1. Friday, Oct. 18.
9:30 - 12:00 A. M. Organization of Conference; address of president: appointment of committees.
3:00 - 5:00 P. M. International Society; address by vice-president; appointment of committees.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. Sermon by Elder O. A. Olsen.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 1.1

2. Sabbath, Oct. 19.
10:30 A. M. Sermon by Elder E. W. Farnsworth.
2:30 P. M. Sermon by Mrs. E. G. White.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. International S. S. Association. Address by president; appointment of committees.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 1.2

3. Sunday, Oct. 20.
9:30 - 12:00 A. M. General Conference; reports of committees; Reports by those in charge of districts. - Elders White, Farnsworth, Kilgore, Underwood.
3:00 - 5:00 P. M. International Society; report of secretary, and reports of committees.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. American Health & Temperance Association; address by president; appointment of committees.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 1.3

4. Monday, Oct. 21.
9:30 - 12:00 A. M. General Conference; unfinished business; report of Educational secretary; reports of committees.
3:00 - 5:00 P. M. Publishing Association.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. Educational Society. Address of president; appointment of committees.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 1.4

5. Tuesday, Oct. 22.
9:30 - 12:30 A. M. General Conference; foreign missions; report of foreign mission secretary.
3:00 - 5:00 P. M. International society; unfinished business. Reports of committees; reports from foreign fields.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. Address. Subject, Mission Work in Europe. By Elder J. H. Durland.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 1.5

6. Wednesday, Oct. 23.
9:30 - 12:00 A. M. General Conference; report of home mission secretary; city missions; unfinished business.
3:00 - 5:00 P. M. International S. S. Association; reports of committees.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. Address by Elder J. O. Corliss, - Subject, - The Pacific Islands as a Mission Field.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 1.6

7. Thursday, Oct. 24.
9:30 - 10:30 A. M. General Conference; unfinished business; religious liberty; Report of Press Committee.
10:30 A. M. National Religious Liberty Association.
3:00 - 5:00 P. M. Health Institute and Sanitarium Improvement Company.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. Why we oppose Religious Legislation. - By Elder E. J. Waggoner.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 1.7

8. Friday, Oct. 25.
9:30 - 12:00 A. M. General Conference; report of committee on religious legislation and Sunday prosecutions.
3:00 - 5:00 P. M. International S. S. Association.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. Sermon by Elder A. T. Jones.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 1.8

9. Sabbath, Oct. 26.
10:15 A. M. History and future work of Seventh Day Adventists. By Elder U. Smith.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. Address by Dr. J. H. Kellogg. Subject - Health and Temperance.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 1.9

10. Sunday, Oct. 27.
9:30 - 12:00 A. M. General Conference; foreign mission wants, etc.; miscellaneous business.
3:00 - 5:00 P. M. Educational Society.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. Address by Prof. Prescott. Subject - The Education of laborers for home and foreign missions.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 2.1

11. Monday, Oct. 28.
9:30 - 12:00 A. M. General Conference; report of committee on distribution of labor.
3:00 - 5:00 P. M. International Tract Society; miscellaneous business.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. Sermon. Elder J. G. Matteson.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 2.2

12. Tuesday, Oct. 29.
9:30 - 12:00 A. M. General Conference Association.
3:00 - 5:00 P. M. Publishing Association.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. Address by C. Eldridge. Subject - The Past, Present, and Future of the Canvassing Work.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 2.3

13. Wednesday, Oct. 30.
9:30 - 12:00 A. M. General Conference; report of General Canvassing Agent.
3:00 - 5:00 P. M. International Tract Society.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. Sabbath-school Association.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 2.4

14. Thursday, Oct. 31.
9:30 - 12:00 A. M. Health Institute, and Sanitarium Improvement Company.
3:00 - 5:00 P. M. International Tract Society.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. Sermon. J. N. Loughborough.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 2.5

15. Friday, Nov. 1.
9:30 - 12:00 A. M. General Conference; unfinished business; reports of committees.
3:00 - 5:00 P. M. Miscellaneous.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. Sermon.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 2.6

16. Sabbath, Nov. 2.
10:45 A. M. Sermon.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. Publishing Association.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 2.7

17. Sunday, Nov. 3.
9:30 - 12:00 A. M. General Conference; closing miscellaneous business.
3:00 - 5:00 P. M. Miscellaneous.
7:00 - 8:30 P. M. Sermon.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 2.8

Devotional meeting each morning at 5:30.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 2.9

GENERAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

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THE first meeting of the twenty-eighth session of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was called in the Tabernacle, Battle Creek, Mich., by President O. A. Olsen. Hymn No. 501 was sung, and the roll of delegates from whom credentials had been received was called, as follows:-
Arkansas - J. P. Henderson.
California - J. N. Loughborough, C. H. Jones, M. J. Church, S. N. Curtis, J. W. Scoles, T. A. Kilgore, Thomas Brighouse.
Canada - R. S. Owen.
Colorado - E. H. Gates.
Dakota - W. B. White, W. W. Sharp, N. P. Nelson.
Illinois - A. O. Tait, Henry Shaw, G. H. Baber.
Indiana - F. D. Starr, D. H. Oberholtzer, J. M. Rees, N. W. Kauble, Victor Thompson.
Iowa - J. H. Morrison, H. Nicola, C. A. Washburn, L. T. Nicola, W. H. Wakeham, J. M. Willoughby, W. R. Smith.
Kansas - C. A. Hall, L. Dyo Chambers, W. W. Stebbins, L. J. Rousseau.
Maine - J. B. Goodrich, R. S. Webber.
Michigan - I. D. Van Horn, J. Fargo, H. W. Miller, H. Lindsay, J. H. Durland, L. McCoy, A. O. Burrill, R. C. Horton, J. N. Brant, John F. Carman, E. H. Root, J. D. Gowell, G. H. Randall, L. G. Moore, W. C. Sisley.
Minnesota - Allen Moon, F. L. Mead, R. C. Porter, C. W. Flaiz, Emil Johnson, C. N. Woodward, M. M. Olsen.
Missouri - R. S. Donnell, J. G. Wood.
New England - A. T. Robinson, E. E. Miles, A. L. Wright.
Nebraska - J. P. Gardiner, L. A. Hoopes, T. H. Gibbs.
New York - S. H. Lane, M. H. Brown, A. E. Place.
Ohio - Geo. A. Irwin, O. J. Mason, E. T. Russell.
Pennsylvania - J. W. Raymond, L. C. Chadwick, L. A. Wing.
Tennessee - E. E. Marvin.
Texas - W. S. Hyatt.
Upper Columbia - H. W. Decker.
Vermont - T. H. Purdon, H. W. Pierce.
West Virginia - W. J. Stone.
Wisconsin - A. J. Breed, P. H. Cady, S. S. Shrock, S. S. Smith, H. R. Johnson, W. H. Thurston.
Norway, Denmark, and Sweden - O. A. Olsen.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 2.10

Delegates at Large - U. Smith, J. O. Corliss, J. G. Matteson, H. Shultz, O. A. Johnson, A. T. Jones, E. J. Waggoner, P. W. B. Wessels, Dr. J. C. Ottosen, Dr. J. H. Kellogg, Prof. W. W. Prescott, E. W. Farnsworth, R. A. Underwood, R. M. Kilgore, A. R. Henry, C. Eldridge, W. H. Edwards, Geo. B. Starr, W. C. White, D. A. Robinson, Dan. T. Jones.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 2.11

Prayer was then offered by Elder J. N. Loughborough. On motion of Elder U. Smith, it was voted that the reading of the minutes of the last General Conference, which have already been accepted, and are published in the Year Book, be waived. The president then read his annual address, which follows.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 2.12

OPENING ADDRESS, BY PRESIDENT O. A. OLSEN

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WE are glad this morning to bid all these delegates and friends a hearty welcome. The rapid flight of time has brought us to the opening of another annual session of the General Conference. Another year with its privileges, its opportunities, its labors and its cares is past. It is with a feeling of relief that I, in behalf of the Committee appointed at the last session of this Conference, now return the responsibility that we have carried during the year, to this assembly of delegates, which is the highest authority and most responsible body that we recognize in connection with God’s work upon the earth. With what faithfulness and efficiency our work has been done, is for you and the Omnicient Judge to decide. As president of the General Conference, I have labored under many disadvantages. I had been in Europe most of the time for three years, and on account of the work had to remain there about half of the present year. In consequence of this long absence, I was not so well acquainted with the work in this country, and had to learn much about it after I returned in May.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 3.1

With these explanations, I will call your attention to some of the most important points in the work that is before this Conference. This work has grown from a small and humble beginning until it extends to many countries of the world. It will devolve upon you to provide laborers and means for the work already begun, and to lay plans for entering new fields. Every question should be given careful thought and mature deliberation. Your brethren have placed grave responsibilities on you by electing you as delegates to this Conference, and God will hold you accountable for the use you make of your time and opportunities while here. Every member of the Conference is under obligation to his brethren and to God to consider carefully and unselfishly every question that may come before the Conference, before casting his vote.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 3.2

We are very thankful to God for the degree of prosperity that has attended our work the past year. Every field reports encouraging success. Generally our laborers have been in good health and courage, and unity of effort has characterized the work. Two new conferences have been organized, one in New Zealand, and one in this country, to be known as the Atlantic Conference. The hand of Death has stricken down one of the early pioneers in this work, - Elder J. H. Waggoner died very suddenly at his post of duty in Basel, Switzerland, just as he was perfecting some of his most important work. Thus another of the old pioneers has fallen and left the work to rest upon other shoulders.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 3.3

Elder Butler, long the esteemed and respected president of this Conference, has had to retire from active labor on account of enfeebled health. But we are glad to hear that he is improving; and we hope that at no distant day he will be able to again engage actively in the work which we all so much love.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 3.4

CAMP MEETINGS

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There have been forty-six camp-meetings held in this country this year; twenty-six large or general meetings, and twenty of a more local character. These meetings have been attended by perhaps 15,000 of our own people, besides large numbers not of our faith. Nearly all have been exceptionally good, and those who attended them have been encouraged. In Europe two camp-meetings have been held, one in Sweden, the other in Switzerland. They were both seasons of much interest, especially the one held in Switzerland.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 3.5

WORK IN FOREIGN FIELDS

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The Central European Conference embraces the countries of Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Portugal, Servia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, and Russia. The publishing house of Basel, which is the central institution in this Conference, has done a good business the past year. The annual report shows a gain of $1559.55 for the year. When we consider the fact that this office has never before been self-sustaining, this report is very encouraging. The aggressive work of the Central European Conference this year has been largely in the direction of Germany. A mission and training school for workers has been established in Hamburg, the design of which is to prepare workers for Germany, Russia, and other German speaking countries. Elder Conradi reports good success in this school. Besides those who went over from America, native brethren from Russia, Germany, and other countries are in attendance, and through the labors of the mission workers several have accepted the truth in that city. There are now 300 Sabbath-keepers in Russia. In other parts of the Conference there has been encouraging growth. An item of special interest is the organization of a Spanish church in Relizane, North Africa, by brother Comte of this Conference.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 3.6

THE NEEDS OF THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN CONFERENCE

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They need tracts in the Russian language, and more books and tracts in the German. They also need publications in the Spanish language. A strong plea is also coming in from Constantinople for tracts in the Turkish language, and a missionary to labor in Turkey. In France and Italy comparatively little has been accomplished the past year. There ought to be a good, active laborer in each of these countries; also one each in Austria, Holland, and Spain.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 3.7

SCANDINAVIA

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Scandinavia includes Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. The work in these countries is making steady progress. Each of the three countries has a tent, and successful tent-meetings have been held the past summer. There are about fifty canvassers in this field, who are having good success.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 4.1

At present we have nearly 1200 Sabbath-keepers in these countries. We have six ministers that give all their time to preaching and there are four others that give part of their time.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 4.2

The subject of schools is much agitated by our brethren there. They are earnestly pleading for help in this line. We recommend this subject for the consideration of this Conference.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 4.3

ENGLAND

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The work has met with many difficulties in England. Recently steps have been taken to put the work there on a more substantial footing than ever before. During the past year the Pacific Press has established a branch office in London. Six canvassers have been sent from this country to open up the book business in the British Islands; and it is hoped that through the means of the canvassing work, the branch office in London may be self-sustaining from the start. Elder Haskell, who is now in South Africa, will perhaps be absent from the work in London for a number of months, and perhaps longer. Elder Robinson will be present to represent the English mission, and can speak of its wants at the proper time.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 4.4

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

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The work has been growing rapidly in both of these countries. There is now an organized Conference in Australia, and another in New Zealand. A Publishing Association has been organized in Australia during the past year, and a Publishing House built and equipped, a large portion of the capital having been subscribed in that country. The value of the building is about $13,704. Elder Israel has been laboring in Tasmania during the greater part of the year, and as a result, there are reported about a hundred Sabbath keepers now on that island. It is a part of the Australian Conference. Elder A. G. Daniells has had marked success in the work in New Zealand during the year. A large number have been brought into the truth, considering the labor that has been put forth, and a conference has been organized with a membership of nearly two hundred.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 4.5

WANTS OF THE AUSTRALIAN FIELD

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Elder Tenny of Australia is making a strong plea for help in that field. They want a good business manager to take charge of the work in the office, so as to leave Elder Tenny free for editorial and conference work. In New Zealand Eld. Daniells also wants another laborer to assist him in the work there. Bro. E. M. Morrison has gone to Australia to take charge of the canvassing work, to remain two years. It is hoped that a business can be worked up that will make the office there self-supporting from this time forth.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 4.6

SOUTH AFRICA

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The work has been making some progress in South Africa the past year. They have purchased a mission house in Cape Town, which with the grounds connected with it, cost about $12,000. This will be met by funds raised there. They are also arranging to build a meeting house in Beaconsfield. Brother and Sister Druillard, of Nebraska, have been sent there to assist in the work, Sister Druillard to keep their books and take charge of the canvassing work. Bro. P. W. B. Wessels from that field is now attending school at the college in this place, to get a better understanding of the work and to fit himself for a laborer in the South African field. A small printing press has been purchased by them the past year, from which to print circulars and other advertising work. There are many Dutch people in this field, and a laborer of that nationality should be sent back with Bro. Wessels, if possible, to assist in the work among that people. It is thought that the Kaffirs, or natives of South Africa, many of whom are educated and intelligent people, would be favorable to the truth if it could be presented to them in their own language. A strong plea is made for tracts in the Kaffir language.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 4.7

SOUTHERN FIELD

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The Southern States in our own country have been an important missionary field for several years. Much time and money have been expended there, but with a few exceptions the results have not been satisfactory. The last General Conference sent companies of canvassers into that territory. This was something of an experiment, but has proved quite satisfactory. The company sent to Shreveport, La., has been doing good work. Brother Hill has canvassed some in Mississippi, with very satisfactory results. In North Carolina the canvassers have done fairly well, as also in Georgia. This demonstrates the fact that books can be successfully sold in the Southern States, and that laborers can support themselves in this way while getting the truth before the people. A successful institute was held at Nashville, Tenn., for the Southern field, under the direction of Elder R. M. Kilgore. He will at some time during the Conference make a report of the work done there, and submit the recommendations of the institute to this Conference. From the present outlook it seems that the truth must be placed before the people in the South more through books and papers than by the living preacher. It will be for this Conference to consider this matter, and decide what shall be done for the Southern field.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 4.8

ATLANTIC CONFERENCE

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At the meeting of the General Conference held last March, the territory in the District of Columbia with the states of Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and the two southern counties of New York, also Staten Island and Long Island were placed under the management of a committee, of which Elder J. E. Robinson was chairman, with the understanding that after June 30 they were to support their own laborers, with the exception of a minister in Brooklyn and one in Washington City. They did good work in that field during the summer; and at a meeting held in Washington, D. C., Sept. 25-30, a Conference was organized with about 175 members. Elder J. E. Robinson was elected president. Their finances were in excellent condition, and there was a good spirit among the laborers and the brethren throughout the field. The outlook is very favorable for a prosperous Conference. They will no doubt ask for admission into the General Conference at this session.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 5.1

CITY MISSIONS AND BIBLE WORK

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This is an important line of work, and should receive careful attention from this Conference. Some excellent results have been seen from city mission work in the past; but it has proved too expensive for the various State Conferences to establish and maintain missions in all their large cities. It has been thought by those of experience, that a better way would be to establish canvassing stations, as headquarters for canvassing work, and connect with them one or more Bible-workers to develop the interest created from reading the books sold. In this way many more cities can be entered. Thus far this plan of work seems to have been quite satisfactory.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 5.2

We would encourage the training of Bible-workers, as this has proved an efficient method by which to extend the knowledge of present truth. But care should be taken in the selection and training of workers. It is not the great number that assures success, but it is the efficiency and faithfulness of those who engage in it the work.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 5.3

A Bible school has been established and fitted up in Chicago, where the best facilities have been provided for the training of Bible-workers. I would call the attention of our State Conference Committees to this school, which ought to have a large attendance.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 5.4

HEALTH AND TEMPERANCE

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This subject is not receiving all the attention its importance demands. The spirit of God has spoken on this matter very pointedly, both in the Holy Scriptures and in the Testimonies to the Church. It is a subject very closely connected with the special message for this time, and for that reason demands our serious attention. With this, as in other matters, we are liable to become slack. This matter deserves attention from this body.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 5.5

The Sanitarium is in a prosperous condition. During the past year, a new hospital building has been completed. This gives the institution more room, and greater facilities for its work, and all the space is fully occupied. We also hear encouraging reports of the prosperity of the Rural Health Retreat, at St. Helena, Cal., and the health institution at Mt. Vernon, Ohio.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 5.6

PUBLISHING INSTITUTIONS

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I am happy to be able to report to this Conference that all the leading publishing institutions owned and controlled by our people are in a prosperous condition. The Review and Herald Publishing House, the oldest and strongest institution which we have, has been doing more work this year than ever before. The annual report of that society will perhaps show more book sales this year than for any two preceding years. As you will be able to see, improvements have been made, and facilities have been provided to meet this increasing demand for books and publications. Branch offices have been established at Toronto, Canada; Chicago, Ill; and Atlanta, Ga.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 5.7

The Pacific Press Publishing Company has also been doing good work during the past year. Its annual report showed an increase over the work of previous years of about 40 per cent., as before stated. They have opened a branch office in London, England, and another in New York City.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 5.8

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

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I can say with pleasure that the interest of our people in education is increasing. There is a large number of young men and women among us who are anxious to complete a course in college; and there are many others who cannot spend so much time in schools, who are planning to attend the shorter terms that will be held here this winter, of which I will speak more fully later. I regard this as very favorable. We must have intelligent, enterprising, educated, as well as consecrated workers; and in order to have them, we must encourage our young people to enter school and to remain long enough to take a thorough course, uniting together the study of the sciences and the Bible.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 5.9

Battle Creek College has begun its year’s work with a larger attendance than ever before. The boarding halls are crowded, and more room will be needed to accommodate the students this year.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 5.10

The South Lancaster Academy, as far as concerns the education of youth, is in a prosperous condition. The last year’s work was quite satisfactory to all who attended, and an increase in attendance is expected this year. Financially they are much embarrassed. The interests of this institution should receive the careful attention of this Conference. I have not had the privilege of visiting the Healdsburg College during the past year; but from those who have visited it, and from the reports made at its annual meeting, I should judge it to be in a prosperous condition, and doing a good work for education on the Pacific Coast, as is the South Lancaster on the Atlantic. These three schools comprise at present the educational centers of our people. There is a strong demand for another school at some central point between the Mississippi River and the Rocky mountains, to supply the constantly increasing demand for educational facilities among our people in the States of Minnesota, Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Texas, and Arkansas. The feasibility of establishing such a school has been discussed at nearly all the State Conferences in the States mentioned the past summer. With perhaps one exception it has been recommended by these Conferences that a school be established at once at some central point. Committees have been appointed to confer together during this session of the Conference, and come to some conclusion as to what shall be done. Perhaps they will be able to make a report to the General Conference before the session closes.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 5.11

BIBLE-SCHOOL FOR MINISTERS

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To meet the demand for a short course of instruction for those engaged in different branches of work, and who have not time to take a full course in College, it has been decided to hold a Bible-school, beginning November 6, and continuing five months. This grows out of the ministerial institute held in Battle Creek last winter, which was attended by representatives from quite a number of the different Conferences. An efficient faculty has been secured which will ensure a successful school. I would call the special attention of State Conference officers to this school, and recommend that immediate steps be taken to secure the attendance of those who ought to have its benefits.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 6.1

THE SCANDINAVIAN SCHOOL

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There is a strong and increasing demand for laborers in the Scandinavian language. The Scandinavian work has met many embarrassments. The laborers we have had who can speak the Scandinavian languages have been much embarrassed from lack of facilities for obtaining an education in their own tongue. From their constant contact with English speaking people, foreigners coming to this country lose the perfect use of their mother tongue, thus unfitting them to labor in their native languages. This has been true of the Scandinavians in this country, and therefore steps have been taken to establish a school where the Scandinavian languages can be taught and spoken, and laborers trained who can in the future devote their entire time to the Scandinavian work. This school will begin November 6, and continue five months.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 6.2

GERMAN AND FRENCH SCHOOLS

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What has been said of the needs for a Scandinavian school will apply equally to a school for the German and French laborers; and it has been decided to have such a school in each of these languages, beginning November 6, and continuing five months. I would also recommend that State Conference officers take an active interest in these schools, and plan to have representatives of these different nationalities attend these schools that they may be fitted up for labor in their respective tongues.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 6.3

MINISTERIAL INSTITUTES

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At the last General Conference, the following recommendations were passed:-GCDB October 18, 1889, page 6.4

“We recommend, that each State Conference hold an institute, or normal school, at least once a year, for a more thorough study of the truths of the Third Angel’s Message, and to give instruction in church, tract society, Sabbath-school, health and temperance, and canvassing work; to be conducted under the management of the Conference Committee.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 6.5

“We recommend that the General Conference hold similar institutes, at such times and places as the General Conference Committee may decide.”GCDB October 18, 1889, page 6.6

It is not definitely known how fully the different State Conferences have carried out the first of these recommendations. In harmony with the latter, the General Conference has held institutes at Battle Creek; Minneapolis; Ottawa, Kansas; Williamsport, Pa.; Nashville, Tenn.; a German institute in Milwaukee, and Scandinavian institutes in Minneapolis and Chicago. The influence of these institutes has been good, and we have seen encouraging results; but as in all the different branches of our work, the first plans have been, in many respects, imperfect. After an experience has been gained, better plans can be laid, and more satisfactory work accomplished. So in the holding of these institutes; while we believe that they have been a success, we have no doubts that improvements can be made that will make them more valuable in the future than they have been the present year.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 6.7

PRESS COMMITTEE

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It was thought advisable by your Committee to organize a systematic plan for meeting through the public press the arguments in support of the National Reform Movement. To accomplish this a press committee was organized, which has done efficient work in securing the publication of articles in various papers throughout the country on the subject of religious liberty. This committee will present to the Conference a report of its work at the proper time. During the year a society has been organized, called the National Religious Liberty Association, with the express object of helping to educate the people of the United States on the subject of religious and civil liberty. This Conference should carefully investigate the principles and work of this association; and if it meets the demand of the times, as an organization, to oppose the present movement to secure an amendment to our National Constitution, which would virtually unite church and State, we should endorse the association, and recommend that our people connect themselves with it and unite with it in advocating the principles of civil and religious liberty which it sets forth.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 6.8

PETITIONS TO CONGRESS, ETC

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The last year has been a very active and aggressive one on the part of those who would ruthlessly undermine the religious liberties of the citizens of this nation. Several influential organizations have been actively engaged in circulating petitions to congress favoring religious legislation. Petitions were presented to Congress, footing up many millions of names, asking for a national law to enforce Sunday-rest. In this movement we recognize the danger for which we have been looking for many years. Our people rallied nobly to the work of circulating petitions to Congress asking that they “pass no bill in regard to the observance of the Sabbath, or Lord’s day, or any other religious or ecclesiastical institution or rite; nor favor in any way the adoption of any resolution for the amendment of the National Constitution giving preference to the principles of any religion above another.” Very nearly 500,000 names were secured to this petition, and it was presented to Congress just before the close of its last session. At the coming session of Congress we may expect a renewal of this conflict. This Conference should lay plans for a systematic work in the circulation of petitions, and the distribution of reading matter on the subject of religious liberty.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 7.1

INTERNATIONAL TRACT SOCIETY

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Plans have been laid to increase the work of the International Tract Society. A permanent office has been fitted up for the Society, and Secretaries have been employed to take charge of different lines of work. There is a vast field of usefulness before this Society. We are glad to see it taking steps to increase and facilitate its work.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 7.2

THE CANVASSING WORK

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Great advancements have been made in the canvassing work the past year. Through the persevering efforts of the general canvassing agent, and the co-operation of the workers in the field, this work has been conducted in an efficient and systematic manner. Nearly every Conference now has its State canvassing agent, and its organized corps of canvassers. Through the instrumentality of canvassers, books containing present truth are being sold everywhere. The special feature of this work that will commend it as a favorable means for spreading the truth, is that it is self-supporting; and not only so, but by creating a demand for books, in turn helps the publishing houses.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 7.3

What can be said of the canvassing work in this country is also applicable to other countries. It has proved to be one of the most efficient and economical ways of extending the knowledge of the present truth.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 7.4

The general canvassing agent will at some time during the Conference make a report of his work.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 7.5

FINANCES

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A financial report has been prepared, and will soon be ready for distribution. The receipts from Christmas-offerings were good; but our brethren have not taken hold of the first-day offerings as well as we had hoped they would. The work is becoming so large that the expense of carrying it on is necessarily heavy. The necessity for means will increase as the work advances. Our brethren have stood by the work nobly in the past, and we believe they will do so in the future.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 7.6

A finance committee has been temporarily appointed during the past year, and will report at the proper time. I would recommend that a permanent finance committee be provided for by this Conference, to lay plans for the raising and careful distribution of means.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 7.7

PLAN OF WORK FOR THIS CONFERENCE

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There will be much business coming before this Conference, and the time we will have for work is limited. It is therefore very important that plans be laid to expedite business, and every question that comes up for consideration ought to receive the most careful attention and mature deliberation before it is decided. To accomplish this the General Conference Committee in council have thought best to recommend that a number of committees be appointed, in addition to the regular standing committees, to which different questions may be referred, to be considered and perfected before being brought up in the Conference for discussion and final action. These committees are as follows:-
1. Committee on credentials of delegates.
2. Committee on home mission field.
3. Committee on foreign missions.
4. Committee on finances.
5. Committee on distribution of labor.
6. Committee on education.
7. Committee on church order and government.
8. Committee on Sunday prosecutions and Sunday labor.
9. Judiciary Committee.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.1

We would also recommend that after business is first presented, it be referred to one or the other of these committees, or laid over before final action, giving time for careful thought and investigation by each member of the Conference. We would also recommend that the presidents of the different associations, that hold their annual meetings in connection with the General Conference, present a comprehensive report at the opening meeting of their association, setting forth its present standing and wants. With these facilities for becoming acquainted with the different branches of the work and the needs of each, we think that much valuable time may be saved in the meetings of the Conference and other associations.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.2

AMENDMENT TO CONSTITUTION

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By referring to the constitution of the General Conference, article three, we find that the Conference is to be composed of delegates from the State Conferences, and officers of the General Conference, and such ministers as shall have been in the employ of the Conference during any part of the year and the executive Committee is authorized to issue credentials to such ministers. Considering the large territory over which the work now extends, it would be very expensive to have all the ministers that are engaged a part of their time in General Conference work attend each Conference, besides consuming from four to six weeks of their time. Still it is very necessary that some of these laborers attend the Conference. We would recommend such a change as will give the General Conference Committee authority to issue credentials to such persons as they, from their acquaintance with the work in definite fields, or for other reasons, may think would be of the most value to the Conference.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.3

Our work has greatly enlarged since the constitution was formed, making it necessary to have more perfect system and organization to prevent confusion in carrying forward the different branches of the work. I would, therefore, recommend a careful revision of the constitution in such points as are necessary to secure these objects; and I would especially recommend that provision be made for a foreign mission board, and a standing committee on finances.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.4

DISTRICTING THE FIELD

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I would call the attention of the Conference to the propriety of districting the territory covered by the General Conference in this country, and placing a district under the special charge of a member of the General Conference Committee; such member to have the special oversight of his district in the conducting of institutes, general meetings, camp-meetings, and other work.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.5

These are a few of the special points to which I wish to call your attention. The responsibility devolves upon you to think and plan and use the judgment that God has given you in the transaction of business connected with this Conference. We hope to see every delegate take hold of this work as though its success depended upon his own individual efforts.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.6

I now submit these matters to you, with the prayer that God’s blessing may attend this session of the General Conference, and that his Spirit may guide in all the work that we do.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.7

After the reading of the address, the chair, on motion of J. O. Corliss, named the standing committees. Following is the list.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.8

Credentials of Delegates - E. H. Gates, Allen Moon, A. O. Tait. Place of meeting, north vestry.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.9

Nominations - J. B. Goodrich, H. W. Decker, J. Fargo, P. H. Cady, M. H. Brown. Meet in old International Room, east office.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.10

Resolutions - E. W. Farnsworth, U. Smith, E. J. Waggoner, J. E. Robinson, W. S. Hyatt. Meet over south west vestibule in Tabernacle.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.11

Credentials and Licenses - R. A. Underwood, J. N. Loughborough, D. A. Robinson. Meet over north-east vestibule.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.12

Auditing - J. Fargo, A. R. Henry, C. Eldridge, J. H. Morrison, C. H. Jones, Geo. A. Irwin. Meet in General Conference room.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.13

Distribution of Labor - C. H. Jones, D. A. Robinson, A. R. Henry, A. J. Breed, C. Eldridge, O. A. Johnson. Meet over north-west vestibule.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.14

Finances - C. Eldridge, A. R. Henry, C. H. Jones, H. Lindsay, A. T. Robinson, H. Nicola. Meet in Captain Eldridge’s office.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.15

Home Missions. - R. M. Kilgore, C. H. Jones, H. Shultz, G. B. Starr, J. B. Goodrich, L. C. Chadwick, D. T. Jones. New Book Room, East office.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.16

Foreign Missions. - W. C. White, D. A. Robinson, W. C. Sisley, W. H. Edwards, A. R. Henry. Meet at residence of W. C. White.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.17

Education. - W. W. Prescott, L. McCoy, D. T. Jones, O. A. Johnson, A. T. Robinson, J. N. Loughborough, L. J. Rousseau. Meet over south-west vestibule.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.18

Church Order and Government. - R. A. Underwood, A. T. Jones, J. B. Goodrich, C. A. Hall, J. W. Raymond. Meet over north-east vestibule.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.19

Sunday Prosecutions. - C. Eldridge, R. M. Kilgore, E. J. Waggoner, J. O. Corliss, J. G. Wood. Meet in Captain Eldridge’s room.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.20

Judiciary. - R. M. Kilgore, E. J. Waggoner, J. O. Corliss, A. R. Henry, E. W. Farnsworth. Meet at residence of J. O. Corliss.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.21

Pastoral. - J. N. Loughborough, I. D. Van Horn, F. D. Starr.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.22

It was moved by E. J. Waggoner,GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.23

That, in the interest of accuracy, and the saving of labor, this Conference require that all important motions be furnished to the secretary, in writing, and that a duplicate be furnished to the Daily Bulletin; also that all committees make their report in writing, furnishing two copies thereof.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.24

The motion prevailed.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.25

After the announcement of the place of meeting of some of the committees, the meeting adjourned.GCDB October 18, 1889, page 8.26

VOL. 3. - BATTLE CREEK, MICH., SUNDAY, - NO. 2