment and
furnishing. You may determine in
That communities you viii endeavor
o raise funds, but no building is to be !
reeted under this offer, until you are !
atisfed Of the desire and ability of ,
he local organization, which win own
nd manage the institution, properly to
nance and administer the work. /.
Zach building is to include the fol J
owing features: (l) Separate quar- !;
ers for men and boys; go Standard i
gymnasium; go Swimming pool; a.
lass and club rooms; C5) Restaurant,
nd co. not fewer than fifty (50)
ormitory rooms.
The General Secretary and the Bust
ess Manager Of the Y. NJ @. A. of
'hieagO are to be consulted and their
PprOval secured on all building plans
efore contracts are let
Upon the statement by you, at any
ime or times within the next two (2)
ears, through L Wilbur Messer, your
ieneral Secretary, and William ].
'arker, your Business Manager, OF
heir successors, that bona 6de sub
criptioRs Of at least the amount Of
ne hundred and twenty-five Thousand
oIlars (sl25,0O0) have been raised IN
ny community IN the United States
or the foregoing purpose and that IN