large group of manual workers, due very likely to the sympathetic attitude of the Social-Democratic Party. Formerly this party did not acknowledge the Ethical Movement, either ignoring or ridiculing it, but now we are treated with respectful consideration. All our activities are noted in the party press and very well reported.

In addition to our Sunday service we have arranged social meetings every second Tuesday, attended by from thirty to fifty members. The discussions are on the subjects of the Sunday lectures, on political situations, on questions of the day, and on fundamental points of ethics.

Two weekly consultation hours which I have scheduled are well attended. Questions relating to education, the

choice of a vocation and other matters are presented to me.

It is very likely that what we are doing in Vienna may seem negligible to our American friends in contrast with their extensive and important activities. But you must not forget that only during the last two years have we been free to work, and that our economic condition is so desperate as to present a difficult barrier to our energies. Nevertheless, we face the future with confidence, and the development of our Ethical congregation during the past months justifies our hope. In joy of service, and in devoted dedication to our joint ideals we shall not be found lacking. May our American friends continue to favor us with their protecting interest and fraternal consideration!

THE

HE Jubilee of the Ethical Moveiment, which occurs five years hence, was in the minds of those who participated in the conference and celebration held in New York at the end of the first week in May. One of the delegates went so far as to say that the forty-fifth anniversary was a "curtain-raiser" for the fiftieth. But gross injustice would be done to the occasion just past if one were to infer that it possessed no significance of its own, for it may safely be asserted that the events of early May marked the high-water mark in Ethical Society celebrations. As one of the delegates commented, "The convention was one of our very best-indeed it has the promise of being much more fruitful in important results to the various Societies than any which I remember."

observer was that of a group of people who, although engaged upon an earnest quest for a better way of living, nevertheless found real joy in their striving together. It was abundantly evident that life for them possessed significance because they had found a worthy aim to be pursued in fellowship with kindred spirits.

One gratifying feature of the meetings was the spontaneous gathering of the delegates in unscheduled round-table conferences, in which laymen took the most active part. In more than one quarter the view was expressed that future conferences should provide opportunities for more meetings of this character, and the St. Louis Society is planning to avail itself of the suggestion on the occasion of its Thirty-fifth An

those events which had more particularly to do with the "celebration." To the sixty-five delegates and to the large number of members of the New York and

Brooklyn Societies who were privileged to attend, the occasion was something more than the Forty-fifth Anniversary of the establishment of the Ethical Movement, for it was also the appropriate time for celebrating the seventieth birthday of its founder. And so the And so the happy events of the closing meeting on Sunday evening, when Mrs. Henry Ollesheimer extended the congratulations of his fellow members and presented to Dr. Felix Adler as an addition to the permanent fund of the New York Society a sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, the combined gift of more than five hundred members, will long be cherished in the memory of the friends. present.

An understanding of the spirit of the meetings may be gleaned from the addresses published elsewhere in this issue. Three of these were delivered on Sunday morning, which was the occasion for the more formal celebration of the anniversary. All of the leaders occupied the platform and stood at the close of the exercises while Mr. Alfred W. Martin read the formal declaration setting forth the essential motives for their efforts and the bond of conviction by which they are united. This occasion was also marked by the presence of the children. of the Society, who came in during a part of the exercises, and participated, together with the young people, the general audience, and Dr. John L. Elliott, as leader, in responsive readings which were prepared especially for the occasion, and represent a tentative effort to develop suitable responses for use in an Ethical Society.

In the pages which follow, a summary of the proceedings is offered for the benefit of those who are interested to know the substance of the discussions as well as the decisions which were made.

REGIONAL CONFERENCES

At the business meeting attended by the American Ethical Union delegates on Thursday, May 5th, and presided over by the Chairman, Mr. Robert D. Kohn, a report was presented by Mr. Ralph Jonas, chairman of a Jonas, chairman of a committee appointed by the New York and Brooklyn

Societies to consider whether some form of closer co-operation between those organizations might not be advisable. The significant passages of this report are given below:

In the formation of a regional association of Ethical Societies, the object is not to weaken the bond whereby all the Societies of the United States are united in the American Ethical Union, but rather to strengthen the Movement by more vigorously enhancing its vitality within a given district. The judgment of the committee is that the association, at all events at the outset, should be loose, and that special precautions should be taken not to interfere with or give the appearance of interfering with the independence of the several Societies. Each accepts as heretofore exclusive responsibility in meeting its financial obligations. These obligations are not, directly or by implication, to be shared with the others.

A leader or group of leaders shall, as heretofore, be specially connected with each of the independent Societies, elected solely by such Societies, under the general provisions and restrictions already provided in the Constitution of the American Ethical Union. The creation and maintenance of schools, social settlements, clubs, vocational groups, shall be decided on as heretofore by the vote of each Society.

The following changes, however, are contemplated as beneficial results likely to accrue from the co-operation of the independent Societies in the original association:

First, a more intimate sense of fellowship between the members of the Societies resident in different cities.

Second, the leaders selected by each Society are to form a larger Council of Leaders for the entire district. The moral responsibility for the guidance of the Movement in the several Societies is to be more effectually shared by the entire council, so that, for instance, in case of a vacancy occurring in the leadership of any Society, that Society shall not be bereft and destitute as it were for the time being, but shall have the assistance of the larger group of leaders, both in the selection of a successor and in the intermediate supply of its platform, as well as in the maintenance of its other activities.

Third, in planning the internal development

of each Society the experience and counsel of the other Societies shall be more directly available.

To promote these objects, the following form of organization is proposed: There shall be established, by the American Ethical Union, a body known as the Eastern Conference of Ethical Societies. This body shall consist of all the accredited leaders of the Eastern Societies, and of five members chosen from each Society to act as lay delegates. The conference shall.meet at least once a year, in the summer interval, after the close of the public meetings of the Societies and before their reopening in the fall. At these meetings, matters of general interest to the Societies shall be brought forward and considered, such as the training or enrollment of new leaders, the programmes for the Sunday platforms during the ensuing year (with a view to bringing about a greater measure of unity in platform utterances), plans for the organization of the Sunday School, for the institutional development of the Societies, for the dissemination of the literature, and projects of enlargement to be submitted to the American Ethical Union looking to the spread and consolidation of the Ethical Movement in other countries. Whatever resolutions are adopted at these conference meetings touching the internal affairs of the Societies represented in the Conference, shall be regarded as exclusively advisory, having the purport not of commands but of counsels, to be ratified or rejected by the independent action of the Societies concerned. In addition to the annual meeting, special meetings of the Conference may be called by an Executive Committee of three members to be elected by the conference, as need arises.

In the discussion which followed, it appeared that while ultimately the establishment of regional conferences both in the East and in the West may be feasible and while the question is one which should be discussed thoroughly in all of the Societies, the only immediate prospect is for the formation of an Eastern Conference, involving at the outset the possibility of federating the Societies. existing in New York, Philadelphia and Brooklyn. It was thought that in the West, where the distances separating the Societies are greater, it might at the present time be impossible to maintain a regional conference, imposing the burden of another annual meeting in addition to that held by the American Ethical Union. Mr. Weston stated that the matter was now under consideration by the

Trustees of the Philadelphia Society, who had not taken final action, but that the general sentiment favored an organization with advisory powers which would afford greater opportunities for an interchange of experience and suggestions. Mr. Kohn pointed out that the subject was introduced as one which might profitably be discussed by the delegates, and that while recommendations might be made, the final decision would have to rest with each Society involved.

A motion was subsequently passed to the effect that it be the sense of the meeting that an effort should be made to establish a Regional Conference of the Eastern Ethical Societies along the lines suggested in the report; and further, that the Chairman of the American Ethical Union be instructed to appoint a committee which shall endeavor to put into effect the recommendations made in that report.

TRAINING FOR ETHICAL LEADERSHIP

Dr. Adler presented to the delegates the greetings of the Fraternity of Ethical Leaders, which held three meetings during the period of the Conference, and considered a number of questions of importance to the Movement, among them the matter of training for Ethical leadership. In reporting on this subject, Dr. Adler offered the preliminary sketch of a plan which had been considered by a committee of which he is chairman, pointing out that in the first place there must be a clear distinction between the training which is offered in theological seminaries and that provided for prospective leaders in the Ethical Movement. In the case of the seminaries there is a fixed and final doctrine which is to be transmitted by theological teachers; whereas the central thought in training for ethical leadership is the need for discovering a way of living with fellow spirits. All doctrine must be kept flexible, and accepted or rejected in accordance with its capacity to help in this quest. A threefold organization of the training proposed for future leaders was

then suggested. In the first place, there In the first place, there would be a central group, composed of the present and prospective leaders—a "Fellowship of the Way"-for considering the means of making progress in the spiritual life. This group, which has been in existence for two years, is to be enlarged and enriched as time goes on, and is to serve as the chief agency for correlating and advancing the work of training. Technique is to be acquired by prospective leaders through the pursuit of post-graduate studies in established universities in such subjects as ethics, philosophy, sociology, political science and economics; and, finally, apprentice work is to be done through the teaching of ethics in groups, work in settlements, contact with labor organizations, etc. These suggestions were offered by Dr. Adler as subjects for deliberation, to be discussed at a later meeting of the American Ethical Union.

FRATERNAL VISITORS FROM ABROAD

The two visiting leaders from the Societies in Europe-Mr. Henry J. Golding, one of the vice-presidents of the British Union of Ethical Societies, and Dr. Wilhelm Boerner, for many years the leader of the Austrian Society-were introduced to the Conference at the delegates' meeting. Dr. Boerner has written out his address delivered on that occasion, and a translation is published elsewhere in this issue. Mr. Golding's stay in America was so short, and his time so fully occupied, that it was impossible for him to prepare an article for publication in THE STANDARD. In a later number, however, the Editors hope to be able to offer something from his pen. Meanwhile the following summary of his remarks at the delegates' meeting is presented.

At the outset, Mr. Golding referred to the different conditions in England, under which the British Ethical Societies must do their work. The effect of the war crisis has been to throw the finest spirits back on what is best in themselves, and on every hand there is evi

dence that traditionally accepted beliefs have been shattered. In consequence, the leaders in the Ethical Movement believe that many of these awakened souls must eventually join their ranks. Another effect of the war has been to arouse a tremendous interest in adult education, and among workingmen in particular is there evidenced a great thirst for knowlMovement, which has been shaped with edge. The programme of the Ethical a view to meeting this new situation, involves the following elements: (1) The public platform has been maintained on a high level, with thinkers of international reputation, many of whom are members of the Societies, as speakers. While the topics discussed may appear to be more nearly political in character than those chosen here, politics in England is recognized as ethics in the large, and democracy is regarded as a spiritual instrument, designed to enable people to live together in freedom. (2) There have in addition been series of weeknight lectures dealing with subjects of philosophical, literary and ethical interest. (3) As in the American Societies, there have been active groups of women, Sunday Schools, and various other organizations. (4) A second Conference of Modern Religious Thinkers is to be held in November. This conference, which is being called together by the Ethical Movement in view of the success attained by the original gathering held last year, will involve leaders who do not accept the older views of religion, and will consider the following subjects: The Converging Tendencies of Modern Religious Thought and the Scientific Spirit; The Relation Between Western and Eastern Religious Thought; The Search for Religious Unity, and The Expression of Religion in Daily Life. Life. (5) Advisory groups have been formed to assist the Movement in the publication of literature for general distribution. tribution. In conclusion, Mr. Golding stated that the British Societies were relying upon America to show the full flowering of ethical religion. Lectures

based on Dr. Adler's Ethical Philosophy of Life already have been given, and study courses are soon to be organized.

"THE STANDARD"

The annual report of the Managing Elitor of THE STANDARD, which was presented to the conference delegates, indicated a continued growth in the circulation of the magazine, and stated the policies which the Editors have followed, as well as the plans for the immediate future. The following excerpts are taken from this report:

With the publication of the May number, THE STANDARD has completed its seventh year and is thus well past the period when infant mortality claims the largest number of victims. During the season now closing, the largest editions in the history of the magazine have been issued-never less than 3000. There has also been the largest number of subscribers-2500. The balance between these figures represents the sales at the Society book-tables and through the STANDARD office. Roughly, it may be said that half of the Ethical Society membership subscribes to the magazine, and that half of the subscribers are not members.

The Editors believe that it is important to conserve and extend the influence of the magazine in both these directions. The American Societies have in the past devoted themselves more particularly to the intensive development of strong and effective local organizations which exercise a potent influence for good in the life both of their own members and of the communities in which they are situated; and THE STANDARD aims to help them by serving as a medium of exchange and by arousing throughout the Movement a sense of national unity.

The Editors believe, moreover, that they have an opportunity and obligation to exercise through THE STANDARD an influence outside of the Movement. The mental explorations upon which the Societies venture, as well as the practical experiments undertaken in such fields as religion, education and social reform, may continue to be of value to other groups. As progress is made in thought and action, THE STANDARD is the agency for recording these developments for the benefit of those who like ourselves are trying "to promote ethical thinking and to encourage better ways of living." It has, moreover, proven especially useful in the announcement of new books and pamphlets issued by one or another of the Ethical organizations, and the increased sales of literature during the past season afford

gratifying evidence of a growing interest in the thought of the Movement.

Although the number of subscribers has increased by fifty per cent during the past three years, and every effort has been made to curtail expenses, the publishers have had difficulty in financing THE STANDARD. With mounting costs, the subscription rate has been maintained at the originally low level, primarily because it is believed that the interest of the Movement is best served by securing the widest possible circulation, and that financial considerations should be recognized as secondary in view of the fact that the function of the magazine is chiefly missionary in character and cannot be properly fulfilled if made dependent upon the money return. Reliance is therefore placed upon the forthcoming subscription campaign among the members of the Societies, and upon an increase in the number of sustaining members. With adequate assistance from all who are interested, it is believed that the magazine may be made increasingly useful without a change in the rate.

The major effort of the Editors has been to publish an increasingly readable and stimulating magazine. They are constrained to demonstrate that, all impressions to the contrary, to be ethical is not necessarily to be dull. Nor is it to be moribund, as those who assert that "mere ethics" is insufficient would seem to intimate. And so they have sought to publish articles which would convey to readers some sense of the power which inheres in an ethical attitude towards life. It will be their endeavor to continue to present interesting addresses and papers by the Ethical leaders and by prominent writers outside of the Movement, dealing with important developments in such fields as religion and ethics, industry, education, international relations, and political and social reform.

They will also seek to give proper attention to the affairs of the Ethical Movement, maintaining so far as possible a lively connection with the Societies abroad through the publications of articles, news notes and announcements of literature published in Europe, and giving adequate space to important developments in the life of the Societies in America as well.

While it is believed that proper emphasis should be given to matters such as these, the Editors have endeavored to keep THE STANDARD free from the taint of sectarianism, to make it something more than just another official organ of another religious organization. They have been even more interested in stimulating an ethical attitude towards life than in furthering the fortunes of the Movement, important as they have also regarded it to give adequate attention to this desirable end. But while the members of the Ethical Societies are not much given to exploiting their organization, they