OUTLINE OF ORGANIZATION OF WEN-HUA BOOKSTORE

1 August 1920

[Text] (1) The main purpose of this bookstore is to sell all kinds of useful Chinese and foreign books, newspapers and magazines. We strive to be inexpensive and prompt in the sale of such publications, so that all kinds of useful new publications will spread in the entire province and everyone will have the opportunity to read them. In regard to books published in other cities, we have formed special agreements with the various bookstores and publishing houses. All new publications will be shipped to us as soon as they are published. In regard to the useful daily newspapers, in view of the large number of readers, we have formed agreements with the publishers to serve as their branches. In regard to the useful magazines, we have formed agreements with the publishers to serve as their distributors.

(2) The capitalization of this bookstore is unlimited. The founders will first subscribe to the opening expenses, beginning on a small scale, to be gradually expanded. Thereafter, the entire assets will be jointly owned by the investors. Anyone having the same interest with this bookstore may invest 1 yuan or more at any time, but the investor must agree that his investment becomes the public property of this bookstore and it is no longer his personal property. It cannot be withdrawn, nor will it earn any interest.

(3) The investors will organize a council and elect a manager who will be given full authority to handle all affairs of the bookstore. For the purpose of managing the affairs, the manager may employ necessary assistants. The manager and his assistants should receive appropriate living and operating expenses, the amount to be determined by the council.

(4) The manager must settle the accounts daily and monthly and make a general accounting every 6 months and report to the council. The council will hold a meeting every 2 months (March and September) to examine the business situation reported by the manager and discuss future plans.

(5) The main office of this bookstore is to be established in the provincial capital with branches in the counties. The branches will be opened when there are sufficient funds.

(6) The bookstores will establish a reading room in the store, stocked with books and newspapers for the public to read. Branch reading rooms will be established when there are sufficient funds.

(7) The business of this bookstore will be open to the public. The business situation will be published once a month. Anyone wishing to know the condition of this bookstore may do so by personal visit or by writing us at any time, and such queries will be answered in detail.

(8) Detailed regulations of the council and of business will be separately provided.

(Hunan "Ta Kung Pao," 25 August 1920)

o"Hunan Historical Data" (quarterly) No 3, 1959, Hunan People's Publishing House, 28 September 1959

A"Hunan Ta Kung Pao," 25 August 1920