All but 3 of the previous International President's were at Chicago. The House of friendship was located on the lower level of the Stevens Hotel and many trips were organized - to the University of Chicago and boating on Lake Michigan. Wives of Rotarians enjoyed tea at the Edgewater Beach Hotel. There was a magnificent Venetian Carnival in Lake Michigan, just off the Navy Pier. Rotarians were also invited to enjoy a round of golf from no less than 30 different golf clubs.

Paul Harris was not present due to health problems and, as had become the custom, a message from the founder was read out to the audience. "Welcome Rotary, welcome, welcome back home", his message had begun. "I am not ashamed of the Rotary of 1905. It contained the germ of all that there is today, although it was at first very much self-centered." He went on to use a well-known phrase about the battle between the 'cans' and 'cants'. "The cants had never won a single permanent victory. The broad visions, the nobler purposes have always won. Rotary is a social movement".

Harris' message described Rotary as 'a social movement and as such was in danger of the blighting effects of precedent. It has already suffered from the plague'. He went on: 'Rotary needs a department for constructive criticism - something comparable to the research departments of great businesses.' He went on to conclude: 'If Rotary is to realize its proper destiny, it must be evolutionary at all times, revolutionary on occasion...'

Before any delegates could show any disappointment that their founder was not present-especially since he only lived a few blocks away-a remarkable event occurred. The  audience suddenly became aware that he WAS PRESENT IN THE HALL along with Jean. The hall erupted with cheering and applause.

He was placed impromptu on stage and before RI President Gene Newson had finished telling his fellow Rotarians that regretfully 'Paul can't speak to you this morning', Harris was speaking to his people -just a few words - his first to the Convention in 18 years.

Paul said, "I do…entertain fond hopes that in some future occasion I shall be able to appear in my own person and read or deliver a message to you." Paul's exile from Rotary Conventions was now over.

Jean Harris also spoke: "We who have done so little, deeply appreciate seeing you all and meeting you who have done so much".

Paul Harris showed the movement at their Silver Jubilee celebrations that his real place was with the great masses in the floor of the hall rather than with the administrators on stage. The delegates stood until the great man had left the hall.

President Newsom paid tribute to the 'mother' club and Harris. "Gifted with the force of simplicity - sturdy in his faith - prophetic in his vision - ready and willing at all times to be the servant of the least of us - surely providence has been pleased with his handiwork, and has preserved him to us through the years…"

President Herbert Hoover also sent his greetings by saying: "The impressive attendance from so many countries is renewed evidence of the spirit of international good will which is so significant a development of our times and in the encouragement of which Rotary has played such a wonderful part."

Calum Thomson