Panoramic Photograph of Delegates and Visitors to Our Bookmen’s Convention
AND CONSTITUENCY MEETING, HELD IN MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, MARCH 5 TO 15
Bookmen and Constituency Meet
Earnest Men and Women Confer About Ways and Means — Reports at Our Constituency Meeting Show a Year of Great Prosperity
From March 5 to 15, our leading bookmen and tract society secretaries in the Pacific Press territory, west of the Mississippi, assembled at Mountain View to study plans for the best advancement of our work. We have asked H. H. Hall, the manager of our book department, to furnish for the next issue of the paper an account of this convention.
We may say in passing, however, that the spirit of the convention showed a marked determination to go forth into the field as never before in a soul-winning and soul-saving work.
It was an inspiration to be with these workers, and thus come in touch with the spirit of courage, hope, and determination that characterizes them in their work. Over one hundred delegates were regularly in attendance.
On Monday, the 8th, according to the program, the convention took an all-day recess, while we held the regular annual meeting of our constituency. This was planned so that we might have for this meeting the counsels and help of the leading men and women who are actively at the head of our field work.
As Brother Hall will tell us more in detail about the work of the convention, this report will be confined more especially to our constituency meeting.
We cannot present this better than by selecting a number of paragraphs from the report of the general manager, Brother C. H. Jones:
“Stirring events have occurred since our last annual meeting, which have had an important bearing on our work. Without a moment’s warning, like a thunderbolt out of a clear sky, the leading nations of Europe have clashed in deadly combat. Business has been almost paralyzed, and at first we thought it was going to interfere seriously with our work. But the Lord has overruled in our behalf.”
“In addition to our regular periodicals, which have given particular attention to these stirring events and their meaning in the light of prophecy, special literature has been prepared to meet the issue, and this too has had a large sale. A little pamphlet entitled ‘The World’s Crisis’ was issued early in December. Scarcely was the first edition of 15,000 off the press before they were all sold and another edition of 25,000 copies printed. These are now gone, and we are printing a third edition, of 20,000 copies.
Financial
“We gather the following facts from our treasurer’s report: Since the reorganization of our work, in 1904, the interest-bearing debt has been reduced from about $178,000 to $46,110.99, over $14,000.00 in notes and accounts having been written off during the past year.”
“Our assets, including real estate, plant, equipment, and supplies, at both the home and branch offices, amount to $312,332.47; our liabilities, including reserve funds, are $77,352.80; leaving our present worth $234,979.67.”
“Our net gain for the year ending December 31, 1914, including branch offices, was $32,144.12.”
“During the year, we have donated printing material and machinery to our mission printing offices to the amount of $2,757.85. This includes a paper cutter and a Boston wire stitcher to the Philippine Islands, and a cylinder press to South Africa.”
“In addition to this, our board recommends turning over to the North American Division Conference, for foreign mission work, the net gain on the Signs of the Times weekly for the year 1914, amounting to $2,568.71.”
“By having cash on hand with which to pay promptly for stock and material, we have saved in cash discount $1,241.16.”
New Machinery
“During the year, we have replaced one of our old worn-out cylinder presses that passed through the fire, with a new Miehle press, costing $3,550. Other small machines, tools, etc., bring the total amount expended for these things during the year to $4,226.45.”
Improvements
“Our growing business not only calls for additional machinery, but for more office and storage room as well. During the year, we have added two editorial rooms to the main building, and a stock room to the factory. These, together with some minor improvements, cost $1,943.83.”
Transfer of the International Publishing Association
“One of the most important moves made by the house during the past year was the steps taken leading up to the purchase of the real estate, stock, and material of the International Publishing Association, of College View, Nebraska.
“At the council of the General Conference Committee and the North American Division Committee, held in Washington, D. C., last October, a motion was introduced requesting the Pacific Press to take over the business of the International Publishing Association, together with all its assets and liabilities. The brethren felt that the Pacific Press was in a better position to carry on the business economically and aggressively than the International Association. The motion was approved by all our leading brethren in attendance at this council, and our directors agreed to the proposition, with the understanding that the transfer be made on the basis of an audit of the General Conference auditor.”
“At a meeting of the constituency of the International Publishing Association, held at College View, January 19, 1915, legal steps were taken, transferring the real estate and personal property of the association to the Pacific Press Publishing Association, thus creating another branch office. Plans have been laid to continue the work at College View for the present at least, on practically the same lines as it has been carried on in the past.”
“It will be remembered that about two years ago, at the request of the International, we took over the large subscription books in foreign languages, and about a year ago the smaller books as well were transferred to the Pacific Press. This left the International with their various periodicals and tracts. At the time the transfer was made, the following periodicals were being published:
Christlicher Hausfreund,Deutscher Arbeiter,Die Zeichen der Zeit,Der Jugendbote,Evangeliets Sendebud,Lys over Landet,Missionaren,Tidens Tecken,Tidens Tecken och Sions Vaktare,Signalen.
“The directors thought that it would be well to continue all, or nearly all, of these periodicals, and employ the same editors as heretofore.”
“Brother F. F. Byington has been asked to continue to act as manager of our College View branch, and we have invited Brother J. R. Ferren to go to College View to take charge of the circulation department and assist in getting the work started on more systematic and aggressive lines.”
“When the North American Division Conference decided to use its influence in helping to increase the circulation of the Signs weekly, the directors voted to recommend to the constituency that all the net gain be donated to foreign missions. We are glad to say that as a result of this effort, we already13have over $2,500 to be credited in this way.”
Periodical Department
“The past year has been one of marked prosperity for our periodical department, as will be seen by the following report, furnished by the manager, Brother G. C. Hoskin:
“Signs of the Times” Weekly
“The year 1914 marks a most noticeable growth in the subscription list of this paper. Starting in at the first of the year with 21,200 subscribers, we come up to the close with an increase of over sixty per cent, or a list of 34,346. This splendid growth is due, to a great extent, to the personal attention and hard work on the part of our General and North American Division Conference men, who led out in and promoted a division-wide missionary campaign, which brought the Signs before our people in an unusually strong way.”
“During the year, a total of 1,342,700 copies was printed. This is 488,650 more papers than were printed in 1913. It represents a weekly average of almost 27,000. Who can estimate the measureless possibilities in this army of silent workers entering the homes of people every seven days? Then to think of the results that might be seen if the list were what it ought to be!”
“Signs of the Times Magazine”
“Ever increasing, always growing, and ‘improving in contents,’ so its readers say, the Signs Magazine finishes another year, the best in its history. Each year shows continued increases in circulation, a steady climb toward the top of the ladder. The past five years show circulation as follows:
“The first of the year, our mailing list was 9,780, with agents’ sales aggregating 29,000. The mailing list for December stands at 12,026, with agents’ sales aggregating 50,000—a gain of over 22 per cent in the list, and of over 72 per cent in gross sales. It means an average monthly circulation of almost 37,000 copies.”
“This good showing is brought about by the astonishing spirit of inquiry that is entering the hearts of people everywhere. The world situation has had a great deal to do with the demand for this particular class of literature. We feel confident it means continuous growth for the Signs Magazine, and that the year before us will be one of even greater advancement in circulation.
“Our Little Friend”
“Another encouraging year for our children’s paper! The weekly average of circulation for 1912 was 14,600; for 1913, 16,000; and for 1914, 17,235. This represents 880,000 copies for the entire year. There has been no material change in the list, it remaining about the same during the twelve months.”
“This is a most encouraging showing; and while it is not all that we would like to see, still it leads us to believe that there are yet greater fields and opportunities for this splendid little paper.”
Foreign Book Business
“During the last few years, our foreign book business has been growing rapidly and demanding a large investment of means. In view of this, we felt that some plan must be devised whereby we could come in closer touch with our foreign publishing houses, and secure their cooperation in order to make a saving in the cost of translating, initial expense, etc. If each office could share in this, it would save duplicating manuscript, electrotype plates, etc., and thus greatly reduce the initial expense.”
“With this in view, Brother H. H. Hall, manager of our book department, visited our publishing houses in Europe and South America last year, being away from the home office about five months. Arrangements were made with nearly all these houses to share the expense of bringing out new publications in the various languages, thus making it mutually beneficial. The war coming on in Europe has retarded the work to some extent, and yet we consider the trip a very successful and profitable one.”
Book Department
“Brother H. H. Hall furnishes the following very interesting items concerning the work in this department during the past year:
Total sales ........................ $337,575.50
Bound Books
Cloth .............................. 94,110
Half leather ....................... 9,166
Leather ............................ 9,091
Board .............................. 6,962
Paper .............................. 7,170
Total number of books bound ....... 126,499
Gathered signatures ............... 13,232
Pamphlets
S. S. lesson quarterlies .......... 225,150
‘Bible Students’ Library’ ......... 16,367
Total number of pamphlets ........ 241,517
Tracts
‘Bible Students’ Library’ ......... 985,000
‘Apples of Gold Library’ .......... 718,000
‘Story of a Dry Town’ ............. 225,000
‘Prohibition and the Liquor Traffic’ 70,000
Total number of tracts ........... 1,998,000
‘Practical Guide,’ Danish
‘Heralds of the Morning,’ revised edition
‘In Touch with God’
‘Ministry of Angels’
‘Daniel,’ paper
‘Revelation,’ paper
Panama-Pacific International Exposition
“In counsel with our leading brethren, and by vote of the board of directors, we secured space for an exhibit at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, in San Francisco, February 20 to December 4, 1915. The space allotted to us is 18½ by 36 feet, in the Liberal Arts section of the Palace of Machinery—the largest building on the grounds. It is located in Block 52, at the corner of Fifth Street and Avenue B.”
“It has been our purpose to make this exhibit represent the four leading features of our work; namely, evangelical, educational, medical, and publishing. To this end, a globe five feet in diameter has been constructed; and the location of our publishing houses, sanitariums, educational institutions, and mission stations in all parts of the world is noted by little electric bulbs on this globe, red representing our publishing houses, blue our sanitariums, green our educational institutions, and white our mission stations.”
“Over two hundred of these little bulbs appear on the globe, scattered all over its surface. The globe slowly revolves, and makes a very striking object lesson.”
“At the rear of the globe, in folding leaves, may be seen photographs of our various institutions. This globe and the photographic leaves occupy one end of our booth. At the opposite end is a set of large folding leaves, to which are attached samples of all our tracts in various languages, periodicals, etc.”
“At the rear, a large fireplace has been erected, with sectional bookcases on either side, containing samples of all our bound books in various languages.”
“The center is reserved for chairs and a large reading table, where visitors can come in and rest and examine various publications at their leisure. In all the arrangements, we have tried to preserve the library effect. Those of you who visit the exposition will have the privilege of seeing this exhibit and passing judgment on it.206
Pacific Press Training School
“We are pleased to report that more than the usual interest has been taken in the Pacific Press evening training school during the past year. The classes have been well attended, and the results very encouraging. We copy the following from the annual calendar, giving the studies pursued, instructors, etc.:
Studies and Instructors
Bible (New Testament History) — Elder A. O. Tait
English — Miss Alice Roberts
Advanced English — Mr. F. A. Lashier
General History — Mr. J. L. Stansbury
Reading and Expression — Mrs. S. C. Swenson
Bookmaking
Mr. B. M. Shull and bindery specialists
Mr. E. F. Counter and type room specialists
Mr. F. H. Gage
Illustrated Lectures
Dr. L. A. Reed
Elder A. O. Tait
Mr. H. H. Hall
Mr. F. H. Gage
Literary and Musical Features
Mrs. S. C. Swenson and students
Mr. E. L. Chapman and orchestra
Class Periods
Monday Evening
7:00 to 7:45 — Bible
7:50 to 8:45 — General History
7:50 to 9:15 — Book Composition
Practical work in typesetting, proof reading, making up of pages, platen presswork, etc., conducted in Pacific Press type room.
Thursday Evening
6:45 to 7:25 — English Classes 1 and 2
7:30 to 9:00 — Bookbinding
Practical work embracing all phases of binding, to be carried on in the Pacific Press bindery.
7:30 to 8:15 — Reading and Expression
“As stated in the calendar, the classes in bookbinding and book composition have been conducted in the factory, led by experienced workmen, and have been of a very practical and helpful nature.”
“The illustrated lectures and the musical and literary features have also been very entertaining and instructive.”
“The teaching for the most part has been done by our own employees, without remuneration excepting the satisfaction of seeing the interest taken by the students and the progress they have made. As will be noticed, Brother F. A. Lashier, principal of our Mountain View church school, has taught the advanced class in English.”
“One very interesting feature added to the school during the past year was the purchase of a cinematograph, by which lectures can be illustrated by moving objects.”
Workers to Foreign Fields
“The Pacific Press is a training school for workers; and scores of persons can be found in this country and foreign fields now bearing responsibilities, who received their training here. The last to go was Miss Florence Shull, one of our most efficient and devoted workers in the editorial department, who accompanied Elder and Mrs. Daniels en route to China. She is acting as secretary to the president of the Asiatic Division.”
“Brother Clarence Hall, one of our most promising young men, has accepted a call from the Mission Board to go to Japan, to take charge of the publishing work in that field. His wife was one of the best workers in our circulation department. They expect to sail for the Orient the 20th of this month.”
“Others are in training, and are willing to join the army issuing from our other institutions to go to any part of the world as called.”
Branch Offices
“The Pacific Press now has in successful operation four branches, as follows:
“Kansas City Branch, 1224 Euclid Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, S. N. Curtiss, manager.”
“Portland Branch, 719 E. Flanders Street, Portland, Oregon, J. F. Beatty, manager.”
“Canadian Branch, 1109 Fourteenth Street, W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, J. M. Rowse, manager.”
“International Branch, College View, Nebraska, F. F. Byington, manager.”
It is interesting in this connection to think of our sister publishing institutions, which, with their branches, join us in reaching every part of the world. It is encouraging to know of the volume of literature in scores of languages that is going forth with its message of a soon-coming Saviour, and of eternal salvation through Him.
“We are pleased to state that all four of our branch offices are now well established in good, substantial buildings of our own.”
Spiritual Interest
“We are happy to say that nearly all our employees are earnest, devoted Christians, true and loyal to the message, and taking an active part in all lines of missionary endeavor.”
“Services are held in the office chapel, as we go to work each Sunday morning, and other special meetings from time to time. These meetings are always well attended, and a good interest is manifested.”
“During the Week of Prayer, special services were held from day to day in the departments, and it was a season of great spiritual refreshing. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be associated with such an earnest, devoted class of workers.”
“The rush of work often demands long hours, sometimes even all night; and in this too the employees have never failed us. We find them ready and willing to respond to the call to meet every emergency.”
“The past year has been one of marked prosperity for the Pacific Press; and we are glad that so many of our fellow workers who have helped to make possible this good showing are present with us, not only to listen, but to take part in laying plans for the future.”
“The events now occurring all around us indicate that we are rapidly nearing the end. Our time to labor for the salvation of souls is short. Broad plans should be laid for carrying this message to the ends of the earth speedily. May the spirit of wisdom be given to all present, and may still greater prosperity attend the work during the coming year.”
It's— SAFE SWIFT SURE TO TRAVEL ON THE Oakland, Antioch & Eastern Railway
Electric Service to and from Water Gate of EXPOSITION GROUNDS and SACRAMENTO
Chico, Oroville, Marysville, Woodland, Dixon, and Other Sacramento Valley Points
Reduced Round Trip Rates From All Points Every Day During the Exposition
TICKET OFFICES
Key Route Ferry in San Francisco Kearny 239
Fortieth and Shafter Avenue, in Oakland Piedmont 870
Foreign Books, Tracts, Periodicals
30 languages represented in our large, varied list of health, temperance, and evangelical publications.
25 books, 20 pamphlets, 26 tracts, in Danish.
31 books, 15 pamphlets, 27 tracts, in Swedish.
30 books, 14 pamphlets, 32 tracts, in German.
16 books, 23 tracts, in Spanish.
5 books, 12 tracts, in Russian.
The list is a long one—ample for your needs.
A good assortment of tracts in any of the leading languages in
25c PACKAGES
Don't forget your Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Italian, French, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Finnish, Roumanian, or other foreign neighbors.
Address communications and orders to our depository in your state.
Do you wish to become better informed on subjects treated in this issue of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES?
It is impossible to cover every point in a single article. For further study, we recommend the following low-priced books. They answer many questions that are suggested by present-day conditions.
World's Crisis. New, up to date, well illustrated. Published since the beginning of the European war. 25c.
Matthew 24. An exposition of our Saviour's prophecy relative to the end of the world. 10c.
Sure Word of Prophecy. Increases confidence in the Book of books. A study on the prophecies of Daniel. 10c.
Two cents extra for postage on ten cent orders.
Our depository in your state will fill orders promptly.
Pacific Press Publishing Assn.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA
Newspapers and Periodicals Have Failed
By Editor
Most of the newspapers and periodicals of the day are a success in every way but one. With admirable facility they chronicle news from the war zone, vividly portray the horrors of earthquakes, conflagrations, and other calamities, keep us posted on industrial and social disturbances, and herald abroad and discuss every important move of men and nations.
But they do not tell the real meaning of these big, significant happenings. Nor do they pretend to do so.
The Signs of the Times Magazine supplies the need. It gives the event plus the meaning. The Bible is its source of information. If you have not studied present-day conditions from a Bible standpoint, you are missing much. The prophecies are definite and clear. Some have been fulfilled, the others are in process of fulfillment. An understanding of them will enable one to witness the unfolding of the future intelligently.
The current number of this forty-eight page and cover illustrated monthly magazine presents the Eastern question, discusses Armageddon, draws lessons from the great expositions, shows the growing influence of the papacy to be a sign of our times, and connects the United States with the prophecies referring to it.
Live questions every one! Study them with our large circle of readers.
10c the copy; $1.00 a year.
Our depository in your state will give prompt attention to orders.
Signs of the Times Magazine
Mountain View, Cal.
COOPERATIVE CORNER
WANTED — All who can to order from the publishers back numbers of SIGNS weekly or Signs Magazine and Watchman to be sent to me for free distribution. 257 A Hebert St. (Rear), St. Louis, Missouri. Emma Kincaid.
Sister Kincaid has used thousands of copies of the SIGNS, and we will be glad to mail them to her at the rates of one half cent a copy for the weekly and one cent a copy for the magazine. Send your remittance to the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, Cooperation Corner, Mountain View, California, and mention this call.
Wanted for Missionary Work
Mrs. George Kuhns, 916 Laguna Street, San Francisco, California: back numbers of SIGNS, weekly and magazine.
James Harvey, 1729 Grove Street, Oakland, California: papers and tracts for missionary work.
FOR SALE
At Mountain View, Santa Clara County, California, a large, modern, five-roomed cottage in good condition. Well lighted and with all modern conveniences. Three and one half blocks from railroad station, and ten minutes' walk from Seventh-day Adventist church and church school. Lot 75 x 150 feet. Inclosed on three sides by high board fence. Cement walks to all parts of town. Over twenty citrus and deciduous fruit trees in bearing. Address Box 346, Mountain View, California.
The Best Route to and from California
Two Great 1915 Expositions
At San Francisco
February 20 to December 4, 1915
At San Diego
January 1 to December 31, 1915
There will be no postponement for any reason
INQUIRE OF ANY AGENT, OR
MR. C. S. FEE
Passenger Traffic Manager
Flood Building
San Francisco, California
SOUTHERN PACIFIC
Emergency Peace Federation
There are nearly eight hundred peace societies in the world if we count the branches of some of the larger organizations. Many of these societies are international in character. It would seem that this would be a sufficient supply, but notwithstanding the number already formed, there are new societies continually coming into existence. For instance, after the breaking out of the European war, citizens of Chicago who were in favor of peace met in what they called an “Emergency Federation of Peace Forces.” After holding several meetings, and considering ways and means by which the cause of peace could be advanced, they called a national conference in Chicago, February 27 and 28.
Influential men and women of the nation attended this meeting. Resolutions were passed calling upon the president and Congress of the United States to call a conference of the neutral nations of the world for the purpose of mediating in the European struggle. This conference, according to the resolution, must not “endanger the neutrality of any nation; it should constitute a voluntary court of continuous mediation, at least so long as the war should last. It should invite suggestions of settlement from each of the warring nations, and submit to all of them simultaneously reasonable proposals based upon the principles:
“1. That peace must not mean humiliation to any nation; and
“2. That it must not involve compromise which might result in a renewal of the war. Such a conference should exert every possible effort to prevent any of the neutral nations from becoming involved in the present war.”
The convention recommended a “nation-wide discussion” of these suggestions. It believes that these discussions should be aimed toward breaking down the “balance of power” idea among the nations, and that instead there should be a “concert of nations”; that this concert of nations should provide (a) “an international court for the settlement of all disputes between nations,” (b) an international congress with legislative and administrative powers over international affairs, and with permanent committees in place of present secret diplomacy, (c) an international police force.
The conference also recommended “the gradual reduction and final abolition of national armaments,” and that “the manufacture of armaments for private profit should be prohibited;” that “the democracies of the world should be extended and reinforced by general application of the principles of self-government and of universal adult suffrage”; and furthermore, that “no treaty, alliance, or other arrangement should be entered upon by any nation, unless ratified by the representative of the people; treaties for securing delay before commencing hostilities, and adequate machinery for insuring democratic control of foreign policies, should be created.”
A permanent organization was formed at the conference, and to it was given the name “The National Peace Federation.”
All sensible people will do everything within their power to counteract the spirit of war that is in the world. They will speak against it whenever they have an opportunity. War is the most senseless thing in which human beings can engage.
But we have had war ever since sin started in this world; and the divine Book has been telling us, all through the centuries, that “there is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isa. 57:21. And the Book also tells us that this earth’s record of sin will reach its climax, just before the second coming of Christ, in the great war of Armageddon. And while we are to favor peace, and work for peace—and especially should this be true of those who are under the banner of the Prince of peace—yet we are to know, both from the experience of history and from the prophecies of the divine Book, that there will be no permanent peace to this world until after the coming of the Lord in the clouds of heaven.
