lies in his power, to bear his part of
the burden of helping his own race.

After the war the units of the Circle did not grow weary. Their
inspiration to concentrate was for the relief of physical suffering and
need; to assist existing organizations in all sorts of welfare work. As
they had helped soldiers and soldiers' families, they proposed to extend
a helping hand to working girls, children, invalids and all Negroes
deserving aid.

To the lasting glory of the race and the efficient self-sacrificing
spirit of the men engaged, was the wonderful work of the Negro Young
Men's Christian Association among the soldiers of this country and
overseas. Some day a book will be written dealing adequately with this
phase of war activity.

The best writers of the race will find in it a theme well worthy of
their finest talents. The subject can be touched upon only briefly here.

To the untiring efforts and great ability of Dr. J.E. Moorland, senior
secretary of the Negro Men's Department of the International Committee,
with his corps of capable assistants at Washington, belongs the great
credit of having organized and directed the work throughout the war.

Not a serious complaint has come from any quarter about the work of the
Y.M.C.A. workers; not a penny of money was wrongfully diverted and
literally not a thing has occurred to mar the record of the
organization. Nothing but praise has come to it for the noble spirit of
duty, good will and aid which at all times characterized its operations.
The workers sacrificed their pursuits and pleasures, their personal
affairs and frequently their remuneration; times innumerable they risked
their lives to minister to the comfort and well being of the soldiers.
Some deeds of heroism stand forth that rank along with those of the
combatants.

The splendid record achieved is all the more remarkable and gratifying
when the extensive and varied personnel of the service is taken into
consideration. No less than fifty-five Y.M.C.A. centers were conducted
in cantonments in America, presided over by 300 Negro secretaries.
Fourteen additional secretaries served with Student Army Training Corps
units in our colleges. Sixty secretaries served overseas, making a grand
total of 374 Y.M.C.A. secretaries doing war work.

Excellent buildings were erected in the cantonments here and the camps
overseas, which served as centers for uplifting influences, meeting the
deepest needs of the soldier's life.