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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 11, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 45.

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International Publishing Association

By F. F. Byington

The sixth annual meeting of this association was held in connection with the recent Council of the General Conference Committee at College View, Neb., October 5-11. This proved a favorable time for holding this meeting, as there was present a good representation of our foreign brethren and leading general workers, whose counsel was greatly valued.
Elder E. T. Russell, the president of the board, reviewed quite fully the development of our foreign publishing work since it was moved to College View immediately after the Review and Herald fire in December, 1902. Although many difficulties have been experienced, and it has required a pretty stiff fight financially, the institution is making a steady progress in the volume of its business and in the equipment of its plant. The following comparison of publications sold, during the last four years, at retail value, will be of interest. For the year ending June 30, 1906, $4,897; 1907, $7,929; 1908, $11,373; 1909, $14,445. An edition of “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation” has just been printed in the Danish-Norwegian language, being the first large subscription book to be bound in our bindery in three styles. Although this work is being done largely by hand labor, it is not inferior to machine work, and gives employment to several students in Union College.
The following six resolutions, which were adopted by the General Conference Committee June 14, 1909, and referred to this meeting, were approved:—
“1. That our English publishing houses turn over to the International Publishing Association such plates and copyrights as may be necessary to enable the International Publishing Association to publish all subscription and trade books, pamphlets, and tracts as they may be able to manufacture in the German, Swedish, and Danish languages, and that the International Publishing Association supply such literature to other publishing houses and their branches at publishers’ rates.
“2. That the Kansas City Branch of the Pacific Press Publishing Association continue to handle as a depository the subscription books published in the languages mentioned in recommendation one.
“3. That the International Publishing Association employ its entire facilities in publishing literature in foreign languages in harmony with the purpose which led to establishing that institution, it being understood that the International Publishing Association will continue, as in the past, supplying English and other literature as a part of its regular mail business.
“4. That the depository for handling foreign literature established in New York City, continue, as in the past, under the management of the New York Branch of the Review and Herald, and that the New York Branch be encouraged to co-operate in every reasonable way with the International Publishing Association, of College View, as well as with the foreign publishing houses, in securing an active circulation for the literature which they publish.
“5. That arrangements be made for the closest possible co-operation between the several sections of the North American Foreign Department and the International Publishing Association of College View, Neb.
“6. That we suggest to the International Publishing Association that they give careful study to the suggestion which has been frequently made, that a ten-cent magazine be issued in the German language which may be sold both by our German brethren among their own people, and by our other agents, who meet many Germans in their regular work for English periodicals.”
Other recommendations were adopted as follows:—
“Whereas, There is a great need and field for health and temperance literature in the Danish-Norwegian language, therefore,—
“Resolved, That a Danish-Norwegian health journal be published once a quarter, the name, size, price, and editor to be decided by the Danish-Norwegian literature and advisory committee in counsel with the International Publishing Association.”
“Whereas, The cost of materials and labor has increased to such an extent that at the present subscription prices of our periodicals, we find it difficult to make a gain on the same, therefore,—
“Resolved, That the subscription prices be advanced to the following amounts: Vaktare, $1.50; Signalen, 50 cents, with no reduction if taken with Vaktare; Sendebud, $1.50; that the price of the Hausfreund remain at $1, but with the cover omitted; that the price of the Arbeiter remain at 50 cents, the size not to exceed eight pages; said rates to take effect Jan. 1, 1910.”
“Resolved, That an earnest effort be made to raise the subscription lists of our leading periodicals to the following amounts by July 1, 1910: Hausfreund, 6,000; Vaktare, 3,500; Sendebud, 4,000.
“Resolved, That plans for issuing our ten-cent magazines be perfected rapidly, in order that the first numbers may be issued early in the first quarter of 1910, and that as large a subscription list as possible be secured by that time.”
“Resolved, That we co-operate with our State tract societies in the following particulars, thus encouraging them to distribute the various kinds of foreign literature:— “(1) That we allow them the same commission on ten-cent magazines and other periodicals that is allowed on English periodicals. (2) That tract societies and members of the foreign publishing committee be supplied with free sample sets of tracts and pamphlets in convenient shape for reference, and that they be informed when new tracts are issued. “(3) That special study be given to plans for home workers to sell such excellent small books as ‘New Testament Primer,’ ‘Best Stories,’ ‘His Glorious Appearing,’ ‘Steps to Christ,’ and ‘Christ Our Saviour,’ in various languages. “(4) That we keep in close touch with tract societies, by supplying them freely with advertising leaflets and by correspondence relative to these plans.”
“Resolved, That a publishing committee which shall look after and push the circulation of the foreign papers, tracts, and books be selected as follows: O. A. Olsen (chairman), F. F. Byington (secretary), the three foreign secretaries, the foreign superintendents, and when such men are secured, the foreign canvassing agents.
“Resolved, That one special book printed or owned by the International Publishing Association in the German, one in the Swedish, and one in the Danish-Norwegian language be sold this year as a relief book, with the understanding that eight hundred of the Swedish, one thousand of the Danish-Norwegian, and thirteen hundred of the German book be sold.”
“Whereas, There is need of taking advance steps for our German youth,—
“We recommend, That this association begin the publication of an eight-page youth’s paper, adapted to their special need, as soon as consistent, to be issued monthly.”
A recommendation to publish a Swedish quarterly magazine was referred to the International Board for favorable consideration.
Some changes were made in the editorial department, M. S. Reppe being invited to act as editor for the Danish-Norwegian language, and Theodore Valentiner for the German. C. A. Thorp and O. F. Schwedrat, who have occupied these positions, are planning to engage in evangelical city work.
Much interest was manifested in discussing these plans for strengthening our foreign publishing work, and we trust the Lord may richly bless in putting them into operation.
F. F. BYINGTON.