The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-06-20
Report of the Standing Committee on
Publication.

Eu0ueaGlon.
The Standing Committee on Publication,
to whom was referred the following papers,
viz the Sixteenth Annual Report of the
Executive Committee of Publication, the Re-
cords of the Committee and books of sub
scription to the cause of Publication, NC; an
overture from the Presbytery Of Bethel;
memorial from certain members of Meeklen-
burg Presbytery; and letter from James
Miller, all relating to the cause Of Publios-
ton. Your Committee have carefully con-
sidered these papers and documents, and
have examined into the present condition Of
the finances of the Committee Of Publication,
and would respectfully report that the books
are in such a condition that it is absolutely
impossible for US to ascertain the exact state
of the case. The following is an approx
mate statement of the assets aud liabilities
as we find them in the minute book.
ASSETS.
Stock on hand. ...... ...... $4,000 90
Bills due COmmlttee......... oVOO w
Store fixtures .......' Z'oVO VO
Stereotype plates. ZZiOOO w
LIABILITIES.
Commercial paper signed e. I. Baird,
Secretary, given for official business. SIC 9lS So
Commercial paper signed E. I. Baird,
Secretary, given for business not Off
cia 7,8l8 81
Commercial paper signed y. 1. Baird,
given for official business. 4 sos a.
Open accounts 9,O9 70
S4s,719 10
The last three items are represented as
losses sustained through E. T. Baird, amount
ing according to the report Of the Committee
to SO, 40S.37. The books have been so
kept that we cannot now ascertain whether
all the above mentioned losses have been
sustained by the general business, or whether
a part of them belongs to the building fund
We are unable to determine the facts in the
case, because part of the money was never
entered upon the Treasurer's books. The
Committee We are informed have already Sc
cured the sum of $4,000 in hand, and 3d.
600 in pledges to repair the loss. Under
the circumstances the Executive Committee
deserve and should receive the hearty thanks
of the Church for their prompt and success
full effort in this matter. Your Committee
would recommend the adoption by the As
sembly of the following resolutions, covering
the points referred to in the memorial aud
overture, as well as those found in the books
and report of the Executive Committee.
l. The Assembly expresses It's sympathy with
the Committee in the embarrassing circumstances
through which it has passed; approves Its action
in maintaining the honor and purity OF our beloved
Church. by offering to pay the liabilities incurred
By the late Secretary, and commends It's fidelity
and zeal in obtaining money to pay these losses.
2 That the Executive Committee be instructed
to carry on the sale as we'll as the publishing OF
books by contract If it De found practicable to et-
feet such contract.
g. That the Committee be instructed to dispose
of the Publishing House as soon as this can be done
without unnecessary sacrifice OF value, unless means
are raised within reasonable time 70 hqnldate the
debt now resting upon it.
4. That the Earnest Worker shall hersaf5er'be
published monthly and devoted exclusively 10 the
exposition Of Scripture lessons and other subiaots
prOmOtive Of Sabbath School work. The Chi
6raa's Friend is commended to the more liberal
patronage Of our Sabbath Schools.
5. The restrictions as 90 the terms on which the
publications of tho Committee are sold arc hereby
removed, and the whole subject LETT 60 the discre-
ton Of the Executive Committee
8. That in the judgment OF the Assembly the
Executive Committee, By introducing the changes
indicated in this report, may prosecute IT'S work
with greatly reduced expenses and accomplish much
good for the Church. We recommend our church
es and ali our people to assist the Committee In its
audable efforts to raise tbe sum of money sufficient
to meet the emergency caused by the losses incur
red and to protect the honor and good name Of the
Church.
7. That this Assembly desires gratefully to &C.
knowledge the kindness of these Northern houses
that have extended their credit to the Executive
Committee Of Publication in its present embarTass
ment.
Rev. Dr. Armstrong offered q resolution
as a substitute for the concluding portion Of
the Committees report, which was adopted
by ~ yeas, p nays; viz:
Resolced, That the Assembly refers the recon-
mendstiOns Of the Executive Committee of Publ
cation, found on page 2S Of their annual report
touching certain regulations for the administration
of the affairs Of Committee, to the said Committee,
and recommend that they be put into effect, so far
as practicable.