The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-05-05
QUADRENNIAL REPORTS.
Statements and Recommendations Of
Committees and Boards.

COmmttfecS anu BOarGs
The commission on federation with the
Methodist Episcopal Church South, in its
report, said: LAS a result of confer
ence the following resolutions were adopt
ed by the commissioners of both churches
in joint session. and are now submitted to
you for adoption, alteration or rejection,
according to the terms upon which the
commission was appointed:
Resolved, That we recommend to the
general conferences of our respective
churches to adopt measures for the joint
administration of our publishing interests
in China and Japan
Respecting joint missionary work In
foreign fields the following was unanimous
ly adopted: Approaching fully the Chris
tan comfy which prevails among our mis-
sions in foreign lands. and having given
careful consideration TO the principle and
desirability of cooperative administration
as means for lessening the expenditure
OF funds I'm prosecution of the work, We
therefore, without further attempting to
formulate any plans for such cooperation.
commend the subject to the consideration
OF the two general conferences
Resolved, further, That we recommend
the taking of prompt steps for the prepa-
ration of a common catechism, a common
hymn book and common order of public
worship, and that other branches of Meth
odism be invited to cooperate in this un-
dertaking.'
with reference to both churches occupy
ing the same territory the following was
agreed to: That we recommend the
spective general conferences to enact pro-
visions to the effect that where either
church is doing the work expected of Meth
odism the other church shall not organize
society Aor erect church building UNI
til the bishop having jurisdiction in the
case of the work shall be consulted and
his approval obtained
Relative TO transfer OF ministers we
agreed to recommend to our respective
far t14<
by which a travelling preacher of an an
nual conference in either church may be
received into an annual conference of the
other church, regaining his credentials
without the formality of having his or
ders recognized.
Concerning the Epworth League inter-
national conferences the following action
was taken: That we have observed with
much interest the growth OF the Epworth
League in our respective churches and re-
joice in the spirit of fraternity manifested
in their biennial international conferences,
and commend to the several governing
bodies of the churches interested the ques-
ton as to whether official recognition of
these meetings can be given and whether
authoritative regulations required to
increase or promote their efficiency
Recognizing the relation and Importance
of our educational institutions and of the
American University to our general Meth
lions commencing these institutions of
Christian learning to the thoughtful consd-
GRAFTON of the churches in their contribu-
tions TO the Twentieth Century Thank Of
fering, especially emphasizing the claim
of the American University TO the conf
dence and benefactions of both churches"
THE BOOK CONCERNS.
The report of the book committee con-
tanned the following: Sales of books at
New York for the four years, $3,714,90S, a
decrease as compared with the last
quadrennium of s1s5.502 The assets includ-
ing 9,455 cash on hand, arc $2,59s,0SO and
the liabilities $3.50. Ill. The net capital Oct.
81, 1895, was SOS, 1888; Oct. 81, 1892 81 207 1868;
increase. $162, 235, which, with s172 761 divi-
dends and other disbursements, show to-
tai earnings for the four years of 1884, 996.
''The total sales of the Western Book
Concern Cincinnati. Chicago, st. Louis),
for the four years were ALAS, 131-an in
crease of $685. 40. The assets, including
S-07.5S4 cash on hand, are 81. 4S2 974. and the
liabilities S62,609. The net capital Oct. 81,
1896, 81 23cc 73 Oct 81, 1899 81 APO 364 net in
crease 49,. 1874. which with $412. 100 dividends
and other disbursements, show total cam
ings for four years of $6OO364.
There is a marked decline in the sales
of books. We are aware that this is true,
not only In UNCONVENTIONAL books, but
in those designed for the general trade.
The people are substituting newspapers,
magazines, the public and circulating IL
braries for the family library During the
past quadrennium the decline in the sale
of books by the Eastern house over the
previous four years amounts TO $4,000,
and that of the Western house to SIS. 7S6.
These figures alone are sufficient 10 arrest
attention and stimulate the minds of all
responsible parties to a solution of the
problem involved.
1.-THE dividends have been for the four
years $125 900. 800 000 $50 900, $780, 600, in all
$s5.0n0 for the quadrennium. The amount
is Sis, 900 less than in the previous quad
rennium. The diminution in amount has
been in the interest of the Eastern house
The last year has witnessed the failure of
book houses, historic and honored but
ours in spite of their heavy drafts stand
Cnimpaired in reputation, equipment and
service
''The episcopal fund had s23S24 with
which to begin the last quadrennium. 1t
has but 1856 with which to begin the
present. The expenditures from Jan. l.
1896, to Jan. 1, 1900, exceeded the receipts
by S22.357. The receipts each year have
surpassed those of the preceding one, but
he expenses have increased in greater
ratio. Since the receipts do not equal the
disbursements and since the surplus of
former years is exhausted, and since there
is no other source of income TO this fund
than the collections taken among the peo-
ple, such measures ought to be adopted
| as will guard against any future embar-
rassment."
MISSIONARY WORK
The report of the general missionary
committee contained the following: The
past quadrennium was entered upon with
| serious misgivings. owing to the Industrial
| and financial depression that prevailed, by
which all business interests were pros
| trated to an extent seldom IL ever before
| experienced by the American people. Null
/ titudes of laborers were in many instances
| dependent upon charity, while the well 10
| do and the wealthy were sustaining heavy
/ losses i'm the shrinkage of value and dirnin-
| ishing resources. These conditions augur-
ed diminishing contributions and conse-
uuent damage TO our missionary work.
/ both at home and abroad. To add TO these
gloomy forebodings. occasioned by the
hard times, there was debt upon our
/ treasury OF S239, $50. We are glad TO report
| that the Lord has been better TO us as a
| church than our fears. Our people have
nobly sustained the Missionary Society in
| its work by contributing sum larger than
in any previous quadrennium in our his
| tory. The debt has been extinguished, ex-
cept about $4,000. which is covered ~ uJl-
4 Maid ntedReS In all Of