YOUNG MEN IN LONDON [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—I wonder if I might be allowed to draw the attention of readers of the Spectator to a problem, and to an institution that strives to solve it. The problem is to give help against the difficulties and dangers, moral and religious, which encounter young men coming to London from the Public Schools and Universities. The gravity and urgency of this will not be disputed. We live in an age of confusion of thought. The development of science, history and criticism, as well as changes in moral, emotion and sentiment, have created in some minds difficulties in the way of religious faith and a sense that there should be some change in the expression of religious truths. And the disposition to question received opinions which began in the sphere of theology has now ex- tended to the sphere of morals. These influences are not least perceptible among those who have received an elaborate education, and unhappily it cannot be said that either at home or in the public schools are the minds of boys sufficiently pre- pared to deal with the questions which are suggested to them when they grow up, and are made more dangerous by the vice and materialism of a great city.
An attempt on a small scale to deal with this problem is made by Liddon House. It was founded in memory of Dr. Liddon, who was alwart deeply interested in the spiritual welfare of young men. Liddon House is at 24 South Audley Street, next to Grosvenor Chapel. Its officers are a warden and a chaplain, both clergymen. The work they do is des- cribed by the warden himself as " to befriend young men, barristers, doctors, civil servants and others who have left Public Schools and Universities," and this is done by helping " men to keep to their religion in new surroundings and to commend the faith to those who do not yet understand it. With these ends in view conferences are held at which matters of interest are introduced and discussed, and other methods of the same kind are used ; but most of the work is done by personal contact."
I do not think anyone will doubt the value of such work, but for the necessary expenses of keeping up the House and giving some small modest entertainment to the young men who go there a certain income is required, and for this we are now appealing. I am myself Chairman of Liddon House, and desire in that capacity to invite any of your readers, first of all to take an interest in the House, and if they have time to call and see the warden, Mr. Underhill, who will heartily welcome them, and attend one of the conferences which are held at the House ; and secondly, to give by an annual subscription as much pecuniary help as they can to the upkeep of the House. Any such subscription should be sent to the Treasurer, Lieut.- Colonel Francis Meynell, D.S.O., Hour Cross, Burton-on-Trent.
—I am, Sir, &e., HUGH CECIL. 21 Arlington Street, London, S.W. 1.
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