The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-07-14

thanks to the Capital City of Washington
for its welcome to those mainly concerned
in the comfort of the endeavorers. The
trustees were gratifed during the morning
by the reception of a signed statement
bearing the names of nearly every State
Union of Christian Endeavor societies,
approving their administrations of the
affairs Of the society and indorsiDg their
system OF government.
This statement was called forth by an
agitation started in some parts of the
West and continued there for several
years, seeking to effect change in the
management of the societies. No criticism
has been directed against officers or trus-
tees by the agitators. The aim was to
secure representative form of govern
ment in the society. At present all power
over the affairs of the society is vested in
the board of trustees and its officers and
the board is self perpetuating. Some OF
the Western Endeavorers want to change
this system so that vacancies in the board
should be filled by election either in the
conventions or by the local unions.
Opposition to this proposed change
found expression to-day in this formal
statement, which bears the signatures OF
twenty eight State union presidents, and
the expression is so emphatic that the
agitation for a change OF system Is not
| likely to be heard from again, for some
| time.
The statement was based upon q con-
ference between the trustees and presi-
dents of the State and provincial unions.
1t recites that the signers are convinced,
''that, generally speaking, the conduct OF
| the Christian Endeavor affairs has been
wise and in obedience to manifest provi-
Dental leadings. The movement has been
signaIly blessed in the self-sacrifice and
devotion OF those, who under God, origi-
mated and have so faithfully served it as
officers and trustees of the united society.
It declares that the officers and trustees
have not assumed legislative functions oil
controlled the Christian Endeavor move
ment, except to direct into channels o.
large development and usefulness. While
they have been a conserving influence
they have been of open mind and WILLING
spirit, seeking only the best interest of the
/ cause.
The statement further says the Chris
tian Endeavor is not an institution
but movement. The very simplicity O
| It's OrganlZatlOn, It's freedom from ma
chinery, combined with high character
sober Judgment and willingness to gaiI
| light from every rightful source on tn,
part of the officers and trustees, have done
much TO lift it to its present high position
of influence.
It indorses the recent councils of tn,
trustees of the united societies and presi
dent OF State and provincial unions as
wise step in the progress of the move
ment, and recommends that such council
be made permanent feature In connec
ton with succeeding international con
ventions.
This statement bears the following sigma
lures of State presidents, among other
being: Robert T. Caskey. Utah, T. P. Bar
Der, Colorado; A. F. McGregor, Oregon
Harry o. Scott, Nebraska.
Eight meetings in tents and churche
closed the proceedings of the convention
tonight, in which speeches were made b.
prominent Endeavorers, among others
Rev. Drs. B. Fay Mills, ]. WILDER Chap
/, man of Philadelphia and ]. L. Vance c
Tennessee.
After brief conservation service at eacI
meeting the convention adjourned with
out day