PERIODICAL BUSINESS by S. N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 14, 1882

PERIODICAL BUSINESS.

By S. N. Haskell

A few years ago very much was said with reference to the matter of charging the tract societies for periodicals continued by our publishing houses after the subscription had expired. Previous to our tract society organization, there was owing to the REVIEW Office many thousand dollars from delinquent subscribers. This arose largely from the fear that if papers were discontinued when the subscription expired, many of the worthy poor

would be deprived of its weekly visits. Some lived in opposing families, and for certain reasons were unable to write themselves; others were unwilling to place themselves on the charity list. It was also ascertained that there were unprincipled men who, upon the plea of poverty, claimed favors of the Office; and as it was impossible to learn who were worthy and who were not, the papers were continued. In consequence of this, and from other causes, there was at this time due the Office about ten thousand dollars. This sum the tract societies cheerfully paid, and then voluntarily took upon themselves the responsibility of looking after doubtful cases, and collecting subscriptions when due. Wherein tract societies have neglected to do this, they have failed to do their duty. The publishing houses have the undisputed privilege of continuing periodicals on their own responsibility to any one, if they choose to do so; but when they do this, the tract societies are not, and will not be held, responsible for the indebtedness incurred. There need, therefore, be no fears in this direction. Should charges of this kind be made to any society, the mistake will be cheerfully rectified upon receiving a statement of the fact from the State secretary.

S. N. HASKELL, Pres. Gen. T. and M. S.