The Chair: We are now entering upon the last days of this Conference. Much important work is yet to be done. I trust that we may have the special blessing of God and the guidance of his Spirit, so that every move that is made may be the right one, and that be directed of the Lord. Considerable business has been reported that has not yet been acted upon. Here is a partial report of the Committee on Finance, which has been distributed in printed form. What will you do with this partial report of the Finance Committee that has been passed out in these slips?GCB April 22, 1901, page 385.22

M. C. Wilcox: I move that the report be adopted.GCB April 22, 1901, page 385.23

Delegate: I second the motion.GCB April 22, 1901, page 385.24

The Chair: It has been moved and seconded that the report of the Committee of Finance be adopted.GCB April 22, 1901, page 385.25

The Chair: The Secretary will read the first item of this report.GCB April 22, 1901, page 385.26

The Secretary [reading]: “Your Committee on Finance respectfully beg leave to submit the following partial report:—GCB April 22, 1901, page 385.27

“6. We recommend, That a most vigorous effort be made by our brethren and sisters, our local and Union Conferences, to push the relief of our schools and the Scandinavian Publishing House to a successful issue; that we endeavor to complete this work quickly and that no other general movements of the kind be inaugurated until those now under way are completed, unless urgent necessity demand otherwise.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 385.28

The Chair: Are there any remarks?GCB April 22, 1901, page 385.29

The Secretary [reading]: “7. We recommend, That all proceeds from the sales of the German editions of ‘Christ’s the Danish-Norwegian language, in the United States, and in Norway, be used for the relief of the Scandinavian Publishing House, and that the proceeds from the sales of the same in Denmark be used for the relief of the Frederikshavn School.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 385.30

The question was called.GCB April 22, 1901, page 385.31

The Chair: I would like to take the privilege of raising a question as to whether the committee have considered that there are educational interests in Norway to be cared for by sales in Denmark, or should they be left out entirely. It seems to me that Norway should receive some consideration.GCB April 22, 1901, page 385.32

P. T. Magan: I do not think that the committee considered that at all. It would be perfectly proper to do that here.GCB April 22, 1901, page 385.33

The Chair: It seems to me that Norway and Denmark should be placed on the same footing on that matter. Will it be proper to refer it back to the committee, or will you make some change here?GCB April 22, 1901, page 385.34

P. T. Magan: I am sure that the Committee are perfectly willing that this matter go whichever way will be best for the best interests of the cause. This whole matter of giving the proceeds from editions of this book to foreign fields, sprang from the advice of Sister White when she wrote to us last summer, asking that we print the book in the Scandinavian languages for the benefit of the publishing house inGCB April 22, 1901, page 385.35

Christiana. The matter has been enlarged upon little by little. I am sure I do not know what her mind would be upon this matter. She made the special request that the results go to the publishing house. Yet I know she has a kindly feeling toward the schools over there. It might be best to divide this fund, and send a part of it to the school, and a part of it to the publishing house.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.1

The Chair: I would only have this remark to make. Let all the proceeds from that in this country go to the designated place. But as you have permitted what are sold in Denmark to go to the school there, so the proceeds of what are sold in Norway ought to go to the educational work there.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.2

P. T. Magan: To get the matter before us, I move that the article be amended to read that way.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.3

Voices: I second the motion.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.4

The question was called, and carried unanimously.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.5

A. E. Place: Will you please read the motion, as a mended?GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.6

The Chair: The change is only this. That Norway be placed on the same footing as Denmark; that the proceeds from the book in the Danish-Norwegian language in this country go to aid the Scandinavian publishing house, and that the amount received from the edition sold in Norway go to aid the educational work there.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.7

S. H. Lane: Is it not a fact that if they themselves take hold to relieve this institution, they will take more interest in it? It seems to me it would give them an education. They ought to feel some responsibility to save the publishing house.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.8

The Chair: They are doing their utmost.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.9

It was moved and supported that this item be referred back to the committee. Unanimously carried.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.10

The Secretary [reading]: “9. We recommend that the proceeds from the sale of ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ in the Swedish language, both in the United States and in Sweden, be devoted to the support of the Nyhyttan school in Sweden.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.11

Question was called.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.12

The Secretary [reading]: “10. We recommend that all the bills for material for ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ in all languages in the United States be met from the fifty Thousand Dollar Relief of the Schools Fund, which should be increased to meet the added cost of type-setting, plate-making, and advertising in the foreign languages.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.13

F. D. Starr: About how much has been contributed to this fund?GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.14

P. T. Magan: Somewhere in the neighborhood of sixteen or seventeen thousand dollars, I think. I have not the exact figures here.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.15

F. D. Starr: How did this compare with what has been raised to pay off the indebtedness?GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.16

P. T. Magan: I will say that about seventy thousand books, or perhaps eighty thousand, have been printed. Somewhere in the neighborhood of seventy thousand books have left the publishing houses, and you must bear in mind that this has not only had to pay for mailing, but it has had to pay for the illustrations, for the type-setting and for the plate-making, and all these make no small item. It costs us thousands of dollars to get out the plates for these books. You must remember that there is to be a set of German plates for this country and a set of German plates for across the water; a set of Danish-Norwegian plates for this country and another set for across the water. We have also two sets of plates at the Pacific Press, two at the Review and Herald, one set has been sent to London, and another to Australia, so that all the heavy initial expense thus far, together with some $1,900 worth of illustrations and original blocks, had to be met out of this fund. Does this answer your question?GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.17

The question was called.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.18

The Secretary [reading]: “11. We recommend that each Union Conference be requested to raise a sufficient amount of money to cover the cost of the material in ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ shipped into its territory.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.19

A. G. Haughey: In case there are two schools represented in a Union Conference, should that territorial line be settled by the Union Conference, or by the General Conference?GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.20

The Chair: Will the chairman of the committee please explain?GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.21

I. H. Evans: That is a matter we did not discuss; but I would suppose it would be settled by the Union Conference. We have not taken territorial lines into consideration, outside of districts. I suppose you would have to settle that among yourselves.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.22

The question was called.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.23

The Secretary [reading]: “We recommend that the Fifty Thousand Dollar Fund be raised by the following methods:—GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.24

“(a) Appeals to the people at our camp-meetings for cash donations and pledges.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.25

“(b) Appeals through the columns of the Review and Herald.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.26

“(c) Letters and circulars from the office of the Relief of the Schools Secretary, asking for offerings for this fund.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.27

The Chair: The paragraph is before you.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.28

Question was called.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.29

The Secretary [reading]: “13. We recommend that our ministers, licentiates, and Bible workers, one and all, with as little exception as possible, engage in an organized and vigorous effort, under the supervision of the various local Conference Committees, to sell ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ themselves; and to train, organize, and assist our brethren and sisters all over the field to do the same. That this effort begin not later than October 1, 1901, and continue until February 28, 1902. That if the whole three hundred thousand copies of ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ comprising the original gift of Mrs. E. G. White and the Review and Herald and Pacific Press Publishing Companies be not sold by that time, that similar plans and a similar program be followed out each year until this grand work is gloriously completed. That if the dates set for this work should, for any good and substantial reason, not be the most advantageous in certain Conferences, that another period of equal length be chosen in which to do the work.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.30

The Chair: Now this paragraph is before you. Are there any remarks?GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.31

The question was called.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.32

P. T. Magan: I am glad that there seems to be such unanimity in regard to this recommendation. I was quite afraid there might not be; but I feel, brethren, that we all want to understand exactly what we are doing before we pass this. This resolution involves a great deal; but to a great extent it will involve just the spirit and life and heart that we men who are here put into it. We have enormous debts to raise; they aggregated $330,000 on the different schools when we commenced; and it is going to take no half-hearted movement in order to accomplish this whole thing. We must remember that only the easiest part of this work is over. There was many a brother and sister who was willing to take two, three, four, or five copies, and give them away to their friends; but it will mean downright, hard, organized work if we carry this thing through to a successful finish.GCB April 22, 1901, page 386.33

I believe that some of our Conferences have not fully realized how much hard work it is going to take. I know of one case where about two weeks was set aside by a Conference in which to make a grand rush on this thing, and do up their whole share of it. You can hardly get a decent start in two weeks. You can hardly get yourself around into shape to go to work in that length of time. I believe we must lay ourselves out for hard, definite, organized work if we are going to do this thing. If there is one thing which will discourage our people, it will be an attempt to do this, and then let it peter out without accomplishing the thing as we have set out to do. I know of one Conference that was divided into districts, as a great many of our Conferences have been, and men were put in there to do this work. Some of these men after they had been there, one, two or three weeks wanted to leave this work and do something else. They were allowed by the Conference officers to go off, so that the movement hardly amounted to anything there. I believe we want to understand exactly what we are doing, and and if we vote to do this thing, which means a big movement, a movement full of hard work, that we vote it, knowing exactly what it will mean. I do not want to see it pass, unless we are all definitely in favor of it, and believe that this is the thing we want to do.GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.1

The Chair: Any further remarks?GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.2

E. E. Miles: Suppose a Conference takes hold of this work vigorously, and sells, in a short time, the portion that naturally falls to it. Will that Conference then be expected to continue making up, or helping to do, the work of other Conferences that do not take hold of it, to do the same work in the same length of time?GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.3

P. T. Magan: We have worked upon this plan. There are only 300,000 books offered in this way. The school that takes hold and sells them, has a right to the product of their sales; and Sister White has said repeatedly that if any school sold more than its share, they had a right to take that money to provide themselves with further facilities, or to push forward the school work in their territory. Now it is simply a case of getting in and doing something. If the South Lancaster District sells a whole lot of books, and sells them quickly, and then has men who have heart and courage to go on and sell some more, they have a right to that money for themselves, or for whatever purpose they may wish to use it.GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.4

E. E. Miles: I had reference to Union Conferences. Some of the Union Conferences in our district have already done a considerable portion of the work, while others have only begun. Are those who are going ahead, expected to continue?GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.5

W. C. White: “To one he gave five talents, and he traded with these, and gained other five.” The Conference that has the talent of energy and progressive men, will gain many talents by the use of these. It is my conviction that there are very few of us engaged in the ministry, whose accomplishments would be lessened by spending from two to three months of each year in house-to-house work among the people upon this, or a similar plan of labor. It is my conviction that as we proceed with our labors, our minds are drawn more and more to congregational work, and we are drawn away from the house-to-house work. In the districts where we are operating, there are families that we know not; and if we should call a halt in our general plans, and devote from two to three months in the autumn or the beginning of the winter of each year to the house-to-house work, we should form acquaintances, we should plant seeds of truth, and start in operation lines of thought, that would strengthen our work more than to have spent that time in continuous congregational work. It is my conviction that this matter, viewed from the standpoint of the individual worker, will strengthen his labors for the year, rather than weaken it. I think it is from this standpoint that I should vote in favor of this resolution, more than from the standpoint of the financial gains to our schools through the returns which shall be brought from the sale of these books.GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.6

The Chair: Are there any further remarks?GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.7

The question was called.GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.8

H. H. Burkholder: “I would like to ask a question. In No. 13 we recommend that our ministers, licentiates, and Bible workers, one and all, with as little exception as possible.” I see here that the teachers of the schools have not been included. It seems to me that they ought also to be recommended or invited during their vacation, also heartily to join in this work.GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.9

P. T. Magan: Mr. Chairman, that has already passed the house.GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.10

The question was called.GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.11

The Secretary [reading]: “14. That in each Conference this work be given into the hands of a proper person who shall supervise and direct the same, in counsel with his Conference Committee.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.12

The question was called.GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.13

The Secretary [reading]: “15. We recommend that the General Conference Committee be, and hereby is, requested by this Conference to constitute a Relief Department, consisting of three members, whose duty it shall be to cooperate with the Union and Local Conferences in the work for the relief of our institutions above named.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.14

The question was called on No. 15.GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.15

The Secretary [reading]: “16. We recommend that we unite with the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association in the raising of a fund with which to provide the necessary buildings for the American Medical Missionary College.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.16

The question was called on No. 16.GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.17

The Chair: Are you ready for the adoption of the report now as read?GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.18

S. H. Lane: It seems to me that the Committee called for in No. 15 should be five instead of three. Those of us who have been on the committee thus far know that we have had a task on our hands to get things going as well as they are. That has reference only to one object, that of selling “Christ’s Object Lessons.” When other matters are brought up, perhaps more than one at a time, there should be, in my opinion, a committee of five instead of three. Five men can study the question better than three. I move the committee be increased to five.GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.19

W. C. White: I second the motion.GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.20

The Chair: It has been moved and seconded that the committee provided for in No. 15 be increased to five. Are you ready for the question? All in favor of this say aye. Opposed, No. Carried.GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.21

The question upon the full report was then called, and carried unanimously.GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.22

The Chair: What is the further pleasure of the Conference? We will take up the recommendations found on page 355 of the BULLETIN. What will you do with this partial report of the Committee on the Distribution of Laborers, beginning with No. 38?GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.23

The Chair: It is moved and seconded that the report be adopted. The Secretary will read the names.GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.24

Nos. 38 to 63, inclusive of the report referred to, were here read by the Secretary, the question being called on each item as read.GCB April 22, 1901, page 387.25

The Chair: I understand that Nos. 64 and 65 have been requested to be withdrawn for a time.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.1

The Secretary then read Nos. 66 to 69 inclusive, the question being called on each as read.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.2

The Chair: You have heard these recommendations. Are you prepared to vote on them?GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.3

J. C. Ottosen: I would like to say a word in regard to Recommendation No. 39, that O. A. Olsen go to South Africa. I want you to understand that it means a great deal for the Scandinavian field to let him go, and I should not feel satisfied at all to consent to this, or to vote for it unless something is done for Scandinavia. I do not know what can be done that will make up for the loss. I do not see how it can be arranged, but I wish that something may be done to make up for the loss that Scandinavia must suffer should he go away.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.4

R. A. Underwood: I would like to raise a question for information concerning Recommendation No. 39. We have had an appeal made here for some one to go to South Africa to take the general management of matters. Is that the design of this recommendation of Elder Olsen’s going into that field, or is it to go there to work in the gospel ministry, devoting his time fully to that?GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.5

The Chair: Maybe the chairman of the Committee on Distribution of Laborers is prepared to speak on this.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.6

W. C. White: Brother Evans consents to my answering this question. It is the design of our brethren who understand the African field, to encourage our brethren to open up the work in various colonies and States and countries there. Heretofore there has been some question regarding the mission work. Shall it be done by the South African Conference? or shall it be done by the Mission Board? It is proposed by our brethren, that several strong missions be organized, and that we place active, faithful men of experience in charge of each of these missions. Then, that there shall be organized for the whole South African field a missionary council made up of two or three members from the South African Conference, and from one to two members from each of these missions. This missionary council will be given charge of the work in Africa. You may call it a provisional government, to prepare the way for a permanent Conference. I think it is contemplated—at least, it is so in my mind,—that the sending of Elder Olsen to South Africa means that we expect him to stand as the chairman of that council. In that position he will have especial care for some of the perplexing questions that have to be dealt with in Cape Colony, and will labor as the Lord may direct, in harmony with the counsels of his brethren in South Africa, who are sharing with him the responsibilities of that great field. I do not think we do well in specifying too closely what men shall do. You will notice that when recommending our men who go to Australia we do not assign them to definite colonies, but recommend them to go to Australia, expecting that the Union Conference there, meeting in council and in prayer upon the ground, would decide what is best for each individual to do, and what he should do first. We believe that the Lord will bless all similar plans with reference to South Africa. Therefore the proposition to constitute the council which I have mentioned.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.7

F. I. Richardson: I call attention to No. 55, recommending that J. B. Beckner and wife go to St. Kitts. I understand that there is a change contemplated. If there is no objection, I would ask that action be deferred on this.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.8

I. H. Evans: I would grant the request.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.9

The Chair: I would state, with reference to the remarks by Dr. Ottosen, that this matter of supplying Scandinavia has been before the General Conference Committee, and also the Committee on Distribution of Labor. Otherwise I should not have felt free to let the recommendation pass; but knowing they have it in mind to make provision for the field, I have nothing more to say.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.10

W. A. Spicer: I would like to ask that No. 41 be referred back to the Committee for further consultation.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.11

The Chair: It is requested that Nos. 41, 55, 64, and 65 be referred back to the committee for further consideration. If there is no objection, this will be done. Are you now prepared to vote on the remainder of the report?GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.12

J. C. Ottosen: I would like to request that No. 39 be withdrawn until recommendations from the Committee on Distribution of Labor concerning Scandinavia comes before the house.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.13

I. H. Evans: I would say that in the report we desire to submit at this meeting, we have made provision for that.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.14

The question on the adoption of the report, as amended, was called and carried.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.15

The Chair: What is the further pleasure of the Conference?GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.16

The Secretary: Brother Chairman, on that same page is the request that came from our German brethren.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.17

The Chair: Yes, what will you do with this request?GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.18

F. H. Westphal: I move that the request of the German brethren be adopted.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.19

Delegate: I second the motion.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.20

The Chair: Moved and seconded that this report be adopted. We will now consider the first paragraph. The Secretary will read.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.21

The Secretary [reading]: “For the purpose of advancing the present truth among the millions of Germans in this large land of America, we, as the representatives of the German work assembled at this Conference, desire that plans be laid by which more vigorous and harmonious efforts be put forth, so that more effective results among our people may be reached.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.22

“For this purpose, we desire,—GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.23

“1. That in each Union Conference, as far as practical, one man be appointed or elected whose duty shall be (a) to take the oversight of the German work in such Union Conference; (b) to look up and encourage proper persons to enter the German canvassing work and other branches in the cause of God generally.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.24

The Chair: Any remarks on this paragraph?GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.25

F. H. Westphal: I would like to make a remark on the pronoun “we.” It does not refer to those that have signed these recommendations; for these were passed by all the Germans assembled together. This recommendation was presented before them, and they voted in favor of it. So that the pronoun “we” does not refer simply to the three persons that have signed their names. They were chosen as a committee to draw up these resolutions. It refers to all the Germans here represented.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.26

The Chair: Very well. Any other remarks? Next.GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.27

The Secretary [reading]:—“2. Such persons shall counsel and act together with the various Conferences or Mission Field Committees.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.28

There being no remarks to this, No. 3 was read: “3. We further recommend that such persons be allowed to meet together at least once a year for counsel.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.29

No remarks were made to this, and the next was read, as follows: “4. It is further recommended that such duly elected or appointed persons, and the editor of the German paper, constitute a committee, which shall meet with the General Conference Committee, as circumstances may demand, for the purpose of planning for the German work.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 388.30

The Chair: Any remarks on this?GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.1

C. McReynolds: I would like a little explanation to No. 3. The question I wish to have explained is, Who was referred to by “we” in that paragraph?GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.2

The Chair: I suppose it is the same body that had this memorial prepared,- the German representatives here at the General Conference.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.3

F. H. Westphal: That is right.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.4

C. McReynolds: Further, who are the representatives here? Are they delegates? Or what shall be the basis of this council required to be convened once a year? What shall be the basis of representation?GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.5

F. H. Westphal: I understand that we have Union Conferences, and in each Conference a person will be appointed by the Union Conference to take a general oversight of the German work in this Union Conference, and that such persons from the different Union Conferences constitute a committee, to consult together in regard to the best plans for advancing the work among the German people.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.6

H. M. J. Richards: It appears to me that there is a little danger in this resolution or recommendation of violating the principle that we have been called to stand by, of unity of work. It seems to me, as I look at it, that in this resolution it is merely a provision for the formation of a Conference within a Conference, or a separate German Conference, and I would like to move that this be referred to the Committee on Organization.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.7

Delegates: Question! Question!GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.8

The Chair: The question is called. It has been moved and seconded,-do you mean the whole report?GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.9

H. Shultz: Is it too late to say a word on the subject?GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.10

The Chair: No, sir.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.11

H. Shultz: I was in another committee when these recommendations were drawn, but if I understood the speaker, it is suggested that this means a separate organization of Germans, a Conference within a Conference. It is no such thing: neither did such a thing come into our minds. The simple idea is that there be an individual in each Union Conference who has a heart in that work and an interest to see the work move, to take the oversight, in connection with the officers of that Conference,—not to organize a Conference within a Conference. We have at this meeting, as at all other places, tried to keep that spirit of separate organization out of the way entirely, and this does not aim at such a thing. The simple idea is that some one who has a heart for the Germans,—and there is no one that has a heart for the Germans more than a German himself,—be appointed in each Conference to push that work. If such a person does not, I can not tell who will.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.12

The Chair: I think that this Memorial and these resolutions are in place. They have been before the Committee on Organization, and are approved by them, and I believe the right measure is being taken. Will the mover of the motion to refer, withdraw his motion?GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.13

H. M. J. Richards: Yes.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.14

L. Johnson: I will say that the Scandinavians are anxiously waiting to see how we regard this memorial, and if it is accepted, you can expect something similar from them.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.15

Delegates: Question!GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.16

The question on the adoption of this memorial and these recommendations was called, and carried unanimously.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.17

The Chair: What is the further pleasure of the Conference?GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.18

J. M. Erickson: I move that the same principles that have been accepted regarding the German work be also applied to the Scandinavian work throughout the Union Conferences.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.19

L. Johnson: I second the motion.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.20

This motion was carried.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.21

L. C. Sheafe: I move that this same plan be inaugurated for the colored people.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.22

H. W. Cottrell: I second the motion.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.23

L. Johnson: I second the motion.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.24

The Chair: Is it not a fact that the Southern Union Conference is especially organized with that work in view?GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.25

L. C. Sheafe: As I understand it, the colored man comes in incidentally in the Southern Union Conference. I am also thinking of the numbers of my people who are scattered all over the North, in the Eastern, Central, and Western States, for whom very little is being done. It seems to me that some measures along that line ought to be taken.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.26

S. H. Lane: I do not know but you will call me to order for saying what I am going to say; but I will state that I remember when the first Sabbath-keeper who could speak a language other than the English, came to Battle Creek. I remember that a meeting was called, and that individual stood up by an Englishman, and the Lord’s prayer was repeated in the English, and in the language represented by the brother. When the Lord’s prayer was thus uttered, we all said “amen.” Brethren, I believe if those old people, most of whom are sleeping in the tomb to-day, who were active in our work when I was a mere boy, could see what I have seen to-day, they would say “amen.” I am glad to see this day come. I am glad the German brethren have come to the front. This message is to go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, and I do not believe that one nation should keep the other people back. So I say, The Lord be praised! Let them come to the front.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.27

W. C. White: By reading this Memorial through, and having in mind its bearings in relation to the work mentioned by Brother Sheafe, I am impressed by the thought that this needs a little more study to be as well adapted to that work, and therefore I would suggest that there be a consultation between the brethren representing the Southern Union Conference, the brethren especially representing the colored work throughout the field, and the Committee on Organization, to see if we can agree upon a plan which will, when presented, be in a way suited to the work which it is designed to do.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.28

L. C. Sheafe: The colored people, not simply because they are colored, but because they are ostracized, need help and aid, that this truth may be brought to them. The great inquiry everywhere as I meet my people in different parts of the country, is, as to what body I am connected with, and whether it is a mixed body. I tell them there are all kinds of nationalities together. They then ask what treatment and representation we are accorded. These questions come, and it seems to me if an effort could be made along this line, so our people could see some of their own men who accepted the truth being own men who accepted the the work; and if lines were marked out where they could work with freedom, that they might do the work, I believe the work would wonderfully advance, and more would be coming into the truth.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.29

The Chair: Would Brother Sheafe accept the suggestion of Brother White?GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.30

L. C. Sheafe: I am willing to withdraw my motion, that this suggestion may be carried out.GCB April 22, 1901, page 389.31

J. H. Morrison: I move that we embody the sentiment expressed by BrotherGCB April 22, 1901, page 389.32

White into a motion, referring this whole matter to the persons suggested.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.1

The motion was seconded.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.2

The Chair: It is moved and seconded that representatives from the Southern Union Conference, with representatives of our colored people and the Committee on Organization, devise some plan by which this work can receive its proper attention.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.3

The motion was carried.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.4

The Chair: I think we have finished all the business on hand. Are there reports of Committees to present?GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.5

I. H. Evans: The Committee on Distribution of Laborers has a further report to make.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.6

J. E. Jayne [reading]: “The Committee on Distribution of Laborers suggest the following additional recommendations:—GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.7

“70. That J. W. Westphal and wife, of Kansas, be invited to take the general superintendency of the work in South America.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.8

“71. That W. C. Sisley and wife, of Battle Creek, Mich., be invited to go to London, Brother Sisley to act as President of the International Tract Society, Ltd., and assist in the general business affairs of the European Union Conference; and Sister Sisley as a Secretary in tract and missionary work.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.9

“72. That I. H. Evans be encouraged to connect with the business management of the Review and Herald Publishing Company.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.10

“73. That E. R. Palmer, of Australia, be requested to proceed to England to take charge of the subscription book business as soon as the Relief of the Schools plan for Avondale School shall have been successfully started in Australia, and the Australasian Union Conference feel free to let him go.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.11

“74. That John W. Covert, of Kansas, be invited to make Michigan his field of labor.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.12

“75. That W. D. McLay, of Illinois, be invited to make Kansas his field of labor.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.13

“76. That Ollie Oberholtzer, of Kansas, be invited to labor in Arkansas in the Bible work.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.14

“77. That Jacob Kraft, of Colorado, be invited to make Iowa his field of labor, in the German work.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.15

“78. That M. G. Huffman, of Louisiana, be invited to make Illinois his field of labor.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.16

“79. That C. A. Watkins, of Michigan, be invited to labor in the Southern Union Conference.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.17

“80. That M. W. Lewis, of Georgia, be invited to labor in the Michigan Conference.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.18

“81. That Elmer H. Adams, of Iowa, be invited to labor in Newfoundland in connection with H. J. Farman.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.19

The Chair: Is there any further business to come before us?GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.20

L. R. Conradi: I have a Memorial to present, as follows:—“MEMORIAL TO THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.21

“GREETING! We, as representatives of the European field, would present the following Memorial:-GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.22

“No other division of the world exerts such universal influence as Europe. Though it covers only one fourteenth of the earth’s surface, yet its population constitutes fully one fourth of the entire human family, and this one fourth rules one half of mankind, scattered all over the globe. Here for the last twenty centuries the most important events of the world’s history have taken place; here the greatest powers are still located; here the world’s commerce still centers. In view of this, it was but natural that our first missionary effort should be directed to this field, and the favorable results attained are the best evidence that the Lord has been guiding. Already seven thousand members in Europe rejoice in the truth, and support the work as liberally as do any other believers. They are scattered all over Europe, and live in the adjoining parts of Asia and Africa, among scores of governments, differing in language, administration, money, etc. This vast field, with 400,000,000 souls, surely calls, in view of this great diversity, for a broad organization in accordance with the actual needs of the entire field and the prospective increasing demands of the near future. While the past has taught the impracticability of uniting all the different Conferences into one Union Conference, yet there is a basis of union among a number of them, and then these Union Conferences can unite into one general European Union Conference.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.23

“Thus in the North, a Scandinavian Union Conference could be formed; in Central and Eastern Europe, a German; in the Northwest a British; in the Southwest a French-Latin, and in the extreme Southeast, an Oriental. A union among each of these five would avoid unnecessary exchange of money, facilitate the transfer of workers, and assure a more detailed attention to the wants of each.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.24

“1. The Scandinavian Union Conference would include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, also Iceland and Greenland. Its territory would cover 500,000 square miles, and embrace 12,500,000 people. There are at present 2,135 Sabbath-keepers, with a tithe of $11,614.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.25

“2. The German-Russian Union Conference would include Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary, Holland, Dutch-Belgium, German-Switzerland, and the Balkan states. Its territory would cover 9,230,000 square miles and 255,000,000 people. There are at present 3,400 Sabbath-keepers, with a tithe of $20,700.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.26

“3. The British field would include Great Britain, with 121,186 square miles and 40,000,000 people. There are at present 862 Sabbath-keepers and a tithe of $10,017,20,GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.27

“The French-Latin field would include France, French-Switzerland, French-Belgium, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Algeria. This field would cover 800,000 square miles and 100,000,000 people. There are at present 424 Sabbath-keepers, with a tithe of $4,700.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.28

“5. The Oriental field would include European Turkey, Greece, Asia Minor. Syria, Persia, Egypt, and the Sudan. This field embraces some 2,000,000 square miles and 55,000,000 people. There are at present 219 Sabbath-keepers with a tithe of $419.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.29

“These five leading fields would form the General European Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.30

“A. G. DANIELLS,
“O. A. OLSEN,
“L. R. CONRADI.
Committee.”

L. R. Conradi: We have also prepared a Constitution and By-Laws for the General European Union Conference, which is as follows:—GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.31

“Constitution

No Authorcode

“ARTICLE 1. NAMES

“This organization shall be known as the General European Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.32

“ARTICLE 2. OBJECT

“The object of this Conference shall be to unify and to extend to all parts of its territory the work of promulgating the everlasting gospel.GCB April 22, 1901, page 390.33

“ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP

“SECTION 1. This General Union Conference shall be composed of (a) such Union Conferences as are or shall be properly organized: (b) such local Conferences as are not embraced in any Union Conference, provided suchGCB April 22, 1901, page 390.34

Conferences shall have been accepted by vote at a session of the General European Union Conference; and (c) such mission fields as have not been organized into Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists in any part of its territory.GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.1

“SEC. 2. The voters of said General Union Conference shall be such duly accredited delegates from the Union Conferences, such members of the General European Union Conference Executive Committee, and such other persons in the employ of the General European Union Conference as shall receive delegates’ credentials from the Executive Committee, as are present at any duly convened regular or special Conference session.GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.2

“SEC. 3. Each Union Conference shall be entitled to one delegate without regard to numbers, an additional delegate for each local Conference embraced in its territory, and an additional delegate for each five hundred of its membership.GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.3

“ARTICLE 4. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

“SECTION 1. The Executive Committee of this Conference shall be nine in number, and shall have power to organize itself by choosing a chairman, secretary, treasurer, and auditor, whose duties shall be such as usually pertain to their respective offices. It shall also have the power to appoint all necessary agents and committees for the conduct of its work.GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.4

“SEC. 2. The Executive Committee shall be elected at the regular sessions of the Conference, and shall hold office for the term of two years, or until their successors are elected, and appear to enter upon their duties.GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.5

“ARTICLE 5. SESSIONS

“SECTION 1. This Conference shall hold a regular session once in two years, at such time and place as the Executive Committee shall designate, by a notice published in the regular European church papers at least eight weeks before the date of the session.GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.6

“SEC. 2. The Executive Committee may call extra sessions, if in their judgment occasion requires, by a like notice; and the transactions of such extra sessions shall have the same force as those of the regular sessions.GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.7

“ARTICLE 6. TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, AND AGENTS

“The voters of this Conference shall, at each regular session, elect the trustees of such corporate bodies as are or may be connected with this organization, according to the State laws governing such corporation; and this Conference shall employ such committees and agents as it may deem necessary, according to the by-laws in such cases made and provided.GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.8

“ARTICLE 7. BY-LAWS

“The voters of this Conference may make by-laws, and amend and repeal them at any session thereof. The scope of such by-laws may embrace any provision not inconsistent with the constitution.GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.9

“ARTICLE 8. AMENDMENTS

“This constitution may be amended by a three-fourths vote of the voters present at any session; provided that if it is proposed to amend the constitution at a special session, notice of the proposed amendments shall be given in the call for such special session.GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.10

“By-Laws

No Authorcode

“ARTICLE 1

“SECTION 1. At each session of the Conference the Executive Committee shall nominate for election the presiding officers of the session.GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.11

“SEC. 2. At each session of the Conference the Executive Committee shall recommend some plan for the appointment of such temporary committees as may be necessary for conducting the business of the Conference.GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.12

“SEC. 3. The Executive Committee shall have full administrative power during the intervals between the sessions of the Conference; it shall also give credentials to, or license, such ministers as may be employed in the General Conference work; and shall fill for the current term any vacancies that may occur in its offices, boards, committees, or agents, by death, resignation, or otherwise: unless some other provision be made by vote of the Conference for filling such vacancies.GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.13

“SEC. 4. At each regular session the Conference shall elect unless otherwise voted, a standing committee of six delegates, who shall, with the chairman of the Executive Committee, and the presidents of the various Union Conferences, constitute a committee for auditing and settling all accounts against the Conference.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.14

The Chair: What is the further pleasure of the Conference?GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.15

R. C. Porter: There is a branch of the work being carried forward which is not directly represented in this General Conference by a delegation, and which I desire to bring to the attention of this body, that we may know what is the pleasure of the body with reference to it. I refer to the work of the Missionary Reading Circle. I read the following recommendation:—GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.16

“We Recommend, That the Missionary Reading Circle be continued, and that plans be laid by the General Conference Committee whereby this work may be more effectively established, and carried forward into all parts of the field.”GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.17

R. C. Porter: I move the adoption of this recommendation.GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.18

Delegate: I second the motion.GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.19

J. O. Corliss: I believe this matter needs encouragement for the reason that it is of the greatest value to the success of our work. We have heard so much here in this meeting of the necessity of our ministers getting away from the churches over which they have been hovering, and getting out into the field where they can do real evangelical work. Should this be carried out, it would leave our churches without the support that they have been having. In order that they may be supplied with what they have supposed they need, it will be necessary for them to study the truth among themselves. I was very much interested the other day when this matter came up before us. Some one said that he could remember when the Review and Herald was such a precious paper. I know that in the early days when meetings were held at the home of old Father Howland in Topsham, Maine. I had the Review and Herald to read. The writers on that paper then were Elders White, Smith, Andrews, and Waggoner. Every time that paper came, we used to read every article in it aloud to the family. It seemed as if it were meat to our very souls. It was that which kept us alive without seeing a minister, for we hardly ever saw one in those days. We considered the Review then almost as precious as the Bible itself, and the very thought of taking a Review and Herald to wrap up a parcel seemed sacrilege to us. We could not bear the thought of doing it. We would almost as soon have torn a leaf from the family Bible, the matter seemed so precious. I believe we ought to have a revival of this spirit among us, that all these precious things coming to us in the Review and Herald, our other papers, and our books and tracts, ought to be cherished as precious matter. But the only way we can ever do this is to establish reading circles wherever they have not been established, and to increase the interest in them where they are in vogue. I pray the time may not be far distant when we shall see such a lively interest in this as we have not yet seen.GCB April 22, 1901, page 391.20

The question was called, and unanimously carried.GCB April 22, 1901, page 392.1

It was moved and seconded to adjourn. Carried unanimously.GCB April 22, 1901, page 392.2

R. M. Kilgore pronounced the benediction.GCB April 22, 1901, page 392.3

O. A. OLSEN, Chairman.
L. A. HOOPES, Secretary.

GENERAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

THE CANVASSING WORK