Earlier text: General Conference ProceedingsO. A. Olsen in the chair. Prayer by R. A. Underwood. Reports being called for by the chairman, G. Dail presented the following further partial report from the Committee on Plans and Finance:— Partial Report of the Committee on Plans and Finance
Whereas, In many schools there is a great lack of proper equipment, such as laboratory, library, and class-room facilities, and the necessary means for conducting industrial studies; therefore,— 16. Resolved, That we urge all our boards of management properly to equip the schools for the work which they have to do. Whereas, One hindrance to successful church-school work has been the improper and inconvenient rooms in which schools have been quartered; therefore,— 17. Resolved, That we urge our conferences as far as practicable, and wherever church-school buildings are to be erected, to see that neat, inexpensive, well-adapted buildings, surrounded by grounds adapted for school gardens, be provided; and,— 18. Further resolved, That in the erection of school buildings, advice and counsel be obtained from the Department of Education where the school is to be established, so that the buildings may be well adapted to the needs of the school. Whereas, It is impossible for many of our young people to obtain the advantages of our schools; and,— Whereas, We have men and women of years of experience who, under proper conditions, would be able to pursue studies greatly to the advantage of themselves and their work; and,— Whereas, Correspondence schools have been shown to be successful; therefore,—12 19. Resolved, That the Department of Education be urged to take under advisement plans for such a school, and the General Conference Committee be requested to establish it, if, after careful consideration, it seems wise to do so. The Chairman: We will now proceed with the regular order of business, which, I believe, is the consideration of the partial report of the committee on plans and finance presented yesterday. The Secretary [reading]:—
“Whereas, Agitation for Sunday legislation is rapidly increasing in the United States and in Canada; and,—
“Whereas, The general annual collection of funds for the prosecution of religious liberty work has heretofore been exclusively for the use of the Religious Liberty Department of the General Conference; therefore,—
“15. We recommend, That there be an equal division of the funds to the General, union, and local conferences in these fields.” H. W. Cottrell: I move the adoption of this report. K. C. Russell: This resolution was not drafted because it was thought by some that the department was having too much money, but because it was thought that this would increase the funds, inasmuch as the union and local conferences would naturally have a greater interest in it. It was also thought that there would not be so heavy a demand upon the General Conference department for funds with which to carry on campaigns in union and local fields, if these conferences might receive an equal share with the General Conference. Hence we hope that this resolution will result in an increase of funds in the treasuries of union and local conferences, as well as in the general department, for this line of work. J. O. Corliss: I think that the passing of this resolution will bring an improvement over the past method of handing out the funds. I know that there has been some delicacy in the past, in undertaking to use any funds when a local campaign was on; but there are some of our campaigns that cost a great deal of money. Last winter, for instance, the Pacific Union Conference had a very heavy campaign, and I am just informed by the president of that union that that campaign cost $2,500. It would seem, even should this resolution pass, that there might be times when, under stress of circumstances, a union might be exempt from giving one third of its funds to the general treasury. It seems to me there ought to be exceptions when strenuous campaigns are conducted in local territory. K. C. Russell: Prior to this, last year, during the campaign that Elder Corliss alluded to, the General Conference department, without any resolution, exempted them; and I believe they would do it again. Allen Moon: The portion going to the union conference can be used in the State where it is most needed, and in that way the union conference funds may form an emergency fund, as it were. The union conference has no legislature to look after directly; its funds are to be used where most needed. It occurs to me that the resolution, as originally presented by the committee, can not be improved, and I hope that it will pass. The resolution was adopted. The chairman called for any further reports. H. W. Cottrell stated that the committee on revision of the constitution was ready to report. The report was presented by W. T. Bartlett. [This report recommended several changes in the constitution. Chief among these was the creation of a Negro Department of the General Conference, and a provision for a third vice-president who should be in charge of the work in the Asiatic division of the territory. The other changes were largely technical. Following the report of the committee on constitution, reports were made from the Southern Union Conference and the Pacific Union Conference by Elders C. F. McVagh and H. W. Cottrell.] Elder O. A. Olsen in the chair. Prayer was offered by Elder C. Santee. The chair stated that the time of the session would be given to reports from the South American Union Conference. J. W. Westphal, president of the union, then reported. At the close of Elder Westphal’s report, a chorus of South American representatives (Brethren Habenicht, Town, Westphal, and Perry, and Sisters Habenicht, Town, Gregory, and Perry), sang a hymn in Spanish, “Mi Mano Ten, Señor” (“Take Thou My Hand”). The chairman next called upon F. W. Spies, director of the North Brazil Mission, to report for the Brazilian division of the field. [These reports from South America will be given in the future.] At the close of this report Elder and Sister Spies, Sister Lulu Corliss-Gregory, and J. W. Westphal sang a Portuguese hymn, “My Sins at the Cross Were Forgiven.” These hymns, that are now and then sung, though in tongues not understood by most of the congregation, have in them a spirit that touches all hearts. Next, Wm. Steele, delegate from Ecuador, presented his report. O. A. Olsen: I am glad to listen to these reports. The great wide field opens up before us. And yet we have not heard all. I am sorry that we can not hear from Brother Perry, Brother Thomann, Dr. Habenicht, and Brother Town. If these appeals and the setting forth of these needs can not stir our souls and lead us to consecration to the work before us, what can do it, brethren? May the Lord help us to turn to him as we have never done before in our lives. H. W. Cottrell in the chair. Prayer was offered by A. G. Haughey. New delegate seated: B. E. Connerly, of West Indian Union. The chair then called for further partial reports, or completed reports. Partial Report From Committee on Plans and Finance
G. Dail presented a further partial report from the committee on plans and finance:— ### EDUCATIONAL JOURNAL
20. Resolved, That in addition to the educational matter that may appear in the REVIEW AND HERALD, the Executive Committee of the General Conference arrange for the publication of an educational journal adapted to the development of our school work, the policy and contents of the journal to be under the direction of the Department of Education of the General Conference. RELATION AND SCOPE OF DIFFERENT
Whereas, Experience has shown that the schools conducted by local conferences should seldom carry work beyond the tenth grade; and,—
Whereas, Several of these local schools are now called academies, though not doing, or equipped to do, full academic work, for lack of libraries, laboratories, and sufficient teaching force; and,—
Whereas, We have the following instruction from the spirit of prophecy: “It is not wise for a new school to lift its banner, and promise a high grade of work before it has proved that it is fully able to do preparatory work as it should be done. It should be the great aim of every intermediate school to do most thorough work in the common branches. . . . It would be a sad mistake for us to fail to consider thoroughly the purpose for which each of our schools is established. This is a matter that should be faithfully considered by our responsible men in each union conference. All the different educational interests should be given careful consideration, and then each school should place its work on a proper basis;” therefore,— 21. We recommend, (a) That the local conferences, in counsel with their union conference committee, adapt the name and grade of work of these local schools to the intermediate school standard, except in those special cases where circumstances make this step unadvisable.
(b) That the union conference training-schools do not draw intermediate students from the territory within the jurisdiction of the intermediate schools without previous arrangement with the local conference president.
(c) That in each union conference there be created a committee of inspection, consisting of the union conference president, the union conference educational secretary, and one member of the training-school faculty, to be appointed by the faculty, to counsel with the individual conferences or schools, in order to unify and grade the work of the intermediate schools and academies of the union conference. PATRONIZING OUR SCHOOL INDUSTRIES
Whereas, The tent-making and other industries of our schools are a means of education and a financial help to the students; therefore,— 22. We recommend, To the favorable consideration of our people the purchasing of the products of the industrial departments of our schools. 23. Resolved, That we invite our conferences throughout the United States and Canada to select men and women of such age and experience as will meet the needs of our foreign fields, and recommend them to the Foreign Mission13 Seminary for a course of instruction preparatory to foreign service. PREPARATION OF OUR PUBLICATIONS
Whereas, With the rapid extension of our publishing work it becomes vitally important that our publications be prepared with great care, so that they may present clearly and suitably the truths of the third angel’s message; and,— Whereas, Sundry publications are being distributed on individual responsibility, which neither represent the denomination nor carry any part of the financial burdens of the organized work; therefore,— 24. Resolved, (a) That information be given to our people concerning the thorough, painstaking work of the literature committees of our publishing houses in examining manuscripts, and preparing the subject-matter of all publications; and that our people be cautioned to discriminate between literature published by the denomination, and that which is issued by private individuals.
(b) That missionaries, as far as practicable, submit manuscripts to properly constituted literature committees for their respective fields.
(c) That copy for literature prepared to meet emergencies, and for use in local campaigns, be at least submitted for criticism to the conference or mission committee of that territory, and bear the conference or mission imprint.
(d) That all our people be urged to work energetically and loyally for the circulation of our standard denominational literature. PUBLISHING HOUSE TITHE-PAYING
25. We approve, Of the action of several of our publishing houses in paying a tithe into the treasury of the General Conference, and we invite all the publishing houses in the United States to follow their example; and,— 26. We further recommend, That this tithe be used by the General Conference in meeting the expenses of the General Conference Publishing Department, and for fostering our publishing interests in mission fields. HOME TRACT AND MISSIONARY WORK
Whereas, A question has arisen concerning the advisability of organizing a General Conference department to take charge of the periodical and home tract and missionary work; and,—
Whereas, We believe that confusion would result from the circulation of literature being directed by two departments operating through the same general offices, and through the same field; therefore,— 27. We recommend, That the periodical and home and tract and missionary work continue, as in the past, under the direction of the Publishing Department, and that the General, union, and local conferences unite in making the necessary provision for conducting more thoroughly and aggressively these neglected lines of work. The chairman stated that the report would be printed for consideration later. Discussion on Constitution
The chairman called attention to the report of the committee on revision of the constitution, and on motion to adopt by considering each item separately, the report was considered. [As before stated, the changes recommended in the constitution were largely technical in nature. Elder A. G. Daniells made some explanation regarding the several departments, particularly the creation of the Negro Department.] A. G. Daniells: I would like to make a brief explanation regarding that and the other departments. You will remember that we created this North American Foreign Department four years ago. The object of that department was to build up and carry forward our work in North America among the foreigners of this country, as far as we could reach them. This department has carried on its work during this period. After the department was created, and the committee formed, they made branches of the department. There was the German branch, with a superintendent over that division; also the Swedish and Danish-Norwegian branches; and there was also appointed a superintendent to look after the French work in this country. There is another department proposed,—the Negro Department, a department in behalf of the colored people of this country. Now just a word with reference to this and the manner of carrying it on. For many years we have been endeavoring to foster this work and build it up; and all this time we have been urged, especially by the spirit of prophecy, to do more. We have been warned of the dangers of having our opportunities limited, and we have been pressed to do more. We have tried to gather funds, we have tried to do more; but we have not been meeting our own highest ideals, and we have not met the needs nor the instruction that has come to us. Now we have come to the place where we feel that a far greater effort, a more systematic effort, a more concerted effort, shall be put forth in behalf of this part of our population. We have a number of our colored brethren with us at this Conference, and I am glad of it. We never have had such an attendance of colored ministers at a General Conference as we have at this meeting. I am glad that they have been here to hear the reports and to join in this work. Meetings have been held where consideration has been given to the question of how they and we could advance the work among their people more effectively and rapidly than we have been doing. We have met with them in their councils; they have counseled with us, and we with them, and they came to us with a request that we establish this department, the Negro Department. We have studied it, and the presidents and committees of the Southwestern, Southern, and Southeastern union conferences have given it careful consideration, and have recommended it and stand for it; and the members of the General Conference Committee who have taken the matter under consideration have agreed to it, and now it is recommended in the constitution. I believe that this is a step in the right direction, that it will help us to organize the work in behalf of these people, that it will help us to systematize our efforts in raising money and in expending it so that we can have one solid, systematized, concerted effort to push this important branch of the work. I believe that under this direct effort we shall see the work in behalf of the colored people of this country go forward with greater success than we have ever seen before. Now, how will this be managed? The department will have a secretary, an executive officer, the same as the other departments; it will have an executive committee, or departmental committee, the same as the other departments, and on this committee there will be a fair representation of the field. The committee will then meet, and plan its work, and outline its policy for the future, the same as do the other department committees. Their work will be to carry forward the evangelical work among the colored people. They will take up the question of mission schools, church-schools, and the higher schools, such as Huntsville, and will look after them. They will look after the publishing of such literature as will be best adapted to the people. In fact, they will take into consideration all branches of the work. I have felt to make this explanation here, in order to answer the queries that may arise as to why this department is brought on. Some may say, “Aren’t we creating too many departments, and getting too much machinery?” Well, I do not think so. I want to ask how much the Educational Department hinders or impedes the work of the Publishing Department? We had the Publishing Department first, and we have created the Educational and Medical departments since. Now have these departments hindered the work of the Publishing Department? [Voices: They have helped it.] Of course they have helped. Anybody knows that who studies the influence of these departments. I believe that the same argument holds in this case. A department has the motive power, and all the facilities to go with its work. We get a body of men directly at the work that that department ought to carry forward. Our colored brethren have considered this carefully; yesterday I met with them again. We talked it over, and every one declared his approval of the plan. I believe that this will mark a new era in our work in behalf of the negro race. J. K. Humphrey: I desire to say that I am heartily in favor of the creation of this new department. I believe that I indorse the sentiment of every man among my people that is in harmony with the organized work. It is a strange coincidence,—yet it is not strange, because the time is near when we shall all see eye to eye,—that four years ago I felt in my soul that something ought to be done in this line to advance the work among the negro race. We have almost eleven million people. I am thankful to God that the time has come when the brethren are moving in this direction. H. W. Cottrell: I would like to ask, Brother Humphrey, if you are thoroughly convinced that the term we use there is the best term. Do you think that it would be satisfactory to your people? J. K. Humphrey: I am convinced so. The term “colored” really is not definite in fact; for the Chinese, the Japanese, and other races of the Orient are just as colored as we are. But we are the negro race. I am not ashamed at all to acknowledge that. The meeting was adjourned. Elder H. W. Cottrell in the chair. Prayer by C. P. Bollman. H. W. Cottrell: When we adjourned we were discussing the report of the committee on revision of the constitution, and a motion was pending to amend the report by inserting again in Section 2, Article IV, the phrase, “the superintendents of organized union missions.” It is open now for remarks.14 H. R. Salisbury: I do not wish to press the matter, but I should like to have the committee state briefly why this part was left out. L. R. Conradi: The point is this: Thus far we have very few union mission fields. But as we develop in the far East and other fields, there will be quite a number of them, and it seemed to us it would be more proper if they were elected at the quadrennial Conference, among the seven extra members. E. R. Palmer: It appears to me that the man appointed to take charge of a great union mission field would be a valuable member of the Executive Committee; and the minutes of the Executive Committee would be valuable to him in assisting him in keeping his field lined up with the work of the General Conference throughout the world. R. A. Underwood: The amendment would make these superintendents of union mission fields members of the committee, as formerly. I believe that this should be done. The amendment was carried, making superintendents of union mission fields members of the General Conference Committee. The Chairman: Before going further, I would state that one of our negro brethren has asked the privilege of speaking on one of these sections that we have passed over. All these sections are open for remarks until the question is voted upon as a whole. If the delegate is here, he may rise. He is from Pittsburg, I believe. The Chairman: Come up on the stand, Brother Green. There are fewer of these colored brethren here than there are of the rest of us, and we would like to have the brethren hear what they have to say. W. H. Green: In speaking upon this part of the constitution [provision for a North American Negro Department], I am frank to say that four years ago I would not have taken the position that I take to-day; but an actual experience of four years in working among my people in the North, with the knowledge I have of conditions in the South (for I am a Southerner), leads me to conclude that the establishment of this department for carrying forward the work among my people in this land, is the proper course to pursue. And not only would I make that statement, but would say further that this idea did not come into my mind, merely since I came upon the ground. I think I discussed the matter in the city of Washington year before last, 1907, with the president of the General Conference. The matter has also been discussed by us who have been on the ground. Others will speak on the matter. An address has been prepared and handed in; and I feel perfectly free in stating here, publicly, that I have set my name to that address and to certain resolutions, in good faith, and I pledge myself before God to stand by it until I find out from a study of the Bible and the Testimonies and good religion, that I ought to recede from it. Article V, Section 1, in the report, was read and question called. Secretary [reading]: Section 3. Insert paragraph: “The duties of the third vice-president shall be to labor in the Asiatic division, comprised of India and the far East, as the Executive Committee may advise, and to preside at the councils of the members of the Executive Committee which may be held in the Asiatic division, in the absence of the president.” A. G. Daniells: I would like to speak on another point, not a technical one, and express my gratitude at the progress we are making in the far East, in the Asiatic division. I think this is something to be profoundly thankful for to-day, that we can rectify our constitution in this way, to make provision for a vice-president of the General Conference to be located in the far East. We look forward to a great movement, a constructive work there during the next four years, that will help our people to give. It will cheer us all to plan and to work, because we can see some sensible and consistent effort being made to develop the work among those teeming millions. H. G. Thurston [referring to Article III, Section 1, providing that department secretaries shall be elected]: What is the reason for electing these secretaries, instead of appointing them by the committee, as formerly? A. G. Daniells: These departments are becoming large and influential departments. Take the Educational Department; it represents a thousand teachers, a million dollars’ worth of property; it represents fifteen thousand students; it represents text-books, and our whole educational system. Now that great department can not be intrusted to everybody; and it seems to us that it is of such consequence, and has such a vital bearing upon the welfare of the denomination, that the General Conference ought to elect the head of that department, and not leave it to the General Conference Committee to make the appointment. That is the reason we feel that the more this body does in the selection of persons whose influence is to be large, and who will have charge of vital interests throughout the world, the safer and more satisfactory it will be. So it was suggested that we change from appointing them by the committee, to electing them by the body. H. W. Cottrell: Is the committee on nominations prepared to report? O. A. Olsen: Yes, sir. We have taken the liberty to have the report printed on slips. [Slips were passed.] I have been a member of committees at different times, on various subjects. I think that I never was a member of a committee that went so carefully into its work as the present committee on nominations. We have not taken things for granted, but instead we have carefully scrutinized and investigated and looked over every name that we report. Now we have adapted our report, as far as we have been able, to the constitution that you have just adopted. It is only a partial report. You will notice that the treasurer is not nominated, and there are other nominations that are still under consideration. I will now ask Elder Fitzgerald to read the report. W. J. Fitzgerald then read the report, which is as follows:— Elder Allen Moon in the chair. After the opening song, Elder J. A. Burden offered prayer. [Reports were presented from Elder G. W. Reaser and Prof. G. W. Caviness, of the Mexican Mission Field, and from Elder Ising, of the Syrian-Egyptian Mission. These reports will appear later.] The Conference adjourned. Partial Report From Committee on Nominations
After very careful and prayerful deliberation, your committee on nominations respectfully submit the following partial report:— For president, A. G. Daniells. For vice-president for Europe, L. R. Conradi. For vice-president for North America, G. A. Irwin. For vice-president for the Asiatic division, I. H. Evans. For secretary, W. A. Spicer. For secretaries of the various departments as follows:— Sabbath-school Department, G. B. Thompson. Educational Department, Frederick Griggs. Publishing Department, E. R. Palmer. Medical Missionary Council, W. A. Ruble, M. D. Young People's Missionary Volunteer Department, M. E. Kern. Religious Liberty Bureau, K. C. Russell. North American Foreign Department, O. A. Olsen. For members of the Executive Committee, additional to the above-named officers of the Conference, and secretaries of departments (numbering, when the treasurer shall have been added, and the secretary of the North American Negro Department, 14); and the presidents of the union conferences (now numbering 21), the following named persons: W. W. Prescott, W. C. White, G. I. Butler, S. N. Haskell, W. C. Sisley, C. H. Jones, H. R. Salisbury. W. J. Fitzgerald: Mr. Chairman, I move that this report be adopted by considering each name separately. The motion was seconded. Secretary [reading]: For president, A. G. Daniells. A. G. Daniells: I have never made a speech when my name has been submitted for action on an occasion like this. I do not know how to make an appropriate speech, but somehow I do feel like saying something. I have given this matter a great deal of serious thought, not only since the Conference has been in session, but for many weeks and months before we came here. I would like to tell you in as few words as possible how I feel about this matter. At the Oakland General Conference, in 1903, I felt quite free as to being re-elected, because I felt that the work we had started out to do in 1901 had not been completed. We had not carried the work of reorganization through as was necessary. Two years was not enough time to inaugurate such great changes. Then, again, a fearful controversy had arisen in our midst. We were then in the very heat of a great crisis, and there was a determination to get rid of men who, it was thought, were responsible for the trouble that was on hand; and somehow I did not feel very much like being gotten rid of in that way, and for that purpose. So I said nothing, and I felt somewhat relieved to continue. But I will confess that I fully expected then that that would be enough, that two years more would complete that work, and then I would pass on to some other field. Four years ago, when the nominating committee talked to me about continuing, I did not raise any great objection, and I did not know but what it was my duty, and so said nothing when the report was15 brought in and action taken. But I fully expected then that four years more would terminate my position in this part of the work, and I took hold with all my might to do all I could to carry on the work of reorganization and to distribute responsibilities, to decentralize as far as possible, and separate this work out over many shoulders, so that I would have done the best I could in the matter; and all the way through the period I have felt in my own mind that this would terminate my stay in this position. I came up to the Conference feeling that way, and though it may not be modest to say so, I do want to say that I have consented in my talk with the brethren, quite reluctantly, to accept the office again. I feel perplexed in my own mind at this moment, and this is why I have ventured to speak about the matter. I have been helped very much by my associates during the eight years that I have been working with them in the General Conference. Their hearty support, and their readiness to share all the burdens, have been so great that I have been relieved and helped in every possible way; and I can say, my dear friends, that this has been eight years of harmony and brotherly love in our General Conference Committee. We have had peace and harmony and confidence, we have had more than respect for one another, and all these eight years there has never been one serious disagreement among us; yet I think we have all been free to express our convictions and assert our individuality as much as we should. So it is not because of any trouble that I have hesitated. I look forward to the next period with anxiety. I know the danger of the human heart; I know the danger of making mistakes, and of serious failure, and I would have been fully as well satisfied, and more so, to have taken another position, or to have gone to another field. Of course, this will be my last term, as far as any of us can reason, and I do sincerely hope that God will keep us and keep me from making any mistakes to mar my record, and to mar my influence, and my work in the cause of God. I do not want to do it, and I want your prayers, and I believe I shall have them. I feel that I have the support and the good will and the earnest prayers of my brethren, and the people. I do not know that I should say more. I feel embarrassed to say so much, but somehow I felt that after eight years, and on the third nomination like this, it would be proper to say a few words in confidence to these delegates. I thank you all for your hearty and friendly association, and your kind co-operation, and I trust that the period we are entering upon will be one of great blessing and great progress in the cause. H. W. Cottrell: If there are no objections, the chair would like to suggest that this name, under the circumstances, be voted on separately. All favoring this part of the report, that Elder Daniells be elected as president of the General Conference, manifest it by the raising of the right hand. [There was a unanimous vote.] Now we will ask all in the congregation to manifest their approval by the same sign. All opposed by the same sign. [There was unanimous approval both by the delegation and the congregation.] The secretary then read the other names, “Question” being called after each one, one correction being made, as follows:— W. T. Bartlett: I move that the report be amended by the insertion of the words “and the superintendents of union missions” as members of the Executive Committee. The motion was duly seconded and carried. O. A. Olsen: I want to just say a word on the third vice-president, for the Asiatic district. The question has been asked if Brother Evans has consented to take this place. This has led me to think a word might be in place. This has been in many ways a most remarkable Conference. The world-wide field has been opened before us in a manner that it never has been before, especially so the great Far East. Never before have we had China, Japan, Korea, and India set before us as they have been during this Conference. In the early stages of the work of the nominating committee, we had the name of Elder Evans down for treasurer; for he has served the Conference with great efficiency in this position. We thought, indeed, that it was almost impossible to think of any change; but after that the great East was set before us. When the nominating committee met one day, I think that almost every member was ready to call for the people to speak on this subject. They felt that the great work in the far East, in China and the countries near it, demanded that the strongest man, a man of experience and ability, should be sent to that field to help develop the work. And the people throughout the congregation, and the members of the delegation, first one and then another, would come to me and say, “Evans for the far East; Evans for China.” The conviction was so strong, and the sentiment so general, that we felt certain that we would not dare to stem the current of conviction; and so the matter was taken under advisement. We had conferences with Brother Evans, with the president, and the leading brethren talked the matter over carefully. While it is something of a sacrifice, Brother Evans consented, saying that if it was the mind of the people, he, on his part, would not dissent. So we have felt free, under these circumstances, to bring in this name, and we shall try now to secure a treasurer for the General Conference to suggest to you. We realize that it is an important position, and we realize that we are taking a strong man to the far East; but, brethren, we feel that for the next few years the great bulk of our mission funds that we shall send abroad must go to that field, and we believe it will be a source of great confidence to our people in supplying funds to know that we have a strong, experienced, and careful manager of our funds in the East, and that our brethren and sisters will, because of that, support it more freely than they would otherwise do. Question was called on the report, aside from the one item already voted upon, and the report was unanimously adopted. Partial Report of the Committee on Plans
The chairman called for any further reports, and G. Dail read the following further partial report from the committee on plans and finance:— RECOGNITION OF ADVANCED NORMAL DIPLOMAS
28. Resolved, That the diplomas from the advanced normal courses of our union conference training-schools be considered equivalent to first-grade teacher’s certificates, and good for three years following their issuance; and that upon completion of three years of successful teaching out of the first five years following their graduation, the Department of Education of the General Conference shall, upon the recommendation of the school issuing the diploma, grant a seal to the diploma, which shall be valid anywhere in the denomination as a teacher’s certificate, so long as the holder is in good and regular standing in church-membership in this denomination. Whereas, The book “Education” contains truths most vital to the proper understanding and appreciation of educational questions and to the development of our school work; therefore,— 29. Resolved, That we most earnestly urge our people everywhere not only to possess themselves of, and to study, this book, but to dispose of it to educators and parents not of our faith, as a means of interesting them in our educational work, and so in our cause of truth. “CHRIST’S OBJECT LESSONS”
Whereas, “Christ’s Object Lessons” was given for the relieving of our schools from indebtedness; and,— Whereas, It has already accomplished a great work in this direction to the extent of securing some three hundred thousand dollars; and,— Whereas, It has been some seven or eight years since we conducted a general campaign with this book; therefore,— 30. Resolved, That the Department of Education be instructed to organize and vigorously prosecute such a campaign, similar in purpose and plan to that formerly undertaken for our advanced and intermediate schools, and that we urge our conference committees everywhere to heartily co-operate in this undertaking. The chairman stated that the partial report would be printed. Meeting adjourned, with benediction by R. S. Owen.