The Richmond Virginian

Y. M. C. A. WORKERS
DOING GREAT GOOD

They Contribute Much to the Comfort and Happiness of the Soldiers in Camp and Trench.

NOBLE OPPORTUNITY

Letters From Rev. William Byrd Lee, Jr., and Lieut. Morton Thalheimer Tell of Soldiers' Appreciation of Efforts on Their Behalf,

First hand knowledge of what the Y. M. C. A. means to the men in uniform comes vividly to Richmonders in two letters directed to John Stewart Bryan, of this city, who is editor-in-chief of "Trench and Camp," the national soldier's newspaper, published under the auspices of the war work council of the Young Men's Christian association. The letters in question are from First Lieutenant Morton G. Thalhimer, widely known in real estate circles here, and Rev. William Byrd Lee, Jr., of Hanover, formerly with the Y. M. C. A. in France but now a chaplain in the army there.

Lieutenant Thalhimer was commissioned last spring and the letter was written a short time ago when he was aboard ship sailing for France. He says in part: "It may interest you to know that on this ship there is a Y. M. C. A. library, a writing room and a worker. That a great deal of good work is being done to help make the trip happy for troops and officers is most apparent. This is my first real close view of Y. M. C. A. war work and it is very evident that it is accomplishing big things. If the people could only see this picture of real results their hearts' purse strings would open wider than before on the next drive."

Young Mr. Lee is the son of Rev. William Byrd Lee, of Gloucester, and before enlisting for Y. M. C. A. overseas service was pastor of a church at Hanover. He afterward engaged in the army as chaplain and is in France now. His letter is longer than Lieutenant Thalhimer's and reads in part as follows: "Quite recently I have received an appointment as chaplain in the national army. The Y. M. C. A. has most generously agreed to the transfer and I have accepted the commission.

"On account of my age and physical fitness I felt that it would be better if I were more directly affiliated with the army. However, I know of no form of war service where the opportunities are so unlimited and the efforts so appreciated as in the war work of the Y. M. C. A. This applies of course to men above the draft age.

"From what I understand Virginia has not contributed her full quota of men though in money she has given most generously. If the men of Virginia could realize the supreme importance of this work; the manly job that it is; the actual results that are so easily obtained, and the tremendous appreciation which the enlisted men and officers have for the efforts in their behalf, I believe that they would consider their service with the Y. M. C. A. in France the most valuable work of their lives. In no work can more positive results be obtained."

The quota of fifty workers from Richmond has been reduced to twenty-one by the appointment of twenty-nine within the past week or two and these are urged to come forward and offer their services at once in view of the fact that the quota must be completed by August 15. After that date, which is next Thursday, John Garland Pollard, who is to head the Virginia unit to France, will devote his efforts to organizing his forces for the trip over early in September.

Headquarters are located at the Richmond Trusts and Savings company, Seventh and Main streets, where John P. McGuire, secretary and E. L. Bemiss, chairman of the Richmond recruiting committee will be glad to receive applications.