Tents for the N. Y. Camp-Meeting.
By B. L. Whitney
It is fully time for our brethren to make their arrangements for tents for the western N. Y. camp-meeting; so we offer some suggestions on this point. Our people in this Conference almost without exception have rented tents instead of purchasing them as the brethren in other Conferences have done. It can be shown by actual figures that in this way we have already paid more money for rent than it would cost to purchase these same tents. For the last three or four years we have paid in this way from $150 to $200 per year; and if we continue on this plan, as we are to have two meetings this year this sum will be considerably increased. We do not believe this is good policy. The brethren in this Conference are as well able to own their tents as the brethren elsewhere. We propose to the brethren in the western part of the State to purchase tents to use at this first meeting, and then if they choose they can rent them to those who wish to rent tents for the second meeting. In this way they will save this year one-third the cost of the tents. We are satisfied that this ought to be done, and trust the friends will act promptly in the matter. To those who wish to purchase, I would say that I have been to Cleveland to see Bro. I. Edgerton, who is in the tent-making business, in reference to this matter. I think he will furnish tents at as reasonable rates as any one who makes a first class article, and considerably lower than we can buy them in this State. See prices in REVIEW No. 15, present vol. I have also requested Bro. E. to give prices of tents made of lighter cloth, which will answer equally well for small tents. He will furnish any size that may be wanted, at proportional prices. Those who wish tents can correspond directly with him, or, if they choose, with me, and I will do the business for them. Doubtless there will be those who will not feel able to buy. Such can rent as heretofore. I give prices below at which we can rent tents this season:— 9x12 ft. $2.50. 16x24 ft. $7.00.
12x17 '' 4.00. 24x30 '' 10.50. Parties renting will pay freight both ways. Let all who wish to rent tents write me immediately at Rome, N. Y., stating size and number wanted. We call especial attention to this fact: Our meeting this year will be smaller than usual as the attendance will be from only one-half the Conference instead of from all the State as heretofore; hence the greater necessity that our brethren should all provide themselves with tents in some way. They should order smaller tents and more of them than formerly. It is much better to have a small tent that will accommodate one or two families than for a church of 30 or 40 to crowd into one large tent. Brethren, shall we make this meeting a success? If so, we must all work to this point. We want the tents on the ground in good season. Act at once in this matter. Order small tents and plenty of them. Order immediately. All wishing to rent tents must order so that it will reach me by May 28th, or we cannot guarantee to have them on the ground. Orders for new tents should be sent without any delay.