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Show THE CHURCH REVIEW. <br><br> to secure the enthusiasm which always comes from a meeting in large numbers of people actuated by the same purposes and having common interests; to stimulate local societies to greater effort, and to strengthen the cause in the particular locality in which the convention is held. <br> Since the inauguration of the movement, thirteen annual conventions of the societies in the United States and Canada have been held. <br> Not one of these has convened in a city west of the Mississippi river, and those planned for this year and next are to be held in Boston and Washington respectively. The distance to any of the Eastern cities is so great and the expense of reaching them so heavy that the Western states and territories have practically benefited but little from these gatherings; no particular locality in the west has received an uplift and the local societies are without the stimulus that comes from a great national convention, for none has been held here. Without these meetings, it is very doubtful if the various localities in the Eastern and Middle States would today be in any better condition, as far as enthusiasm and carrying on the work is concerned, than we in Ogden and Salt Lake City are. If large conventions are desirable, considering the important part they have played in the up building of principles the methods and the enthusiasm of the East and if we, out West have not been able to participate in them, is it not desirable-nay, is it not imperative that we hold a convention of our own. <br> Second, is a sectional convention practicable? <br> When the executive committee of this Union decided to have this subject discussed at the Utah convention the president of the various State and Territorial Unions of the Rocky Mountain and Pacific coast regions were communicated with. Letters from California, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming Colorado and New Mexico have been received in reply, in which the writers expressed themselves as being heartily in favor of it, and only two in which any objections are raised; one from Washington and one from Colorado. <br> Now a few words concerning these objections: Our Colorado friend thinks we could not hold a successful convention out west, because the societies are so far apart, the distances so great, and the enthusiasm (wherever you find any) of a character different from that obtaining elsewhere, and that the rates are sure to be unsatisfactory. Both the Colorado correspondent and the Washington official think it would create a division among the workers that would under all circumstances be deplorable. <br> We will grant the distances are great and the society far apart, but for every person who will go to Boston this year five would find it convenient to come to Salt Lake City or Denver, considering the time and expenses involved, and so with people from other centres. Granting that distances are great from the extreme points in the section referred to, they do not begin to compare with the magnificent distances of San Francisco, Portland or Los Angeles from Boston or Washington, D. C. <br> Next, as to fares. While they are necessarily high out west, on account of the peculiar condition of the country, there is yet a vast difference between the one-way fare from San Francisco to Salt Lake City, and San Francisco to Boston- a difference that most Endeavorers, being young people and earning comparatively small salaries can certainly appreciate. I do not believe that eight out of every ten who would come from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City could afford to go on to Chicago- the expense of so doing would be nearly duplicated. <br> It is true that San Francisco would have had the International convention this year but for the avarice of a certain corporation. Assuming that the convention of '95 would have been held in that city, when do you suppose we would secure another? In the year 1910 if we are to judge by the recognition so far accorded us. Would a single convention furnish enthusiasm sufficient to last fifteen years? <br> I am free to express the opinion that the experience of the past years will shortly suggest a more acceptable manner of holding conventions, and when that plan is evolved I shall not be surprised to hear the decision that once every five years the Endeavorers of the wide world hold a convention; that the Societies in the United States and Canada meet every two years, the number of representatives from each state and province being limited, and that so far as our country is concerned it be divided into four districts, in each of which a convention shall be held in the years not devoted to the international gathering. <br> One hundred and twenty-four thousand nine hundred and eighty members of the Christian Endeavor society west of the Rocky Mountains. Think of that! I am for the West because it has great needs. Holding our conventions East all the time is like bringing coals to New-castle. Give the Great West a chance to get warm. <br> At the conclusion of this paper the following motion was unanimously carried: <br> "That a committee of three, of which the president of this Union shall be a member, be appointed by the chair to draft a statement in line with the discussion of this platform, such statement to be sent to the State and Territorial Unions in the sections alluded to, and that the committee cooperate with the United Society and any committees that may be appointed by these Unions to consummate the plan of holding a Western convention. <br> A committee was appointed, consisting of President R. J. Caskey, Secretary H. N. Tolles and J. B. Caldwell." <br><br> That Banner. <br> The Young Peoples Society, of the First Presbyterian church, was awarded the Local Union Banner because it had thirty-five out of ninety-one members (active and associate) present at the Ogden convention, or practically 38 1/2 percent. <br> No society from Salt Lake City had 66 1/2 percent of its members at Ogden, using the official figures furnished the territorial secretary as a basis for calculation. The statement in last week's CHURCH REVIEW that such was the case must therefore be regarded as erroneous. <br><br> Grand Musical Concert. <br> A grand musical concert will be given on May 7th in the First Congregational church, the proceeds of which will be applied to the payment of a new and much needed organ for Phillips Congregational church. <br> The services of some of Salt Lake's most popular artists have been secured and a excellent program is assured. The church people at large are requested to take note of the date and give us their patronage. <br><br> "We pray the most for what we do not want." <br><br> |
