The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-07-19
.LEAGUERS
 IN FRISCO Auspicious Opening of thc
 Convention. THE WEATHER WAS IDEAL - < 30,00O Visitors in the Pacific
 Coast Metropolis. i President Mckinley Sends GreetingsI Expressing Hope for . Con-
 tinuance of the Leagues Good Work.

San Francisco, July 18.-The fifth ina ternational convention of the Epwortk League was opened today under th4 most suspicious conditions. The weath- CT was ideal and the attendanco equaled the most sanguine expecta~ tions. The scene at the Mechanics Pa< vilion, where the main exercises of the day was held, was one not soon to bN forgotten. Every vantage place in the auditorium and galleries was occupied by enthusiastic delegates and every unsightly inch of wall was hid bH tasteful decorations. Thunderous vol~ umes of harmonious tones from human throats and the vibratory accompanf< ment of the monster Stanford organ inspired feeling of reverential adrnt~ ration and homage that entered fully into participants and oniookers.
 The railroads had virtually fulflle4 their promises, and despite many ana moving delays, landed the last of tho Eastern delegates here in time for the introductory ceremonies. The great ara my of invasion with 3o.000 men and women in the rank and Ale had been provided for without the least trouble. and in a manner most gratifying to ail-
 During the forenoon the streets lead< ing to the Mechanics Pavilion, the
 
 thronged with thousands of delegates wearing the badges of the order. and long before the ho1r fixed for the pre- liminary proceedings. the vast struc~ ture which will accommodate lS.000 pers sons, was practically filled. The Aihar1~ bra Theater and Metropolitan Temples where simultaneous meetings were held. will each hold 2.5oo people. ana provision has been made for any pos- sible overflow in churches.
 The first services were held tni4 morning in the First Congregationais the Central Methodist and the H0W- ard Street churches. In each of which communion was celebrated. Bishop Joyce, President Sof the League. cons ducted the services in the beautiful au~ ditorium of the First Congregaticnaf Church. Every seat was occupied and the aisles were so crowded that 1t was necessary to close the doors against late corners. At the Central Methodist Church, Rev. John T. Tigert of Nash@ vile, Tenn, presided, and Rev. A. c. Crews of Toronto, Canada, led the cons gregation at the Howard Street Church.
 Singing of wei. known hymns by the congregation, led by members of the Musical Committee and members of the great chorus, was a feature of ali these meetings.
 At 1:So o'clock there was special meeting of League officers in the pas vilion. An address replete with pracs tical suggestions was delivered by Dr. James A. Buckley, and the feature of the League work to be taken up by the Convention were explained by General Secretaries Dr. J. F. Berrys N. M. DuuBose and A. c. Crews.
 Considerable time was devoted to a; discussion of work in foreign heldss All of the speakers dwelt on the inns portance of spreading the faith in the new possessions of the United States. While this conference was in progress Christian Chinese, with his i've chil- dren. all wearing the Epworth League badge, attracted much attention.
 By noon the vast interior of the Nee chanics' Pavilion, capable of contain@ ing over 15,000 people, was filled with a mass of humanity which moved slowA ly and good-naturedly along the aisIess stopping at frequent intervals to ex~ anime and partake of some choice prod- uct of a California orchard. For, with lavish hospitality, almost everything had been provided without cost for the visitors. The waiting audience occu- pied the time by singing, old-fashioned tunes. being given with a vim. indica- tive of religious enthusiasm. When the convention proper was called to or% der by Rev. Thomas Filben of Pacific Grove. not vacant seat was to be seen from the grand organ to the far~ thest gallery. MT. Filben's voice failA ed to fill the auditorium and many oE his announcements were not heard by the majority of the audience. After a service of song. led by Robert Husband. and participated in by the chorus of 1000 and the audience. with organ, cor- net and piano accompaniment. General Secretary Rev. J. F. Berry read num- Der of congratulatory messages. Press ident Mckinley said:
 T have much pleasure in sending to the International Epworth League Convention, assembled at San Fran cisco. my hearty congratulations upon the good work the great body of Chris tian men and women which 1t repre- sents has accomplished in the past, and my earnest wish that even greater success will crown the future efforts of the League"
 Vice-President Roosevelt wired: "Heartiest greetings, and may good luck attend the Epworth League in its efforts for social and civic righteous ness"