Y. M. C. A. at Cleveland

Cleveland, hard-working convention city whose hotel rooms have been filled (but not full enough) this summer by Schmeling-Stribling fight-fans, then convening Shriners, then pilgrims to Cleveland's new outdoor opera, was host again last week. The guests were 986 delegates to the Twentieth World's Conference of the Y. M. C. A., held in North America for the first time since the founding of the Y. M. C. A. in 1844, and some 700 more delegates to the 43rd International Convention of North American Young Men's Christian Associations, held in conjunction with the World Conference.

The first day of the World's Conference, presided over by Chairman of the World's Committee Dr. John R. Mott, was enhanced by dedication ceremonies at a new 16-story Y. M. C. A. building in Akron, where the dirigible Akron was soon to be christened. Greetings from President Hoover were carried from Washington by plane, transferred to a blimp at the Akron Municipal airport, dropped by parachute to a group of "Y" members atop the new building. Nineteen runners, each sprinting two half-mile laps, carried more greetings to Akron in the form of a scroll from Chairman Mott at the Cleveland Auditorium.

The stated topic of the World's Conference, which followed preliminary gatherings at Toronto last fortnight, was "Youth's Adventure with God." As is usual at such conferences, the Y. M. C. A. concerned itself chiefly with international problems on which it hopes that its busy world-wide membership may have some influence. Delegates from 50 countries last week passed resolutions calling for revision of the Versailles Treaty, abolition of tariff barriers, abolition of national armaments. The German delegation held separate meetings to draw up a resolution absolving Germany of sole War guilt, later endorsed by the other delegates. The general resolutions committee took up the problem of unemployment, voted that the Y. M. C. A. should further socially ad- ministered insurance against invalidism, occupational injuries, want in old age, enforced unemployment. Most ambitious was Rabbi Edward L. Israel of Baltimore who pleaded for an immediate government program of $3,000,000,000 for public works.

A proposal to extend Y. M. C. A. membership to women was brought before the International Convention. Philadelphia's General Secretary Walter M. Wood backed the idea, pointed out that it had worked in Philadelphia for 18 years. He said there was "increasingly popular acceptance of the unit association service for the whole family. . . ." Assistant General Secretary Ralph Wendling Cooke of Chicago opposed the plan on the ground that the Association would tend to lose its identity. The proposal was referred to U. S. and Canadian National Councils.

Professor Clyde A. Miller, Chairman of a subcommittee, addressed the conference on sex education, suggested that "parents should give children sex education early in life. In view of the incapability of many parents . . . Y. M. C. A. directors and secretaries should pass on sex education to boys and their parents."

Broadcasting from the living room of his Rapidan River camp, President Hoover addressed the Conference over a nation-wide radio hookup. Said he: "No thoughtful person can overlook the profound truth that the ideas and ideals of Christ . . . have dominated the course of civilization since His time. . . . The fulfillment of these obligations [to promote international co-operation and good will] is at once a challenge and an opportunity for youth. ... I and my countrymen have confidence in you and the contribution you will make to the future."

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