The Washington times., 1894-08-12

backs are made, and the Botanical Gardens. .
paradise for botanists and horttculturtsts.
many Of whom are numbered among the
members OF Christian EndeRvor soctsties.
But could not begin to depict the beauties
OF our city in few words. My advice to any
one who has never been hero Is Como 10
Washington in &c.,"
W. II. II. Smith was chairman Of tho pre-
liminary committee of '96, and mado the only
argument In behalf of Washington before tho
board Of trustees. Those gentlemen wero
much pleased with his concise, business.ike
prosontment of tho case. While many OF the
local delegates were fearful lest tho conven-
ton should go to Baltimore. there was never
doubt in his mind as to what the decision of
tho trustees would be In talking over the
prospects for '96 Mr.. Smith said:
TO ESTABLISH INTERNATIONAL C. Z. SOCIETY.
"It will probably be the largest and best con-
vention in the history Of Christian Endeavor.
During the Cleveland convention of 81 there
were two new ideas advanced and set in mo-
ton by the board Of trustees. The first OF
these was n broadened study of the lessons
emanating from and tho value of example in
good Christian citizenship. Tho other idea
was missionary extension, or worldwide
Christian Endeavor. An entire day was
devoted to addresses and open parliaments
on the subject of good citizenship. One Of
the most important and interesting confer
ences of the convention was held in small
yacht on the blue waters of Lake Erie on Sat-
urday afternoon. Here the trustees Of the
United Society and representatives of the sew
eral UNCONVENTIONAL missionary boards met
and discussed the question Of missionary ex-
tension 10 be supported by the thousands OF
Christian Endeavor societies in the United
States and foreign countries. The trustees
favored the idea and publicly expressed their
approval by adopting resolution indorsing
not only the extension plan, but also
looking toward the organization and estab-
lishment of an International Society OF Chris
tian Endeavor. These projects were only
started at Cleveland, and it will probably be
at least two years before they are we'll under
way. When 100, 900 Endeavorers come to
Washington in '96 these two branches Of the
work will receive such an impetus as they
never have had before and may never have at
any future gathering. l think they will un-
doubtedly be the characteristic feature Of the
go convention.
'As to the nature and details Of the pro-
gramme, it is as yet impossible for me to say
anything definite. OF course we will do
everything in our power TO provide the most
pleasing entertainment possible. And that
will not be hard problem to solve, for
Christian Endeavorers are more easily salts
fled in such matters than any other class of
people
NEW ENTERTAINMENT HALLS PROPOSED.
"a suggestion for entertainment was made
at one of the preliminary committee meetings
which is new and novel, yet practicable 1t is
that the committee OF '96 obtain permission
to erect on the circle south of the White House,
four immense halls or tents with a combined
seating capacity of 81. 600 Then 1t was pro-
posed to erect tower or large stand in the
center OF the circle where the Marine Band or
some other musical organization would be
stationed and render Christian Endeavor
songs and national airs. This would be
great treat for the many thousands who will
come. and while it has not been actually de-
cided upon. yet it may be. When the com
mttee OF '96 is formed and get fairly to work,
more extensive plans will be formulated.
Whoever the personnel of that committee may
be, Endeavorers who come to Washington in
'96 may be sure of a good time while they are
among u.s."
Exclusive of the Cleveland committee no
other person contributed more to the success
of the convention of "a than Percy S. Foster
of this city. Every day. morning. afternoon,
and evening. he was either in the hall or tent
standing upon the speakers small platform.
leading the great audiences in Gospel song.
He has received a letter from Secretary Baer
thanking him for services rendered and COM
plimenting him on his successful leadership
Mr.. Foster is enthusiastic over the prospects
for Washington in &c. He said:
RNDEAvoRLRs ONLY TO WEAR BADGES.
''We propose to make this not only the big
gest and best convention that ever has been
held but the finest in every sense. So that at
future conventions the speakers may say
this is the largest convention OF the series,
except Washington '96.' And why should it
not be? Here we have better attractions for
such gathering than any other city and arc
better able to take care of a big crowd. with
all due respect to the Cleveland committee OF
'94 and Endeavorers of the Forest City. We
shall have speakers of world wide reputation,
the best obtainable. and will pay all their
travelling and hotel expenses. We also ex-
pect to perfect the best and most accurate
system OF registration which has yet been es-
tablished. 1t is our purpose to allow only
regular delegates 10 wear official convention
badges and not give them out promiscuously
among the citizens of Washington.
1T will not be necessary for US to organize