The Removal of the Signs.
By George I. Butler
In the last issue of the SIGNS, it was stated that the paper would be published at Woodland for the present, at least, and it was requested that all communications should be sent there. And it was doubtless further noticed that the paper itself was dated Woodland, Cal. As the present number is dated Oakland, and no removal has taken place, an explanation is plainly required. And as I had some part in this, seeing I advised with others concerning the matter, it may be as proper for me to give the explanation as any one. I ever wish to bear all the responsibility of mistakes that justly fall upon me. When the matter of publishing the SIGNS was talked up at the last State Conference, and before the Auditing Committee, there was considerable said in regard to how it should be managed, and who should oversee the necessary work of issuing it, and of deciding where it should be published. In view of the suggestions of Bro. White to the Conference, as well as from the knowledge and experience of Bro. Saunders in printing, it was hoped our dear brother would see his way clear to work in connection with the SIGNS, and as soon as consistent close out his connection with his secular paper. Bro. S. seemed ready to do this, and it was generally understood that such an arrangement would be consummated. In this case, as Bro. S. had an office at Woodland where he resided, we thought the paper better be moved there temporarily, till a permanent location should be decided upon. But in the hurry and bustle of the camp-meeting, we had little time to arrange the particulars, therefore it was concluded that as soon as the last number of the SIGNS could be got off, Elder Loughborough and myself should go to Woodland and arrange for the removal of the paper at once. So when the last number went to press, it was with the full expectation that all the material of the office would be at once packed up for Woodland. It was therefore stated in the SIGNS that all business communications should be sent there; and lest some, in noticing the heading, “Oakland, Cal.,” should not see the notice of the removal and think it was still to be published at Oakland, I suggested that it be dated at Woodland, much on the principle adopted by all papers of dating ahead several days in the time of their issue. But when we visited Woodland to make more particular arrangements, we met difficulties which entirely changed the complexion of the whole matter. The State Conference Committee had a meeting after our visit to Woodland, to arrange terms, and consider the subject of the removal. They felt that they must act upon the principle spoken of in another article of this number, “The Publishing Work in California,” that with the cause in its infancy here, they could not feel justified in paying more than $12 per week to any one employed in the office; that they must spend the means placed in their hands with the strictest economy. They well knew, of course, that this was far less than the usual price paid here; but they felt that if the price of the paper was put down to the standard of eastern prices, other things must also approximate to the same. Bro. Saunders thought he could not work for such a price; that, in justice to his family, he could not work for less than $18 per week, and so the arrangement fell through, and the Committee felt to look elsewhere for help. We exceedingly regret this, but of course it is the privilege of every one to decide his own duty in such questions. We felt that Bro. Saunders, with his experience in the printing business, might fill a useful place in the work here, which is now just starting. We hope he may yet see his way clear to engage in it. One great reason for moving the paper to Woodland was thus removed. When we found there was no power press at Woodland upon which to print it, we saw that this also would be a great objection to its going there, as it would be a great job to get it off on a hand press. Under the circumstances it was thought best that the paper should remain in Oakland for the present. I much regret the too hasty announcement of the removal to Woodland, and wish to take whatever responsibility belongs on me for advising it. I am very glad, however, that no pecuniary loss has thus far resulted from it. In regard to the final location of the paper, I feel free to say that Oakland, on the whole, seems to me to be the most suitable place for it. I do not wish to exercise any influence upon the decision of the question, which, of course, belongs entirely with the California Conference; but in my opinion, after the whole field is looked over, it will be seen that Oakland combines the most advantages. So I regard it as rather providential that the paper was not removed to Woodland. I earnestly desire that the guidance of the Holy Spirit may be had in all these matters. G. I. BUTLER.