Pacific Press Publishing Company.
By C. H. Jones
(Continued from page 10.) 1898, several important changes were made in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, which seemed to mark a new era in its existence. First, the editorial force was increased, and several additional contributors secured. Second, it was decided to use more and better illustrations, and also better paper. These improvements have been appreciated, as is evidenced by the large increase in the subscription list. The average weekly circulation of the SIGNS during 1897 was 27,182; during 1898 it was 41,231, or an increase of over 14,000 copies weekly. The regular subscription list at the present time is about 43,000 copies weekly. The SIGNS has now reached its twenty-fifth anniversary. Early in the year 1898 the managers conceived the idea of celebrating this event by issuing a “Quarter-centennial Number,” securing articles from leading writers, covering the principal events of the last quarter century. The plan met with a hearty response from the friends of the paper everywhere, and a double number containing thirty-two pages and cover was issued, bearing date of Jan. 5, 1899. Over 400,000 copies of this special issue were sent out. Splendid reports have been received from all parts of the field, and the judgment alone will reveal the good that has been done. These papers were sold to agents at 5 cents per copy, and retailed at 10 cents. This effort has solved the problem of doing missionary work on a large scale at small cost. It has also served to demonstrate what can be accomplished by united action. During December our facilities were taxed to the utmost, six of our largest cylinder presses, including the web-perfecting press, being run on the SIGNS, and some of them 24 hours per day. Another special number, with cover, was issued March 29, and this had a circulation of over 100,000 copies. This was called the “Resurrection Number.” Four more special numbers, with covers, will be issued during the year. The next one will bear date of May 24th, and will be called “General Progress Number.” It will contain four special articles: one by Elder G. A. Irwin, on the general progress of the work; one on the educational work of the denomination; one on mission and health work; and one on the publishing work. This number will contain illustrations of our leading institutions. Second, “Independence,” or “Fourth of July Number,” dated June 28. This number will present the present status of this country in its relation, in the light of prophecy, to religion, to Romanism, and to the world. This includes expansion and imperialism. Third, “Thanksgiving Number,” telling of the second coming of Christ, and what it means to the world. Fourth, “Holiday Number.” A review of the year’s history, and the evidences of Christ’s soon coming. It has been fully demonstrated that energetic agents can do well in securing subscriptions and selling the SIGNS on the street and from house to house. Our attention has been called to the necessity of giving the message in our large cities. What better medium can be employed to introduce the work than our pioneer paper? We suggest that an effort be made to secure a good live agent in every large city in the United States, and that we solicit the co-operation of the conferences in this work. Notwithstanding the large circulation, the SIGNS still shows a loss of over $2,000. This can be accounted for in part by the additional expense incurred in improving the paper. The total number of SIGNS printed during the year was 2,418,750 copies, a gain over last year of 347,200 copies. Our Little Friend still holds its own, both as to its standing and subscription list. The total number printed last year was 832,000. The list at the present time numbers 15,509. Counter Check-Book Department.
This department has been run to its fullest capacity during the entire year. Indeed, very frequently, we have been obliged to run overtime in order to meet the demand. Two new presses have recently been installed in this department, which we trust will relieve the pressure. The result of the year’s business is very gratifying, showing a net gain of $20,340.82, against $16,782.17 last year; an increase of $3,558.65. This company has established branch offices at 39 Bond Street, New York, and 14–18 West Fifth Street, Kansas City, Mo. Encouraging reports were read from the managers of both these branches, and both speak of the outlook for the coming year as very encouraging. The following-named persons were elected as a board of directors for the ensuing year: C. H. Jones, E. A. Chapman, William Saunders, M. H. Brown, S. C. Stickney, W. N. Glenn, S. N. Curtiss. After the stockholders’ meeting, the board met and organized as follows: President and general manager, C. H. Jones; vice-president, William Saunders; secretary and treasurer, E. A. Chapman. The following appointments were also made by the board: Auditor, Mrs. H. H. Hall; manager New York branch, S. N. Curtiss; manager Kansas City Branch, B. R. Nordyke; editor SIGNS OF THE TIMES, M. C. Wilcox, assistant editor, A. O. Tait; editor Our Little Friend, W. N. Glenn; assistant editor, Alberta L. Little; editor American Sentinel, L. A. Smith; publishing committee, C. H. Jones, M. C. Wilcox, M. H. Brown, L. A. Phippeny, H. H. Hall; editorial committee, Bible Students’ and Apples of Gold Libraries, M. C. Wilcox, W. N. Glenn, A. O. Tait. C. H. JONES.