Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-05-11


Exceptional interest has been
manifest in the annual meeting of
the Augusta Y. M. c. A., which will
be held at the Association building
at s o'clock this evening, because
of the rumors which have been cur
rent for several weeks now, to the
effect that certain members Of the
board of directors are reported to
be, favorable to a change in the
general secretaryship of the local
W organization. On the other
hand. extensive inquiry among
members who have been prominent
ly connected with the "Y" work, in
dicated that the membership at
large, is practically solid behind
M. c. A. activities, which have had
for a director Thomas s. Smith as
general secretary.
At the meeting tonight the re-
ports of the activities in the several
departments during the past year
Will be presented, the officers re-
ports read, and a board of directors
OF seven members will be elected
from the slate to be submitted by
the nominating committee. This
new board of directors has the pow
er of electing the permanent secre-
tary personnel of the local organ
ization, and in fact is the body which
directs the policies and controls
the association. Because of the re-
cent resignation OF the boys work
secretary, Leland Stacy, the board
will Immediately be faced with the
election of a new secretary for that
department. They also have the
power of electing executives to re-
place General Secretary Thomas 8.
Smith, Physical Director Harlan S.
Kennedy and Women's Department
Secretary Miss Ethelle Garside, the
present permanent personnel.
One member Of the Augusta Y. NJ
c. A., who has given considerable
time to the interests of the local in
stitution, in speaking Of the situa-
ton Saturday, said:
"For some weeks past there have
been rumors rife to the effect that
Charles S. Brown, whom Governor
Brewster failed to re-appoint as su-
perintendent of buildings. might go
to the Y. M. c. A. as general secre-
tary. The members at large refused
to take the suggestion seriously, but
when the mention Of Mr.. Brown as
a successor to Thomas s. Smith per-
sisted, there developed vehement
opposition to the proposed change
and an insistent demand that Mr.
Smith continue as general secre-
tary."
Mr.. Brown as a member of the
board of directors has been active
1y identified with the program of
residence in this city, and has al
ways supported the administration of
Mr.. Smith. Though Mr.. Brown has
had no experience in Y. M. c. A.
work, his friends points out his in
terest and abilities, and insist that
he should not be permitted to leave
Augusta now that his duties as State
superintendent of buildings have
been completed
So far as can be determined after
interviewing several members Mr..
Brown has little support among
the membership of the local associ-
alton at large, but the election of
general secretary does not rest with
the membership. but rather with the
Board Of Directors. It has been Inn
possible to determine just how
the members Of the present board,
several Of whom will be nominated
for reelection. It is generally I'M
derstood however, that several of
the present directors are favorable
to Mr.. Brown as secretary of the
Augusta Y. M. c. A.
The nominating committee, of
which Col. Francis Farnum is the
chairman, and Percy ". Hill and
Robert B. Williamson the other mem
bers will present a slate of ten
names from which the seven mem
bers of the new Board of Directors
will be elected at the annual meet
Ing this evening. The nominations
are as follows: Charles S. Brown,
Lewis A. Burleigh, Jr.. Milton o.
Deane. James F. Ingraham w. D.
Hutchins, Ernest L. Mclean Blaine
Owen, Charles T. Penney. DR.. War
rem B. Sanborn and Marris 8. Wood
man.
Nothing concerning the movement
in support of Charles S. Brown as
secretary of the association will
probably come before the meeting to-
night, unless as has been suggested |
by certain supporters of Mr.. Smith, |
resolutions may be introduced for
auOptlOn Dy me meetlng commend |
ing the administration OF Thomas s. |
Smith, recommendation for full |
and complete endorsement by the |
directors and further recommends |
tions for the retention of Mr.. Smith |
as general secretary.
Thomas c. Ingraham Is the pres
ent president of the Augusta Y. M. |
C. A. and it is very definitely UNDER |
stood that he will withdraw from ac- |
tive participate ton in the association |
organization with the change of adj |
mnistration. Several have been |
mentioned as possible successors to |