Rotary's Power for World Peace

Messages From the President

Paul P. Harris

STANDARDIZATION OF IDEALS

Early in my incumbency of office in National Rotary the conviction came to me that our organization must inevitably be large. The marvelous spread of Rotarianism up to that time precluded the possibility of any other logical conclusion. Clubs had sprung into existence almost spontaneously and in some instances without any considerable information as to the principles and standards of Rotary. The result was that the widest divergence of views existed. As a rule, the clubs had taken on the views of their sponsors and not infrequently the sponsors had not taken pains to inform themselves fully before undertaking to inform others.

Under the circumstances, the most certain way of guarding against the unmethodical organization of clubs seemed to be to methodically organize them in every city where we had or where we could obtain satisfactory entrée. This we have done with the result that practically every important American city is within, or about to come within, the Rotarian fold. As the new clubs have had the benefit of the most advanced ideas of the older organizations, there has been a constant tendency toward uniformity of standards and ideals. This tendency has been somewhat stimulated by the fact that the younger clubs, having been brought into existence through the efforts and under the auspices of the National Association, have as a rule aspired to membership in the association and working to that end, have been willing to conform to the generally accepted principles of Rotary.

It is almost paradoxical to say that it is essential to the success of the efforts of the National Association that there be perfect harmony of action among its members, the constituent clubs; and that there is, for the National Association, no more promising method of obtaining harmony than that of working as far as is consistent and proper toward the standardization of ideals. Most troubles in life arise from dislocation of viewpoints, not from desire to disagree.

Rotary has differed from other organizations in that it has not inherited a system of cut and dried policies rendered sacred by tradition or history. Members have been quick to appreciate the fact that Rotary is a new thing and like all things, new or old, imperfect. They have felt free to criticise and they have done so with consideration; but they have not stopped with criticism. They have seen enough of merit in the underlying principles to justify their bringing their best talents to bear upon the problems of Rotary and they have devoted themselves with a will to the task of truing up the Rotary Machine. With so many capable and devoted friends, all feeling responsibility for the future of Rotary, we may reasonably expect to turn out a piece of twentieth century mechanism which will constitute an agreeable surprise to ourselves and to the rest of the world.

With the end in view of obtaining that harmony of action which makes possible the best results, we have during the past year used every means which has been at our command to see that the widest possible circulation is given to all original ideas which may effect the policy of clubs, leaving it to the various clubs to make such use of the ideas as they deem wise.

It has been, and is, my belief that the careful analysis of an impracticable or even unworthy plan which leads to its rejection not infrequently has as stimulating an effect on the life of a club as the consideration of a practicable or worthy subject. It develops the disposition to carefully consider club problems which after all is the main thing.

 I believe in the sincerity of Rotarians and having gone thus far, I must also believe in their wisdom because sincerity eventually finds the truth. Were there to be no means of  interchange of thought between the members of different clubs, standardization of ideals would be impossible, but with National Conventions and their opportunities for free and open discussions of all subjects and with a National publication the columns of which are accessible to all who have messages to deliver or inquiries to make, the standardization of ideals is not impossible; it is certain to come and great will be the advantages thereof.

THE DOCTRINE OF SERVICE.

After we, who are interested in National Rotary and the standardization of its ideals have rambled about for a while among the differences which exist between clubs, would it not now be well for us to stop just long enough to center our attention for a moment upon one particular in which all clubs agree? It is upon the merits of the doctrine of service. At the Portland convention the report of  Mr. A. F. Sheldon, chairman of the business methods committee, was received with great enthusiasm. Its most striking sentence "He profits most who serves best," was selected as the most effective and appropriate words with which to close the platform which was recommended by the convention for adoption by all clubs. In fact, it was the crystalization of many of the sentiments which preceded it.

It certainly fits well into the Rotary scheme. Its tone is high and clear and true and businesslike.

There may be differences of opinion as to how far Rotary clubs should participate in civic activities and as to whether entertainments are a necessary part of club life; but the gradual elevation of the plane of business during recent years has brought men to a realization of the fact that there is something to business besides profits and that there is as much satisfaction in giving the other fellow an honest run for his money as there is in any other one thing in life.

In days gone by, the country doctor and the old fashioned lawyer seldom had time to keep books but they could find time to serve a patient or client day or night.

Though they were probably entirely unconscious of the fact, they were in reality the first exponents of the great doctrine which the business world is now, with much and proper acclaim, and with almost the same enthusiasm and pride which would accompany the discovery of a new principle, bringing into the limelight ‑ THE DOCTRINE OF SERVICE.

If the manner in which Mr. Sheldon's report was received by the delegates, among whom were many of Rotary's most progressive thinkers, counts for anything, we shall hear more of this; and the more the better.

ROTARY INTEREST IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

One of the unaccountable things to me in times past has been the earnestness with which many Rotary Clubs throw themselves into matters of public interest affecting their respective communities, and with what reluctance, if at all, those same clubs admit that they have ever taken the slightest interest in civic affairs. Accuse them of having done so and they won't like you any more.

There is an explanation of this apparent inconsistency. It lies in the fact that Rotarians are very much more favorably disposed toward action than they are toward words. To do things and say nothing about what you have done would be to meet with approval; to do things and then talk about what you have done would meet with half approval; to do nothing except talk about the things you intend doing would meet with unqualified disapproval, and Rotarians do not care to take any chances of being included in the latter class. What is the matter with many of our so‑called civic associations and reformers? The brilliancy of their conversational powers out‑classes their ability to get results.

One assumes a great undertaking when he sets himself about to reform.

I am convinced that this year is to be one of the banner years in the progress of Rotary. Every indication points to that conclusion. We have the speed and the power, it but remains for us to true up.

If it is the case that there is more of sincerity, and effectiveness and any less of assumption, and incompetency in committees on public affairs than in civic committees, then let us, nationally and locally, have committees on public affairs.

LONDON FOR 1911

Rotarians are rapidly acquiring reputations as travelers. Across the continent and back on a seven‑thousand‑mile jaunt for Rotary, is not half bad; but there's more to follow, and judging from the latitudinal and longitudinal differences between the points from which our convention invitations hail, loyal Rotarians ‑ those who save their vacation days for Rotary ‑ will know something of this land of ours before their days are over.

The best of it is that it is all educational and leads to broader horizons and larger successes.

It was when Englishmen began to travel that English commerce began its march around the world. It is only by understanding people that commerce can cater successfully to their wants.

Now to you who have never permitted yourselves to believe that you will go down to your graves without ever having seen the land beyond the sea, save up your vacation days and save your miles of travel, because you will need them all for the occasion when we go to meet together in dear old London in the year of our Lord 1911.

ACQUAINTANCESHIP AMONG  ROTARIANS.

If I were a speculator and could beg or borrow the wherewithal, I would lay down one million dollars cash for the benefits which would accrue to Rotarians from the utilization of one certain little gem of an asset which has, so far, been almost overlooked in the great National Association inventory.

It is the benefit which will spring from the acquaintance which each Rotarian will some day enjoy with every other Rotarian in the world who is engaged in his line of business or profession.

Know each other and help each other by exchange of ideas. You can not overwork this feature of Rotary.

National Rotary needs scores of workers and hereby asks for volunteers. We want one man to represent each business and profession who will agree to undertake the work of getting acquainted with every other Rotarian engaged in his business or profession and who will also undertake to make every Rotarian in his line acquainted with every other Rotarian of the same line.

The National Secretary's office will gladly provide members with lists including all members in lines to be specified by the applicant.

The first in each line to apply will be given preference and he will also merit our sincere thanks.

COMMITTEES.

Of the committees for the year 1911-12, six have already been appointed. They are:

Trade Relations, Inter City.

Trade Relations, Local.

Public Affairs, National.

Public Affairs, Local.

Entertainments, Local.

Model Constitution and By‑Laws and Revision of National Constitution and By‑Laws.

The last‑named committee has been appointed in compliance with resolutions duly passed at the Portland convention by one of which the president was directed to appoint a committee to draft a revision of the Constitution and By-Laws of the National Association, such committee to make report at the next convention. By the other resolution, the president was directed to appoint a committee to draft a model form of Constitution and By‑Laws for individual clubs, this committee also to report to the next convention.

As the work of these two, committees should proceed co‑ordinately I have taken the liberty of appointing the same committee in each instance.

The first five of the above named committees have, with the consent of the board of directors, been created because there seems to be great need of their services to assist in carrying out the purposes of the National Association as expressed in its Constitution and By‑Laws.

It will be apparent that the three committees on local matters namely the committees on Local Trade Relations, Local Public Affairs and Local Entertainments will not have occasion to take definite action as a committee nor in the name of the National Association and yet their opportunity for usefulness will be great.

The activities of most of the individual clubs are confined to the three lines,

First, Encouragement of trade relations between members.

Second, Participation in civic. or public affairs.

Third, Fostering of the spirit of good fellowship, which frequently finds its origin in entertainments given by the clubs.

It will be the duty of the three committees named to make special study of their respective subjects and through the medium of The National Rotarian or through reports made at conventions, give the benefit of their deliberations to the membership at large.

As the members of these committees selected this year are known in many instances to possess widely divergent views, it is not expected that they will arrive at unanimous conclusions; but as the chief benefits to be expected from their work is the development of the highest possible standards, it has been thought wise to have all views on each subject, as far as is practicable, represented, to the end that the various clubs may have opportunity to select for their use those which suit them best, or which seem best adapted to their particular requirements.

Some of the best results of the convention came from the exchange of ideas. We desire to continue this good work in a still more thorough, effective and systematic manner throughout the entire year.

WHAT ROTARY MEANS.

The most urgent need at the present stage in the development of Rotary is not "more clubs" nor "larger clubs" ; it is the evolution of a truer and stronger philosophy.

It is not only necessary to the permanency of the success of Rotary that its philosophy be idealized and standardized. It must also be practicalized and trued.

Rotary presents even now after several years of existence and after all of its wonderful growth, many problems which reach to the very center of its being, and the rarest of opportunities for definite constructive work.

FOREIGN TRADE.

Have you any expert trade? If so, have you all that you desire? If you have none, have you reason to believe that there would be a demand for your goods abroad if they were once introduced?

If you desire to create a demand, or increase the present demand if one already exists, for your goods in Great Britain, write a brief concise letter to Mr. Arthur P. Bigelow, vice‑president of the Rotary Club of London, 49 Great Sutton street, E. C. London, England.

State just what you have to sell and he will be glad to list you as one of the American Rotarians looking for business in Great Britain; and he and other London Rotarians will exercise their influence and their initiative in your behalf.

Mr. Bigelow has been asked to supply the office of the National Secretary with the names of London Rotarians whose business may be benefited by the patronage of American Rotarians.

Let us exercise our influence and our initiative to the end that our British brother Rotarians derive all of the benefits to which their memberships in Rotary entitle them and to the end that the ties be tighter drawn.

This is the first real step in the direction of Rotary trans‑Atlantic trade extension. How much the move will eventually amount to, depends not upon Rotarians themselves. The opportunity is here and its proportions are without limitations.