Newspaper Page Text
7. II. 0- A. Stato Convention. Continued fnm page 5 J Wednesday morning G. W. Brltt occup'ed the first half hour with "Exceeding great and precious promises." E. W. Booth con ducted a conversation on "Bible class methods." Mr, Booth made a decided Im pression on the meeting by his earnestness and sincere words. The leading feature of the session was the paper and discussion following on the question "Can a Secretary take a positive stand against questionable amusements, yet be able to successfully win the society element of young men?" by E. F. 11 all. The answer was in the affirmative, the sentiment telng that it was the duty of the secretary to take such a stand. The committee on "Uniform membership" re ported in favor of adopting a system making an unexpired membership In one association good in any association in the State. The officers elected at the business session were, C. Ward, chairman. Grand Uapids; C. E. Thomas, vice chairman, Lansing; C. C. Swift, secretary and treasurer, Kalamazoo. The conference closed with prayer for the convention. THE STATE CO VENTIOX. . The opening session of the convention was held at the Baptist church Wednesday afternoon at 8:00 o'clock, with a fair attend ance of delegates. The opening praise service was led by E. W. Booth. Secretary Clarke called the convention to order and a a temporary organization was effected by the election of E. W. Woodward, Owosso, president, C. I). Harrington, Grand Kapids, secretary. The president named the follow ing committees: Nominations G. C. But terfield, Muskegon, B. II. Comstock, Ypsl lanti, II. J. Veldman, Holland. Business S. K. McKee, Saginaw, E. C. Vanness, Port Huron, A. 11. Garland, Grand Kapids. Superintendent J. W. Simmons extended to the delegates, on behalf of the Owosso association and the citizens, a wirm wel come to the city, expressing the wish that the convention might be a pleasant and profitable one. The response was made by Sec'y McKee, of Saginaw. Both were hap py efforts. The recognition and purpose meeting was conducted by C. D. Hansom, of Alma. Each delegate arose, gave his name, place where from, stated his purpose in coming and what he expected to gain in coming. The evening session opened with a praise service led by Sec'y Hall, of Ypsilantl. The committee on nominations reported as fol lows: For president, Geo. K. Angell, of Detroit; first vice president, J. W. Simmons, Owosso; second vice president, W. II. Sweet, of Ypsilantl; third vice president, A. S. Waldo, of Alma; secretary, R. C Fenner, of Menominee. The report of the commit tee was unanimously adopted. President Angell not being present, Vice President Simmons presided, thanking the convention for the honor conferred. The business committee reported a dis patch of greeting and encouragement to be sent to the Pennsylvania State association then in session. The same was ordered and forwarded. John W. Hansel, of Chicago, delivered the address of the evening, subject, "Edu cational forces." Mr. II. has a pleasant way of putting things and is enthusiastic In the work. Short talks were made by H. G. VanTuyl, of Detroit, J. R. Mott, of New York and others on "The business man's Interest in the work of the association." FRIDAY. The total enrollment of delegates Friday lorning was 175 every one of whom came fur the good he could do. and receive. All were ready for hard work, all had the inter est of the young men at heart. The papers read were all carefully prepared, showing much thought. President Angell appointed the following standing committees: Business S. K, Mc Kee, Saginaw; A. E. Garland, Grand Kapids; J. B. Clough, Alpena; Jl. Mott, Lansing; W. F. Axtell, Three Rivers. State Reports W. D. Farley, Battle Creek; C. D. Stewart, Owosso; J. L. Royce, .Port Huron; Ralph Newman,. Albion College; A. L. Parker, Detroit Resolutions U. P. Woodward, Coldwater; U. K. Dewey, Hills dale College; C. 1. Chatfield, Bay City, Bagley Harris, Flint; J. F. O'Keefe, Sagi naw. East Side. Devotional C. D. Har rington, Grand Rapids; E. E. Lohnes, Owosso; P. C. Goodell, Detroit Railroad Department: Professor R. W. Putnam, Kal amazoo College. . Sec'y Vanderhoof, of Coldwater, gave the following paper: way should a youno hen's association UNDERTAKE WORK t'OIt BOYS? The ten minutes devoted to this paper would scarcely admit of a description of the multiplied number or diversified character of the Young Men's Associations of the land. So, with your permission we win enier at once upon tne con sideration of the Implied rather than the ex pressed idea, and In a general wav leaving for the discussion to bring out the many details of ue question. The idea suggested by the wording of our sub ject can hardly be considered of greatest impor tance, and in fact only suggests the real thought and that of greatest moment to this convention and to our associations at work. Of course right at this point may be a question, and that the question of our subject, why should young men organized to work with and for young men, en gage any time or thought in a work for boys, and no doubt many reasons could be proposed why even a Young Men's Christian Association might tteriously consider the advisibility of engaging in such work; and while this may be true yet only locally so. I think we are all willing to admit. It is true that all questions relating to the work and welfare of an association must necessarily be controlled by existing oircumstances. An ef fort which one association might successfully undertake, under diverse conditions, might prove a complete failure attempted by some oth er association. Thus all questions of a local na ture must be decided with reference to a cureful consideration of existing local conditions. How ever general principles and suggestions may serve a practical purpose in the consideration and decision of local questions. Much has been written upon this theme, and tt has proven a fruitful subject for discussion, and in the past it has been to some extent a con troverted question, perhaps largely with refer ence to ways and means. It is quite generally acknowledged that where practicable this work fthould engage a part of our time and thought, we should become persuuded in our minds as to the legitimate place this should occupy in our already organized work. The importance of our question lies in the fact thut many associations n larger, as well as smallerplaces, fall to realize the value and importance of boy's work as an ad junct or annex to our organized work for young men. 1 fear that my limited experience can be ef lit tle value to our work at large. A glance into the faces of 4') or 60 bright happy boys, realizing the possibilities which time will reveal and develop, the sound of the street, profanity and obscenity in contrast, and these from extrtme youth, can not fail to impress us with the responsibility which we must rocognize and discharge. The e contrasts are rapidly approaching man hood, and it lies largely within our power to de termine the kind of men theHfl hov Rventunllv become. This Is a many sided subject. I have endeavored to consider it In its various aspects, and have been forced to conclude that it can only be answered in the light of christian love and sympathy, and considered in its proper relation and truest sense when in possession of that essen tial clement, love. Love to Christ and humanity as the inspiring motive and lncentiveno earnest endeavor and unselfish effort; for minus the qualifying adjective, christian, selfishness in some of its various forms, will be the incentive to action, notwithstanding the consequent result. Many reasons have occurred to me during the progress of my writing why we, as a young men's association, should do this work. Four in par ticular may be mentioned : , 1st. Boys make men. ' 2d. Love for the boy. 3d. Because the Young Men's Christian Asso ciation la the only organization working exclu sively far men as a class, and 4th. Because the very nature of our work de mands it, its preventive feature calls for Just this work. These are In and of themselves sufficient to persuade us that this work is not only right and desirable, but important, as a necessary adjunct to that for young men. The young men's social clubs aid fraternal or ganlzatlons, while seemingly benevolent and broad minded, are nevertheless exclusive, only admitting to their number certain classes or conditions, and the restrictive basis of their membership may be social, financial or physical rather than is ours moral. These organizations have neither time or place for the boy, not de signed to meet his special requirements, no special department in which his boyish inclina tions and tendencies are consulted, where is uf forded the sympathy, which oftentimes his boy ish difficulties and peculiar temptations seem to require. For this he must seek elsewhere, and well for blm that it is so, for, as before stated, without Christ and his love as the central figure and inspiring motive to pure thought and earnest endeavor, there could be no reason why such a young men's association should engage In such work. But we can conceive of many reasons why we, as a Young Men's Christian Association, whose supreme aim to uplift young men spiritually, educationally, socially and physically, should. A retrospective glance over the years of our lives will convince us of the rapidity with which our boys are becoming men, and aguin the ques tion appeals to us, what kind of men? The boys of a few years ago ure the young men of the present, about to enter upon the realities and responsibilities of life. Are they, as the re sult of proper training, prepared to stand the test of true manhood? They have developed, as it were, in a pussing hour, into the stature at least of men, with many habits, good or bad, firmly established. The old uduge, familiar to all, is a truism in deed, for as the twig of youth is inclined so will the tree of full manhood stand, either straight, tall, healthful, or knarled, knotty and bent. Youth is the formation period for mind and body both may easily be moulded and turned into desired channels. Even the misshapen body muy be given its proper contour. I do not dis puruge the training of home, neither do I disre gard the Influence of mother the love which a mother can bestow upon a child Is almost beyond finite comprehension, and only is It surpassed by God's infinite love. Thomas C. Diggs, speaking of boys, In the Era of some months ago, says, "Boys are very imita tive they will follow something and somebody, and do something they have seen some one else do. If one boy has a top, that makes some other boy think of a top ; if one boy has a penny blower in an incredibly short time every boy in town becomes possessed of one of a desire to vie with each other as regards quality and volume of tone. Bo it is with cigars, profanity and other vices of a similar nature and while not in the same proportion, yet to some extent is this true with regard to virtues. One boy may influence another to discurd and avoid these things, may influence him to attend Sabbath schools, boys' meetings, and thus lead him to accept Christ. If this is accomplished, it must be the result of well directed effort, careful thought, wise plan ntngs and other means leading up to this climax. This is a part of the work which the boy cannot do; older and more experienced heads must furnish the plans, enlist the sympathies and di rect the effort ; in this lies our responsibility. It is during Just this period of boyish activity and succeptibility to Influences, good or bad, that special effort must be made in his behalf, when he needs careful training, kindly counsel and correct ideas of true manhood Instilled into his heart and bruin. From the time first trous ers are donned and red topped boots experienced until the stern realities of life engage his mind, the boy in so far as may be is the counterpart of the man. If you are a store keeper and have a boy, you will speedily find the whole back yard or possibly the dining or drawing room trans formed into a huge store, and soon there will come a time us in the life of the older, when organization in its various forms appeals to him; he wants to join something and isn't very particular what. Sister is no longer com punionuble, that is to him. Mother does not know what a boy needs or wants, which amounts to the same thing in his judgment, and father has no time to devote to his boyish freaks and fancies. Now this is the boy who claims our time and attention in part; by no means a bad boy, but nevertheless in need of companionship proper, organization moral and helpful. If we would preserve the distinctive feature of our work, its preventive feature, we must think of these things, we must provide for our boys. It is not only important, it is imperative. It is truo that many of our young meu at the early age of sixteen or seventeen years are sadly In need of reformation and that radically so, which condition might be obviated largely by careful training and proper associates In earlier life. It is a well known fact that by far the majority who till our jails, reform schools, peni tentiaries and prisons are young men, proving that the work of prevention if begun at all, must begin early in the life of the individual. Cur own state and others are realizing this fact and acting In accordance with it, in the establish ment of our Stute public school for dependent children, and while these have their humanitar ian and philanthropic phase and aspect, so they have a financial consideration and a very im portant one it is too. Yet we must not forget this nor the reformatory while considering the preventive. "This ought ye to have dene and not to have left the other undone." In the course of correspondence with secre taries in this and other states, I have asked the question, "What are you doing for boysr" "Nothing, lack of room, time, proper facilities," have been the various answers given and if these are valid and can be sustained, and are impossi bilities that cannot be overcome, then we must concede the impracticability of conducting work for boys. However if these are only seeming impossibilities that by earnest effort and earnest prayer may be overcome or removed, and as we love the boys and value the best Interests of the association In Its work for young men, let us supply the facilities and take care of the boys. Our best workers may be developed from this, a legitimate source. Christ, in his busy three years of public ministry, found time to think about the little ones, to utter words of com mendation and encouragement. It is my con viction that we are Inclined to underestimate the value of the boy as compared with the grown up boy, forgetting meanwhile that the years in his life when possibly ho receives the least at tention at home and abroad, are most telling and trying, the most impressionable ones in his youthful life. By the grace of God let us do not less for young men but more for bovs Sec'y A. L. Parker, of Detroit, conducted an 'Illustrative Bible Class" to the satisfac tion and profit of the delegates. The reports from the secretaries of the associations in the stato showed nearly all of them to be in a flourishing condition, in creasing in membership and working ability. The Bay City association reported an in crease in membership of 143 since April last, total membership 850. Ypsilantl, 110 members; Saginaw, east side, 305 members, an increase of 40 in the last quarter ami newlv furnished rooms and $4,500 for cur rent expenses; Marquette, 348 members, a gain of 63 within a year; Menominee, organ ized In January, secretary called in April, $2,500 raised for current expenses, 65 mem bers; Alpena, organized in January, opened rooms in April, membership 217; Coldwater has 243 members, a gain of 63 in the year, 15 conversions; Detroit association is flour ishing in every branch. Kalamazoo has collected $23,000 during tho year for a new building and still has $12,000 due, $3,800 raised for current expenses; Battle Creek, organized one year, has a membership of 204, work prosperous; Flint has a new building costing $7,000 and has paid a debt of $700; Saginaw, west side, lias 155 mem bers. The reports for college associations Alma, Hope, Kalamazoo, Olivet, Adrian and Albion were encouraging, showing what is being done for the young men who are students. The afternoon session opened with a stir ring address by C. E. Dyei of Minneapolis, on the "Relation of American Associations to Young Men In Foreign Lands." Mr. Dyer also gave an encouraging report of the work in his city and St. Paul. The balance of the afternoon was given to the four section conferences, the program as given being carried out with one or two changes. At 5 o'clock these sessions closed and the delegates assembled at Odd Fellow hall for THE BANQUET which was In charge of the ladies of the Baptist, Congregational, Methodist and Episcopal churches, and well did they do their part of the work. Seats were provided for 280 persons, every one of which was occupied. "Praise God from whom all blessings flow" was sung with a will. Rev. Little invoked the divine blessing and the delegates sat down to an elegant and sump tuous spread. II. S. Van Tuyl, of Detroit, acted as toastmaster, and happily, too. I. E. Brown, of Chicago, responded to "The Homes of Owosso," urging a home for the Y. M. C. A. Professor Putman of Kalama zoo told of "Brains." President George R, Angell of Detroit represented "The Modern Hlghwa) mam," saying he would like to get Into the pockets of Owosso business men for money to build an association building. "Hallelujah" was the theme of John W, Hansel of Chicago. He said the visltois had reason to so exclaim. Edwin Booth of Detroit told of little thing?, "The Boys." speaking earnestly for this branch of the work. "The Iron Horse" was descrlled by I. G Jenkins of Detroit, who wanted a home built bre for engineers who drive the steed. W. H. Sweet of Ypsilantl responded to "Infant Industries," W. D. Farley of Battle Creek to "leaders," C. E. Thomas of Lansing told of "Hospitality,", saying the North equaled his mother state, Virginia, and the ladles of Owosso those famed for beauty in the South. Rev. E. B. Bancroft of Owosso described "The Invaders." Every one of the responses was well received aud the occasion was one of great merriment. A rousing vote of thanks was tendered by the visitors to the ladies in charge. Rev. J. II. Reitzel pronounced the benediction and the crowd adjourned to the Baptist church. The address by J. R. Mott, college secre tary, international committee. New York, awoke the greatest enthusiasm among the delegates. Mr. Mott is a young man of great ability, a pleasing speaker and one who carries conviction into the hearts of his hearers. At the opening session Friday morning a dispatch regretting his inability to attend was received from Rev. J. M. Barclay of Detroit, and the one hundred and thirty third Psalm cited as expressing his senti ment. Vice-President J. W. Simmons of Owosso occupied the chair In the absence of President Angell. The report of the creden tial committee showed 221 delegates in at tendance. The first thing on the program was a "Workers' Tiaining Class' conducted by John R. Mott This was much enjoyed by the audience. A. G. Studer, physical director at Detroit, read a thoughtful paper on " Opportunities for religious work in the gymnasium." He fiougtit more attention should be paid to this part of the work. He would put only Christian men as leaders of the classes. Much personal work should be done. Many conversions had resulted from such methods. He was . closely questioned by the members as to his methods, answer ing all questions very satisfactorily. Secre tary C. E. Thomas read a carefully prepared paper on the Important question of "How can we make the rellgioifs work of our As sociation more Effective?" "Consulting the Oracle," or the question box, was In charge of John W. Hansel of Chicago, who kept seven men busy answering questions. The opening afternoon devotional exer cises were in charge of Professor Haines of the Mining School. Secretary Van Ness conducted a conversation, "The assistance of women in the work of the Association." "Mutual helpfulness between State and local Associations" was the subject handled by I. E. Brown of Chicago in a masterly man ner. The presence of this gentleman was a a great help during tho convention. Tho report of Slate Secretary II. M. Clarke was complete In every detail, touching all points of the work. He reported three new asso ciation formed during the year at Menomi nee, Alpena and Houghton. One had drop ped out, Albion, leaving the number of as sociations thirty-one, a gain of two during the year. Twenty f these are in cities and villages and nine in colleges, one In a higli school and one a railroad department. The number of paid officers a year ago was twenty-five employed by fifteen associations. There are now eighteen associations em ploying thirty-one paid officers and three temporary vacancies. During the year ten general secretaries, eight assistants and five physical directors have accepted positions in the state, either filling vacancies or taking new fields. Excellent progress was reported in the building line. Detroit Railroad As sociation has a lot paid for, plans ready and will soon let the contract for a building. Grand Rapids has let contracts for a $00,000 home. Prospects are good for a building at Alma College. Six district conferences were attended by 225 delegates and twenty three conversions are reported as one of the results. Special work In preparation for an association at Negaunee, Iron Mountain, Adrian and Hancock. A summary of Mr. Clarke's work showed that he traveled 15, 022 miles, made 116 visits at 55 places, made 42 public addresses, conducted 34 gospel meetings, attended 110 committee and board meetings, wrote 1,903 letters and postals, and mailed 3,333 other pieces of mail matter, and assisted directly in raising $10,600 for association purposes. In closing his report the secretary expressed his grati tude to God for the earnest, prayerful inter est of the association members in the work committed to his charge and for the love and loyalty of the secretaries of the state. SEES for Infants and Children. "Caatorla is so well adapted to children that I Cal orla cures Colic, Constipation, I recommend ita-j superior to any prescription g&S dt known to me." II. A. Archer, M. D., I ration, 111 So. Oxford St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Without injurious medication. Th Ckktaur Company, 77 Murray Street, N. Y. The Wonderful The ORIGINAL Evaporating Vapor Stove. T perfect New Process stove in the market. Made by th nal patentees. It lights like gas, makes no smoke or smell, is Safe and Economical, requires no skill to operate, never gets out of order, always pleases and satisfies user. Call and see it. THE LEONARD CLEAMBLE REFRIGERATOR. The most Economical of ice; the best finished. Has clcannble flues and double locks, closing perfectly air tight.. THE SHEPARD Lightning Ice Cream Freezer. Freezes quicker, easier, and makes more ice cream from $ given quantity of cream than any other freezer. THE GRAND OIL RANGE. Has 34-inch circular wick, making 14 inches more flame than any other stove. Made in form of cook-stove, with oven inside. Builders' Hardware, Taints, Oils, Eave-troughing, Etc. Call and examine our stock and get prices before you buy elsewhere. IRA G. CURRY The report of the executive committee presented by II. G. VanTuyl necessarily covered much the same grouqd as Mr. Clarke's report, concluding with a word of commendation to the faithfulness and ability of II. M. Clarke, state secretary. It also recommended that be bo retained at a salary to be determined by the state committee, that li. M. Fillebrown. of Battle Creek, be employed as assistant state secretary , his salary aud duties to be determined by the same committee; that every association as such contribute to state work regardless of sums paid by individuals; that the student deputation work which accomplished so much at small expense be continued; that this convention, in uniformity with hun dreds of other religious bodies, take suitable action regarding the closing of the "World's Columbian Exposition" on Sunday, and that a pledge le made to pay $5,000 for the work the coming year. The report of W. n. VanSyckle, state treasurer, showed tho total amount pledged for state work, including unpaid pledges of 1300, to be $3,300.75; amount paid in, $2 323.75; leaving outstanding $1,007. Of the amount paid in $089 was from association pledges, $1,334.75 irora individuals, $516.13 from district conference's. The disburse ments Included expenses state committee, $04.41; district conferences, $237.47; stu dent's work, $135.18; stationery and print ing, $194.05; salary and expenses state sec retary, $2,305. The balance on hand is $189.89. The committee on state reports commended the action of the state executive committee in strengthening existing organi zations rather than the development of new fields; commended State Secretary Clarke on his faithful work and excellent report. It also most heartily approved of the several recommendations of the executive commit tee. The committee recommended as mem bers of the state executive committee for three years: Hon. F. W. Wheeler, of West Bay, City, W. U. Gilbert, of Saginaw, Clay 11. Hollister, of Grand Rapids, C. A. Gower, of Lansing, and C. S. Ensminger,of Owosso. The report and recommendations, of the committee were unanimously approved by the convention. The "Great Giving Service" was In charge of I. E. Brown, of Chicago. The service was divided into three heads: "Giving thanks," conducted by J. W. Hansel; "Giv ing Ourselves," led by C. E. Dyer; "Giving Our Money," Mr. Brown. It was a season of deep thought and prayer all In all one of the most impressive services of the con vention. The sum of $2,000 was pledged for state work. The Bay City and Port Huron associations invited the convention to meet with them next year. The address in the evening was by Rev. C. 11. Beale, of Lansing, subject: "The Bible the Book for Nineteenth Century Young Man." He was greeted by a crowded house and gave a mag nificent address. Sunday morning the pulpits of the several city churches were filled by the following secretaries: Methodist T. J. Searls, W. II. Overton. Baptist II. M. Fillebrown, C. E. Thomas. Congregational A. L. Par ker. Asbury F. II. Clark, (J. J. Vander hoof. Disciple by two students from Hope College whose names we did not learn; Geo. W. Britt assisted at the Episcopal chucrh. In the afternoon a gospel meeting for men was held at the opera house, led by C. E. Dyer and J. R. Mott, with the singing in charge of J. W. Hansel. This was one of the best meetings held. The house was filled with men; the services impressive and grand. A meeting for ladies was held in the M. E. church conducted by Messrs. Van Ness and Woodward. The opera house was packed In the even ing to hear the address by Rev. L. Morgan Wood, of Detroit, on "The Seventy-five Per Cent." At the close only words of com mendation were heard for the address and the speaker. The Baptist church was crowded to its utmost capacity for the farewell service which began at 9 o'clock, with II. G. Van Tuyl, the level-headed Detroit business man, in charge. It was a grand closing to a most successful convention. Among those who took part in the fare well exercises were Prof. Joseph Estabrook, of Olivet College; Prof. McElroy, of Adrian College; Prof. Haines, of the Michigan Min ing School; Prof. Avan, of Albion College; Rev. Bancroft, Rev. Reitzel. Rev. Little.the several general secretaries, and a large nun ber of the delegates. The association mem hers then joined hands and sang "Blest Be the Tie that Binds," and President Simmons declared the convention adjourned. "New Process" The only e grigi From the East and the West, the North and the South, Men come to Owosso with praise in their mouth. For hustle and bust'e this city will pass. Few cities on earth can trot in her class. As a furriture market she carries the flag, And after her all other cities must tag. Now again to the front with banners unfurled. We show you the greatest Furnitnre Race in the world. We are proud to be one of the important factors in this city. What you need to furnish your home, make it comfort able, pleasant and attractive is a matter of profound study to us. Our tremendous trade and thousands of well pleased pa trons are good testimonials of how well we succeed. New and fresh DESKS, CHAIRS, COUCHES, ROCKERS, CABINETS, BOOK CASES, SIDEBOARDS, EASY CHAIRS. PARLOR SUITS, BEDROOM SUITS, Constantly arriving. We None can dive deep enough to high enough to get above us in Manufacturers of 102 N. Washington St., OWOSSO, - MICH. Sowing the Seeds of Success Successful ABILITY, HONESTY, CAPITAL. Call and See These Remarkable Requisites, Jas. H. TOBIN S Co., 117 West Exchange Street, The Only Exclusive Paint, Glass, and Wall Paper House in Owosso. FOR FURNITURE, UPHOLSTER PICTURE FRAMES. MOULDINGS. MANTELS AND GRATES, Go to the Store Lately Occupied By Geo. Black & Son 105 N.Wash. St.where you canAlwaysget the Best Goods at the Least Cost. Undertaking, Embalming and Fine Funeral Supplies A SPECIAL DEPARTMENT. WARREN WOODWARD. buy them on purpose for you. get below us in price, or soar quality or style- Upholstered Goods ItMlIn 9 with the Three Essentials of a Business, " S 33