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IMPROVEMENT ERA
Organ of the Priesthood Quorums, the Young Men's Mutual
Improvement Associations, and the Schools of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
VOLUME TWENTY-THREE
Published by the General Board Y. M. M. I. A.
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President John Taylor.
Edited by Heber J. Grant and Edward H. Anderson Edward H. Anderson, Manager; Moroni Snow, Assistant Manager
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"The Glory of God is Intelligence'
IMPROVEMENT ERA, VOLUME XXIII
INDEX TO SUBJECTS
DISCOURSES, ESSAYS, ETC. H page
nu DISCOURSES, ESSAYS (Continued)
About the Temple in Hawaii 149 Dedicatory Prayer, The, in the
Abraham Lincoln's Bible 932 Hawaiian Temple 281
A. D. 1920 217 Defects Found in Drafted Men... 446
Against Sunday Desecration and Died in Service 59
Tobacco 63 Dream that was a Reality, A, • 16
Atonement, The, Prompted by Di- Dual Conversion 431
vine Love 592 Edict of a Century, The, 484
Bath 33 Educational Preparedness 811
Beauty Spots in Southern Utah Effect of Revelation on Man's
342, 598, 894 Creed, The, 506
Bit of Heaven, A 604 Essentials of Permanent Agricul-
Blessings from Sacrifice and Ser- ture 49, 740
vice 1 Ethics of Tobacco Prohibition,
Bolshevism 434 The, 984
Book of Mormon, A, Sent on a Faith-promoting Experience, A,.. 978
Mission _ 373 Fathers and Sons' Outing 853
Books .* 739 Fathers and Sons' Outing, Cache
Boy in Picture of Sacred Grove 639 and Loga Stakes 1063
Boy Scouts of Phoenix, Memor- Fathers and Sons' Outing, Ogden
able Outing of 1050 Stake h 1062
Boy Scouts of America Caravan Fathers and Sons' Outing, Spanish
to Bryce and Zion Canyons... 1053 Fork 1062
Boy Scouts of Mt. Pleasant 1057 Fathers i.nd Sons' Outing, Uintah
Boy Scouts of Oakley, Idaho 1060 Stake 1045
Bread, The, that was Found 425 Fathers and Sons' Outing, Wasatch
Bridal Veil Falls, Provo Canyon 669 Stake 1060
Brigham Young, Boyhood and First Commandment, The, Part
Youth 681 HI 126
Brigham Young University, The, 831 Flowers and Homes, Beecher,
Camel, Ther and the Eye of the Grady, and Upshaw, on, 773
iNeedle , 187 Four Mud Walls and Safety 214
Changes in Church Officers, Genealogical Records' Relation- Sept., 1919 , 66 ship 962
Christmas Prayer, A 153 Genalogical Society, Value of
Christianity Falsely So-Called 196 Membership in 1078
Church Schools as Architects of Get into the Books 975
Education 783 God's Hand 419
Church, The, Will Prevail 517 God's Priesthood Leads the Way 976
Church, The, in the Mission Field 549 Greeting to the M. I. A. Officers 924 Church Union Movement, The.... 579 Guide for M. I. A. Studies and
Cigarette Epidemic, The, 997 Activities for 1920-1 999
College, A, that Gives Ideas as High Schools of Utah, The, 794
Well as Ideals 844 How long, O Lord, How Long?.... 332
Cradle of Faith, The, 735 Howells, William Dean 899
Crags of Lone Peak 394 Huterian Brethren, The, 738
Dedicated to my Sons 590 I Want My Family Forever 301
INDEX TO SUBJECTS
DISCOURSES, ESSAYS (Continued) DISCOURSES, ESSAYS (Continued)
In Defense of the Latter-day Our Duty to Tested Truths of the
Saints .. „. 206 Past 903
Influence of the Gospel for Good Poetry and Art, Relationship of,
Through the Doctrine of Gath- to Education 798
ering 539 Polynesians, Traditions and Leg- Joseph's First Vision, Aocou. t of, 488 ends of 1072
Joseph Smith's First Vision and Present World Conditions and
Scripture Promises 475 Prophecy 140, 346
Joseph Smith, the Modern / <ner- Problems in Leadership 1024, 1093
ican Prophet 526 Progress of Education in Utah.... 763
Joseph Smith, An Oral ion, 554 Prophet, The, and Brigham
Joseph Smith as a Statesman: Young „ 159
I. Jo:eph Smith, a Religious Prophecies and Promises of the
Leader 560 Lord, as Recorded in D. & C.
II. Joseph Smith, a Home VII. The Day of Spiritual Ac- Build rr 565 tivity 67
III. Joseph Smith, an Advocate VIII. The Weekly Covenant 69
of Law and Order 569 IX. Review 71
IV. Jo.rrd, Smith a Candidate— X. Investing with the
Bis i'Vtform 646 Lord 161
V. Jo oh Smith, a Nationalist 652 XL The Higher the Law, etc. 163
VL Joseph Smith, a Practical XII. Physical Salvation 166
Sociologist 701 XIII. Increase of Intelligence 250
Vil. JoscpT Smith, a Patriot... 706 XIV. Crisis Conflict 252
Joseph the Prophet 491 XV. Eternal Domesticity 337
Joseph, the Seer, 722 XVI. Eternal Domesticity 339
Juvenile Court, Relation of, to XVII. Dominating Without Dom-
Educational System 765 ineering 438
Kindled 951 XVIII. Dominating Without Dom-
Latter-day Saints and Education 774 ineering 440
Life 153 pUre in Heart, The,.... 51
Life Eternal 736 Purpose of the American Legion 608
Lincoln 145 Rainbows in Hawaii 577
Loving Animals 908 Reaching the Harbor 612
"Marvelous Work and a Won- Reaching the Souls of Men 18
der" 472 Rebirth, A, Through Sincere
Mission as a Factor in Educa- Desire _ 218
tion 74, 169, 441 Record of a Typical High School 782
Mormon Battalion and its Monu- Reason and Miracles 257
ment - - 236 Sacred Grove, The, 720
"Mormons," A Visit to the 1097 Scouts 822
'Mormons" in Liege During War 262 Service a Means of Progressive
"Mormons," The, Gen. Seward, Action 930
and the Rotarians _ 1027 Shadow and the Substance, The, 327
New Conscience, A 1077 Social Leadership 1008
New Testament Chief Need of La- Society Islands Mission, The, 992
tin-American Youth 1092 Sociological Aspect of "Mormon- Ninetieth Annual Conference ism" _ _ 823, 953
Themes 671 Some Effects of the Gospel on
Notes on Bible Texts 627, 731 Human Lives 544
No-tobacco Movement, The, 351 Southern Sketches, 45, 104, 247
Old-fashioned Way, The,. 414 Spirit Communication 289
One Hundred Years Ago 691 Spirit of Song, The,. 630
Origin and Destiny of Man 375 Spiritual Preparation the Basis of
Origin of the First Vision 496 Progressive Action _ 925
INDEX TO SUBJECTS
DISCOURSES, ESSAYS (Continued) DIED IN SERVICE (Continued)
Success Family, The, 129 Christensen, Private Ebbie 710
Summer Outing, A, and What Crum, Captain John 711
Came of it, Chapters I-V Darley, John Gunnell 709
695, 805, 887, 985, 1064 Day, Corporal George R 709
Swedish Star, The, Shines Again 160 Draney, Harmon T 713
Teaching as a Vocation 813 Eyres, Lenoy Quincy 712
Temple at Cardston, Canada, 185 Gooding, Cyril Arthur 710
Theophany .Resplendent, A, 514 Green, Amasa Lyman, Jr 710
"Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Green, Corporal Arthur R 710
Before Me" 882 Hales, Howard J 712
Thirty Years of Agricultural Ex- Hanford, Raymond C 711
perimentation in Utah 857 Harris, Leroy V 714
Time 810 Howard, Sapper William 714
Timpanogas Climb, The 1059 Ketcham, George P 710
Tongue an Unruly Member, The....ll08 Kunz, Orson J 711
Town Planning 415 Marshall, Private Lavon A. 709
Treaty of Peace — Restoration of Maughn, Frank Alma 711
the Gospel 107 Milner, Private Newel K 714
Twelve Scout Laws, The, 76, 171, 254 Moore, Ross 711
Twenty-one Reasons for being Re- Mortensen, Captain Conrad E 711
ligious 873 Muir, Private Russell 710
Two Lessons in Sanitation 821 Palmer, Private Phillip 713
Undiscovered Country, The Parkinson, Private George Benson 709
95, 229, 316, 408 Sanders, Private Martin 709
University of Utah, 817 Smaltz, Frederick F 709
Use and Sale of Tobacco 875 Spackman, Private Bert 710
Utah's First School Teacher 787 Squires, Private William 709
Utah Program, The, 835 Stevenson, Corporal Jens Leslie 714
Utah recovers Grand Canyon of Wade, Don Crandall 713
Arizona 909 Zabriskie, Henry M 710
Utah School System, Recent De- FnTTfVRS' TABTF
velopment in, 789
Vision Beautiful, The, 542 Arizona Temple Day 1030
Visit of President Wilson 52 Books 82, 175, 267, 1114
Vital Problems of Life 1016, 1030 Change in Stake Superintendency 81
Wapiti Wrestles with the Weather 639 Church, The, Celebrates the First
Warning, A, 306 Vision 657
What is Truth? Part 1 421 Close of Vol. XXIII 1110
What of the Future? 933 Co-operative Auxiliary Conven-
Whence Come the Ills of Men tions r 746
and Nations? 41 Danger of Unearned Praise 266
Winter in the Wasatch 279 Defending the Latter-day Saints 174
Word of Power, The, 444 How Are the American Indians
Work out your Own Salvation 598 Related to the Jews? 453
Young, Brigadier-General Rich- June M. I. A. Conference, The 868
ard W., 321 Leadership 744
Y. M. M. I. A. Outings 1045 Messages from Missions 82,
176, 268, 357, 455, 660, 747, 1030, 1099
DIED IN SERVICE M. I. A. Slogans 1030
i Millennium, Concerning the 1111
Asher, William Wallace 710 One Goal to be Attained 1028
Baxter, Private George 713 Our Slogan 869
Betts, Private Earl 713 Practical Religion 451
Card, Private Reed 714 Program, One-day Conventions Y.
Carter, Private Benjamin 713 M. and Y. L. M. I. A., and Re-
INDEX TO SUBJECTS
EDITORS' TABLE (Continued) PASSING EVENTS
ligion Classes, 1920 941 Abbott, Thomas M. passed 1122
Quitting Tobacco 658 Aircraft, The latest in 870
Regeneration _ 79 Airplane, the first mail, ar-
Special Notice 743 rives .1041
Spiritual, The-Genuine and Spu- Albert, King of Belgium^ and
rious 355 Party in Sait Lake 89
Taking the Name of the Lord in Alexander, Joshua W., appointed
Vain *■*" Secretary cf Commerce 274
Teacher-Training and Social Work 746 American Expeditionary Force
Temple Work 1029 Dissolved 88
Theory and Practice 940 American Legion, Utah Branch,
Thrift and Economy 659 in Convention 90
Tobacco Evil, Cleaning up the. .1110 American Murdered in Mexico 274
Twentieth Century, The 81 Amundsen, Roald 760, 1037
Welcome, Educators 867 Anarchists Deported 370
v Annual Convention, N. E. A 947
MUTUAL WORK Another political party 946
Archaeological find in Zion Can- Aim of the Senior Department 272 yQn 463
Arco, Idaho, to the Front 179 Armenia recognized 757
Auxiliary Joint Convention 663 Ashton, Elias Conway, Killed by
Blasphemy 365 Accident 90
Changes in Waastch Stake 1034 Audubon Classes, Junior 90
Efficiency Reports for December 364 Auerback, Samuel H., called 872
Efficiency Reports for January... 460 Austrian Peace Treaty Signed... 87
Executive Director, Y. M. M. I. Aviators Meet Death 91
"• — 366 Barton, James, passes away 275
Fathers and Sons at Play 1035 Beehive House, home for girls 1037
Features of Summer Work 757 Benedict, Pope, issues an Encycl-
First Stake with Full Fund 179 ical 870
Five Hundred "Bones" 1034 Berger, "victor" L., denied Ha seat
Home Evening Program 179 in Congress 180
In Commemoration of the First Appeals to Governor 462
t 8I™ -" ; - - 459 Bill, A, prohibiting smoking 462
June M. I. A. Conference, 1920 662 Booth, Judge John E 666
Manuals for Boy Scout Classes... 272 Boy Scout caravan 947
Maricopa Stake to the Front 458 Budd, a boy scout, funeral of 948
M. I. A Summer Work 365 Bult, Robert S., called 88
Mutual Celebration of the Vision 664 Burley, David Ellsworth, dead .1038
Pioneer Hike, 1920, The 1034 Burton, Bishop Henry F., Dead 666
Fortneuf Stake Spring M. I. A. Burton, Mrs. Maria, S., Death of 666
Chautauqua 758 Cardinal Mercier Arrives 87
Frogram for Group Conventions 663 Changes in Stake and Ward Of-
Kaismg Funds by Recreation 1036 ficers 183, 277, 369, 462, 465, 664, 762
Rescue of Drowning Boy by Scout Changes in the cabinet 463
Raymond Johnson 364 Child, George N., appointed Supt.
Rousing M I A Rally 1036 City schools L 870
Salt Lake Stake Guide 179 China Declares Peace 87
Suggestive Program 273 Christiansen, Elder Hans J., re-
Inree-days Course in Scout Lead- turns 368
ership Training 460 Churches "in America; gains since
Trip, A, to Jackson Hole 1035 1916 464
Twenty-fifth Annual Conference Cluff, San^iel""S™"ciuledl.l.!!!Z 871
tt °t e T- M- and Y- L' M> L A- 754 Cold Wave strikes Utah 276
Utah Stake on Top 364 Colby's First Diplomatic Paper.. 665
INDEX TO SUBJECTS
PASSING EVENTS (Continued) .. PASSING EVENTS (Continued)
Colby Succeeds Lansing 666 French Forces in the Rhineland 665
Commentary, Doc. and Cov 87 Frick, Henry Clay, died 274
Communists found guilty 1039 Garner, Dr. Richard L., dead 463
Conditions in Mexico 945 German mothers 462
Conference at Gridley, Cal 949 German Peace Treaty ratified... 87
Congress, regular session, con- Germany Convulsed by Revolu-
venes < 274 tion 667
Congress, regular session, ad- Grant, President Heber J., Home
journs 870 from the East 183
Congress, special session, ad- Hafen, Mrs. Tahora, passes away 757
journs 184 Hail Storm, Destructive 1120
Constantinople Occupied 666 Hanson, Mrs. Annie C, dies 760
Cornerstone of L. D. S. Hospital 945 Hardy, Mrs. Avera, passes away 89
Cox, Gov. James M., nominated 948 Hawaiian "Mammy'" dead 463
Crops in Utah, condition of 1037 Howells, fra. Dean 872
Crop outlook good 870 Huerta, president of Mexico 870
Davis, Norman H., undersecretary Hull, Thomas, appointed purchas-
of State 870 ing agent 870
Daynes, Prof. Jos. J., dies 367 Hurricane Sweeps Texas 88
Dedication of Laie Temple 277 Husbands, Mr. and Mrs., pass
Democratic Nominees 1123 away 463
Deschanel, M. Paul, president of Hyde, Mrs. Elizabeth, dies 665
France ...: 462 Hyrum Stake presidency 1040
Disabled Veterans, number of 757 Impressive Funeral services 946
Discovery of ancient water pipe.. 1040 Independence of Syria 666
Dobbins, Elder Thomas B., dead 275 India, a larger degree of self-
D. S. C. awarded 871 government for 370
Earl, Mrs. Adeline M. Wood- Industrial Congress called 87
ward, died , 275 International Labor Congress
Earthquake shocks 370 convenes 182, 275
Ebert, First President of Ger- "Interworld Church Movement".... 275
many 88 Ireland, Fighting in 1121
Ether, A new. 463 Jews in Palestine 760
Ex-Empress Eugenie dead , 946 Joachin, Prince, commits suicide. 103 7
Experimental farm, A new 274 Jordan School district takes the
Explosion, New York 1124 lead 761
Extension division, University of Keeler, President Joseph B., Re- Utah 462 leased 182
Farish, Edwin, Historian, dead.... 182 Kirkham, Oscar A., goes to Lon-
Farnsworth, Philo Taylor 1042 don with boy scouts 949
Fiftieth anniversary of the Utah Knox peace resolution vetoed 871
Central 367 Kohler, Emil G., passes away... 367
First Ward Chaptel Dedicated 87 Larkin, James J., sentenced 757
First woman in the British parlia- L. D. S. Chapel at Long Beach ... 872
ment _ 274 League of Nations discussed at
First Zionist International Confer- Brussels 274
ence 946 —Council sessions of 760, 1038
Fisher, Wm. F., a Pioneer, called 180 Letters by First Transcontinental Five Socialists Expelled from New Air Mail 181
York Legislature 665 Lodge, Sir Oliver, in New York... 464
Food Shortage „ 667 Los Angeles shaken 947
Fort Douglas, movement of Manifesto of anarchists 181
troops J038 McGhie, James, called 1038
Forty-first Annual State Fair 88 Meetinghouse for Indians 945
Four Soldiers killed at Centralia 180 "Messiah," Alfred Lamboume on Freestone, George, died 1122 the production of 371
INDEX TO SUBJECTS
PACE
.. PASSING EVENTS (Continued)
Miller, Dr. George L 1120
Mob rule h» Omaha 89
Monticello first airplane 1121
Morris, Mrs. Mary Lois Walker 276
Moving pictures in churches 89
Mysterious wireless signals 462
National Catholic Laymen's Coun- cil 757
National Prohibition Law Goes
into Effect 367
Negroes, international convention 1039 Neslen, Bishop C. C, for mayor.. .1037
Nordwall, August A., called 275
Notable Attendants at Conference 668
Old Folks' Day 948
Olsen, John August, called 760
Oneida Stake divided 1041
Osier, Sir William, dead 368
Palestine celebration 1040
Palestine Possibilities 945
Parkinson, George C, called 1039
Patti, Madame Adeline, called... 88 Peace Treaty of Versailles signed 369
Peary, Admiral, dead 665
Penrose, President Charles W.,
celebrates birthday anniversary 462 Pershing, General John J., in Salt
Lake 368
Pioneer day observed 1042
Poland, condition critical 1038
Police Strike in Boston 88
Polk, Frank L., resigns 871
Population of Salt Lake City 757
Population of United States 945
Porter, Roy Stillman 91
Poulson, Otto Julius 946
Prince of Wales in Washington... 180 Prohibition amendment upheld.... 870
Prohibition, New Phase of 180
Prohibition party candidates 1040
Pyramid, another, discovered: 368
Race Riot Fatalities 87
Railroad Strike in England, se- rious 88
Railroad strike, the 757
Railroads, The, Turned back to
Owners 665
Ratification of Suffrage Amend- ment 462
Rebellion in Korea 462
Rebellion, another, in Mexico... .1038
Reed, Senator, Mobbed 87
Reply, A Vigorous, in the Senate, to anti-"Mormon" Attacks 184
PAGE
PASSING EVENTS (Continued) Representatives of twenty denom- inations in conference 369
Republicans nominate Harding... 872
Republican nominee 1122
Revolt in Mexico, serious 760, 1120
Rhodes' Scholarships 761
Richard W. Young Post 367
Richardson, Milton J., called........ 667
Romney, Bishop George 464
Russian government favored 870
Salt Lake Herald suspends 1037
Secretary of State Lansing resigns 463
Seely, John H., passes away 1038
Seville, Beatrice Irene, called.... 757 Smoke problem, expert observa- tions on 180
Smoot, William C. A 464
Snow in Utah's "Dixie" 274
Socialist Convention 760
Sonora, State of, Mexico, Secedes 665 Spencer, Mrs. Matilda Price, dead 1037
Star, A New 1121
Statistics on Churches - 945
Strike of coal miners _... 182
Strike of miners ended 276
Strike of steel workers 89
Sugar factory, Gunnison, opened 87 Supreme Council, League of Na- tions, in session 760
Sutherland, Mrs. Fannie, called 462
"Take a Ship for Cuba" 367
Temple site near Mesa, Ariz..... 462
Ten millions for missions 180
Thomas, John J., passes away.... 871
Tornado Sweeps Illinois 667
Tunnel under English Channel... 180 Two hundred arrests of aliens.... 367
Undesirable aliens 180
Union of Churches 1122
Utah's Birthrate for 1917 367
Utah Districts for National Cen- sus 89
Utah's gift to France 947
Utah Legislature, Extra Session.... 90
Utah's population 1121
Utah's Total Casualty List 668
Versailles Peace Treaty Rejected
by U. S. Senate 665
Villa, Francisco, surrenders 1037
Vladivostok Occupied by Japan- ese 665
Wall, Colonel E. A., Death of 946
War's cost in lives 757, 1120
War with Jugo-Slavia 87
INDEX TO SUBJECTS
PASSING EVENTS (Continued) POETRY (Continued)
War time prohibition act 274 Glimpse of the Spirit World 902
Webber, Col. Thomas G. passed.1124 Glory of God, The 261
Westover, Charles, Pioneer, Dead 181 Have You Passed through the Val-
Widtsoe, Prof. Osborne J., called 668 ley? 461
Wilson Congratulates Gov. Cool- Home Evening 32
idge 181 Hymn of Humanity, A 721
Wilson, James, died 1120 I Know Not 1076
Wilcox, Mrs! Ella Wheeler, Dead 181 Just Boys 797
Wilson, President, Visits Salt Let Us Be Near to Thee 611
Lake 91 Lincoln the Honest 295
Wind, A destructive - 761 Love 645
Winters, O. K. goes on a Mission.1037 Love's Gift 205
Whitney, Horace G., resigns as Memory 886
Business Manager, "Deseret Messenger of Morn, The _ 469
News" 762 M. I. A. Cause, The 1015
Woman Suffrage Amendment fails Mothers of Men 315
in Delaware 871 My Baby 1079
Woman Suffrage amendment rat- My Native Land 591
ified 463, 1123 Nature's Whispers 723
Woman Suffrage wins in Ken- Now, Not Then 917
tucky 463 0 Mother Mine 618
Women Voters, National League Passing of Richard W. Young,
of, in conference 274 The 354
Wood alcohol, deaths from drink- Pioneers' Roll Call, The 856
ing h 367 Poet's Prayer, The 93
Woodruff, Elias, succeeds Whit- Purity 597
ney on the "Deseret News".... 762 Recompensed 881
Woolley, Edwin Dilworth, dead.1039 Rest> Dearest, Rest 331
Workers of the World 1121 Sabbath 833
Y. L. M. I. A., The, secures a Sea Gull, The 803
membership of 50,000 275 Serve ye the Lord 936
Young, Alfales, Passes away 665 Soldiers _... 350
Young, Brigadier-General Richard Song of Praise, A 78
W., laid to rest 368 Song-bird, The 335
Southern Lullaby 597
POETRY The Strong 996
. „ , „ ___ The Sun Shines Bright in Utah. ...1096
A Year from Now 223 There's a Home Across the Sea... 830
Attuned 960 To a Honey Bee 437
Beauty - 1043 Utah, the Pioneer State... 796
Better Way, The 407 «Via Cruris" 216
Call of the Mountains, The 793 Victor, The 820
Consolation 58 Victory 786
Darling Mother Mine 598 Way t go? -phe 1007
Divine Answer, The.. 467 What is Good?...... 228
Dog The 424 Where are the Men to Lead? 977
Don t You Remember? 249 Woman's Love, A 418
Dreamer's Mother, The 420 Words of Ours 929
Evenml h^TIZZZZZZZ m PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE
Faith 40 A Privilege to be Associated with
Faith 124 tne Church 363
Father and Son 853 Books 661
Fireside Dreams 998 Cigarette and Individual Effi-
For My Grandson, Douglas 329 ciency 84
Forgive 15 Idaho Cigarette Law 178
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS
PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS (Cont'd) STORIES
Priesthood Course of Study 661 Driyer f T ^ N ? The 9gi
Reading and §tudy for Seventies .1032 j ^^ uke Mg gf)6
Spiritual Growth and Power 1116 M Joneg, Key to Happiness" 225
Stud.es for Priesthood Quor- Melyyin ^ lh/ Moon FF 918
urns, 1920 270 p_iiv <>Qn
Study Texts for 1920 363 ' °"y ^ , ™ £|?
0 J . TT , -.in Kat s Pailner, Ine 631
Suggestive Helps in the Prepara- Reclaime(1 396
tion of a Lesson 270 Relum of the R The m
Three New Stakes 1033 Righlg ftf Mjm The 6Q5
1 Spirit of Christmas, The _ 154
SONGS Spirit of the Desert, The 54
Sunflower 23
Sacrament Hymn 330 Test, The 715
Speak not the Harsh Word 157 To Thine Own Self Be True 724
To Rest 937 Tsianina 1012
Vision, The, A Sacred Historical Washington Lincoln's Mud-daub.. 208
Cantata 532 When the Wind Was Sown 130
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS
Anti-aircraft Protection for the Elders in Georgia 753
Panama Canal 305 Elders in Kentucky 751
Bath 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 Elders in Scotland 455
Belgian Royalty at Santa Barbara 139 Elders of the Mt. Stirling Dis-
Bennion, Adam S., A. M 781 trict, Southern Illinois Confer. 362
Big Injun Rock 898 Excursion Party to Manti 195
Birthplace of Sidney Lanier 105 Fathers and Sons' Outing, Uintah-
Bridge Over Snake River 607 Utah 1047, 1048, 1049
Bridal Veil Falls, Provo Canyon 670 Fence, Gate, and House 416
Brigham Young College, Logan.... 779 Fort Deseret 214
Bryce Canyon, View of - Frost Work — Winter in the Was-
343, 344, 345, 1054 atch 280
Camp Heber J. Grant 1058 Glimpse of Rural Idaho, A 1044
Cardston Temple, The 186 Grant, President Heber J., and
Cathedral and Roman Gate at Lin- Party at Laie 265
coin 146 Group of Men Taking Scout Lead- Caught in a Spring Blizzard 578 ership Training Course 619
Chatahoochee River, Scene on the 102 Hales, Howard J 712
Christ, The 125 Hammond, Mary Jane Dilworth... 764
Church at Blanding 895 Hawaiian Missionaries 965
Cliffs in Zion Canyon 600 Hayden's Mill, Port Byron 680
Cooke, Philip St. George 237 Hill Cumorah, The „... 481
Coyote 892 Home, Former, of Joseph Smith,
Crags of Lone Peak 395 the Prophet, in Kirtland, 0 504
Deer in Native Wilds 1067 Home, The Joseph Smith, Near
Draney, Harmon T 713 Palmyra, New York 516
Dry Water Notch, A 599 Horned Owl 887
Dry-land Wheat in San Juan 897 Huterian Colony Houses 738
Elders rnd Lady Missionaries, House, A, but not a Home 415
Northwestern States 359 House at Port Byron 684
Elders and Church Members in Indians in Washington 734
Cincinnati 751 Jackson Valley, Wyo., Elk 642
Elders in Australia 752 Joseph Smith Monument, Sharon,
Elders in Columbia 358 Vermont 505
INDEX TO AUTHORS
Joseph Smith, the Modern Peterson, Dr. Elmer G 843
Prophet 526 Portal of the Larsen Coal Mine 1058
Kaibab, Pure-bred Cattle in '910 President Heber J. Grant and B.
Kirkham, Oscar A., Executive Di- H. Roberts on Pioneer Trail 856
rector Y. M. M. I. A 450 Reds on Their Way to Russia 435
Kirtland Temple, O. 700 Resting Place of American Dead,
Laddie, Fleete 804 France 709
Lakes in Uintah Mountains 1046 Ricks Normal College 777
Maeser Memorial Building '..... 832 Rogers, Samuel J., Director of the
Manti Temple 1054 Census, 1920 256
Massena Partridge 890 Roosevelt Dam, Arizona 1051
McKay, Mr. and Mrs. James Sacred Grove in Summer, The
Gunn, "Deseret," London 360 469, 475, 638, 690
Memorial Monument and Cottage, Salt Lake, from an Aeroplane 696
Sharon, Vermont 548 Saw Mill, The 808
Men, The, who Conducted the Scouts at Nephi 1056
Flag Exercises 874 Sea and Land in San Diego 961
Miniature Gull Monument 1103 Sleeping in the Open 1055
Minidoka Forest, Scenes in 1061 Smith, Joseph Fielding 374
Missionaries of California 1100 Specimen of the Wide Open, A 631
Missionaries of Japan 1102 Storm, The „ 1065
Missionaries of Leeds Conference, Story Hour, The 855
England 1106 Stream Fringed with Willows 888
Misisonaries ,at New Bedford,; Sword-maker of Damascus, A 414
Mass 456 Taylor, Dr. John H. and Tom S.
Missionaries in Northern Indiana 269 Green 1057
Missionaries of Mexican Mission 749 Temple at Laie, The 150, 264
Missionaries at Santa Ana, Cal. 457 Top of Seely Mountain 1058
Missionaries of Vermont 1106 Trailer 810
Missionaries of S. E. Washington.. 1105 Utah Agricultural College, Illus-
Mormon Battalion Monument 243, 245 trations 844, 845, 846, 847, 850
Morning Prayer, Fathers and Sons' Vermont Missionary Force.... 458
Outing 853 Victoria Conference, Australia 361
Moses, Julian 852 Well-kept Road, A 417
Mountain, a distant view and at Whitney, Orson F. 94
close range 694 Widtsoe, Dr. John A 834
Mowrey, Harley 241 Yellowstone Park Elk 644
Muir, Leo J., Supt. Pub. Instruc. 836 Young, Brigadier-General Rich- National Capitol, all Aglow 952 ard W 322
Night Hawk 893 Young Mocking Bird 1070
Oneida Stake presidency 1041 Zion Canyon, Utah, Scene in 224
INDEX TO AUTHORS
Alder, Lydia D 205 Bclnap, Ida L 1015
Allen, Oluf L 998 Bennett, Fred L. W 351, 984
Alter, J. Cecil.. 214, 639, 909 Bennion, Adam S 774
Anderson, Edward H 236, 467 Bennion, Milton 813
Anderson, George Ed 639 Benson, Grant Lee 992
Anderson, Hugo B 765 Biddulph, Samuel 793
Arnold, Frank R 783 Borchard, Fredrika, 23
Baggarley, Maud 78, 216, 350 Bowman, Eunice Wattis 796
Ballard, Melvin J _.691, 875 Brian, Douglas 1012
Baird, Clarence 154 Brimhall, George H 354, 722, 831
Bantista, M 978 Carroll, Elsie Chamberlain 208
Beeley, Arthur L 446, 1024, 1093 Cooley, W. W 803
INDEX TO AUTHORS
Curtis, Theo. E -. 437 O'Reilly, John Boyle 228
Dalebout, M 1078 Orth, Philip L 787
Davis, Edward 976 Osmond, Alfred 407, 1076
Duffin, James G 425 Pack, Dr. Frederick J 431
Fergusen, Peter L 618 Palmer, Annie D 396
Ferrin, Claudia May : 295 Partridge, E. D 373
Frost, Grace Ingles 315, 797 Paul, Professor J. H 421
Gardner, Hamilton 608 Peay, Ida Stewart 130
Gates, Susa Young 542 Peery, Joseph S 304, 598, 810, 975
Grant, Pres. Heber J...1, 107, 281, 472 Penrose, President Charles W 484
Guest, Edgar A 124 Peterson, Elmer G 49, 740
Hall, Mosiah 794 Peterson, Wm. Henry 619, 715
Harris, Dr. F. S 415, 857, 997 Pope, Hyrum C 149
Harris, Frank W 604, 630 Poulsen, Ezra J 842
Harrison, Harold A 886 Pratt, Grcnce Zenor 461
Hart, Judge Charles H 491 Prosser, Dr. C. A 835
Henderson, Dr. M. P 84 Retsloff, D. C
Hewer, A. C. A. Dean 329 296, 631, 723, 917, 929, 994
Hickman, Joe 605 Richards, L. Lula Greene 611
Hilton, Ruth Savage 724 Roberts, Brigham H. 261, 321, 526, 903
Hodapp, Minnie Iverson Robinson, Prof. D. E 844
15, 249, 335, 645, 881, 960 Rogerson, Josiah 418
Horbach, A. P 262 Scott, Donna Reith 918
Howell, O. E 223 Sjodahl, J. M 257, 488, 627, 731
Hoyt, T. C 996 Smart, Joseph H 597
Hurst, A. R 58 Smith, Jesse N 590
Hyde, Wm. A 289 Smith, Joseph Fielding 375, 496
Ivie, Lloyd 0 51 Smith, Pres. Joseph F 16
Ivins, Anthony W Sorenson, Laurence J 40, 830
218, 695, 805, 887, 924, 985 Steele, Charles F.
Jenson, Andrew 549 45, 103, 247, 597, 720, 793
Jensen, Nephi 419, 554, 735, 951 Stephens, Evan 157, 330, 532, 937
Kimball, Andrew 63 Stewart, George 342, 599, 894
Lambourne, Alfred Talmage, Dr. James E
125, 217, 27,9 394, 591, 669, 798, 1043 41, 196, 327, 444, 514, 579, 736, 933
Larson, Charles A 1096 Tanner, Dr. Joseph M 434, 811, 1077
Lauritzen, Annie G 936 Tanner, E. Pingree 738
Lillie, May E 420 Townsend, Joseph Longking
Lund, E. H 1116 721, 820, 833, 856
Lund, President Anthon H 475 Waddoups, William M 1072
Lyman, Dr. Richard R...539, 821, 930 Walker, Robert Sparks 1007
Malin, Fill 598 Wells, Junius F 33, 145, 899
Mason, Paul 1008 West, Dr. F. L 612, 1108
Maughn, George H 306 West, Joseph A 140, 346, 592
McAllister, Duncan M 577 Whitney, C. Byron 1079
McKay, David 0 18, 506 Whitney, Orson F
McMurrin, Joseph W 925 93, 95, 316, 408, 469, 882
Morgan, David Horatio 54 Widtsoe, Dr. John A 544, 817
Morill, Alice, Mrs 32 Widtsoe, Osborne J. P 517
Nelson, Prof. N. L 187 Williams, E. B 937
Nibley, Preston 681 Wildman, John R 1097
Norton, E. J 789 Wood, Louis T 853
O'Brien, John Garrett 967 Woodruff, Lloyd 786
Olsen, Dr. C. L 126, 332 Young, Levi Edgar, 823, 953
Beauty
Yea, unto my Soul's Ideals I will cling,
And treasure Beauty as the purest gold;
Yea, till the number of my days are told, May Beauty teach in Love my Soul to sing. To life, a solace Beauty still can bring,
If frowns the World or those beloved prove cold;
When black Dejection wraps me in its fold, 'Tis Beauty still is like a seraph's wing.
0 alway Beauty speaks of the Divine;
There is the Teaching of supernal Life ;
Yea, Beauty tells of Love's immortal goal, There lies the Hope, the Triumph of the Soul;
When my heart wearies in the world's mad strife, A torch to lead, 0 Beauty, then be mine!
Alfred Lambourne-
A GLIMPSE OF RURAL IDAHO -SCENE FROM LITTLE BUTTE Photo by Joseph Shanks
Improvement Era
Vol. XXIII OCTOBER, 1920 No. 12
Y. M. M. I. A. Outings
The laiv of interest is inexorably tlie law of boy-life. The way to educate a man is to set him to work.
The way to get him to work is to interest him, and tlie way to interest him is to vitalize his task by relating it to some form of reality.
The outings of Boy Scouts and Fathers and Sons have marked an epoch in the history of the Y. M. M. I. A. It is safe to say that thousands of boys and fathers have enjoyed the beauties of nature together, in all parts of the Church, from Idaho to Arizona, and from Nevada to Wyoming, in the out- ings that have taken place during the past summer months. They have learned to know and love one another better, and to appreciate the marvelous beauties of nature in their native states. From the accounts that come from all parts, their enjoyment has been unsurpassed by any other form of recre- ation ever before taken.
Fathers and Sons' Outing of the Uintah Stake
A very successful outing was planned about a year ago, and 187 fathers and their sons made the trip, the company being the average of one father to each two boys. They traveled by wagon with four horses to each wagon to the summits of the Uintah mountains. From Vernal it took a day and a half to reach their destination among the highest peaks in the state, where the scenery is beautiful, fish plentiful, and the weather ideal. The Lord sent his blessings ahead so that everything was ready for the company. A day or two before their arrival at the destination, a hail storm had killed the horse flies and mosquitoes and freshened the grass, much to the joy of the animals.
A brass band and several quartets were along, and music sounded sweeter on this occasion than ever as the melodies came floating across the water of the beautiful lakes where they were camped. Before retiring each night the band quartet went out into the tall pines surrounding the camp and played many of the old melodies that t >uch the soul. Quartets stationed about the camp would answer one another with songs, one just a little sweeter than the other. At the campfire each night there was com- munity singing, accompanied by the brass band. Talks were given on the glacier formations of the country round about, which were very interesting to trace and note. There are hundreds of lakes formed by the glaciers that covered the locality in the vicinity where the camp was located. Talks were also given about the moon, stars and other interesting subjects. Camp- fire stories and Scouting talks were a feature of the campfire program.
In the daytime they had hiking and fishing parties and the wild flowers were explained as the boys traveled through the timber. Nearly 100 climbed to the summits of Mount Marsh and Mount Gilbert, the oldest person being 79 and the youngest 5 years.
The stake presidency, one-half of the high council, a number of the bishoprics and others were present at the outing and helped materially to make a success of the trip. Brother T. Geo. Wood of Salt Lake City repre-
Photos by Fathers and Sons' Outing, Uintah Stake.
Lakes near camp. The Uintah Mountain range is the ivatershed of Utah's largest rivers, the Duchesne, Bear, Weber and Provo. At the foot of the peaks that rise from 10,000 to 13,000 feet, lie hundreds of lakes, in which the rivers find their origin. Mountain trout abound in these lakes. Some, however, are filled with water-flogs, or salamanders, and in these no fish can live. Here rivers rise that flow in devious ways to the Great Salt Lake, and also through impassable defiles and box can- yons to the Pacific Ocean.
Y. M. M. I. A. OUTINGS
1047
seiUeft the General Board and took part in many of the activities mentioned, giving also many kind instructions. The outing was under strict military discipline. The camp was kept clean and sanitary in a way that received high compliments from the United States forest office. The outing was carried out under the direction of the stake Y. M. M. I. A., assisted hy the stake Sunday school in every detail, and who worked hard and deserve a great deal of credit for the success of the outing.
Superintendent Pontha Calder closes his account of the splendid out- ing by saying, "It' exceeded our expectations. Many hoys we had to lahor with and coax to go, as they had an idea that we were going up into the mountains to hold Sunday school and meetings. These same boys later were among the first to tell us that they had the best time of their lives. The old saying came true: 'Those who came to scoff, remained to pray.'"
The oldest and the youngest who climbed to the summit, with a hun- dred others.
The youngest, after the return.
Fathers and Sons' Outing, Uintah, Utah
Photos by Fathers and Sons' Outing, Uintah Stake.
Top — The Start of the Caravan, July 19. Center — A part of the group at camp.
Bottom — A few of the first to reach the top of Mount Marsh, altitude 12J49 feet.
Pliotos by Fathers and Sons' Outing, Uintah Stake.
Top-Snow drift on the side of Mount Marsh, above the timber line.
Center- Mount Gilbert in the distance. A park near camp. "A day or two before their arrival, a hailstorm had killed all the horseflies and mo- squitoes and freshened the grass, much to the joy of the animals"
Bottom — Mount Baldy in the distance.
1050 IMPROVEMENT ERA
Memorable Outing of the Boy Scouts of Phoenix
The Phoenix, Arizona, troops of tho Hoy Scouts of America enjoyed a rare treat last April when they were taken en a real Scout outing to Roosevelt, eighty miles from Phoenix, over the famous Apache Trail. For American hoys filled with red hlood and a love for the great out-of- doors there could he no finer trip in all our hi;; country, and DO hoys could have enjoyed the outing more than they did, few of whom had ever before seen this great masterpiece in which unite both the work of God and the work of man.
It was good natured Joe Prochaska, the state game-warden who made the trip possible. He furnished the transportation, the ice-cream cones, all the ice cold lemonade the boys could drink, a plentiful supply of fish- ing tackle, the free use of all the motor boats and in fact, the boys are sure that Joe is one of the good princes of whom they read in their stories of olden times.
Scoutmaster LeRoi C. Snow had charge of the arrangements, program and discipline, and he says he never was out with a finer, cleaner or better lot of boys than these. Strict and prompt obedience to orders was given from the very time the boys left Phoenix; no swearing or bad language was heard; there was no quarreling or wrangling, no smoking or use of tobacco; no smutty or obscene stories were told. There were no accidents.
Scoutmasters Earl C. Reeves and F. J. Brady rendered very fine service and proved their love and understanding of scoutcraft. All six troops in Phoenix were represented by an average of about twelve boys each, or a total of 75. They were carried in two large trucks and two touring cars. Camp was made the first night at "Mormon" Flat where the Apache Trail first reaches Salt River. Here we pointed out McDowell, Salt, Black and Superstition mountains and some of the captivating Indian legends were told concerning these very interesting places. "Mormon" Flat is a very beautiful camp site and preparations are now being made for a big Fathers and Sons' and Scout outing at this place to be participated in by all the Scouts and fathers and sons of Maricopa stake, under the direction of the M. I. A.
The trip was continued early the next morning passing over Tortilla Flat and winding along to Fish Creek with deep chasms and yawning gorges on every side through the rough mountain passes. At many places the boys simply gripped their seats, held on for dear life, took a deep breath and were speechless with the awfulness of the grandeur. Most of them were glad they were told that they must walk the three miles down the steep, narrow dug-way to the bottom of Fish Creek. This road was built by the government at a cost of over a million dollars, to transport material and supplies during the construction of the dam.
Roosevelt in Sight
It would have done the heart good of every father and mother in Phoenix to have heard the outburst of surprise and joy when that crowd of husky boys caught the first view of Roosevelt Dam with the two great rivers of water rushing over the spill-ways and leaping down 300 feet to the rocky bed below. It was a sight never to be forgotten. Each troop had its separate camp ground, and the boys separated into pairs in the troops, each two boys making their bed together and cooking their own meals.
The Scouts Enjoy the Motor Boating
After dinner the motor boats on the pond were made available. Every possible precaution against accident was taken and most of the after-
-;-4Sbh
Photos by LvRoi C. Snow. Top: The Roosevelt Dam, Arizona.
Center: Scout company leaving lake wharf in motor boat. Bottom: At Camp Roosevelt, Arizona.
10.r,2 IMI'KOYKIVIKNT ERA
noon was spent in exciting, exploration trips to the islands ami along the rugged, uneven shores up and down hoth the Tonto and Salt River. In their voyages of ten to twenty miles on this, one of the largest artificial lakes in tins, world, the boys imagined they might be real scouts, discovering new lands, fighting savages and wild animals and preparing the way for the peopling of new countries. They often tried to hide themselves in the boats and pointed out what they were sure were Apaches seeking their capture and they would then map out their plan of attack.
Study the Flowers and Birds and Stars
On one of the islands the boys gathered nearly a boat load of the most beautiful wild flowers ever gathered anywhere. Here they had quite a lesson in the study of wild plants and flowers. Much interest also was taken in the birds, although there were not many varieties here as they are not plentiful in the Salt River Valley. There were many blue herons, cormorants, rock wrens, groesbeaks, cliff swallows, American coots and a few western pee-wees, and Bullock orioles. The boys had no guns, flippers or sling shots. Their weapons were kodaks, field glasses and note books, and the trophies they brought home were kodak pictures, written lists of trees, flowers and plants, stars, rocks, birds and animals, and a better knowledge of nature and her handicraft and wild life.
Gather Around Campfire
One of the most enjoyable features of the entire trip was the evening program around the big campfire. Scoutmaster Snow was master of ceremonies and the program was made up of yells, talks, recitations, stories, etc., almost entirely by the boys themselves who displayed a great variety of excellent talent. The boys expressed their appreciation for the fine work done by Mr. Prochaska, who replied by explaining the Ari- zona game laws and appealing to the Scouts of the state to do their part in helping enforce them. There was a spontaneous response to his appeal and the boys pledged themselves to obey the game laws themselves and to try to get all their associates to do the same. Scoutmaster Snow gave a talk on the birds of Arizona and after leaving the campfire he pointed out the most conspicuous constellations, and told the boys some interesting things about the beautiful stars. He also brought the bo>s nearer, perhaps, than they had ever been before to the life of that great scout, Theodore Roosevelt, by telling them of being right here at the time of the dedication of the dam by President Roosevelt, and of some of the wonderful things he said and did. The boys cheered and yelled for Theodore Roosevelt, the great Scout.
Sunday Morning Service on Shore of Lake
Sunday morning a Sunday school service was held on the shore of beautiful Lake Roosevelt. With the great lake, calm and still as a sea of glass, the wonderful dam, the roaring of the two great waterfalls, it was not difficult to see God in nature and his inspiration and guidance in the handiwork of man. The true spirit and feeling of the boys made it a sacred and very impressive service. No one who experiences such moments as these were, can neglect the opportunity which the scout movement offers to make better men and better citizens of the boys.
Home Again, Safe and Happy
All the boys and all the cars arrived home safely without an accident or an unpleasant incident, to mar one of the happiest experiences in the
Y. M. M. I. A. OUTINGS 1053
lives of these seventy-five Boy Scouts of Phoenix. Many of the people of Phoenix were interested in this outing. Governor Thomas E. Camphell wanted to know whether all preparations had been made for the comfort and pleasure of the boys, and said that if there was insufficient trans- portation he wanted to offer the use of his car. The scout leaders ap- preciate this interest and support of the splendid movement, the real spirit and purpose of which we want all to understand.
Boy Scouts of America Caravan to Bryc j and Zion Canyons
A few months ago the Scout officials of the Salt Lake Council conceived the idea of taking the Scouts on a trip to the southern part of the state, the route to include Bryce and Zion canyons. In addition to visiting these won- der places, it was thought such a trip at this time of the year (July 10-18) would provide the time and place for a close study of the state and its great outdoors under capable leaders and teachers, all of which form so great a part of practical Scouting. Arrangements were made with the Utah State Automobile Association to furnish automobiles with which to make the trip of some eight hundred miles. All the available space in the forty-five machines was soon taken by Scouts and Scout officials, and in preparation for the trip the caravan was organized under the direction of Datus E. Hammond, Field Executive, and July 10 to 18 selected as the dates. In order to impress upon the minds of the Scouts the history of the country to be visited, the unique scheme was adopted of representing the great Ute Indian Nation on a peace tour visiting the tribes through the south. Each official and all the Scouts were given an Indian name by which they were known during the trip, all under Chief Wahker and the following officers with Indian names as follows:
Campfire and program and ceremonies, D. E. Hammond, Tintic. Sanitation and inspection, camp sites, Dr. Charles G. Plummer, Medicine
man. Camp regulation, order and rules, Dr. John H. Taylor, Shipoke. Transportation, W. B. Jenkins, Po-ho-no-be; William Rishel, Koonants. Camp physician and field lecturer, Dr. C. G. Plummer, Medicine Man; T. S. Green, Kanosh; T. A. Schonfeld, Wahbits; J. B. Matheson, Black Hawk; N. P. Nielsen, Hunkootoop.
Commissary, H. E. Henriques, Winnemucca; A. C. Jackson, Moshoquop. Advance Scout, A. Roy Heath, Pahgar. Historian, H. C. Mortensen, Chickeny Shootem. Chief Bugler, Charles Taylor, Ta-wai. Chief Photographer, J. E. Bush, Peteetneet.
Visitor, Dr. Geo. Wharton James, Sowoksoobet, from Pasadena. California. Field lecturer, Dr. J. H. Paul, Portsorvic. The war chief of Ute nation, John D. Giles, Wahker. Tribal chief, Piute tribe, J. B. Matheson, Black Hawk.
Chief, Tentawat band, Doral Cutler, Natchez.
Chief, Tonquona band, B. C. Roberts, Panguitch.
Chief, Sam Pitch band, Geo. Adamson, Tabby.
Chief, Shegumps band, Frank Hampshire, Wandrodes. Tribal chief, Pah Vant tribe, Tom S. Green, Kanosh.
Chief, Tavaputs band, Homer Christensen, Antero.
Chief, Yampa Ute band, Dolly Warren, Tabiona.
Chief, Uncompaghre band, Andrew A. Glad, Tabby.
Chief, Sowvarit band, Byron Haslam, Angewetimpi. Tribal chief, Shivwitz tribe, H. B. Henriques, Winnemucca.
him
IMI'KOVKMKNT ER\
Top: Manti Temple. Center: On the rim of tiie canyon. Bottom: Scene in Bryce Canyon.
Y. M. M. I. A. OUTINGS
1055
Chief, Copoto band, Warren Tyler, Mennonwoods. Chief, Mauche band, Rulon Sperry, Shennagon. Chief, Uintah band, Edward Lewis, San Pitch. Chief, Taboquaschi band, Allen Wood, Pintutch. Tribal chief, Timpanogas tribe, Avery N. Timms, Opocarry. Chief, Goshuite band, Virgil Norton, Go Ship. Chief, Torountougat band, Frank Matheson, Kone. Chief, Turnwint band, J. E. Bush, Petneetneet. Chief, Uncagaret band, Wm. J. Burt, Angetewats. Moving picture operator, S. Y. Clawson.
The route in going was over the Grand Canyon highway to Bryce's can- yon, passing through Provo, Fairview, Mount Pleasant, Manti, Gunnison, Sa- lina, Richfield, Marysvale and Panguitch to Bryce's canyon, and continuing
Sleeping in the open, on the way.
through Cedar City, Toquerville, La Verkin to Zion National Park, return- ing by way of Zion Park highway from St. George, Parowan, Beaver, Fill- more, Nephi and Provo.
At each of these places the Scouts were enthusiastically received and royally entertained by Scouts and citizens, with music, speeches of welcome by leading citizens, and banquets. In fact, the whole caravan was given such a continuous ovation of cheering and waving by the people in every farm house, village and city, that it resembled the triumphal passage of a returning victorious army. At all the towns where stops were made, the Scouts were met by the city officials, Scouts and committees, and the eve- ning campfire held in the public square was attended by large crowds where programs were given, including addresses of welcome by the maycr, response by members of the caravan, Scout demonstrations and stunts, sing-
1056 IMPROVEMENT ERA
inn, talks by field lecturers, and guests, and gereral handshaking and "get acquainted" periods indulged in. Camp services morning and evening in- cluded roll call, the Scout ceremonies of raising and lowering the flag, general traveling and camp instructions, sanitary and health inspections, lec- tures, and the chief points of interest to be passed through during the day explained.
The journey lasted nine days ami covered over eight hundred miles, leaving Salt Lake City, Saturday, July 10, reaching Mt. Pleasant at night, a distance of 102 miles; July 11, Richfield, 72 miles; July 12, Bryce's Canyon, 106 miles; July 12, Cedar City, 85 miles; July 14, Zion National Park, 65 miles; July 15, St. George, 54 miles; July 16, Beaver, 109 miles; July 17, Nephi, 112 miles, and July 18, Salt Lake City, 89 miles.
This journey, perhaps the most pretentious ever undertaken by Boy Scouts, will live a lifetime in the minds of those fortunate enough to have taken it. The task of furnishing, equipping and maintaining the large num- ber of automobiles necessary to transport approximately two hundred and fifty people, with bedding and provisions, over such difficult roads, almost
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The Scouts at Nephi.
from one end of the state to the other, was indeed a huge one, but the Utah State Automobile Association performed it to the satisfaction of all. The com- missary cared for by Scout officials at a very nominal cost, aided by the generous hospitality of the good people along the road, was all that could be expected, and finally the practical lessons learned by the Scouts, too varied and numerous to mention, such as the geography and geology of the wonderful valleys of the state, its resources, climate, acquaintance with many of its hospitable, progressive people, its indescribable nature won ders, and the inspiring lessons in practical education and good citizenship given by such capable and experienced teachers as Dr. Chas. G. Plummer Dr. J. H. Paul, Dr. Geo. Wharton James, a guest from California, Dr. John H. Taylor, John D. Giles, Field Executive Datus E. Hammond, Arthur Well ing, and others, will add to a large chapter for good in the lives of the boys result in the organization of more Scout troops, add to the glory of the Scout movement of the state by making its citizens more loyal and en thusiastic to its beauties and usefulness. — H. C. Mortensen, Caravan His torian.
Y. M. M. I. A. OUTINGS
105'
Dr. John H. Taylor, Field Secretary for the Y. M. M. I. A. and spe- cial Scout C ommissioner for the nation- al organiza- tion of Boy Scouts of Anveri ca, to the right, and Tom S.Green, Sco utm a\ s ter of Troop 35, E m igration ward, Salt Lake City, Utah, left.
Brother Green has been very successful in his Scout work, and has now been a Scoutmaster for three years, having practically held all of his boys together. He has four Eagle Scouts, which is the highest rank in Scouting that a Scout can attain. One of his boys, Reed Vetterli, was selected from among the Scouts of Salt Lake City to represent them at the Jamboree held in London, to which 350 Scouts from this country were chosen. Green is not only enthusiastic in this splendid work, but he has the true Scout spirit, and is just as much interested in seeing that his boys are up to the standard in all Church activities in the ward and stake, as in their Scout work.
On Seely Mountain
Troop 1, M. I. A. Boy Scouts of Mount Pleasant, under Captain A. M. Nielsen and A. Ray Riley, spent five days recently in the mountains east of Mount Pleasant. Daniel Rasmussen of the stake presidency and Bishop H. C. Jacobs of the ward bishopric, and others, accompanied the Scouts. Sev- eral fathers visited their sons during the outing. Hyrum Christensen hauled the company's supplies without cost to the troop. On Hawk Flat, at the base of the Seely Mountain, the campsite was selected, and later named "Camp Heber J. Grant," it being established Monday, August 2, about 4 o'clock. A regular program of exercises was carried out every day, among them swimming, camp fire stories, and Scout exercises. On Tuesday morn- ing, the company hiked to the top of East Seely Mountain, rehearsing at its summit the Scout promise and law. On the following day, Wednesday, a hike was made to the Larsen's mine, where, on the mine dump, the morn- ing lesson was rehearsed. On Thursday everybody went fishing. Every afternoon swimming in the Cleveland reservoir was indulged in. During the trip twenty-five Scouts passed the Tenderfoot test, and a few passed their second-class examination. The return trip was made by Gooseberry
Top: Camp Heber J. Grant. Center: The portal of the Larsen coal mine, Emery county. Bottom: The top of Scely Mountain; elevation nearly 10,000 feet. Adults in the rear, left to right;: H. C. Jacobs, North ward; A. R. Riley, assistant scoutmaster; Daniel Rassmussen, of the stake presidency.
Y. M. M. I. A. OUTINGS 1059
and Cottonwood, and the company arrived home Friday at 5 p. m„ The scoutmasters are now planning a trip to Bryce canyon for 1921.
The Timpanogt s Climb
The final feature, of the camping program of the Salt Lake Council, Boy Scouts of America, for the summer season was a four-day trip to Mount Timpanogas (Aug. 18-21), the camp being established at Community Flat in American Fork canyon, where the trail up the mountain begins. An army cook was enga*ged, and the best and abundant "eats" were served the boys at every meal. During the periods of rest, nature-lessons were given, and contests were carried on between the different groups of the camp, each of which carried the name of a wild mountain flower found in the vicinity of the camp. Several baseball contests were also engaged in by all mem- bers of the camp. On Friday evening all the party attended a dance given by the Bee-hive Girls at Mutual Dell, which everyone enjoyed, especially the splendid candy made and served by the girls.
There were three very interesting incidents of the trip. The first, the climb up Mount Timpanogas, was extremely exciting and unusual. The party started at six o'clock in the morning, and as they left camp were joined by the girls from Mutual Dell, who later left the party to take an- other trail up the mountain. As the Scouts climbed the steady grade of the trail, Prof. J. H. Paul, of the University of Utah, explained how to distin- guish the different evergreen trees and flowers, and every member of the party of 52 can now tell the different evergreen trees found in our Rocky Mountains. At the flat, about half way up the mountain, they were greeted by a cold, misty cloud that hung like a blanket over the peaks and the spirits of the Scouts, and disclosed only a few feel of the trail, which, in any event, was not too distinct. The hike then became somewhat cold and dreary, and about noon the leader of the party discovered that they were lost. After eating a cold lunch in a very precarious position on the side of the mountain, they decided to turn back. They had hardly commenced the return when, as if by some magic power, the cloud lifted, and the Scouts had their breath taken away by the sudden and majestic view that Mount Timpanogas affords. From then on the party was a merry one, and the return hike to camp, via a slide down the glacier, was greatly enjoyed by everyone. The army supper that awaited the hungry Scouts soon disap- peared.
The second interesting incident was the hunt for three lost Scouts who had turned back on the trail during the morning and had failed to reach camp. After supper three of the party started up the mountain in search of the missing Scouts. Two of the three climbed the mountain during the night with the aid of flash lights, a feat accomplished by probably no other man in the state, especially after making the gruelling hike during the day before. The party returned to camp after a vain search at 6:30 in the morning, after 26 hours of continual hiking over the trail. Two parties were then dispatched on the search, but their efforts were also in vain as the lost party returned to camp about 11:30, after having spent a peaceful night at a sheepherder's camp. One of the searching parties returned to camp during the afternoon with no report, and the second returned the next morning to report that they, too, had been lost with no food or protection other than a fire and two chickens they were able to kill with rocks. From this incident, all the Scouts in the camp learned the necessity of keeping close observation of the trail and trail landmarks, so as to avoid such experi- ences.
The final episode of the trip was a climb to Hanson's cave in American
1060 IMPROVEMENT ERA
Fork canyon, a largo natural cave about 200 yards long wi,|, many ]ar rooms Here the boys were given the opportunity to study the 'forma- tion ol stalactites and stalagmites and other interesting wonder* of nature I heir thirst was quenched by a small lake in the rear of the cave, which alter the long, dusty climb up a 45-degree incline, was very welcome
I he party returned home in a truck without accident, and the return trip was enjoyed by everyone, during which Scouting and other songs were sung with gusto hardly credible to tired Scouts. Happy "good-nights" were called as the Scouts disbanded, and the boys hurried home with keen anticipation of a good night's rest in the soft bed that everybody fails to appreciate until they have slept a few nights on the hard ground.
Hiking and Flying Over the Uintah
The Wasatch stake had its first fathers and sons' outing on August 22 at Soap Stone for which they left Heber at 5 o'clock in the morning of that day They hiked to the head of the lakes on the Provo, making their camp ni that vicinity. On the third the party of forty-eight people were led by Elijah Hicken on a tour of the lakes, and they found it a wonderful sight to see so many beautiful lakes hidden away in the pines, many of them covered by large water lilies. On the fourth the party hiked up the Bald Mountain, where, as they posed for a picture, they were thrilled by the noise of an airplane. Bert Costos, in a metal plane, came into view and passed directly over the mountain where they were standing at 11:05. The plane landed in Salt Lake City at 11:57, and was the first mail plane across the continent. Mr. Cottam and Mr. Harrison of Provo lectured on the plant and bird life and added greatly to the interest of the hike. Mr. Cottam took some of the most beautiful pictures that were ever taken of this won- derful country. The company reached home on Thursday, very tired and sore but happy they made the trip. Charles DeGraff was camp director, Cardwell Klegg and Elijah Hicken guides, Walter Cottam and J W Har- rison photographer and nature guide. Condensed from the Wasatch Wave,
A Cassia, Idaho, Caravan in the Minidoka Forest The Oakley Scout Caravan, under the leadership of Edward H Hale stake superintendent of Y M. M. I. A., assisted by Charles S. Clark and
Efcoll ^1C\ H^raCei ?• ^aU 3nd R°Sel H- Hale' stake Scoutmaster, left Oakley for the Minidoka National Forest, on Monday morning, July 26. The Caravan and visitors included about 100 persons, 93 having signed the roll at the Tuesday evening assembly in the mountains. From the standpoint of good order, prompt work on the part of the Scouts, and en- joyment by the adults who accompanied them, the trip was a huge success. The Basin ward, Oakley first and second and fourth wards, had troops in the company. Camp was well kept and received the approval of K. D. Carver, forest supervisor, and others of the forest service who were frequent visitors at the camp, and who gave much valuable information with regard to the forest service and the opportunity of the Boy Scouts o assist ,n preventing forest fires in the hills of the rocky mountains. Ur. J. H. Paul of the University of Utah accompanied the Caravan as nature-guide for the expedition, and gave general instructions. In hikes that followed, during the time the boys were there, thev learned of llie evergreen, shrubs, wild flowers, and poisonous and medical plants of the mountain region. Birds were also discussed by Dr. Paul and many of their names were learned by the Scouts. Thirty species were noted within a mile of the camp, among them the Mountain song sparrow, a number
Y. M. M. I. A. OUTINGS
1061
Top: "Up the mountain trail." Center: "A rest en route.' Bottom: "In the pines," Cassia stake, Idaho.
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of Arkansas game-birds, and many other varieties which many had not noticed before. The district around Oakley appears to he a bird paradise and will so become if the English sparrow is kept down to a minimum. The rocks and Ssoil were also studied and the value of a forest to the na- tion was repeatedly brought to the attention of the interested hikers. The parents who accompanied were as interested as the Scouts. During the evening there were quartet singing and contest singing; stories, jokes and advice, and talks by Dr. Paul on the beauties of our Rocky Mountain hoiiirs, were interesting features. The Caravan returned home Wednes- day light, delighted with the trip and with the opportunity of being out with their sons and fathers. On Thursday afternoon the Beehive girls under the leadership of Mrs. Maurine Bowers, with her assistant, Mrs. Maude Clark, were organized for a trip to George H. Severe's farm home where Prof. Paul pointed out to them the bird life and plants of the neighborhood. Fifty persons look part in the outing.
In Strawberry Valley
The fathers and sons' outing of Spanish Fork was taken to Strawberry valley, July 27-29 with J. A. Brockbank secretary of the outing. At Sun- shade grove, a clean, level, grassy spot about one-half mile south of the dike, near a beautiful spring, camp was made, where a large circle was made of the thirty automobiles filled with fathers and sons. Hikes were made to the surrounding scenery, and at the spillway over the great dam boating and fishing were indulged in. Representatives were present from all the wards in the Neho stake but three, there being 47 fathers and 103 sons. The exer- cises during the outing consisted of singing, speech-making, stories, jokes, games, hall games, races and other exercises in which both the sons and fathers took part under the direction of Scoutmaster Glen Smith and others chosen for the purpose. Bonfires were kept burning every evening, at which the crowd gathered and sang songs and told stories.
The route home was around the east side of the lake through Daniels canyon to Heber. Prayers were offered every morning and on retiring at night. The outing was one of the most interesting incidents in the lives of the bovs and their fathers.
Ogden Fathers and Sons in South Fork
The fathers and sons' outing of the Ogden stake took place in the South Fork canyon on July 26-28. Two hundred thirty-two people took part in this outing, seventy fathers and the remainder young men and boys. Besides, one hundred visitors came to spend one afternoon and evening with the company. A program, practically in accordance with the sugges- tions of the General Board, was carried out during the three days. There was not a grouchy expression, and Supt. Ernest R. McKay said that he only heard one profane expression. Tobacco in no shape or form was used by anyone. Everyone joined in the sports, from baseball to swimming. The stake president, several high councilmen, seven bishops, and a number of their counselors, and one patriarch, were with the company. All said they had never had a better time in all their lives. The only fault was that the time was too short, and one bishop assured the superintendent that next year at least 300 would attend from his ward alone. Superintendent Ernest R. McKay says, "The fathers and sons' outing should be made an annual affair. The menu and ration cards, the suggested program, and helpful hints sent out by the General Board, we appreciate very much. They were a big help in putting over the program in good shape. The mutual work is growing in this stake, and we hope to do a great deal this year."
Y. M. M. I. A. OUTINGS 1063
M. I. A. Rally, of Oneida Stake
A Mutual Improvement rally of the Oneida stake was held at Clifton, Wednesday, August 18. A fine program was rendered, Prest. Taylor Nelson being the principal speaker. -Games were played followed by a grand bar- becue for which a prime young steer was cooked for the occasion. The Franklin County Citizen says, "Judging by the acquired appetites, there 'wus nun o' that critter left' when the fracas was over." The Mink Creek quartet gave some excellent singing, which was greatly appreciated by those present. The proceedings took place on the campus at Clifton where a huge bonfire was built. After the feast and program, a grand ball was given in the pavilion.
Fathers and Sons' Outing, Cache and Logan Stakes
About fourteen miles from Logan City and about two miles up the right-hand fork of Logan canyon is located the camp ite recently selected as a permanent Boy Scout camp of the Cache and Logan stakes. This stretch of canyon, about two miles in length, is unrivaled in the United States as a camp for boys. It has the necessary isolation for Scout disci- pline, and is easily accessible to Logan City and environs. It has wonder- ful scenic beauty, as well as advantages for camp sanitation and Scout work. Pure, cold spring water running down Cowley canyon, can be used to sup- ply water to the permanent buildings and river water may be diverted for beautifying the grounds and for supplying water for swimming pools. Mag- nificent assembly grounds and sites for tent pitching are everywhere avail- able. Plants, birds, and animals of numerous varieties and species abound. Parking and assembly space is available for 2000 or more people. On this beautiful spot was held, August 13, 14 and 15, the first Fathers and Sons' outing of Cache and Logan stakes. It was an event long to be remembered by the two hundred and fifty fathers and sons who attended the camp dur- ing the three days. From the moment the whistle blew calling the first as- sembly and camp fire council, till the striking of the last tent on Saturday night something interesting, pleasant and helpful to fathers and sons was taking place. The .outing had the unqualified support of the stake presi- dencies of both stakes, as evidenced by the fact that they constituted the general committee. Presidents J. E. Cardon and G. W. Lindquist of the Cache stake, and Presidents O. H. Budge and Joseph Quinney of the Logan stake visited the camp, and the other members of the presidency would have attended if they had been at home. The arrangements and general or- ganization of the outing was in charge of the presidency of the Mutuals in the two stakes, of which George B. Hendricks, B. L. Richards, Melvin C. Harris, Melvin C. Merrill, N. A. Petersen and Lyle Allred are the members.
Boy Scout Executive, Bishop J. Karl Wood was camp director and disciplinarian. Drs. R. O. Porter and J. W. Havward were camp physicians, Dr. W. E. Carroll, sanitary officer, and Prof. Calvin Fletcher, song leader. Many bishops, high priests and high councilmen, as well as many other prominent citizens were present.
Hebron Hallett, a civil war veteran, seventy-six years of age, who moved about by means of crutches, was as young in spirit as any one, and George B. Hendricks, Jr., a youth six years of age, helped to connect the life and hope of the newest generation with that of the old. If there is any way of "binding the hearts of the fathers to those of the children," a fathers and sons' outing of this kind would seem to be the way. When the camp site is surveyed and planned by competent landscape architects, active work of building it up will begin. More than S3,000 have already been collected by Supt. Le Grande Hamphreys and his board of the old Cache stake Mutuals, for this purpose. The day will unquestionably come when the camp site will be made sacred by its contribution to the manhood of the youth of Zion. — Geo. B. Hendricks.
A Summer's Outing and What Came of It
A Story for Boys, with Some Observations Which May he of
Interest to Men
By Hon. Anthony W . Ivins
Chapter V
"Cheek that is tanned to the wind of the north, Limbs that are eager and strong to go forth, Strength of the forests and health of the plains, Yearly to hark to the listening oaks — These are the splendors the hunter invokes."
The morning was beautiful; the sun rose warm and radiant: there was not a cloud in the sky. The mocking birds sang as they flew to and fro, carrying food to their young. The trout took the fly as they had never done before.
As they fished down the stream, the friends disturbed a wild turkey hen, and her brood which were scratching on the river bottom, and they went scurrying up the mountain side,
Wild Turkeys at Close Range
and took refuge in the rocks. A little farther on a flock of parrots flew from where they were feeding on the cones, in the top of a pine tree, and were away with a great chattering and flapping of wings. A doe and two fawns ran out from the wil- lows, and stopping on the mountain side looked back, their great hazel eyes staring in wonder at the intruders.
As the day advanced the heat became oppressive. The trout ceased to bite, the birds to sing. The cattle left the river bot- tom and hastily trailed off into the side canyons. A flock of crows passed silently overhead and took refuge under a pro- jecting cliff on the mountain side. All nature had suddenly be- come hushed and oppressed.
A SUMMER. OUTING AND WHAT CAME OF IT
106:
"What does it all mean?" asked Frank.
"It is the calm which precedes the summer storm," replied George. "We must hurry back to camp and prepare for it. See, there is the proof of what I say!"
As they turned back toward camp, clouds were rolling up from behind the ridges to the south, like great piles of pop- corn, and a breeze was blowing from that direction.
When they reached camp the horses were already there, hacked up on the windward side of a grove of trees. They were hastily tied, and blankets thrown on them. The dogs whined
From a drawing by Jack Sears: The Storm
L066 IMPROVEMENT ERA
and crept into the lent. I Ik* male mocking bird flew from his perch on the juniper tree and took refuge under a shelving rock near l>y. There was hardly time to collect the camp equipage,
put it iir the tent, and securely tie the door, when the storm broke in all its fury. The wind had increased to a gale, the clouds were blaek and ominous; the lightning flashed, the thunder rolled; rain came down in torrents; great hailstones fell, heating down the grass and flowers, and tearing the tender branches from the trees; a shaft of lightning struck the giant dead pine across the creek and tore it into a thousand pieces, scattering them all around the tent, and leaving the trunk, which was strongly impregnated with pitch, burning brightly as the storm raged.
The creek, which a few moments before had been a clear mountain stream, was a raging torrent. Trees, torn up by the roots, floated past, and great boulders, loosened from the moun- tain sides by the rivulets which flowed everywhere came rolling down into the canyon, with a sound like thunder.
Fortunately the storm was of short duration. It passed as unexpectedly as it had come. The clouds rolled away, the sun came out and looked complacently down upon the havoc wrought as if it had been an uneventful autumn d:.y.
As the two friends stepped out into the sunshine the mock- ing bird flew from his shelter under the projecting rock and hopped among the branches of the juniper tree, uttering notes of alarm. The men approached the tree, and George carefully drew back the branches. There, upon the nest, was the mother bird — dead! True to the instinct of all flesh, she had protected her young while the storm beat out her life. The little birds were safe. They took the tiny body and, digging a grave near where Fleete rested, carefully buried it. The friends then re- turned sorrowfully to the camp to discuss this last tragedy of the woods, so much like the sorrows which come to human kind.
On several occasions, as they fished down the creek, deer had been seen on the mountain slopes, feeding, or, startled from their beds in the willows, had dashed away as the men ap- proached.
Frank had waited impatiently for the promised hunt and was up early on the morning when it had been arranged to take it.
The horses were saddled, cartridge belts and hunting knives buckled on, the dogs unchained, and, mounting, they started down the canyon.
"We will kill a buck today," said George. "There are plenty of deer; it will not be necessary to shoot at a doe or fawn should we see one."
His companion urged that the chance of failure was too great if one confined his shooting to buck alone; besides, he had
"As tliey passed tlirough the thicket, two deer came out?'
never killed a deer, and was not inclined to discriminate.
Trees grew along the river bottom. The ground was soft and covered with grass, and the feet of the horses made scarcely a sound. As they passed through a thicket two deer came out
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into an open space below and walked directly toward tlinn. "It is a doe and fawn," whispered George, "watch them." The deer carafe on, stopping occasionally to crop the tender grass which grew along the shore of the stream. They were conscious of danger, but could not tell where it was. They sniffed the air, stamped their front feet, listened, with their long ears erect and necks extended, but continued to come on until they were only a few yards from where the men sat on their horses, when one of the horses shook his head, the bridle rattled, and away they went up the mountain side, where they stopped and looked back at the men below. It was a splendid chance for a shot, and Frank wanted to take it, but his companion restrained him.
"We shall find others, soon," he said; "besides, it would seem cruel to shoot them under such circumstances. I have never known a deer to approach so near a man before. You will observe that there is a breeze blowing up the canyon; were it not for this, they would have smelled us and gone before we had even seen them. The nose of the deer is exceedingly sensi- tive. He usually scents an enemy before he sees him."
They climbed out from the canyon and started up a long ridge which terminated in the highest peaks in the neighbor hood.
As they neared the summit, off to the right, on the side of another ridge, a deer arose from the grass and stood looking at them.
"What a beauty," said Frank, as he hurriedly dismounted and raised his gun to fire.
"Remember," remonstrated his companion, "no does today; she is a beauty, but we must not shoot her."
"But," urged Frank, "the day is far advanced and we are not likely to get another such chance. I do not want to return without a deer. Let me try her."
As he spoke, just below the doe, and a little to the right, another deer got up from the grass. His great horns appeared, and then his entire body, as he stood broadside, looking across the canyon.
"Now you can shoot," said George. "Hold behind the shoulder and be steady."
The rifle cracked, and both deer bounded off up the moun- tain.
"As usual, you shot too high," said George. "Go on, you can get in several shots before he reaches the top of the ridge."
Bang! bang! bang! went the Winchester, but the deer did not stop.
i4Do not hurry," said George. "Wait until he reaches the top of the ridge. He will stop a moment before passing out of sight to see wl.at it is all about."
With , rifle raised, Frank waited. When the ueer reached
A SUMMER OUTING AND WHAT CAME OF IT 1069
the top of the ridge he stopped, broadside on, and looked back. Frank fired, the deer lurched forward and disappeared, the doe bounded over the ridge.
"A splendid shot," said George. "He was fully three hun- dred yards away."
"But he has gone," said Frank. "I missed him again."
"No, you hit him, and hit him hard. He will not go far," said George.
They found him near where he had stood, a magnificent specimen of his kind. The deer was dressed, tied behind one of the saddles, and the men rode on.
The following day was Sunday, and the friends had planned to visit the people at the settlement. George knew that a fat deer was always a welcome present, so the hunt was continued. There was no danger that the larder would be overstocked.
They were nearly back to camp, and the sun was just get- ting when they saw a lone deer feeding upon the mountain side to their right. It was a long shot, but at the crack of George's rifle he came down and was carried on to camp.
Both men and horses were tired when camp was reached, and after supper, which consisted of deer's liver and bacon, fried trout, potatoes, a little cheese placed on a tin plate and fried over the coals, with canned peaches and cream for dessert, they retired early to bed.
It was the first Sunday in October, and the last the friends would spend together in the mountains.
Through the devoted care of the male bird the young mock- ing birds were grown. They hopped among the branches of the juniper, and tried their wings by short flights from tree to tree. Silently the old bird looked on. He had fed them by day, and kept them warm at night, but there had been no more singing; he had done his duty with a heavy heart, and would soon lead his brood away to their winter home in the south, where he would perhaps find another mate to take the place of her who had given her life that his offspring might live. As the friends sat silently contemplating the movements of the Inrds, Frank said: "How alike we are. The joys and sorrows and tragedies of life come to the wild things of the woods as they do to us. How much they sense and suffer by them, who can tell!"
The drive to the settlement, past the fields of harvested hay and grain, was delightful. As they entered the town and saw troops of children, in their plain but neat attire, hurrying toward the meetinghouse, Frank An lerson thought of his own child- hood, how solicitous his mother had been, when Sundav came, that he should attend Sunday school, and how she tried to im- press him with the truth of the things taught there.
As the two friends drove up to the building where the
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people were congregating, the children crowded around George, delighted to hoc and greet him, as were the older people who were present.
An old couple from Scandinavia were particularly pleased to meet Frank. They had known his parents, in fact his father
Young Mocking Bird " 'Mamma,' she called in vain, for the mother who would never come."
had been the means of bringing them into the Church, and the pleasure they manifested at meeting his son was delightful in its earnestness and simplicity.
The interval between Sunday school and Sacrament meet- ing was spent at the home of this old couple, after which all returned to the Church.
The afternoon service was simple, but impressive. The Sacrament was administered, the entire congregation partaking. Fellowship was universal in the settlement. Brief remarks were made by many of those present, both men and women, each of whom bore testimony to the truth of the doctrines of the gospel and the divinity of the mission of the youthful prophet who had been instrumental in its re-establishment.
A SUMMER OUTING AND WHAT CAME OF IT 1071
Frank Anderson was an interested listener, and when the old Scandinavian arose and bore testimony to the sterling qual- ities of his parents, and recounted the circumstances undjer which they were converted to the truth, and their devotion to it, he was visibly affected.
The services were about to close. There was a pause, a few moments of unoccupied time, the stillness was oppressive when Frank Anderson arose and began to speak.
He referred to his parents with deep emotion, how they had taught him, when a boy, the doctrines of the gospel and he had believed. As he grew older, close application to business, constant contact with men, many of them not over-scrupulous in their business methods, had almost destroyed his faith; he had sought pleasure in the cities among men of like tastes, until he had become an unbeliever. Then came this trip to the mountains, to a new world, to meet new people, to be in an en- vironment which he had never dreamed existed. He had gone into many churches, had visited the cathedrals of the old world, had hoped to find there the fraternal love and fellowship which he felt should exist among people professing faith in Christ, but had never found it, until he met these simple people of the mountains. Never had he felt near to the Lord until that night at the saw mill.
Every day since, his faith and hope had increased. The grandeur of the mountains, the beauty of the flowers, the streams of pure water, the terrible grandeur of the storm, the tragedy of the dog and the mocking bird — in it all he had seen the majesty and glory of the Creator, and his heart had been turned to him. He had often looked at the mountains from afar, but had conceived nothing of their beauty and mystery. It was so with the gospel; he knew now that its blessings had al- ways been within his reach, that the Lord is in temples built with hands, as he is here in the wilds, in the solitude, under the stars, but it had required their experience to awaken the latent spark of faith which was in his heart. Here, in the solitude, for the first time since he had been a man, he had humbled him- self before the Lord, and his prayer had oeen heard and an- swered. He knew that his "Redeemer lived. As he had found a new world here in the mountains, so had he found in the gos- pel a world which he had never dreamed existed; henceforth his first duty should be to the Lord and his work.
As he closed, tears filled his eyes as they did the eyes of many in the congregation.
The last night to be spent in the canyon had come. Until a late hour the friends discussed the incidents of the outing, and when bedtime came, knelt together, for the first time, in thanks- giving to the Lord for his mercies.
(The End)
Traditions and Legends of the Polynesians
By W m. M. W addoups, Secretary of the Hawaiian Mission
Judge Fornaiuler, Messrs. Alexander, Dibble, Ellis, and ot.li- MB, who have spent much time in collecting Hawaiian tradition and folk lore, have brought together much that is interesting and of vast importance in establishing the paternity and origin of the Polynesian family, located upon widely separated islands in the Pacific Ocean. While widely separated and scattered, yet they are so homogeneous in physical characteristics, lan- guage, tradition, and customs as to leave no doubt in the mind of the investigator that they are one people, with a common origin, and yet that origin has not been satisfactorily established. Upon this matter Judge Fornander has this to say in the open- ing paragraph of the first volume of his excellent work, The Polynesian Race: "North and South America, Malays, Papuans, Chinese and Japanese, and even the lost tribes of Israel, have all at different times and by different writers, been charged with the paternity of this family, and made responsible for its origin and appearance in the Pacific Ocean."
The purpose of this brief article is to point out the won- derful and astonishing similarity between the traditions, cus- toms, religious practice and ceremonies of the Polynesian race, and the teachings of the Hebrew scripture known as the Bible. The reader may draw a conclusion as to where and to what peo- ple these traditions, customs and practices rightfully belong.
Much of the tradition and folk-lore of the Hawaiian people may be found, with slight variations, among the New Zealanders (Maoris), Samoans, Tahitians, Marquesans, Tongans and Pau- motu islanders.
These traditions were had among the Hawaiians many gen- erations before these islands were discovered, and long before the Bible was introduced among them by Christian missionaries. Jt is now difficult to find a Hawaiian, of the present generation, who knows the folk lore and traditions of the Hawaiians before the days of King Kamehameha.
The Hawaiians recognized three supreme gods, Kane, Ku and Lono. These three form a triad known as Ku-Kaua-Kahi, a fundamental supreme governing unity. These gods existed in number. Next they created the sun, moon, and stars; then
TRADITIONS AND LEGENDS OF THE POLYNESIANS 1073
expressed it, "Mai ha po //wu." They created the heavens, three in number. IMext they created the sun, moon, and stars; then a hosts of angels or spirits were formed. Last they created man in the image and likeness of Kane. The body of the first man was made of red earth, lepo ula, and spittle from the mouth of Kane. The head was made from white eluy collected by Lono from the four quarters of the earth. After the man was formed the three gods breathed into his nostrils and commanded him to arise, and he became a living man. After the man was cre- ated a woman was formed from one of the ribs of the man. This first man and woman are known by different names in different chants and traditions, but the most commonly known and ac- cepted are for the man, Kumuhonua, and for the woman, Kealo- kuhonua.
This primordial couple were placed in a home of which the Hawaiians speak in glowing terms. It was called by various names, such as Kaluna-i-hau-ola (Kalana with the life-giving dew) ; or Aina-wai-akua-a-Kane (The land of the divine water of Kane). It was known as a sacred place, and a man must be righteous in order to dwell therein. Among the adornments of the Polynesian paradise, were two trees, the Ulu kapu a Kane, the forbidden breadfruit of Kane, and the Ohia hemolele, the sacred apple. It was said among the ancient Kahui.a or priests of Hawaii, that the eating of the forbidden breadfruit of Kane, brought sorrow, trouble and death to Kumuhonua and Keola- kuhonua, the first man and woman. The tradition further says that the gods made spirits from the spittle of their mouths, to be their ministering servants. A number of these spirits rebelled because they were not allowed to drink awa. (Awa was used in sacrificial worship in olden times. It is a plant from the roots of which a drink is made which intoxicates if taken very freely.) The god Kane, however, was victor in the struggle which fol- lowed this rebellion, and these rebellious spirits were cast down into darkness (Halo loa i ha po). The chief spirit or leader of these seditious spirits is called variously, Milu, Kanaloa, Po, Kupu ino, etc.
Another tradition says that after the gods Kane, Ku and Lono had created man and breathed into him the spirit of life, that Kanaloa also made a man, but when his clay model was completed and he commanded him to live, he failed to arise and live. This angered Kanaloa and he swore to cause the death of the man whom the gods had created. The ancient Hawaiians looked upon Kanaloa as the prince of evil, the origin of death, a disobedient spirit, and that he was severely punished by the supreme god Kane. The tradition further says that the first man and woman had two sons, the first Laka and the sec- ond Ahu, that Laka was a bad man and killed his brother Ahu.
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There arc three Hawaiian genealogies from the first man kuimilioiiiia to Nun or Kahiiu.lii. The first counts thirteen gen- erations, the second gives fourteen generations, and the third counts only twelve. (The line of Seth from Adam counts ten generations to Noah.) It is said in this tradition that it was in the days of Nuu that a great flood (known as Ke kai a ka hina- Hi) came upon the earth, and that Nuu, his wife Lilinoe and his three sons, with their wives, were saved in a large vessel called in their chant, He waa halau alii o ka Moku. After the flood subsided they found themselves upon the top of Mauna Kea (the thirteen thousand foot peak on the island of Hawaii). It is said that after Nuu went out from the ship he took a pig, cocoanuts and awa and offered sacrifice to the god Kane. As he looked into the sky he saw the moon, and thinking it to he Kane he worshiped it. Kane is then said to have descended on the rainbow and reproved him, but owing to the mistake he had made he was forgiven, and Kane left the rainbow in the heav- ens as a token of his forgiveness.
Ten generations from Nuu, according to this genealogy, there arose another great Kahuna or priest, called among other names, Kane-hoa-lani. It is said that he introduced circum- cision among his people. He is said to have left the land of his nativity and traveled to a land far to the south. This Lua- Nuu had two wives. To him and his slave wife was born a son, Ahu; and to his wife Mee-hewa was born Kalani-menehune. His grandson, Kini-lau-a-mano, was the traditional father of twelve sons from whom sprang the Menehune people, who are said in this tradition to be the progenitors of the Polynesian family.
We also find in Hawaiian folk lore a tradition closely re- sembling the story of Joseph who was sold into Egypt. It runs thus: Waiku had ten sons and one daughter. Waikelenuiaiku one of the sons, was much beloved by Waiku, but hated by his brethren. Owing to their hatred they cast him into a pit belonging to Holonaeole. His oldest brother gave strict charge to Holonaeole to take good care of Waikelenuiaiku. He is said to have escaped from the pit and fled to a country under the rule of King Kamohoalii. He was thrown into a pit under- ground where were confined other prisoners. Four of these fellow prisoners dreamed dreams, one dreamed that he saw a ripe ohia (native apple), and his spirit ate it; the second dreamed that he saw and ate a ripe banana; while the third dreamed that he saw a pig, killed, dressed and ate it, and the fourth dreamer pressed awa juice from the awa plant and drank it. The interpretation given to the first, second and third dreamers were that they should die. The awa dreamer, how- ever, was told that he should be released from the pit and re- stored to service in the house of the king. As was predicted, the
TRADITIONS AND LEGENDS OF THE POLYNESIANS 1075
three dreamers who saw the ohia, the banana, and the pig, were killed, but the fourth was liberated. He subsequently told the king of the wonderful powers of Waikeleiuiaiku, and he was released from prison and placed in the service of the king. He afterwards became one of the principal chiefs in the kingdom.
Another tradition closely resembling the stoiy of the deliv- erance of Israel through Moses, is found in the legend of Ke- alii-waha-nui. He was the king of the land called Honua-ilalo. He oppressed the Menehune people, the traditional forefathers of the Polynesian family. The god Kane sent Kane-apua and Kanaloa, his older brother, to deliver them from the land of oppression. They were led to the land called Ka aina momona a Kane (The rich land of Kane). They were here instructed to observe four kapu days, or holy days, in remembrance of their miraculous deliverance. They then gave to Kane goats and swine.
Another legend is told of one Hiiaka, who went to the isl- and of Kauai (a principal island of the Hawaiian group) to recover and restore to life the body of Lohiau, who was said to be the lover of her sister Pele, the goddess of the volcano. The body had been concealed in a cave on the summit of Kalalau Mountain. Upon arriving at the foot of the mountain she dis- covered that night was close approaching. She prayed to Kane to keep the sun stationary until she had accomplished her mis- sion. She ascended to the cave, vanquished the guards, and recovered the body. A similar story of lengthening the day until a certain work was accomplished is also told concerning Maui-a-kalana, an ancient chief of great power.
A legend is also found concerning an Oahu prophet called Na-ula-a-Maihea, who left Oahu on an important mission to Kauai. His canoe was upset, he was swallowed by a whale, and afterwards thrown up on the beach near Wailua, Kauai.
You will note that in none of these traditions do we have anything seeming to point to important events in the Christian era. So far as I can learn there is nothing in Polynesian myth- ology and traditional folk lore that in any way points to the important events recorded in the New Testament. I have learned that there was a common belief among seme of the Polynesians that one of the governing gods visited them and left a promise that he would visit them again, and that they should be watchful and prepared for his second coming. The Hawaiians speak of this god as Lono. When Captain Cook discovered these islands, in 1778, the natives at once deified him and gave him the name Lono, saying that their god Lono had returned again as he had promised.
If, as Judge Fornander maintains, the Polynesian peoples have received their traditional knowledge of Biblical characters
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and events as follows, "That during the time of the Spanish galleon trade, in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, be- tween the Spanish main and Manila, some shipwrecked people, Spanish and Portuguese, had obtained sufficient influence to introduce these scraps of Bible history into the legendary lore of this people," it is strange at least that not a single mention is made in the legends of the people of the all-important and crowning event of the New Testament, the birth and crucifixion of our Savior Jesus Christ.
If, however, the theory of the origin of the Polynesians, as believed by the Latter-day Saints, be accepted, then the total absence of legendary knowledge among them, concerning the chief characters and events of the New Testament is easily ex- plained. Hagoth and his company, from whom we believe the Polynesian islanders originate, sailed from the northern part of South America some fifty-four years before the birth of Jesus Christ. They would, therefore, of course, bring nothing with them concerning the ministry of Christ, and the travels and labors of his disciples. They were, however, full) conversant with the chief events and characters of much of the Old Testa- ment, perhaps all that which precedes the year 600 B. C, or the time when Lehi left Jerusalem under divine command. Honolulu, T. H.
I Know Not
I know not who I am, nor when
My life began to be;
But this I know,
Where'er I go
I am and shall be free.
I know not who I am, nor how My eyes were made to see; But this I know, Where'er I go I'll live eternally.
I know not how the universe
And Father came to be;
But this I know,
Where'er I go
My God will go with me.
I know not when nor how nor where That I shall have to die; But this I know, When I shall go My Savior will be nigh. Provo, Utah. Alfred Osmond.
A New Consciousness
By Dr. Joseph M. Tanner
Among millions of the huruan family there is an awakening of a new consciousness, a consciousness of power, which has given rise to the demands of labor and which is gradually mold- ing the conduct of the rulers of the world.
In our own country labor is conscious that it may make demands upon capital, and it is gaining more and more the power to enforce its demands. The awakening of this con- sciousness to new power may be for good or evil purpose. There is good in it; there is freedom in it; there is justice in it; but there is also danger in it ! This consciousness of power becomes dangerous just as it becomes selfish, unreasonable, or autocratic. The danger of this conscious power is doubly dangerous because when arbitrarily exercised, it may starve to death men, women and children in the populous centers of our republic, by stop- ping the wheels of railroads. It may bring untold calamity, by cutting off the supply of coal in the homes where comfort de- pends upon it. It may also shut down the wheels of commerce and throw hundreds of thousands of disinterested employes out of labor. This new conscious power is a power over life and death. May we trust those who have it to exercise it wisely and humanely?
The trouble with this newly discovered power is found in the fact that, in many instances, it is in the hands of ignorant foreigners, who are more the creatures of their impulses than of their reason. They need education and refinement of the mind and of the heart, that they may take a broader outlook upon life. Such classes are dangerous because they have been among the down-trodden in the land of their birth. They have suf- fered injustice. They have undergone hardships, such as cold and hunger. They come here, therefore, to our country, with feelings of retaliation, but they are lacking in that discrimina- tion which should teach them that retaliation in this free and generous republic for injustice done in Europe should have no place.
In European countries where men have been forced into armies against their will, where soldiers have suffered so much in the late great war, soldiers have come to a knowledge of their conscious powers and to a knowledge of the dependence which the leaders have upon them. They are refusing now to fight,
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and the large labor element in England has declared that it will not make munitions of war, and that it will not labor in the transportation of supplies to Poland for the purpose of fighting the Bolsheviki.
It may be asked if the laborers of England really sympa- thize with the Bolsheviki or believe in their doctrine. Their sympathy with the Bolsheviki does not grow out of a belief in their doctrine. The laborers believe that they and the Bol- shevists have a common enemy.
Class antagonisms were never so sharply drawn and so deadly as at the present time. As a people we are not outside the dangers of these classifications. We, too, may become con- scious of the power of labor; but, above all, we should be con- scious of our divine obligations and never misuse the powers that God has put within our keeping, unfairly or unjustly against any of our fellowmen.
Value of Membership in the Genealogical Society
By M. Dalebout
I can scarcely reconcile the requirements of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the light of reason and justice except through the doctrine of salvation for the dead.
Four years ago I took a life membership in the Genealogical Society, not because I expected to gain any information from Holland, where I came from, but for the benefit of the society.
During the last twenty years I have been working in order to obtain the records of my ancestors. My two brothers and myself, while on missions in Holland, visited many places, to find the required information and spent money and time with only partly good results. Now, on April 7, after having attended a meeting and listened to the request and desire of Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, I became impressed to visit the library of the genealogical society. In the Holland part of the institution I found records in the Dutch language giving to me the explana- tion I needed, as to how to find records. I had sought at the places where my forefathers had been born and died, but could not obtain the desired information. But, now, here In Salt Lake City, seven thousand miles away from the places where they lived, I found the keys; names of the volumes, and the places where the record could be obtained.
I am thankful to the Lord for his goodness, for the restora- tion of the gospel, for this goodly land, for all his revelations and offers pertaining to and for the salvation of the living and the dead. Ogden, Utah
My Baby
[The author of these tender verses is the son of Elder Orson F. Whitney of the Council of the Twelve. A native son of Salt Lake City, he resided here until recently, connected with the Publicity Department of the Utah- Idaho Sugar Company, whose organ Tfie Cossette, he founded and edited. He left this employ to engage with the Lubrite Oil Refining Company, of St. Louis. Immediately on his arrival there he was chosen to preside over the local branch of the Y. M. M. I. A., in which capacity he now serves. — Editors.]
Tell me, my little one, tell me,
Since you've come to our earthly shore, What are the wondrous tales you bring From the Land of the Herebefore?
From which bright world came you hither?
What is your message to me? As a wee little helpless creature,
Just what might your mission be?
Our scholars and poets and sages
Can teach you what men have learned here,
But your own little mind holds the secret Of that mystical former sphere.
You are silent — you seem to marvel.
Are you fearful? And yet so wise! Or did the great Power who sent you
Seal your lips when he opened your eyes?
Nor yet were the bud-lips parted;
Nor was it a voice that spake; But out of two eyes, heaven-glancing,
Their owner this answer did make:
I came here that you might behold me
While spotless and pure is my soul, That the Master who bade you be like me,
Might thus help you win the high goal.
I came here to bring joy and gladness,
From the fulness of glory above; That the blest human pair, my earth parents,
Might see what a great thing is love.
I was sent here to show the man-creature
That life is no frivolous fling; That the woman — my mother — who bore me
Is a noble and wonderful thing.
I came to this stage of progression,
In the plan of an infinite God, To add to the works of my fathers,
And walk in the ways they have trod.
The rest I've forgotten. What matter?
Why dwell on a life that is done? I joy in the happier knowledge
That a still greater life has begun.
C. Byron Wh\U\e\.
Vital Problems of Life
A Study for the Advanced $enior Classes of the M. T. A. 1920*21.
Lesson IV. — -The Push of Poverty (Continued)
Why People are Poor, or the Causes of Poverty
Bad Luck, Calamity. As some people are made rich through an accident, so are some made poor through calamity. Ca- lamity-poverty is usually temporary. The person of thrifty hab- its soon gets on to upgrade and climbs out of penury. Bad luck may knock a man down, but pluck rarely fails to put him on his feet and send him on his way rejoicing. One need not go into history for illustrations of this fact, they are all around us.
Bad Management. Poor management is much more prev- alent than poor luck. Too many people practice suiting the thought to the action, rather than thinking first and then suit- ing the action to the thought. Their movements are like that of the hunter who aims after the gun goes off. They are active but not industrious, because much of their activity is noncre- ative; they work at cross purpose. There is much busy-ness but little business in their lives.
An old pioneer used to say of two sons, one of my boys is al- ways up at peep of day, but "putters" around all day, the other one lies abed until sunrise, and then starts and goes through his work as if he had planned it in his sleep.
The bad manager starts many things and finishes few; he makes progress like an automobile without chains, on a slip- pery turnpike.
Super-contentment. The apex of some people's ambition is to see the same sights that their fathers have seen, and run the same race that their fathers have run. Their night dreams are of the old oaken bucket. They never have a day vision of an automatic faucet. The three R's bound their educational horizon. A certain mother who was making strenuous efforts to send her sons and daughters away to school was remonstrated with by a very "goodie," man, who visited the woman and told her that she lacked contentment and that she was doing wrong in working so hard, in suffering privation of comforts, to give her children an education, which would not only perpetuate
f
VITAL PROBLEMS OF LIFE 1081
their mother's discontent, but emphasize it in their lives. In his argument he referred to the contentment of the ox chewing its cud. The woman retorted by saying, "If you want ox con- tentment you are welcome to it; but we are not of that stock." Today that good woman's son is a leading physician in the state; her daughters are mothers and prominent women in the affairs of Church and state. They are glad that their mother was not of the super-contented poor.
Excessive Discontent. The old "saw," that three moves are as bad as a fire, is still cutting wood. There are people who are so full of the sentiment that pursuit is better than possession, that they are always pursuing, never possessing. To them one bird in the bush is worth two in the hand. They live in the luxury of newness of places, newness of jobs, newness of friends; they are of that class of poor whose poverty is painted with nomadic pleasure. Their discontent is not that of the plodder; they never stick to anything long enough to have it stick to them.
Vocational Misfit. Unfitness through a lack of preparation may be remedied, but the misfit through lack of aptitude is quite irremediable. One of the greatest problems in life is to discover what nature has best fitted the individual for, and just to the extent that we fail in that discovery there will be voca- tional misfits, and consequent failure in life, and lack of hap- piness in making the living. The consciousness of uncertainty as to vocational aptitude manifests itself in foolishly seeking the fortune teller, quite vainly consulting the phrenologists, or more consistently submitting to scientific tests and vocational counsel and wisely with implicit faith making our patriarchal blessings, which are paragraphs from the book of our foreordi- nation, a source of reference.
One of the best sources of information on this topic is The Man of Tomorrow, by Claude Richards. The study of this work will save many a man from becoming a misfit, as it p1 vides for a process of self analysis, one of the indispensables to the wise choice of a vocation. The discomfort of being an ed- ucational misfit is not limited to the individual; it extends to all his dependents.
On one Occasion a thrifty housekeeper, wife of a successful mechanic, had listened to a description of farm life, in which the grandeur of the outdoor activites were painted in glowing colors. She remarked, "Yes; it is all beautiful, but my experience has been that a poor farmer is the poorest kind of a poor man; hus- band and I worked on the farm for years and succeeded in failing. Now, he alone, earns enough for us all, as a master
I
1082 IMPROVEMENT ERA
mechanic. Our failure on the farm was not due to the farm, nor to the lack of hard work on our part; simply this, my hus- band wab not cut out for a farmer."
Waste. The penalty of waste is want. When Jesus had fed the multitude he said, gather up the fragments that remain that nothing be lost. (John 6:12.) The prodigal son wasted his sub- stance. (Luke 15:13.)
A woe is pronounced against wasting. (Doc. and Cov., 49: 21.) Poverty, through wastefulness, as asserted in the previous lesson, is sinful. Wastefulness is not only unwise, it reaches over into the borderland of wickedness. We have less use in these days than formerly for the saying that a woman can throw out of the back door with a spoon faster than a man can bring in at the front door with a shovel.
Women are less wasteful than men. As proof of this state- ment, compare a woman's care of her household utensils with a man's care of his implements.
Extravagance. Extravagance is not uncessarily waste. Ex- travagance is relative. What is extravagant on the part of one person is far from extravagant on the part of another.
When persons indulge in luxury of any kind on other peo- ple's money, their extravagance is unethical; and when they in- dulge in these things with their own money, at the expense of drawing upon savings, or cutting off the possibility of adding thereto, their extravagance is unwise, and like all unwisdom has its penalty. The habit of extravagance is one of the most dan- gerous of indulgences.
A splendid memory gem is the saying, "Not what we make, but what we save makes us rich." The spendthrift or extrav- agant person is just as well off on a low wage as a high one, in fact he is better off, because the increase of pay affords only in- creased opportunity for forming bad habits.
Extravagance spells poverty to the man of ordinary income.
Inebriety. Intemperance is not only the prime minister of death; she is the breeder of more poverty than any other one thing in the world, war excepted. Happily one of her high- ways of conquest has been closed in our country by prohibition ; but she is helping open an avenue of invasion which contributes not only to financial poverty, but poverty of intellect; it costs more to keep the pipes, cigars, and cigarettes burning in the United States than it does to keep the automobiles, trucks and tractors running.
Many a wife is practicing the utmost frugality to make ends meet, each month, while the husband's tobacco bill would give to the mother and the children of the household, the privilege
r
VITAL PROBLEMS OF LIFE 1083
of knowing what it is to have some of the comforts of life. Some wives and children are in the ranks of the needy for no other reason than that the tobacco fire must be kept burning.
Indolence. The "I-won't-work" man is an incubus on so- ciety; his very example points to poverty, be he ever so rich. Production is the parent of prosperity, and labor is the life blood of civilization. A man was asked by his daughter, "Father, which would be the least objectionable to you as a prospective son-in-law, a man who is somewhat lazy or the one who indulges in drink?" "The one who indulges in drink," came the prompt reply, "for the drinking man dies early while a lazy husband often outlives his wife."
There are several classes of retired gentry, a polite name for loafers, those who roost on the street corners, those who congre- gate in club rooms, and those who while away the time with cards and pool. Some of them have a bank account behind them, not all, too many of them have a wife working to support the family, while waiting for their husbands to get over being constitutionally tired. Indolence is an iniquity, and if the idler eats the bread of the laborer he does it in opposition to the law of God.
Unteachableness. A great many people seem to have adopted this as their slogan of life: I would rather go with poverty on my own way than travel with prosperity on the way of anybody else. There are men, however, who recognize that counsel and advice from successful business men is a source of wealth, and they seek such counsel and advice and follow it. As evidence that teachableness is a guarantee against poverty we use the fol- lowing facts: first, the early settlers of Utah made up a com- munity gathered from nearly all over the civilized world; sec- ond, they were heterogeneous in many things, but homogeneous in one thing — teachableness. Third their attitude of teachable- ness with its resulting activities drove poverty from their midst.
The following is a quotation from a report by Howard Stans- bury, a government engineer, U. S. Army, printed by order of the House of Representatives of the United States, 1853, five years after the entrance of the pioneers into Salt Lake Valley, (page 133). Concerning the "Mormons," he writes:
The revenue of the pew state seems to partake of the same double character; the treasures of the Church being freely devoted, when necessary, to the promotion of the temporal prosperity of the body politic. These are derived from a system of tithing, similar to that of the ancient Israelites. Each person, upon profession of his faith, and consequent reception into the bosom of the Church, is required to pay into "the treasury of the Lord" one-tenth of all that he possesses; after which he pays a tenth of the yearly increase of hi9 goods; and in addition contributes one-tenth of his time,
1084 IMPROVEMENT ERA
which is devoted to labor on the public works, such as roads, bridges, ir- rigating canals, or such other objects as the authorities may direct. The whole amount thus collected goes into the coffers of the Church, and is exacted only from its members. A tax is also laid upon property as with us, which is levied upon all, both "Saint" and Gentile, and which consti- tutes the revenue of the civil government. All goods bought in the city pay, as the price of a license, a duty of one per cent, except spirituous liq- uors, for which one-half of the price at which they are sold is demanded: the object of this last impost being avowedly to discourage the introduc- tion of that article among them. It has, indeed, operated to a great extent as a prohibition, the importer, to save himself from loss, having to double the price at which he could otherwise have afforded to sell. The result of this policy was, when we were there, to bring up the price of brandy to twelve dollars per gallon, of which the authorities took six; and of whisky to eight dollars, of which they collected four dollars. The circulating medium is principally gold of their own coinage, and such foreign gold as is brought in by converts from Europe. Notwithstanding this heavy, and, as it would be to us, insupportable burden upon industry and enterprise, nothing can exceed the appearance of prosperity, peaceful harmony, and cheerful contentment that pervaded the whole community. Ever since the first year of privation, provisions have been abundant, and want of the necessaries and even comforts of life is a thing unknown. A design was at one time entertained (more, I believe, as a prospective measure than any thing else) to set apart a fund for the purpose of erecting a poorhouse; but after strict inquiry, it was found that there were in the whole population but two persons who could be considered as objects of public charity, and the plan was consequently abandoned.
This happy external life, of universally diffused prosperity, is com- mented on by themselves, as an evidence of the smiles of heaven and of the special favor of the Deity: but I think it would be most clearly accounted for in the admirable discipline and ready obedience of a large body of industrious and intelligent men, and in the wise counsels of prudent and sagacious leaders, producing a oneness and concentration of action the result of which astonished even those by whom it has been effected. The happy consequences of this system of united and well-directed action, under one leading and controlling mind, is most prominently apparent in the erection of public buildings, opening of roads, the construction of bridges, and the preparation of the country for the speedy occupation of a large and rapidly growing population, even now on their way, from almost every country in Europe.
Upon the personal character of the leader of this singular people, it would not, perhaps, be proper for me to comment in a comumnication like the present. I would nevertheless be pardoned for saying that, to me. Brigham Young appeared to be a man of clear, sound sense, fully alive to the responsibilities of the station he occupied, sincerely devoted to the good name and interests of the people over whom he presides, sensitively jealous of the least attempt to undervalue or misrepresent them, and in- defatigable in devising ways and means for their mental, and physical elevation. He appeared to possess the unlimited, personal, official confi- dence of his people; while both he and his two counselors, forming the presidency of the Church, seemed to have but one object in view — the pros- perity and peace of the society over which they presided.
Of course, we could not expect Captain Stansbury to under- stand that behind the wisdom of our leaders is the inspiration of the Lord, and the individual testimony of the Saints.
VITAL PROBLEMS OF LIFE 1085
If the eminent engineer could have known the successors of President Brigham Young, at close range, he would have re- ferred to each under the same vein as he did the great pioneer leader. The late President Joseph F. Smith, at a Utah stake conference, said, in substance, I am at the head of a number of business enterprises, and the chief object of my being there is to have the business carried on in accordance with Christian principles, that policies may be pursued that will bless the entire people and thereby meet the approval of the Lord.
And the present president of the Church, Heber J. Grant, has repeatedly declared, that the chief aim of his life, and the great desire of his heart is the purity and prosperity of the Lat- ter-day Saints, and the welfare of the whole world. No one can read the full report of Captain Stansbury without being im- pressed with the thought that the Latter-day Saints even at that early date were literally fulfilling the prophecy uttered seven hundred years before Christ and recorded in Isaiah 2:2, 3. The latter of these two prophetic passages make clear the coming of a time for the universal recognition of teachableness, spiritual teachableness.
A high grade business man, and by high grade is meant one who is interested in his fellow man, is not inclined to im- pose his good services on other pepole, but will cautiously give other men the benefit of his judgment. These financial fathers have little less than contempt for the "tip seeker," but they have a high consideration for the person who seeks their advice, con- cerning the best methods of making business pay, whether it be the business of farming, ranching, merchandising, poultry rais- ing, or any other legitimate pursuit.
Remove the unteachableness of the poor, and the most of our real poverty will disappear. Bad luck will diminish, poor management will decrease, vocational misfits will be fewer, su- per-content will approach a vanishing point, excessive discon- tent will tend to pass away, waste will cease, extravagance will lose its inflation, and indolence will die.
Our true leaders of finance, are not part tithepayers; they pay one-tenth of their increase, be it ever so large, and some of them pay it at times in advance. They have their slogans, and one of them is, "The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof."
Theses
God's ways are the ways of wisdom, and wisdom's ways are away from poverty.
Poverty is a good stepping stone, but a poor standing place.
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Questions and Problems
1. Wli^ is the prosperity of the unteachable like the neat building if the pigeon?
2. Distinguish between waste and extravagance.
3. Give a local historical example of the correction of a vocational misfit.
4. When does extravagance become a habit?
5. Why is circumstantial poverty usually temporary?
6. Give local illustrations of persons retrieving their finances.
7. Enumerate the characteristics of poor management.
8. What are the remedies for poor management?
9. Illustrate excessive vocational discontent as a cause of poverty.
10. At what point does contentment cease to be a virtue?
11. Why does the habit of extravagance spell poverty to most people?
12. Enumerate the several classes of time-killers and quote the penalty for the sin of indolence. (Doc. and Cov. 75:29.)
13. Take a straw vote on the problem: Most poor people are poor because of their unteachableness.
Lesson V. — The Obligations of Wealth
One of the most philanthropic millionaires of "Mormon- dom," testifies to having had it manifest unto him that he should come to possess great wealth, and as the realization of the fact took hold of him, to use his own words, he "was scared."
Up to that time he had been one of the well-to-do members of the community, but the responsibility of wealth had not greatly impressed him; in the light of the testimony he had re- ceived, he felt bearing upon him a weight of obligation, which has grown in proportion to the increase of his wealth.
His wealth was a thing of promise, and he himself pledged himself to acquire nothing, keep nothing, except with a view of using it for the benefit of his fellowmen. Often he has been heard to say, "I have no love for money, but I have great love for the right use of money." A spirit akin to that which re- vealed to the Prophet Joseph that the people would become great in the Rocky Mountains, said in an audible voice to our philanthropist, "that this country is for the 'Mormons,' so that from that day to this, the securing of titles, the developing of the natural resources in the abiding places of the Saints, have been his uppermost financial anxiety.
Time and time again not only his accumulations, but his credit has been placed at the disposal of the community for the needs of his people.
This man does not believe that good business provides that one man's gain should result in another man's loss, or that it is right for one man to become wealthy by the making of other people poor. He believes and has practically demonstrated that the wise use of wealth consists in so handling it that it shall
VITAL PROBLEMS OF LIFE 1087
bring material prosperity to the wealthy, the well-to-do, and the poor alike. He refuses absolutely to operate any enterprise that will work a hardship on the toiler, and has always taken a heroic stand against usury in any form.
This man, whose gigantic strength and good will has made of him a rich man, universally loved, is but a representative of a steadily increasing class — a class which is demonstrating that not only honesty but generosity is the best policy.
In the accumulation and use of wealth there is a three fold responsibility; a responsiblity to one's self, to one's fellows, and to God. In entering upon a business enterprise the first con- sideration should not be, what will it make for me? but what will it make of me?
Unrighteous wealth-getting is inseparably linked up to soul- shrinkage. It matters not whether that unrighteousness is faced directly by the accumulator, or whether there is a stock certifi- cate between him and the unrighteousness.
It is sometimes said that corporations have no soul, but at all events the conduct of corporations affects the souls of men.
No one can escape the responsibility of the evil his money does, any more than he can be robbed of the benefits from the good that his money does. The widow's mite, invested in a dice box, makes and measures her soul in one direction just as it determines her deserts as a giver of alms.
It is not enough that money does no harm; the holder of wealth is under obligations to see that it does good, and each one must know that to whom much is given from him much will be required. This is the law of equity operating through- out the universe.
Corporate or group wealth is superseding the individual ac- cumulation, and as the man in the crowd will assent to the doing of things by the crowd that he would not do individually, so the corporate owner will oftimes consent to business policies by the corporation that he would not follow in individual transactions. While there is a crowd-courage and virtue, there is also crowd- cowardice and villainy and high standards of conduct demand of the individual that he demand of his group that it does not consent to group-conduct out of harmony with his individual ideals. His slogan should be, what I will not do I will not con- sent to my money doing.
A fortune, however great, obtained for the one or the few, at the hindrance or hurt of the many, is a stolen one, and though the stream of finance may be so swollen in extent that the pleas- ure boats of a dynasty may ride thereon, the producers or per- petrators of such a condition will sooner or later meet a Cha- rybdis and will go down, unwept, unhonored, and unsung.
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This obligation of group wealth emphasizes the truth of the seriptural saying, "Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not go unpunished." (Proverbs 11:21.)
Wealth conies under the ethical obligation so tersely ex- pressed in the school slogan of the illustrious educator, Franci? W. Parker, "Everything to help and nothing to hinder." Society is fast moving in the direction of putting wealth under the legal obligation of pursuing the live and the let live policy. Happily we have passed that perilous period when the "trust or bust" policy prevailed.
Of course, it is often a difficult matter to determine what is helpful and what is hurtful, but fortunately we are not drift- ing but rowing in the direction of arbitration and commission decision.
With the motives of helpfulness and square deal methods, the greater the accumulation the greater the possibility of doing good, consequently it follows that, other things being equal, the richer the man the better the man.
We know of a man who in his business career has empha- sized the obligation accompanying the accumulation of wealth; production, not speculation has been his practice in life. He has fulfilled the scriptural saying, "The liberal man deviseth liberal means." He has a record as one who meets his obliga- tions of honor. He has given evidence, as have many others, that great wealth and generosity may keep pace in their growth.
Such men are living proof that the decay of men is not necessarily a concomitant of the accumulation of wealth. Sol- omon, the sage, stood in dread of poverty and the fear of wealth when he uttered the proverb, 30:8, 9.
As a man is responsible for the good or evil done by his teachings and his writings, so is he responsible for what his wealth does after he is dead; it is, therefore, of vital importance whom he makes the custodian of his accumulations.
As a rule men accumulate wealth much more for the love of the financial conquest than for the love of the money. One emi- nent financier, who rose from the ranks of poverty to that of great financial power, said of his accumulated millions, pro- vided by his foresight, energy, and untiring industry, "If my children have as much pleasure in spending the money as I have had in making it, I shall be satisfied."
In some instances provisions are made for the perpetuity of large fortunes by providing against the possibility of the heirs spending anything more than the interest or income from the fortunes. Behind this procedure there lurks that which has been called the root of all evil, as well as the confession of a fear that the posterity of the transmitter of wealth will not hold
VITAL PROBLEMS OF LIFE 1089
their own in the financial world, even with a superior start.
In the making of endowments to institutions, the possi- bility of waste should be carefully guarded against, and pro- visions for increase should be made, not simply that the name of the benefactor may be perpetuated, but also the beneficial results may be made continuous. Endowments with strings on them sometimes handicap institutions that receive them.
A man who endows a school becomes indirectly an educator of the ages; one who founds a hospital shares in the restora- tion to health of multitudes; one who lends to lift a meritorious enterprise, over a crisis, is a joy giver to all who profit through his "nick-of-time" aid. Such men deserve the good will and gratitude of those they help and the admiration of all other men, while those who hold back needed help, in hours of ca- lamitous distress shut the gates of mercy on mankind, and merit only contempt.
Reading Reference: Vitality of Mormonism, Talmage. Article 102: "What Does It Profit a Man?"
Problems and Questions
1. State the threefold responsibility of wealth.
2. Discuss the wisdom or unwisdom of the determination of one of our great financiers who said that he would leave his children no money, but a lot of unfinished enterprises of- production which if they carry out, will increase their inheritance, while if they are not carried out the ob- ligations on them will swallow them up.
3. A young man said to his wealthy father, who insisted on his learn- ing a business, "Do you think I shall need to work?" "Well, my son," replied the father, "you must learn to do something besides waste what I have accumulated, or I shall leave you for your inheritance what is rep- resented by a figure 9 with the tail cut off." Is it ethical to leave money to a lazy man?
4. What form of taxation attempts to make wealth perform its obliga- tions?
5. Discuss the statement: When a man's income gets so large that he can't keep his obligations with the Lord, what has become of his God?
6. Why is it the duty of every man to become as rich as he righteously can?
7. At what point does a man's money begin to own him?
8. What are the dangers of bequeathing unspendable wealth? (a) To the heir? (b) To society?
9. Give illustrations of an endowment being made in such a way as to handicap an institution.
10. Prove that man is responsible to God for the use of wealth. Luke 16:19-27.
11. How may an endowment put hampering strings on an institution?
12. Why is it more important to consider what a business will make of the man than what a business will make for the man?
13. Discuss the ideal active retirement of aged temple workers.
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14. Show how temple building blesses the living, the dead, ami the unborn, v
1!). Discuss the wisdom of the 50-50 appropriation plan.
Lesson VI. — The Responsibility of Wealth (Continued)
Land Wealth. Land in one respect is the most permanent form of wealth, and in another respect it is the most precarious. The owner of land may not be dispossessed of it by its removal, and yet conditions may prevail wheiiein money and chattels may be a more preferable form of wealth; because they may be carried by the owner from place to place. A man may flee with his treasure, when he must fly from his home. The Jew, though banished from his inheritance, became one of the treasurers of the earth.
There is a universal tendency on the part of individuals and nations to keep what they own and then desire to own all that adjoins them. This instinct of acquisition, when followed to ex- cess, becomes insatiable land lust.
People who want the earth generally want with it the other fellow for a servant. A world ownership without a man Friday would have no charms for them. They would have little com- fort in contemplating a world-wide territorial ownership that would bring forth the Alexander Selkirk exclamation :
I am monarch of all I survey,
I am lord of the fowl and the brute; From the center clear round to the sea,
There's none who my claim can dispute.
Society, friendship, and love,
I yearn for thy charms, but in vain; O had I the wings of a dove
How soon I would taste thee again.
Self-respect as well as brotherly love should protest against coveting the inheritance of another, but if the inheritor persists in having no appreciation of his inheritance, then he may be given his "mess of pottage," and the blessing taken.
Large land purchases, with altruistic motives, are most com- mendable; but extensive land holding is not in keeping with laws of social harmony, or Christian practice.
Some of our best finaciers, have become veritable philan- thropists, by purchasing large tracts of land, and selling it in subdivisions, to homemakers, on terms reasonably profitable to the purchaser, and fairly compensative to the distributor. They never buy to keep the other fellow off, but to help him to get on. This class of men follow the example set by the Church,
VITAL PROBLEMS OF LIFE 1091
which has made it possible for thousands to become free hold- ers, who without aid, would never have been able to share in landholding prosperity.
Land wealth has been a problem through the ages. It would seem that the solving of this problem demands- first, the recog- nition of the law that all excesses in accumulation must be paid for by radicalism in distribution. The unfortunate conditions existing in Russia and Mexico give evidence of the unescapable- ness of this law and its penalty.
Social science has thus far failed to find a practical solution of the land wealth problem. It has always and is still vexing the nations; and yet centuries ago the people of God had re- vealed to them a system of procedure that effectively operated against real estate monopoly. (Read Leviticus 25:9, 10, 13, 24-29.)
Land monopoly was effectively provided against in the early settlement of these valleys, by the practice of dividing the arable domain into small acreages and distributing them by lot.
The responsibility of wealth is set forth in Sec. 104, Doc. and Cov. In that revelation we get the divine point of view, the revealed truth concerning the matter of the accumulation, hold- ing and distribution of wealth provided for, with altruism brought to the front, and selfishness put in the background.
The United Order is thought by some persons to be unliv- able; and yet many of the Latter-day Saints are living it psychic- ally, that is they are living it in their thoughts and feelings. When the time comes for group activity, under this higher law, they will be found to have habits that will make obedience to the law almost automatic.
President George Q. Cannon said that he wanted to pay his tithing gladly, as a preparation to giving all he had gladly, at any time that the Lord called for it.
At a time when there was a general movement in these valleys to put in operation the United Order, a young man, just starting out in life, went to his bishop and had. a heart-to-heart talk over his financial affairs. He presented a list of his prop- erty, which consisted of a one-roomed house, some household furniture, a city lot, a yoke of oxen, a wagon and four acres of land, valued by himself and the bishop at $1,000. The bishop said, "I will appoint you a steward over this property for you to keep and to use, and to report upon whenever called for." No report has ever been required, but the steward has made his report annually, for nearly half a century, in the form of set- tling his tithing. During this period there never has been a time when he has not been ready to give all of his possessions,
1092 IMPROVEMENT ERA
which have constantly increased in his hands, for the welfare of Zion.
This man is only one of thousands, among the Latter-day Saints, psychically living the United Order. The respor ' bility of their wealth is with Him who possesses the earth and the fulness thereof.
Reading Reference, Vitality of Mormonism, Article 57, Talmage. Problems and Questions
1. Discuss the soul shrinkage of the notorious land monopolist of Old Mexico, through whose almost boundless ranches, the roads are narrow lanes, frnced with barbed wire. Connect the wealth responsibility of this man up with the war in that unfortunate country.
2. One of the first laws passed by the Soviet government of Russia Was an act abolishing all private ownership of land. From a concensus of reports, it appears that the masses are supporting this radical measure. What previous condition of land wealth contributed to the present lamentable state of affairs in that country?
3. How is the income tax affecting the transfer of land wealth?
5. In the light of the responsibility of wealth, read Goldsmith's "De- serted Village," noting particularly what he says about land wealth.
6. What laws in ancient Israel prevented excessive land wealth?
7. In what respect is the United Order a part of the life of the tithe-payer?
8. In the light of history discuss the proposition: Excesses in ac- cumulation must be paid for by radicalism in distribution.
9. Discuss Brigham Young's policy, which prevented land grabbing in the early settlement of these valleys.
The New Testament is Chief Need of Latin- American Youths
"There is a prophet among the Porto . Ricans," says the American Bible Society, in a communication to the Era. He is no less than Sr. Emilio del Toro, Judge of the Supreme Court of Porto Rico, who recently gave a message to the Puerto Rico Evangclico, of which the following is an English translation:
"If I had the privilege of communicating with all of the mothers of Latin America for only one moment during my lifetime, I would employ it entirely in recommending that they place in the hands of their children the New Testament, being sure of obtaining for them the most noble and enduring influence of all the influences which could exercise themselves in the human conscience of this world."
Problems in Leadership
By Arthur L. Beeley, Executive Secretary, Social Advisory Committee
II — Racial and Social Development
A good teacher of mathematics is one who trains his stu- dents to first clearly understand the problem presented; this is the first step in its solution. In line with this thought, the pur- pose of this article is to state an old problem in a new way. The problem is the adaptation of the individual to his environment —environment used here to include the mechanical and social factors as well as the physical.
It is a fact that man's original nature, without training, is inadequate to ensure his successful adaptation to his environ- ment. For example, if a normal individual were to grow up without hearing or being taught a language, he could do little more in expressing his wants than to use the crude hunger, dan- ger and love calls of prehistoric man. It is obviously important that our language and all of the other bequests of civilization be perpetuated; this is the mission and responsibility of educa- tion. Since social development does not directly affect the germ- plasm which determines the characteristics of the offspring, education is largely a procress of innoculating anew each suc- cessive generation.
Stated differently, it means that biologically or racially, each new generation begins where the old generation began; while from the point-of-view of civilization or social develop- ment, each new generation begins where its predecessors left off. To illustrate: if one during his life time should lose an eye or an arm, his children would certainly not inherit the defect. For the same reason, neither would one's children biologically inherit one's musical education. On the other hand, however, when one generation invents an automobile or a telephone, it is transmitted to the next generation, which, beginning where its predecessors left off, improves and projects the invention still farther. That is to say, each new generation does not have to re- invent the automobile, the telephone; re-discover the North Pole, radium, etc. Stated historically, this means that the Chil- dren of Israel, for example, were just as intelligent and as highly developed biologically as we in the twentieth century, yet as far
1094
IMPROVEMENT ERA
as we know, they didn't read newspapers, use electricity and travel |>y aeroplane.
These facts illustrate the remarkable economy and stability of nature and God's purposes. What a catastrophe if the child inherited the acquired defects of its parents! In a few genera- tions we should have a race of monstrosities, and finally extinc- tion. Equally calamitous wiould it be if each generation had to re-develop a language, re-discover electricity, and re-build a civ- ilization.
In order to visualize and make concrete this abstract rela- tionship between racial and social development the writer sub- mits the following crude diagram.
SOCIHL DE^I
RRCIRL DEVELOPMENT.
/900
/9Z0
f940
Fig. I Diagram of relationship between racial and social de- velopment.
If one were to draw a line (statisticians call it plotting a curve) to represent the biological history of the human race, it would probably look something like the base line in the dia- gram, (gradually inclining as it progresses to the right to ex- press the thought that the race is gradually improving). A comparable line or curve representing the history of society or civilization would probably resemble the curve in the diagram. The disparity between the two lines, illustrating the two phases of development, might be thought of as the difference between an arithmetical increase and a geometrical increase. That is to say, the lower line, — racial development, is characterized by
PROBLEMS IN LEADERSHIP 1095
equal increments, while the upper line, — social development, is accelerated.
In thus comparing these two fundamental lines of develop- ment, the most significant fact is their different relationship or ratio at each point of comparison; i. e., as the lines continue to the right, the greater is their divergence. But what is the more significant implication, from a standpoint of social leadership, in a society where the senior generation, quite naturally, is in control?
Let us compare for instance the two lines at points a-b ; c-d ; e-f ; respectively. These three vertical lines have been arbitrarily imposed to represent three points of time, viz., 1900, 1920, and 1940. The first line a-b, represents the relationship of social and racial development about the year 1900, the median times around which, let us say, most of those who now hold positions of leadership received their training. Let the line c-d, represent the ratio of the two phases of development in 1920, the time when those who shall be our future leaders are receiving their training and making their social adjustment. Let e-f, represent the time and the ratio of social and racial development when those who are now preparing for service will actually serve society in leadership capacities. Note, then, the vast differences between social and racial development at the three different years. Herein lies the crux of the entire problem.
Because of the well-known fact that the only world we know is the world of our own experience, it becomes extremely difficult for those now in office, who, let us say, received their training in 1900, to fully appreciate the problems of social adap- tation which confront the succeeding generation in 1920. Fur- thermore, an understanding of the adjustment which will be required of the rising generation in 1940, for instance, is even more difficult for the senior generation now in control.
The horizontal line a-g is projected to graphically illustrate the common error of using our own training, our own time, and our own social adjustment as a criterion in the social control of the rising generation.
One hears a good deal now-a-days about the depravity of the young people. Is not this, however, a very superficial criticism? If each new generation begins where the old generation began, there is no such thing as sudden depravity cropping out, espe- cially since "like begets like." True, there are serious social excesses in 1920, but are they not due in large part to the fail- ure of the senior generation to understand the problem here discussed and to provide newer forms of social control and lead- ership to meet the accelerated growth in social development?
Space will not permit an exhaustive treatment of the sig-
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nificance of the problem here presented. A few of the more glaring implications, however, deserve mention.
In the first place, leadership of the rising generation can- not be wholly effective until it consciously recognizes these facts and their implications.
Second, that with each new generation the problems of so- cial control become more and more acute.
Third, that younger leaders should be used oftener and given a position intermediate between the senior and the junior generations in order to interpret one generation to the other.
Fourth, that both the junior and the senior generations should consciously strive to understand each other.
Fifth, that the principle of self-government should be more universally applied in the social control of different groups. This, it will be remembered, was the social theory referred to by the Prophet Joseph Smith. When asked how he presided so effectively, he said: "I teach my people correct principles and they govern themselves."
The Sun Shines Bright in Utah
The morning sun shines brightly,
From the eastern skies so clear, All nature smiles to greet him
In my Utah home so dear. He kisses every dewdrop,
As he passes on his way — "Sego lilies white and pure" —
Is the song he sings all day.
The sun shines bright o'er hilltops,
O'er her fertile valleys grand And mountains of wealth untold ;
I love you, Utah, my land.
The sun shines bright o'er hilltops,
The birds sing sweet from the trees;. From meadow, stream and mountain,
Come scents with the sweetest breeze. O Utah, the big, bright star,
Engraved in Old Glory true, Ever your flag keep waving
In the western skies so blue.
The sun shines bright in Utah;
Its people united stand; With sunshine smiles we greet you,
Utah, my dear, native land.
— Charles A. Larson.
"A Visit to the 'Mormons'
♦.i
From an article in Haskin and Sells' "Bulletin," by John R. Wildman
Contemporary literature frequently contains striking evi- dences of the pleasing change that has taken place in public sentiment toward the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during recent years. One of these appears in Haskin & Sells' Bulletin, of August 15, this year, in the form of an article, written by John R. Wildman, under the caption, "A Visit to the 'Mormons.' "
The issue containing this favorable article was sent to the First Presidency by Elder Wilford M. McKendrick, Brooklyn, N. Y., who says that Mr. John R. Wildman is a member of the firm of Haskins & Sells, certified public accountants, with home offices in New York and branches throughout the United States as well as in London, Paris, Havana, and Shanghai, to all of which the Bulletin will carry the message.
Elder McKendrick gives the further information that Mr. Wildman, for several years, was an active member of the New York university, but is now on leave of absence, devoting his time to the interests of the firm. During the month of June, r this year, Mr. Wildman paid a visit to Salt Lake City, and on the 10th delivered an address before the Bankers' Association, at Ogden. His information and impressions are, therefore, first- hand, and his statements carry weight wherever he is known.
Mr. Wildman, in the opening paragraph of his article, re- minds his readers of the fact that the "Mormons" are a much misunderstood people: "To the outsider," he says, "they are a people of mystery. They will tell you themselves the things out- siders say about them; how they have horns and cloven hoofs. A visit to Salt Lake City, which is the center of 'Mormonism' in the world, dispels," he assures you, "all sucli nonsensical ideas."
He then pays a deserved tribute to Brigham Young, in tiie following paragraph:
One is impressed first with the beauties of the city [Salt Lake] ; its fine broad streets; the marvelous cleanliness, accentuated by the water running through the street gutters; the system of drinking fountains which provides cold sparkling water brought from the nearby mountains for the refreshment of the pedestrian. Verily, the late President Young, who
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laid out the city with streets one hundred and thirty-two feet wide and ten acres to the block, must have been a far-seeing man.
A little farther on he gays:
President Young was a man of great vision. The mountains with their untold millions of mineral deposits were denied to the members of the party by him. Their livelihood lay in agriculture and to this he urged them to direct their attention. President Young was friendly to the In- dians and is reported to have counseled his brethren to "Shoot them with biscuits." Thus, it is explained, were the "Mormons" free from molesta- tion by the Indians.
Mr. Wildman admires the religious services, the Tabernacle and the famous organ; the temple, the policy of the Church in looking after the temporal welfare of the members as well as their spiritual interests, and the administration of the affairs of the Church generally. He notes with interest that the gymna- sium, with its swimming pool, is used constantly by business men and other residents regardless of their religious faith. "In this and many other things," he says, "the 'Mormons' are ex- tremely broad. One of their most notable acts of this kind was their gift to the Roman Catholics at Salt Lake City of a site o.i which to build a church." He states correctly that the payment of tithes is entirely voluntary, and that the funds are distributed by the Church authorities according to need; also that plural marriages belong to a time long ago past. And then he con- cludes his article thus:
The "Mormons" are patriotic. They have great civic pride. They are about equal in population now in Salt Lake City with the non-"Mor- mons." They are found in all walks of life. There is nothing [odd] to distinguish or identify them. Business, politics, and society, in Utah, ap- pear to give no consideration to a person's religious faith.
The "Mormons" do not have horns nor cloven hoofs. They are flesh and blood. They look, dress, and act like other persons. There is a prac- tical religion which they carry into their daily lives. They have infinite faith in it. There is no reason why they should be singled out for curious consideration. Some of them are persons of culture, refinement, and beau- tiful character. It is a pleasure and a privilege to number them among one's friends.
The Latter-day Saints appreciate such expressions of good will from their friends. They indicate the onward, victorious progress of enlightenment and truth, and carry with them the promise that the day is drawing near when the old bugaboo of anti-"Mormonism" will be found nowhere except in the darkest recesses of ignorance and crass bigotry.
Messages from the Missions
Three Local Brethren Ordained to the Priesthood
"The missionaries in the New Bedford's branch of the Massachusetts con- ference, feel that the work of the Lord is making good progress in these parts. Three of our local brethren have been recently ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood. With the help of the Saints our meetings are pleasingly successful. Many friends and investigators are regular attend- ants. As a result of trading, much literature and many Books of Mormon have been placed in the hands of the people, thus making friends and breaking prejudice. The valuable and inspiring information in the Era is a source of help to us in our work. The elders and lady missionaries working here are: Erastus L. Farmer, Preston, Idaho; F. Wallace Walton, Centerville; Viva Taylor, Lehi; Gladys Nielsen, Hyrum, Utah. The latter has been released after a very successful mission." — Melvin Lay ton, Moroni. Utah.
Thousands Speak Well of the Bureau of Information
Elder James Cunn McKay, president of the London conference, writes under date of July 10: "We believe that the N. E. A. convention is a good means for our people to make friends. No doubt every opportunity will be used to show the visitors the great worth of our cause and people. No one knows more than the missionaries, what a great work is being done in Salt Lake City. Strangers never forget the kind reception on the temple block and the interest which our brethren take in strangers looking over the city. Thousands upon, thousands of friends are thus sent out into the world to speak well of us and to allay a great deal of prejudice. We are now in the midst of our branch and district conferences, having held several already, all of which keeps us busy and being busy always helps to keep us good."
Los Angeles Conference
"The largest body of Latter-day Saints that ever met in the capacity of worship in the California Mission, gathered together at the 1920 April semi-annual conference of the Los Angeles Conference of the California Mission; as great a number as 650 persons having attended one single session. President Joseph W. McMurrin of the California Mission, pre- sided at the meetings, with President James H. Steele, of the Los Angeles Conference, conducting the exrcises. The Saints were also favored at the Sunday services with the presence of Presiding Bishop of the Church. Charles W. Nibley. Friday the 23rd a special Priesthood meeting was held which was attended by the 44 assembled missionaries of the con- ference, and the local priesthood. The first Relief Society conference ever held in the Los Angeles Conference, was held Friday and Saturday evenings, with Louisa B. Jones, President of the Relief Societies of the California Mission, presiding. The missionaries related miraculous incidents of how the Spirit of the Lord attended the ministration of men holding the Holy Priesthood. President McMurrin stirred the hearts of all present by power- ful discourses on the gospel, and man's individual responsibility to God. Bishop Nibley spoke words of similar import." — Report by Van H. Grant.
MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 1101
Front row, left to right: Geo. Fuellenback, Eureka, Utah; Sarah S. Quayle, Montpelier, Idaho; Mina Webster, Kaysville; Mrs. Arline B. Lemon, Marion, Utah; L. Blanche Kunz, Bern, Idaho; Alice M. Hoare, Salt Lake City, Utah ; Luella Hoopes, Thatcher, Arizona ; Arthur S. Woods, Salt Lake City, Utah. Second row, left to right: Warren D. Campbell, Mrs. Warren D. Campbell, Eden, Utah; Hazel Brockbank, Spanish Fork, Utah; Mrs. Frederick H. Critchfield, Oakley, Idaho; Delilah Moss, Bountiful, Utah; Mrs. Anna B. Quist, (Mission Matron), Los Angeles, California; Mildred Harvey, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada; Lulu Roskelly, Ogden; Henrietta Facer, Brigham City; Mrs. Lafayette J. Orme, Mr. Lafayette Orme, Tooele, Utah. Third row, left to right: Quincy D. Maxfield, Lyman; George R. Schmidt, Sandy; William Hoare, Claude C. Cornwal, Superintendent of the Sunday schools and Mutuals, Salt Lake City, Utah; James H. Steele, Con- ference President, Rigby, Idaho; Joseph W. McMurrin, Mission President; Elias A. Lemon, Mission Secretary, Marion, Utah; Joseph Broadbent, Provo, Utah; Alma W. Timpson, Rexburg, Idaho; Henry Luthi, Freedom, Idaho. Fourth row, left to right: E. Odell Peterson, Ephraim, Utah; Kemuel Blacker, Afton, Wyoming; Melvin Freebairn, Van H. Grant, Salt Lake City; Frank C. Peterson, Preston, Idaho; John Virgil Lowe, Franklin, Idaho; Ray Jorgenson, Hyrum, Utah; Clarence K. Ross, Sevier, Utah; Elmer Lar- son, Mink Creek, Idaho. Fifth row, left to right: Victor J. Mortenson, Cleveland, Utah; Joseph H. Laker, St. Charles, Idaho; Paul M. Adams. Parowan; Irving Ray Stringham, Vernal; Thomas E. Sessions, Bountiful; Amasa J. Redd, Blanding, Utah; Thomas R. Watkins, Mesa, Arizona; Thomas G. Woodland, Willard, Utah.
Japan Church Membership Doubled in Five Months
The first L. D. S. missionaries to Japan arrived Aug. 12, 1901. Since then many conferences have been held. It is doubtful, however, if ever enthusiasm and hope surged more powerfully in the hearts of the mis- sionaries than at the last conference — held June 9-17, 1920. The two elders from each of the three conferences came into headquarters where they were welcomed by President and Sister Stimpson and three elders fresh from Zion — the latter three being the first missionaries to come to Japan in two and one-half years. Thus there was a total of eleven missionaries present at all sessions.
The subject emphasised and discoursed upon in both the English and in the Japanese meeting was the "Book of Mormon." Accumulations of evidence, external and internal, proving the divinity of the book were brought forth, and the best methods of getting the sacred volume more generally among the people was discussed. The value of this Nephite scripture as an instrument in effective missionary work is recognized by all the missionaries and Saints. Their burning desire is that the sound phil- osophy therein revealed may soon supplant the native religious phil- osophies.
That the missionaries have the true spirit of their missions was evident from the first. The rare enthusiasm in the work and the hope and belief in unparalleled success in the future marked the tone of the individual reports. The interest in the work in Japan and the love of the ministry was manifested beyond the power of words to describe, in the touching testimony meeting a day or so before the elders left for their respective fields again. Everyone was thankful for the privilege of representing ths Church in Japan, and made mention of the health and joy with which they have been abundantly blessed.
In commenting upon the general conditions of the mission, President Stimpson said in effect: There are now 127 Saints enrolled in Japan, an
1102
IMPROVEMENT ERA
increase of 16 over last year at this time. During the. past five months the Church membership here has doubled. We are gaining momentum. In five years we have obtained as many converts as in the preceding fourteen years. With eight baptisms already this year, as compared with the two to four baptisms of the first six months of past years; prospects are indeed bright for a large harvest during the alvTays more fruitful second half year. Figures were quoted showing decided increases in the number of books sold and the receipts for them, in the amount of tithing received, etc. Street meetings are proving to be a most efficient method of arousing in- terest and spreading the gospel.
The accompanying group picture was taken during conference. The missionaries from left to right are: Upper row: Bryan L. Wright, Ogden; Irwin T. Hicken, Heber; Howard Jensen, Corinne; Myrl L. Bodily, Fair- view, Ida.; Louring A. Whittaker, Circleville. Front row: Deloss W. Holley, Slaterville; Jos. S. Pyne, Provo; Owen McGary, Shelly, Ida.; A. Ray Olpin, Pleasant Grove. Center front: President Joseph H. Stimpson and family, Riverdale, Utah. — A. Ray Olpin, Conference Secretary.
The Newcastle Conference
It gives us much pleasure in reading about the conferences and mis- sions in the Improvement Era which we welcome so heartily to this part of the vineyard. I have only one other missionary with me and we have lo look after the whole conference. He is a native elder from Bradford, England, Elder Leonard A. Higgins, and has just received his release to return home, after fourteen months in the mission field. Although we arc
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1103
few elders in number at the present time much work is being accomplished, and the people in England can still see that the Church is growing. During the war some of the meetinghouses fell in rather a bad condition and we have therefore had to repair them, being assisted by the local brethren. In West-Hartelpool branch we have our own hall, and it has lately had a new floor put down at a cost of £80 for material, the work being done by Elder Herbert Burrel and myself. The Sunderland branch hall has been newly decorated and a baptismal font, built under the stand. The people in this district would not allow us to have the baths to baptize in, and now we are nicely fixed up. On April 2, 1920, Good Friday, a bap- tismal service was held when 7 souls were baptized into the fold, after which a most beautiful confirmation and sacrament meeting was held. We have just lately held our semi-annual conference in Sunderland, it being well attended; we were privileged to have with us Elder Junius F. Wells from Liverpool and Doctor George H. Higgins from Bradford.— David E. Randall, President of Conference.
Miniature Gull Monument
Commemorative of early pioneer life there is standing in the Temple Block at Salt Lake City a monument erected to the sea gulls, celebrating a pioneer incident that will live for- ever. A miniature sea gull monu- ment, six feet high, was reproduced in plaster of paris by Elder Edward Burley, of San Francisco, (formerly from the Nineteenth Ward, Salt Lake City) which is herewith printed. At a recent celebration held in San Francisco, in honor of Pioneer day, the reproduction was seen, as well as a painting of the pioneers entering Salt Lake Valley. Both of these did much to direct thoughts to early pio- neer life and hold in reverence the life and character of these pioneers. President J. Golden Kimball, paint- ing a picture in words, spoke of the history of pioneer life in Utah, to- gether with the leadership of Brigham Young. In addition a fitting program was rendered. May the memory forever live of those who did so much to make the desert blossom as the
1104 IMPROVEMENT ERA '
The Book of Mormon Stirs the Hearts of Its Readers
Kldi-r N. Il)rimi Hunsen, of the Mississippi conference, writing from Chattanooga, Tenn., expresses his delight at being called to labor in the mission field where he had labored for about nine months. As a mission- ary he has discovered that there is no book which can be read that will stir the hearts of the people as much as the Book of Mormon. He has found it full of the lives of great men and brimming with their great deeds. He states further that while residing at his home in Idaho, as a young man he could not fully realize what it meant to be a member of the Church. This awakening has also come to him, and he feels that he has a word of counsel for his youthful companions whom he encourages to learn for themselves, and prepare to give a reason for the hope that is within them, and for their faith. He advises the young people to attend to their meetings and to make the Book of Mormon a book for constant home reading. He says further that he has learned the value of the Improvement Era since he went into the mission field, and asks that the young people make the M. I. A. work in this year, 1920, a great success, for he realizes that the work of the organization is a splendid preparation for life, and valuable in gathering earnest workers to the cause of and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He en- joins them to fear the Lord and as far as they can, to avoid the vanities of the earth, and prepare, not only for the serious labors of this life, but for things of the eternities to come.
Returned from New Zealand
Elder James N. Lambert, former president of the New Zealand mission, returned July 3, 1920, after nearly 51 months of missionary work in that far-off land. While there he published in the Maori language, the sec ond edition of the Book of Mormon, 3,000 copies. The first edition was published some thirty years ago by Win. Paxman. Brother Lambert also published the first editions of the Pearl of Great Price and the Doctrine and Covenants in that foreign language, besides 25,000 gospel tracts of five different kinds. The Church population in that mission is about 6,000. It is the only foreign mission in which the elders preach the gospel to both the white race and the natives, the labors of the elders in the other island missions being devoted principally to preaching the gospel among the natives. The headquarters are at Auckland, near Hastings, where the Latter-day Saints have a high school with some 75 attendants. Mrs. Lambert did a good work in aiding her husband, paying particular attention to the relief society work as directed by the general board, and also doing excellent work with the young ladies' association and in the primary association. Elder Lambert's son and daughter did missionary work, and altogether the family of four, spent, during their absence in that land, some 20 years of missionary work. The elders are having good success and the work is progressing nicely. Elder Lambert is glad to return to his home again in the valleys of the mountains with full zeal, and satisfaction with the labors which he has been able to accomplish in New Zealand.
Word from Washington
"The elders in the S. E. Washington conference are meeting with success in their missionary labors. They have obtained many friends and in- vestigators and but few enemies.
"The semi-annual conference was held May 22 and 23, President Heber C. Iverson and wife who were in attendance, gave many valuable instructions.
MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS
110.']
On Sunday three meetings were held; in Sunnyside, Toppenish, and, in the evening, Yakima, President Iverson was the principal speaker at each ses- sion, and the attentive audience showed how much they aprpeciated the masterly effort of the speaker. During the week ending June 1, Elder Cook reported four baptisms, Elder Facer officiating. In the conference there are a number of others who are now ready to be baptized. The most important cause a man can engage in, I feel, is preaching the gospel. To me the greatest wonder of the age is the young 'Mormon' taken from the cattle ranch, the farm, the work shop, the high school, sent out in the mission field, to watch them grow, develop, and unfold, then to con- tinue life's journey and through obedience to the gospel teachings assist in shaping the destinies of humanity, the children of our Heavenly Father." — James O. Smith, President of Conference.
Back row: E. 0. Maxfiend, L. W. Peterson, G. L. Erickson, 0. L. Gale, E. H. Perry, E. A. Leishman. Middle: D. J. Sparks, J. A. Hamblin, M. Bezzant, W. C. Murdock, A. Porter: Front : W. R. Cook, G. D. Facer. President J. O. Smith. Box 295 Yakima, Washington.
Leeds Conference; England
The branches here are firmly established with few elders from America, but with good local brethren holding the priesthood. Each branch is pre- sided over by a presidency, some of whom are shown in the photo. Left to right, top row: Whittaker Metcalfe, Harry Greenall, Ernest Sheppard, Samuel Mitchell, Edgar Balme, and Nicholson Elliott. Bottom row: Simeon Stead, John W. Turner, Elder Wilfrid H. Wheatley, Dr. Geo. H. Higgins, President Leonard H. Whipple and Walter Walker.
The presidency of the branches are: Dr. Geo. H. Higgins, Jesse Knight, John W. Turner, Bradford; Walter Walker, Frank Holroyd, John Moore, Batley; Wilford Craven, Edgar Balme, Gerald Craven, Clayton; Arthur Priestley, Halifax; Harry Greenall, Samuel Mitchell, Ernest Shep- pard, Leeds; Nicholson Elliott, Simeon Stead, Whittaker Metcalfe, Pudsey.
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The relief societies are all fully organized anil in a flourishing condition ; also the mutuals. The lady missionaries are doing a very lively work. They li;m; helped very materially in spreading the gospel, since few elders have heen here, and they have been ahle to see good results from their work in friends and converts. President Leonard H. Whipple and Elder Wilfrid H. Wheatley, the only traveling elders in the Leeds conference, have had every success in their tracting. The last quarter they have dis- tributed 8,960 tracts, sold 1,056 pamphlets, and given away and loaned 622.
This last week there have been six successful meetings held. At some, duets were sung by President Whipple and Harry Greenall, solos by Eliza- beth Clapham, lady missionary. Hundreds of tracts were eagerly accepted by the splendid attentive audience. Elder Wheatley, R. H. Sanders, E. Balme also took leading parts in these meetings. At one meeting a man who had been drinking a little kept calling out that Joseph Smith was not a prophet. President Whipple paid no attention to him, but continued his remarks. A few minutes later President Whipple offered some pamphlets for sale, looking for those who were with the disturber, but they were in the crowd talking, so this very man who kept calling out, came forward and received the books and was the means of selling one Book of Mormon and 20 pamphlets, which amused and pleased the crowd. We feel well in the work of the Lord, and are hopefully looking for more elders, feeling that the harvest is ripe but the laborers are few. — Leonard H. Whipple.
The Work in Vermont
Elder T. W. Tanner, writes from Burlington, Vermont, June 10: "Elders Lloyd Soelberg, Frank Hoff, Romania Hunsaker, and Nora Mortensen, have just arrived in the Vermont conference. We have a dozen elders and two lady missionaries in the field; hence feel strengthened in the work. We held conference May 16. It was a success in many ways. Prest. Geo. W. McCune and Prest. Heber C. Smith from the Massachusetts
MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS
1107
conference and Elder Stringham of the Maryland conference gave us many instructions. While the work is advancing, we are still having some op- position. The police prevented us from holding a street meeting some time ago, stating that we had been informed that such meetings must not be held, which was not true, because we had received no such notice. The excitement did more good than our meeting could have done, because crowds of people gathered to hear us speak to the officers, and many were in our favor. Many friends were made who never could have been reached without this little excitement. Elders and lady missionaries: Standing
left to right: J. A. Donaldson, Salt Lake City, Utah; B. R. Godfrey, Ma- grath, Canada; Henry W. Story, local member, Hyde Park; Leonard Peter- son, Ogden, Utah; Loyd Soelberg, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Second row: Rulon C. Pearce, Montpelier, Idaho; J. W. Marriott, Ogden; E. S. Meseny, Provo, Utah; Orval P. Mortensen, Rexburg; Frank E. Hoff, Montpelier, Idaho; Wm. F. Weiler, Salt Lake City, Utah. Front row: Chas. L. Jensen, Red- mond; Nora Mortensen, Huntsville, Utah; T. W. Tanner, Conference Pres., Snowflake, Arizona; Romania Hunsaker, Ogden; Ashley Stringham, Woods- cross, Utah, of the Maine conference."
Opposition Creates Efficiency
Elder Fredrick P. Hawkes of the Central States Mission, Independence conference, writes from Springfield, Missouri: "The missionaries and doctrine of the Latter-day Saints are beginning to be known and recog- nized in Springfield, Missouri. The Sunday school is gradually increasing in membership and much interest is being shown. Our work has caused enough interest to create opposition which only gives a working basis and brings about more efficiency in the work. Elders laboring here are: Oro H. Moore, Payson, Utah; Geo. B. Lyon, Metropolis, Nevada; Fredrick P. Hawkes, Preston, Idaho; sisters: Bessie Eggbert, Ashton, Idaho, and Ingeborg Petersen, Salt Lake City, Utah."
The Tongue an Unruly Member
By Dr. Frank L. West, Director School of General Science, Agricultural
College of Utah
"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. * * *
"And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
"For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind;
"But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."
"Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. * * * My brethren, these things ought not so to be." (James 3:2, 6-11.)
When a very disconcerting and trying situation has arisen and nearly everything has gone wrong, then, of all times, all the faculties should be at their very best. Perfect poise and a clear mind are required to meet the emergency. Should anger and cursing result, just the opposite condition is produced and the individual completely disarms himself. A definite poison is produced by the system and is discharged into the blood. He cannot see or think clearly. His faculties are thrown into an- archy and confusion. He is overcome by a condition of tem- porary insanity. An uncontrolled vicious tongue usually results.
It is thought by some that to be forceful in speech, one must profane. Vulgar people of limited vocabulary attempt to be forceful by using profanity, but succeed only in disgusting decent people. Truly forceful speakers are clear thinkers, zeal- ous and sincere, and they have enough words at their command to express accurately all of the nice shades of feeling that they want to convey. Their words and expressions are forceful and also elegant.
Because people are so interesting and significant they are usually the main subject of conversation. Detectives, money lenders, and employers of men need the power of discernment, because their business depends on a cold, unfeeling accuracy in judging human beings from an impartial consideration of their weakness and their strength. In general conversation, however, harsh, destructive criticism is quite unnecessary. In fact, the
THE TONGUE AN UNRULY MEMBER 1109
kind word and speaking of all the best we can is very much to be preferred.
Slanderous gossip is not fair to the one being talked about. Courts provide that a man may know exactly of what he is ac- cused. They give him a chance to defend himself, take note of his motives and weigh heavily the extenuating circumstances. The object of slanderous gossip is unjustly denied this self- defense.
Furthermore, it is very likely that what is being related is badly distorted, inaccurate, and in many cases largely false. It takes well-trained scientific minds to observe accurately and record events truthfully. Newspaper reports, made by men whose profession it is to get the truth to the public, are never- theless frequently badly garbled. Gossip that has passed through a half dozen or more idle, frivolous brains can there- fore-hardly be expected to be reliable.
Slanderous gossip weakens the ties of friendship of all the parties because thjose present may expect the same vilification when they are not present, and harsh feelings are usually en- gendered in the one abused.
In addition to being largely false, unjust, and unkind to the one libeled or maligned, slanderous gossip has a bad influ- ence on the parties to the conversation. This is particularly so if it is spicy and salacious. The recital is a dramatic rehearsal of the event by the soul of the speaker, and has a lasting effect indelibly stamped on the souls of those who think it through. This type of conversation, as well as the smutty story, cannot be defended on the score of haste or anger, or strife or even hate. "For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together." It is largely a matter of taste.
The scriptures say, "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." The same thought was expressed by Buddha thus: "A wicked man who reproaches a virtuous one is like one who looks up and spits at heaven; the spittle soils not the heaven, but comes back and defiles his own person. The slan- derer is like one who flings dust at another when the wind is contrary; the dust does but return on him who threw it."
Men of refinement who through the cultivation of an even disposition are slow to anger and quick to forgive, and who are generous in their opinions of others, and take delight in the success and prosperity of their associates because they love them, do not have unruly tongues and are seldom guilty of slanderous gossip.
1OT6 TABLE
il.il mil-S ^*&;^=^^:'_i'5r-\
Close of Volume XXIII
This number closes Volume 23 of the Era, with the largest circulation in the history of the magazine. We look for a re- newal from all our subscribers, and the addition of many new ones. This can easily be obtained with the help of the faithful officers of the Y. M. M. I. A., without which it Would not be possible to print a magazine as large as the Era for $2, under prevailing costs. We offer our thanks to the officers for past services, and solicit their aid in obtaining an increased circula- tion for Vol. 24, beginning with November. We invite the reader to send in his subscription on the blank provided in the prospectus. Do not wait to be further solicited. We can prom- ise excellent subject matter — interesting, timely, faith-promot- ing— and prompt monthly delivery. With thanks to both our readers and writers, we enter upon a new volume confident of success, and with promise to do our best to repay you in full for your investment in the Improvement Era. — The Editors.
Cleaning up the Tobacco Evil
President Soren Rasmussen, of the Jordan stake of Zion, after returning home from the late Y. M. M. I. A. convention in June, decided at once to carry out the instructions which were adopted as the slogan of the organization: "We stand for the non-use and non-sale of tobacco." Having cleaned out his own place of business, so to speak, in the tobacco line, he went to his counselors and told them what he had done, and they willingly and at once fell into line. The result was that in less than a week no tobacco could be found in any one of the establish- ments conducted by the presidency, all three of whom are mer- chants.
The next step was to go to the high council and bishoprics of the wards. Committees were appointed for each ward, and instructed to call upon all places of business and induce the pro- prietors to discontinue the sale of tobacco.
A union meeting was held in July, where between four and
EDITORS' TABLE 1111
five hundred stake and ward officers were present. A vote was unanimously taken by that assembled body to do all in their power legitimately to stamp out the tobacco evil. The result is, as we learn from several sources, that the Latter-day Saints in that stake are cleaning out their places of business as far as to- bacco is concerned.
President Rasmussen, in closing his communication to the editors of the Era, says, "We feel that the move is a proper one, and hope to continue the battle until the tobacco evil is stamped out from our midst."
The Era congratulates President Soren Rasmussen and his friends and associates of the Jordan stake upon the action which they have taken and we trust that the people will stand behind them with their patronage, faith and works, in the worthy exam- ple which they have set. There is no reason why the people should not see to it that their business enterprises shall in no wise suffer, but rather increase. We are quite certain that this will be the case, because the presidency have done a good act, and can now stand clearly before the people as exemplars in righteousness. We hope to hear from others, in other parts of the Church, who have taken like action, and there are many who are doing so. The Lord has said, "Tobacco is not good for man." Let every man resolve to abstain from tobacco, in order that he may have a strong body, a clear mind, and an enduring heart. — A.
Concerning the Millennium
The Improvement Era is favored with answers from Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, of the Council of the Twelve, to the fol- lowing questions, that have been propounded by elders in the mission field:
"Will there be any wickedness upon the earth during the Millennium?" I have this to say in answer: The Lord has promised that at his coming he will take vengeance on the wicked, he is coming in his anger and it will be a day of venge- ance (Doc. and Cov. 133:51) against all the ungodly who shall be as stubble (Mai. 4:1) and they shall be consumed and left with- out root or branch. All such references to the destruction, as these to which I here refer, have bearing only upon those who have had the privilege of receiving the gospel, or who have known the will of the Lord concerning themselves and have re- jected the light and have delighted to do evil, loving darkness rather than light. The honest and honorable, I take it, who have not received the gospel and who live among the nations
1112 IMPROVEMENT ERA
shall not be included in this class. Surely the heathen are not included, for the Lord in many references makes special pro- vision for their conversion and redemption. Now in our narrow vision we expect these great changes to come suddenly. It is true that the Lord will come suddenly, for such a coming he has promised, but that all the conditions and vicissitudes connected with the reign of peace will be ushered in suddenly at the time of his coming would hardly be a reasonable conclusion. The Lord works on natural principles. The preparatory work for the millennial reign is now under way and must continue for some time, I take it, even after he comes. People will have to be taught, the proper instruction will of necessity have to be given, the gospel will have to be declared and this will take time. Satan is to be bound, as the scriptures say, that he shall have no power to tempt any man, but the traditions of the centuries will still exist and the influence they have on the minds of the chil- dren of men will not be removed in a moment. Men have their agency and will be able to act for themselves even after Satan is bound, and the effects of teachings and traditions will remain with them even to the extent that perhaps some will fail to un- derstand the gospel and receive it. However, I take it, these will be very few. When the time comes that death is removed and man lives the "age of a tree," if he has not received the gospel, he is a sinner and under condemnation and therefore worthy of being cursed. Wickedness and sin as we comprehend the mean- ing of these expressions now, will not prevail during the mil- lennium. The Lord, however, calls all men wicked who do not receive the fulness of his gospel (Doc. and Cov., 35:12; 84:49-53). King Benjamin said — and he was instructed by an angel — "that the blood of Christ atoned for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died, not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned" (Mosiah 3:11), but that the time would come — and that time must be during the millennium — "when the knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. And behold, when that time cometh, none shall be found blameless before God, except it be little children, only through repentance and faith on the name of the Lord God Om- nipotent." (Verses 20-21.) I take it that this expression from the discourse of King Benjamin is in full harmony with the ex- pression of Isaiah in the 65th chapter. Again, Zechariah de- clares that after the destruction of the wicked and the restora- tion of Jerusalem, "every one that is left of the nations which came up against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the
EDITORS' TABLE 1113
feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain, there shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles." (Zech. 14:16-19.)
All of these references show that man will still have his agency even after Satan is bound, and will follow his traditions and inclinations to some extent at least, if he shall so choose. But the nations will be forced to acknowledge the reign of the Great King or punishment shall be meted out to them. Corrup- tion and vice shall be done away, those who indulge in such practices shall be swept off from the face of the earth and it shall be as it was in the days of the great Nephite destruction at the time of the crucifixion that only the more righteous or the better class of mankind, including the heathen, shall be left (Doc. and Cov., 45:54).
In answer to the second question: "Are we living in the Millennium, and is one hundred years of the Millennium already past," I answer, no, to both questions. Following his own resur- rection the Lord has the power to call forth any from the dead whom he may choose. The scriptures are clear, however, that there shall be a time for the first resurrection and that time shall be at the coming of the Son of God (See Doc. and Cov., 88: 96-99), or immediately preceding that event. President Young is on record as having said in a discourse that these things shall commence among the Saints before the world shall know any- thing of them. It is not the doctrine of the authorities of the Church, however, that we are now in the millennium. Neither was the coming of the Lord to Joseph Smith the fulfiling of his prediction regarding his second coming. You will under- stand from the reading of the scriptures that the Lord was to come suddenly to his temple, he was to make himself known to his covenant people; this is separate and distinct from the great coming when he is to descend in the clouds in glory as the avenger, for he has said concerning that coming that when the sign of the Son of Man is seen it shall be like the lightning in the east that shines even to the west and all the nations of the earth shall mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. The Prophet Joseph Smith has said that the sign of the coming of the Son of God will not be given until after the sun shall have been dark- ened and the moon bathed in blood. Read section 133 of the Doctrine and Covenants.
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Books
\ Pageantry
The Era has received from Prof. B. Roland Lewis, Department of Eng- lish, University of Utah, also chairman of the State Committee for the Utah Pilgrim Tercentenary Celebration to he held December 21, 1920, and through the spring of 1921, a bulletin entitled Pageantry and the Pilgrim Tercentenary Celebration, 1620-1920. It contains suggestions on the cele- bration of the occasion for the Utah schools; how it should be celebrated; the pilgrim pageant in Utah; staging a pageant, including the organiza- tion indoors and outdoors; special suggestions for grouping, and four sample pageants: Pilgrim Pageants for the Grades, a Pilgrim Utah Pageant, a Pilgrim Pageant by Victor E. Williams, and a Pilgrim Pageant, by Ethel M. Connelly. It has also a bibliography on writing and staging a pageant, historic development of the pageant, community drama, materials for con> munity pageants, dancing, outdoor pageants, etc., and the current volumes on Plymouth and the Pilgrims.
The publication, No. 4, Vol. 10, Bulletin University of Utah, is very valu- able for schools, for which it is especially written and adapted, and should be of great service to the Young Men's and Young Ladies' Associations who contemplate staging pageants during this season.
Guide for Stake Institutes
The Social Advisory Committee, representing all the auxiliary organiza- tions of the Church, have issued a Syllabus for stake institutes in teacher- training, social and recreational leadership, and charities and relief work. It is a volume of nearly one hundred pages designed for the use of stake and ward social committees and particularly for the stake institutes to be held during the opening of this season. The manual is divided into three parts, treating, first, social and recreational leadership; second, charities and relief work, and third, teacher-training. Each of these divisions is given a comprehensive outline of the program to be carried out in the institute. The book will be of immense value and help to recreational leadership, charities and relief work, and teacher-training leaders, as well as those who desire to make a study of this very important activity now taken up in the various auxiliaries of the Church. The M. I. A. officers are especially inter- ested in social and recreational leadership, and teacher-training, and should be in full attendance at the institutes. The price of the Syllabus is 25c post- paid, and may be obtained by addressing the Executive Secretary of the Social Advisory Committee, Church Office Bldg., Salt Lake City, Utah.
"Bulletin" of Church Statistics
Bulletin 142, issued by the Department of Commerce Bureau of the Census, Sam. L. Rogers, director, deals with Church statistics as obtained for the year, 1916. At that time there were in the United States, as shown by the reports, a total of 202 denominations, of which 158 are grouped together in 24 "families" and the rest, 44, are listed separately.
According to the Bulletin, no less than 31 denominations were listed for the first time in 1916, owing to division in the existing bodies, or to im- migration, or to the appearance of new organizations. There are 15 of this class.
The Church of Christ (Scientist) is omitted from the body of the list of denominations, because reliable statistics were not obtainable, and a number of other cults, such as New Thought, Millennial Dawn, Russelites, Holy Rollers, are not counted because of lack of definite organization.
EDITORS' TABLE 1115
In the list as published, there are five classes of Adventists, seventeen different organizations of Baptists, exclusive of the six kinds of Dunkers who are also Baptists. There are nine kinds of "Brethren," seventeen kinds of Methodists, fifteen kinds of Mennonites, twenty-one organizations of Lutherans, ten kinds of Presbyterians, two kinds of Spiritualists, and several so-called Catholic churches.
The total number of members reported for all denominations is 41,- 926,854. Of this number the Roman Catholics claim 15,721,815. Next in membership comes the Methodist Episcopal church with 3,717,785. The Methodist Episcopal church, South, reports 2,114,4791 Other denomina- tions stand, as to membership, as follows: National Baptist Convention, 2,938,579; Southern Baptist Convention, 2,708,870; Presbyterian Church in the United States, 1,611,251; Northern Baptist Convention, 1,232,135; Disciples of Christ, 1,226,028; and Protestant Episcopal church, 1,092,821. The membership of Jewish congregations is given as 351,135. The smallest denomination reported is The Friends (Primitive), with 60 members.
Of special interest to the Era are the statistics concerning the Latter- day Saints. The total membership in the United States is given as 403,388. They are distributed in the Western states as follows:
1890 1906 1916
Utah 117,640 151,032 257,719
Idaho 14,816 32,159 72,439
Arizona 6,500 6,175 12,496
Wyoming 1,322 5,203 9,447
Nevada 417 1,105 3,429
Colorado 1,640 2,194 3,358
Montana 242 1,460
In other states in the Union the membership is not given in detail.
The comparative statistics show that the Roman Catholic church, in 1916, was first in number of members in 33 states and in the District of Columbia, and that in 15 of these states that church represented over 50 per cent of the entire church membership, as against seventeen states in 1906. In the thirty-three states, however, in which the Catholic church led in 1916, it was with a decreasing proportion in twenty-seven, as compared with the figures for 1906, and the most notable reductions were in the states of the Mountain division — Montana, from 76.2 to 56.8; Wyoming, from 46.9 to 32.4; Colorado, from 52.6 to 40.7; and Nevada, from 70.2 to 54.1 per cent. The Latter-day Saints showed an increased proportion in Idaho of from 41.4 to 53.5; and in Nevada, from 6.6 to 21.2 per cent.
Catalog of the Latter-day Saints' School of Music
Increased facilities are offered in the Latter-day Saints' school of music beginning the season of 1920 in the historic Gardo House, one of the most ideal situations for such an institution to be found anywhere in the west. This school is in touch with every music activity in the community; and Salt Lake City, where it is located, is the natural music center of the in- termountain region. Some of the most experienced and prominent teachers and musicians of the west are members of the faculty, products of the best teachers in this country and Europe. The piano department, voice depart- ment, instrument department, the wood-wind and brass instruments de- partment, and the department of theory and lectures, and oral expression and diction, are presided over by competent and well-trained teachers. The L. D. S. school of music has a great advantage; clean, healthy, moral environment surrounding the students in every department. A complete catalog is published, containing detailed information of courses, which will be sent on application to the school, 70 East South Temple Street.
PRIESTHOOD aUO-C -RUMS' TABLE
¥5PFF
SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND POWER
By E. H. Lund
There appeared in the August issue of the Improvement Era, 1919, a short article under the caption, "A Message with a Few Suggestions to the Seventies." The many excellent thoughts expressed and suggestions of- fered for individual and, in a quorum capacity, collective improvement contained therein prompted the writing of this article. Along a similar line of thought, and with special reference to the Seventies, what here fol- lows applies with equal force to the priesthood generally.
Mental Activity
Perusal of the article referred to reminded me of a certain action taken some years ago, by a large representative body of Seventies of the Granite stake of Zion, assembled in conference. On that occasion the following slogan was adopted, as doubtless it was in many of the stakes of Zion:
To be a Seventy means mental activity, intellectual development and the attainment of spiritual power.
The slogan was formulated by President B. H. Roberts, and printed in one of the year books of the Seventy, and recommends itself by its in- cisiveness, terseness and conciseness. It is recommended because of the enumeration of principles vital not only to man's temporal salvation, but to our individual success, exaltation and eternal progress in the kingdom of our Father.
Have we forgotten it? Or have wt failed to duly ponder and sense the fuller meaning of its terms? Are we even now heedlessly or thought- lessly failing to. live it, or to govern our lives by the spirit of it? To make the Slogan a vital, inspiring thought in the shaping of our individual course in life we should bear in mind what each of the several "proposi- tions" stands for: mental activity, intellectual development, spiritual power. Let us consider them.
By the simple exercise of the will to attain, man may enlarge in in- telligence; by study and careful observation, he may increase the scope of his understanding. According to the genius, or the power of mental absorp- tion which each one possesses, knowledge is quickly or less rapidly stored in our minds. One of the primary laws of universal nature is continuity of motion. The great law of existence is progression. Failure to make in- telligent use of one's talents and mental powers invites a condition of las- situde, followed by spiritual stagnation — retrogression and eventual ob- livion.
An idle, dormant brain
Is as a desert plain —
No faith, no hope, no life is there.
Stagnation is death; action is life. One must keep moving, moving forward, upward and onward. We are dual beings, endowed with the higher reasoning faculties and intelligence that are eternal and God-given.
PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS' TABLE 1117
The deteriorating tendencies of the flesh must be overcome by the elevat- ing will power of the spirit. Self-government! It is, therefore, within our personal power to direct our energies so intelligently that we may grow in moral strength and advance in spiritual power in the attainment of a future Cod-like state of perfection.
The glory of God is intelligence. This, to my mind, bespeaks God's perfection as a personal being, perfection of his mental faculties, perfec- tion of his all-embracing Godly attributes, perfection of his understanding, his omniscience. And even with God the Father the principle of pro- gression continues in operation. Also, "omnipotence" and "omniscience" may be said, in the last analysis, to be relative terms, for God's power and knowledge is supreme and superlative only in so far as the beings, the entities and the inconceivably multitudinous creations (Pearl of Great Price, Book of Moses 1:4, 37; Abraham 3:12; Doctrine and Covenants 29:33), over which he has jurisdiction and the right of presidency, is con- cerned. For it must not be said that God our eternal Father has reached a point where he cannot further expand in intelligence, in knowledge, in power, in the acquisition of new truths through ever-widening experiences. No; God, the Father of us all and of Jesus Christ our elder Brother, has not reached a stage or point beyond w