Our branch carried in stock literature in 25 different languages. Up to this time we have imported 7,293 bound books, 10,615 pamphlets, and 72,575 tracts. We find a steady sale for this class of literature, and believe that this part of our business is only in its infancy, as there are millions of immigrants to whom this message must go.GCB May 19, 1909, page 72.22

In conclusion let me say that our work this year exceeds our work for the corresponding time of last year. That the Lord may continue to add his blessing to it, is our earnest desire.GCB May 19, 1909, page 72.23

The report of the western branch was presented by the manager, J. W. Mace, as follows:—GCB May 19, 1909, page 72.24

Report of the Western Branch of the Review and Herald Publishing Association for Year Ending Dec. 31, 1908GCB May 19, 1909, page 72.25

The 31st of December, 1908, closed the most prosperous period in the three-year history of the western branch of the Review and Herald Publishing Association. General conditions the first part of the year indicated a depression in business, and a consequent loss in all lines, as compared with the records of 1907. We are pleased to state, however, that whatever loss we sustained in the spring was more than made up by the increased business during the summer and a very perceptible gain in the fall and winter months,—a gain far beyond our expectation, and for which, therefore, adequate preparation was not made.GCB May 19, 1909, page 72.26

Throughout the year, from May to December, we had a good number of workers in the field, and all the conferences were exceptionally alive to the importance of fostering the book business. The sale of school-books more than doubled the sales of the preceding year, and the orders for foreign books were very heavy, especially from our northern conferences, which necessitated our carrying a good-sized stock of Danish, Swedish, and German books in addition to our regular English line. Our retail department was also prosperous,—the business for eleven months (omitting December, usually the best business month of the year), showing a gross gain equal to the twelve months of the preceding year.GCB May 19, 1909, page 72.27

Early in October the Review and Herald building was sold, and plans were immediately laid for closing out the retail business, and moving the branch office to South Bend, Ind. As we were not successful in disposing of the retail business as a whole, we announced a cost sale, and disposed of $1,400 worth of retail stock in a few days. The odds and ends left from this sale were shipped to South Bend with the regular wholesale stock. We found it something of a problem to dispose of the accumulation of fifty years, which came to light in attic and cellar, but with some assistance we got everything properly adjusted, and vacated the premises on the first of January, according to our agreement. Two car-loads of stock were shipped to our new location at South Bend, and some excess stock was stored in the Tabernacle basement in Battle Creek, boxed, ready for shipment when needed. No damage was sustained in transit, and very little delay in filling orders for the tract societies was occasioned.GCB May 19, 1909, page 72.28

From our new shipping-point, with its many advantages, and with the excellent corps of workers in the field, and the spirit of progress and earnestness apparent in every conference in our territory, the outlook for 1909 was the brightest and most promising of results that we have ever seen; and we are pleased to state that May, 1909, sees our hopes and expectations of December 31 being realized. We find the book work becoming more and more a department of conference work, rather than a side issue, and hence the best results must necessarily follow.GCB May 19, 1909, page 72.29

The treasurer’s report was next called for, and the financial statement placed on printed slips in the hands of the constituency. From this it appeared that the net gain for 1908 was $19,781.42, and that the present worth of the association, Jan. 1, 1909, was $57,120.31.GCB May 19, 1909, page 72.30

The auditor’s report was presented, certifying to correctness of accounts.GCB May 19, 1909, page 72.31

By motion of Elder E. T. Russell, seconded by H. G. Thurston, the reports of the treasurer and auditor were accepted.GCB May 19, 1909, page 72.32

At this point Elder A. G. Daniells took occasion to refer to the history of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, and to express profound gratitude for the blessing that has attended this institution in its many struggles since leaving Battle Creek, and urged all to uphold it. Elder A. O. Tait suggested that many would remember the time when the old Review and Herald Association was practically the financial backbone of every enterprise that was started in the denomination, and acquiesced in Elder Daniells’ statement that we should give it our hearty support.GCB May 19, 1909, page 72.33

On motion of Elder G. B. Thompson, seconded by Elder W. J. Fitzgerald, the chair appointed two committees, as follows:—GCB May 19, 1909, page 73.1

On Nominations (for the nomination of four members of the board of directors, to take the place of those whose terms of office expire at this time): H. H. Burkholder, chairman; E. W. Farnsworth, W. H. Thurston, Allen Moon, W. C. Sisley.GCB May 19, 1909, page 73.2

On Plans and Resolutions: C. H. Jones, chairman; E. R. Palmer, S. N. Curtiss, D. W. Reavis, L. R. Conradi, I. D. Richardson, R. J. Bryant, J. B. Blosser.GCB May 19, 1909, page 73.3

By motion of Elder R. F. Andrews, seconded by Elder E. T. Russell, this session adjourned to 10:30 A. M., May 24, 1909.GCB May 19, 1909, page 73.4

W. W. PRESCOTT, Chairman,
W. B. WALTERS, Secretary.

SALES

The Sermon - SETTING JUDGMENT IN THE EARTH