The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-04-18

ers to their duty, not to let matters
which are not so imperative interfere
with the discharge of their indebted
ness. And it was further proposed that
copy Of the statement be given to
every future applicant, and that he be
required to certify that he has read it
and approves Of it before receiving the
loan.
The Chairman Of the Committee was
requested to prepare such a statement
for the approval Of the Board, and pro-
visional form was submitted. This was
recommitted, as we'll as the matter of the
collection of unpaid loans, the latter
with instructions.
The Committee of Fellowship reported
the grant of Letter of License for one
year to Prof. Richard M. Smith, of Bethel
Academy. Va. Formerly of the Meth
odist Episcopal Church, Prof. Smith has
become fully receptive of the Univer-
salist Interpretation of the Gospel and
has in view the work of our ministry,
on completion of his present teaching
engagement
The Committee of Finance reported
bills approved, and loans authorized.
The Committee on Missions reported
appropriations of s4,2S7 for the use of
the Mission in japan for the year ending
February l, 1897, exclusive of salaries to
be applied at the discretion of the Mis-
sionary Board in japan, such use to be
reported monthly, as heretofore.
The Committee of Ways and Means
reported bills for expenses and supplies
of the Financial Secretary's office, to-
gether with the report of that officer for
February, and supplementary paper.
In the letter the Financial Secretary re-
counted the work of the month-his per-
sonal labors and those of his Office, in in.
creasing the pledges for the japan Mis-
sion and those of Cent-a-Day. and OBJ
tanning promises of quotas at Easter, as
we'll as OF those just noted. He set forth
some of the difficulties attending the
working Of the Cent Day plan. AS a
rule, the Secretaries Of State Conven.
tions, and other officers of such bodies
do not regard the new method with ia
vor. Some, .. in their earnestness OF
desire to obtain money for the State
Conventions, paid directly to themselves
-. quite overlook or ignore the right
full demands of the General Convention,
and "the appeals Of the General body re-
ceive but small consideration.
I'VE do not get before the people un-
der the same favorable circumstances ae
do those who represent the State bod
ies." One pastor reported an increased
State quota. and inability to make any
contribution to the General Convention.
Another reports the pre-emption of Eas-
ter for raising the State quota, and the
consequent postponement Of the Gener-
al Convention contribution. Many pas
tors decline to further the Cent Day
plan for various assigned reasons.
The Financial Secretary still has "con-
fidence in it as successful plan for se-
curing contributions for the Conven-
tions." Other pastors have approved and
tried the plan with success, while a
number of prominent laymen have ex-
pressed hope that it may be continued.
1t was voted that the Financial Sec.
retary be instructed to visit. either in
xo1reaY, ~. hx raDrasap<o five fb q ea,e;ons
of the various State Conventions and
Conferences during the coming months,
and that he include in his personal tour
such churches and individuals as he
deems wise. having in view the estab-
lishment Of cordial relations between the
Convention and it's constituency. and
the gathering of special contributions;
and that his travelling expenses be paid
by the Convention.
| The Secretary and Treasurer pre-.
sented abstracts Of their accounts, in
substance, from October l, to March L
and these were referred to the Auditing
| Committee.
The Financial Status of the Conven.
ton was considered in some detail. II
was found that the indebtedness of the
Convention had enlarged during the
five months. Pledges both for Missions
and Scholarships had been made with
some reliance upon the financial sue
cess of the methods approved by the
Convention. These had not improved in
productiveness, and consequently the
Trustees had been disappointed. The
Financial Secretary expected better re
turns in the months to come. While
the consideration of the financial condi
tions did not produce specific action ir
form. its influence became manifest at 6
later stage Of the meeting.
Mr.. W. S. Mace, of Pennsylvania
having declined appointment as Secre
tary of the Central District Conference
Rev. r. 7. Polk, of the same State, was
appointed in his stead.
1t was voted to call Conferences in tn,
South and on the Pacific Coast; ant
Rev. W. H. McGlaufiin, of Tennessee
Rev. Q. H. Shinn, General Missionary
and Rev. j. G. Burruss, of Alabama
were appointed the Committee for the
Southern District, with power to add tC
their number two laymen, and Rev. A
M. Bradley, Rev. E. L. Conger, DID, ano