Semi-weekly herald., 1914-04-20

association. 1t was discussed on
many occasions among the directors
last year that with the failure Of the
southern outlet so far as the effort
Of 1911 was concerned, that it would
not pay to carry on an advertising
campaign but simply look after the
general interests of the community.
Many advertising schemes were pre-
sented but all were turned down with
the result that the new directors have
cash fund of $450.0O and good ac-
counts of nearly $500 more with which
to carry on their work. Conditions
are Frightening and may warrant a
live campaign and large expenditure
Of money. The Cave Basin district
may have to be advertised and it is
quite likely La Plata county will have
to provide her part of fund or ex-
hibits for the California expositions
in 1915, and with the advertising
funds for 1914 and the cash on hand
both can be cared for without calling
on people for donations (outside of
the regular monthly dues) as will be
the case in Denver, Colorado Springs
and other centers. have no recon-
mendations regarding the work, only
calling the attention of the board to
the probable contingencies and it is
for you to adopt a policy and the
work desired of secretary.
In this connection will state that
so far as I know every bill against
the board has been paid to March
31st, 1914. When started in as sec
retary after much work and waiting
on the officials in Denver secured a
membership contribution from the
Colorado Telephone company equal to
the regular phone charge. While the
bills of the board of trade are paid
the San Juan Congress has an indebt-
sdness of around $4,000 which will
have to be raised, we presume, among
the counties, the Indebtedness being
in Connection with the promotion of the
Southern railroad. There is an urg-
ency debt of around $500 that should
be paid at the earliest possible mo-
ment, $4,000 being due Miss Perle
Thompson since last fall for copies
of the Reagan report which were
used for advertising purposes and in
connection with the Herbert Green pro-
motion. The board of trade advanced
1920 for the congress to pay for a
cablegram to Mr.. Green in Europe
by Mr.. Ritter in behalf of President
J. A. Clay of the congress. A meet
ing of the congress was called twice
during the winter months but owing
to blockade and absence of its presi-
dent were postponed. 1t is planned
to have general meeting the last
of April or during the race meet in
May when delegates can come by auto
from all directions. Durango is in
duty bound to at least pay in cuff
cient to cover the bills of Miss Thomp-
son and few others, while Mr.. J..
w. Reagan is insisting on a balance
due him of nearly 100000. I mention
these facts which properly are con-
gress problems, in order that the d.
rectory may know the congress finan-
cial situation.
In closing I desire to express my
thanks and appreciation of the uni
form courtesy and cooperation of the
various directories during my encum-
bency of the office of secretary, near
ly four years. Not word of dis
sension has marked any Of the meet
ings, and at all times the directors
have endeavored to save Durango
merchants money by turning down
various advertising schemes and it is
believed they have been saved more
money through this influence than
has cost to conduct the affairs of the
organization and l trust the new or
ganization will act along the same
lines. OF course | refer to outside ad-
vertising propositions. can cheer
fully say that the many who have
acted as directors have given freely
of their time and money working for
the advancement Of Durango.
With best wishes and assurance
that the board Of trade will have my
hearty support and cooperation in
the future the same as in the past,
I am, "
Very truly yours,
GEO. N. RAYMOND,
Secretary.
Auditing Committees Report.