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JULY, 1935
Volume 38 Number 7
Return Postage Guaranteed
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
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Reading maketh a full man
RANCIS BACON made that statement three hundred years ago
when books were young and few. What would he say to-day?
The Sage would likely make the statement that in a land of so
many magazines and books of various kinds a reader must
choose carefully or find himself "full" of the wrong commodity.
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA SUPPLIES THE FAMILY WITH CHOICE READING IN A WIDE FIELD. It is designed to increase spirituality in the reader and aims to give every member of the family some- thing worth while to read.
During the Coming Months It Will Carry To Its Readers Some Splendid Articles and Stories. No Home, Especially Latter-day Saint Home, Can Afford To Be Without It
Articles of the immediate future will include: "Plans and Objectives," by Albert E. Bowen, general superintendent of the Y. M. M. I. A., in which Superintendent Bowen points the way to better M. I. A. work; an article about Governor Henry H. Blood in which the author gives intimate glimpses of the man who sits in the Governor's chair in Utah; "Christ on Postage Stamps," a most interesting article reviewing the use of the Master's picture — boy and man — on postage stamps; "Fathers and Sons," another of those stimulating articles by Earl J. Glade, manager of KSL; "The Articles of Faith," another of the series now being prepared by Dr. John A. Widtsoe; a complete story of the Silver Jubilee, Boy Scouts of America, by the Era's own reporter; a memorial to Samuel P. Cowley; and many other things which no one can afford to miss.
In addition there will be the regular number of stories and poems, all fully illustrated.
Remember Your Subscription Now Counts On Your Ward, Stake, or Mission Quota
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Address Your Subscription Letter To
The Improvement Era
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Salt Lake City, Utah
A MAGAZINE FOR EVERY MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
AtttirirmtifcaT
tfyt Jteople of % 3lmtpb States, ttt Wthtt to form a more pnfnt Hutou, ^Btabltfilj 3lu0tt*rMu0urr fro- mtBtxt ©rauqutlttg, promto for tfj? common S?fro0?, promote tiff grnrral UfI- fare, anfc aprur? ilj? Btes- ingB of IGtbertg to our- 0?lm>0 anfr our fo0tmtjj,^o orimitt ani> tBtMw^ tJjts (!Iou0fUuttott for t\\t Muttri g>tat?0 of Ammra."
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The Covered Wagon
£y C. AT. Lund
INTO the West the covered wagon went In quest of all humanity had dreamed. Across uncharted wilds it stately rolled And pushed to sunset seas the last frontier,— A modern Argo sailing desert sands And searching for a harvest fleece of gold; A guiding Salus cleaving the unknown And bravely fronting Time's new burst of daws.
It was a bearer of the covenant, The undefiled American ideal. It carried freedom across the new world And lighted civilization's holy fires. It was a lone voice crying a New Day To sterile wastes of sage and savage men. It was a herald of great things to come, The foregleam of the empire of the West.
It was torch-bearer to the wilderness,
And it carved new stars for a stainless flag.
It lifted high the beacon-light of hope
For common men with common purposes.
It was a life-giver to the parched plains,
Unlocker of the secrets of the hills.
It plowed straight furrows to the Golden Gate
And wrought new anchors for a nation's faith.
It showered the prairies with deathless dreams
And mountain-tops with prophecy fulfilled.
Its Midas touch brought gold from seams and sands
And forged the key for peoples yet unborn.
It was the Ark of plodding pioneers,
A shrine for Argonauts of destiny,
A cradle rocking with creative life,
Pilgrim of dust and migrant of the stars.
A nursling of the storms that make the oak
'Twas forbear of the wonder things to be,
A poem of man's passion to be free
And high desire to make great dreams come true.
In museums of the ages shrined should be
The covered wagon of heroic days
Whose onward sweep brought man into his own,
And on whose pathway God was marching on !
401
"SPRING GREEN," BY OLAF MOLLER
"SPRING GREEN"
r\LAF MOLLER, painter of the exquisite picture presented here, lives in Rupert, Idaho. He was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, May 21, 1903, but came to New York City at the age of four months and, later, with his parents, moved to Salt Lake City, where he attended the city schools. From Salt Lake City the family moved to Boise, Idaho, and later Olaf went to Rupert, Idaho, to make his home.
Mr. Moller has studied at the Pennsylvania Acad- emy of Fine Art and with a number of prominent private teachers including N. C. Wyeth, George Hard- ing, Philip Hale, and John Harkeson. His paintings have won a number of prizes including second prize in the exhibit at the Academy. 402
Since 1930 the artist has been painting in the West: particularly in the Jackson Hole country of Wyoming. While in the East studying he carved and designed picture frames and has furnished frames for some of the leading artists of America.
Mr. Moller expects to spend this summer painting in the New England states.
"Spring Green" is a typical scene at a high elevation in the West. The tender green, verging on to yellow lends to the painting a delightful freshness that makes it one of the most charming paintings in the recent exhibition of national art at the Springville High School. It is the sort of picture one can enjoy repeat- edly, for it is a bit of the sun-brightened out-of-doors brought inside to refresh and stimulate.
sjhe
Heber J. Grant John A. Widtsoe
Editors Harrison R. Merrill, Elsie Talmage Brandley,
Associate Editors
Organ of the Priesthood Quo- rums, Mutual Improvement Associations and Department of Education
George Q. Morris, General Mgr. Clarissa A. Beesley, Associate Mgr. J. K. OrtQn, Business Mgr. EXECUTIVE AND EDITORIAL
OFFICES: SO North Main Street, Salt Lake
City, Utah
Copyright, 1932, by the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association Corporation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All rights reserved. Subscription price, $2.00 a year, in advance; 20c Single Copy.
Entered at the Post Office, Salt Lake City, Utah, as second-class matter. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in section 1103, Act of October, 1917, authorized July 2, 1918.
July— A. Month of Rededication
THE month of July to an American Mormon is a month of rededication to his country and to his Church. To Mor- mons living under other flags, it is a month of rededication to the Church, only," but we hope that the brotherhood of na- tions will develop such friendliness that we of one nation may celebrate the birthday of another in perfect good will praying that all may grow stronger in righteous- ness.
As a sort of preamble to this July num- ber we quote here a few lines from "The Exiles," by Professor Alfred Osmond:
"Sing I not of myths and monsters, But I sing of human beings. . . .
"Sing I not of ancient legends, . . . No, I sing of men and women Who moved out to meet adventure On the deserts and the prairies, In the valleys on the mountains . . .
"If you love to read of hazards In the struggle for existence . . . Read the stories of the exiles. . . ."
e<$mprovernen tfera
Volume 38
JULY, 1935
Number 7
EDITORIALS
Today I Have Seen Shadows E. T. B. 432
July 24 — A Church Holiday H. R. M. 433
June Conference . 433
Bee-Hive House and Lion House Marked H. R. M. 433
ARTICLES
Frontispiece 402
The Articles of Faith Dr. John A. Widtsoe 404
From England to Salt Lake Valley in 1867 Ruth May Fox 406
The Latter-day Saint Institutes J. Wyley Sessions 412
The Word of Wisdom from the Standpoint of Science.— P. K. Edmunds, M. D. 418
A Builder of Boys and Girls George S. Dibble 420
The Abundant Life Nephi Jensen 422
The Covered Wagon Crosses the Sea 423
I Came to Zion Frank C. Robertson 426
That Wrapped-in-Cellophane Look : Virginia Cannon Nelson 428
The Challenge of Charm .Katie C. Jensen 434
Jane Addams — World Citizen Mary Beetey 436
Are You a Pacifist? - 440
The Great M Men Basketball Tournament Les Goates 443
Fourth Annual Vanball Championships , 445
FICTION
Satisfactorily Serviceable Irene Dunlap 410
One Month on Approval Ann Andrews 416
A Romance of Two Cities (A Serial) Dorothy Clapp Robinson 424
Pioneer George A. Muir 430
POETRY
The Covered Wagon C. N. Lund 401
Memories , Grace Kaye 430
Worth Lalia Mitchell Thornton 431
Not Alone Margaret Jane Cole 431
Tradition T Edgar Daniel Kramer 431
Prayer for the Bridegroom Alberta H. Christensen 431
Companioned Vesfa Pierce Crawford 431
Lamplighter Florence Hartman Townsend 431
Last Straw Ardyth Kennelly 431
Sabbath Margaret Wheeler Ross 431
Moroni Nephi Jensen 44 7
Longing Lavenia B. Horsley 450
My Babies Mary B. Watkins 453
'Mill-Hand's' Vacation Alberta H. Christensen 463
DEPARTMENTS
Melchizedek Priesthood 437
Aaronic Priesthood - 438
Ward Teachers' Message 440
Mutual Messages:
To Stake Superintendents and Presidents 441
Flashes from the Fortieth Annual June Conference-Convention 441
Your Page and Ours Inside Back Cover
A MAGAZINE FOR EVERY MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
403
The Articles of Faith
By
DR. JOHN H. WIDTSOE
A Member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles
This is the third in this series upon "The Articles of Faith." Those who do not bind their "Eras" might do well to clip these articles and keep them for future reference and study.
III. The Supremacy of the Will
(Read the Second Article of Faith)
THE story, meaning, and con- sequences of the so-called transgression of Adam, often known as "The Fall," can be read and understood only in terms of the origin and nature of man.
Man is eternal. That is, he has existed from the dim begin- ning, and he will continue to exist forever into the future. In the language of modern revelation, man was "in the beginning with God," and also, "he. shall be from everlasting to everlasting." In short, he is an indestructible unit of the universe, whose immortality extends back into the past as for- ward into the future.
Such a view implies that man, as an intelligent being, lived before he came upon earth, that is, that he has a pre-existent history; and that life on earth must have a defi- nite connection with pre-existent life. Indeed, pre-existence and the continuity of life, unbroken throughout the generations of time, are settled doctrines of the restored gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The pre-existence of man is really an old but forgotten doc- trine. Jesus, the Christ, confirmed the belief to the open-eyed reader in the words of his exalted prayer, "And now, O Father, glorify Thou me with Thine own self with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was." If one person, however great, may have had a pre-existent life, all the hosts of men may have lived before they came upon earth. Moreover, it baffles thought to believe that in- telligent man, who is the increasing commander of universal forces, has but transient existence, while inan- imate nature has persisted and will persist forever. It makes the serv- vant greater than the master. Per- 404
versions of truth appear to have succeeded in eliminating pre-ex- istence from most Christian phil- osophies of life.
"K^ANY thinkers of all ages have been led to accept the doctrines of pre-existence. For example, it appears again and again in the phil- osophy of Plato, four hundred years before Christ.
ARTICLES OF FAITH
Of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints
1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be pun- ished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
8. We believe that, through the atone- ment of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are : First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ ; second, Repentance ; third, Baptism by immer- sion for the remission of sins ; fourth, laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
6. We believe that a man must be called of God, by "prophecy, and by the laying on of hands," by those who are in authority to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated cor- rectly ; we also believe the Book of Mor- mon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has re- vealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes. That Zion will be built upon this continent. That Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worship- ing Almighty God according to the dic- tates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and magis- trates, in obeying, honoring and sus- taining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in do- ing good to all men ; indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul : "We believe all things, we hope all things," we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. — Joseph Smith.
Poets have sung of it, as the poet Vaughan, in "The Retreat,"
"Happy those early days, when I Shined in my angel infancy! Before I understood this place Appointed for my second race."
' Or in the words of Traherne,
"How like an angel came I down! How bright are all things here! When first among His works I did appear O how their glory me did crown! The world resembled his Eternity In which my soul did walk; And everything that I did see Did with me talk."
The lines from the later poet, Wordsworth, are better known,
"Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting; The soul that rises with us, our life's Star, Hath had elsewhere its setting, And cometb from afar — Not in entire forgetfulness, And not in utter nakedness, But trailing clouds of glory do we come From God, who is our home."
Poets of other nations have like- wise sung of man's pre-existence.
TwfAN was an intelligent being in the pre-existent life. He could gather knowledge, think, and act, as in this life. He possessed also that most fundamental of human qualities, a will, by which he could use his powers, accept or reject, move upward or downward. Then as now, true intelligence, a com- pound of knowledge and the proper use of knowledge, was conditioned by the will. By the righteous use of his will pre-existent man moved forward, throughout long ages of time. By the same use of his will he was lifted upward, along the path of progression. Perhaps it may be said that in the last analy- sis man and his will are synony- mous.
The pre-existent beings did not use their wills alike. Some, by the better use of their powers, pro- gressed more rapidly than others. There was not a dead monotony among the hosts of heaven. The words of Abraham give a picture of pre-existent conditions.
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, JULY, 1935
"Now, the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were or- ganized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones; and God saw these souls that they were good, and He stood in the midst of them, and he said, These will I make my rulers; for He stood among those that were spirits and He saw that they were good; and He said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born."
God, the Father, moved in that pre-existent world among His spirit children. He led, taught, opened the view to progress, even as man on earth is guided by the Lord. The progress of an intelligent being is accelerated by the help of some one superior in knowledge and power, who knows the path and its problems. Such a teacher was the Father to pre-existent man. Plans and programs for advance- ment were no doubt formulated and presented by the Great Teacher to his children.
""THE time came when pre-existent, progressive man could profit by an earth-career and the experiences of temporal life. The plan for this purpose, formulated by the Father, was accepted by all who have been, are, or shall be upon earth. Only those who had fitted themselves by steady progression, a product of the will, were eligible for the earth- adventure. Only those who will- ingly, without compulsion, accept- ed the plan were permitted to come upon earth. This throws a clear light upon earth-life. Man has earned the right to come upon earth, and is here because he desired to come. He may well look the world in the face proudly and un- flinchingly. He desired to come, and he had earned the right to come upon earth.
Someone had to come on earth, first. Among the assembled hosts, Adam and Eve were chosen. If Abraham were among "the noble and great ones" we may be sure that our First Parents stood with the greatest in that hopeful throng. They must have conquered their wills for mighty righteousness! It was a part of the plan of salvation (to be discussed in another article) that the eternal, deathless spirit of man should inhabit, on earth, a body subject to disease and death. Adam and Eve undertook to begin the earth-program for the wait- ing spirits, and to subject their own eternal spirits to earth conditions. As a shadow only do we under- stand the details of the sacrifice thus
made by Adam and Eve. They performed their mission gladly, for their wills were under control, and ready to obey the good plans of the Father for His children.
The so-called transgression of Adam was that he subjected his deathless spirit to the conditions of a body that must of necessity suffer death. But, this subjection was indispensable, if the waiting spirits should secure the desired experiences on earth, in harmony with the plan of the Lord. The breaking of the bonds with the spirit world was the "Sin of Adam." Sin in its larger meaning is the breaking of a law. In this instance, however, a lesser law was broken that a greater law might be fulfilled. This happens often in daily life. A beautiful crystal is broken and melted so that the iron, copper, or silver which forms part of its com- position may be obtained. To save another, many a person has rushed into a burning house, some- times to his death. Through the "transgression" of Adam, all man- kind has been placed upon the road of eternal progression, and thereby have been blessed. Our first par- ents who dared to endure the pain of initiating the eternal plan must be rated as the great hero and hero- ine of all time. The human race has descended from worthy par- ents. The obloquy which has been cast upon Adam and Eve has been unjust and prompted by ignorance of the Gospel plan.
Photo by H. R. M. DECORATION ON THE CORNER OF AN ANCIENT PYRAMID OUT FROM MEXICO CITY
A DAM and Eve learned to under- stand that out of their act, whatever error on their part it in- volved, great good would come. Note the words of Moses:
"And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy con- cerning all the families of the earth say- ing: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God. And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient."
This conception frees Adam and Eve from the charge that they by sin brought upon man the miseries of life. Let it be remembered that every person who comes into the world from the pre-existent state, accepted the plan proposed by the Father, including the mission of Adam and Eve. Indeed, all men became parties in that sense to Adam's "transgression," and are in part as much to blame or to praise as Adam himself. He was our agent. There can be no serious talk, therefore, of being punished for Adam's transgression.
DESIDES, though Adam had sin- ned, his children should not be punished therefor. Such procedure would violate the love and justice of God. Since, even in man-made courts, the criminal is punished, not his children; how much larger would be the justice administered by a divine Judge! An attempt to punish the innocent for the crimes of the guilty is abhorrent, and belongs to evil or barbaric peo- ple and conditions. True it is, that one man's fault may injure others. That is too evident in our man- made society. But there is an eternity of difference between suf- fering for the mistakes of others and being punished for the sins of others.
The essence of God's law, as of man's, is that he who breaks the law must suffer the consequences of the violation committed. That is the fundamental principle of the plan of salvation. The plan has been laid out for all persons; its metes and bounds, its regulations and requirements, have been estab- lished. They who know and obey the plan rise toward salvation; they (Continued on pftge 450)
405
From ENGLAND to SALT
MUCH has been said and written about crossing the great Plains, but not so much about crossing the ocean, which in itself was a real adventure in 1867.
As far back as I can remember a vision of plowing the turbulent waters, walking hundreds of miles over mountain and plain, and finally reaching Zion was con- stantly before me. I was too young to think about trials and hardships, but I am quite sure that travel and romance were appealing to my na- ture. The conversations I often heard and the songs my father and others used to sing no doubt served to glint my dream of glory. The following lines:
By RUTH MAY FOX
Cross the plains with Ruth May Fox, President of the General Board of the Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association, and you will find that the great trek was not all sorrow even though it might be all hardship. In those days, the author had that price- less possession — Youth — to hold her up and rob the way of bad memories.
"O Babylon, O Babylon, We bid thee farewell, We're going to the mountains of Eph- raim to dwell."
stirred my childish emotions great- ly. Again, the hymn —
sS^K
"O Zion, when I think of Thee, I long for pinions like a dove; And moan to think that I should be So distant from the land I love,"
thrilled my soul with ecstacy.
Perhaps even more romantic was the following love song:
(The man) Will you come along with me,
Bonnie Lassie O, Far away across the sea,
Bonnie Lassie O. Though the ocean's far and wide, Never fear in wind nor tide I shall have thee by my side,
Bonnie Lassie O.
(The woman) We've our business and our home,
Bonnie Laddie O, Then whither wouldst thee roam?
Bonnie Laddie O. Does thy country thee not please Or some sorrow vex and tease, Or thine heart is not at ease?
Bonnie Laddie O?
(The Man) Yonder temple rising high,
Bonnie Lassie O; With its towers in the sky,
Bonnie Lassie O; Where the Lord hath said
He'll bless Those that in humbleness Unto its porches press,
Bonnie Lassie O.
(The Woman) Then I'll go along with thee,
Bonnie Laddie O; You've been always true to me,
Bonnie Laddie O. So I'll not forsake thee now But to God's command we'll bow And the wave we'll gladly plow,
Bonnie Laddie O.
WHATEVER the reason, when the time came for our de- parture, I was in the seventh heaven. The lady who was to be my stepmother, and her daughter —
RUTH MAY FOX
406
LAKE VALLEY in 1867
who was about my own age — and myself left our home under cover of darkness to avoid the curiosity of the neighbors. Could anything be more thrilling? After a walk of four or five miles under the stars we boarded the train to Liverpool. Arriving there, some necessities, peculiar to steerage passengers, had to be purchased and then came the novelty of climbing into a great steamship. To stand on a floating city and gradually pull away from the wharf with hundreds of people waving their hats or handkerchiefs in a fond adieu and hearty "God- speed you," is an event never to be forgotten.
We had secured berths in the steerage which meant that we must
concerned. Of course, we were free to sit or walk, even lie down on the deck if we were fortunate enough to be able to make the climb, so no dissatisfaction was voiced by our little family, we got what we paid for. It happened that an old gen- tleman from Lancashire and his wife occupied berths next to ours. They were going to join their son in that Mecca of freedom and op- portunity to which so many hope- ful hearts turned to escape some of the miseries of the Old World.
Twf AN fashion, this passenger was
very much interested in his
meals and every day for at least
I wish I were whoam! I wish I were whoam! I canna tarry here! I canna tarry here!" Whereupon her husband shouted: "Owd thee noise with thee; how canst thee be whoam when thees in th' middle of th' ocean!"
The old ship rolled and tossed, but I have no recollection of being afraid. We had brought a bottle of bitters with us which happened to be under my pillow, so to avoid sea-sickness I occasionally took a swig at the bottle. But fear — I had none. We were Mormons, our family at least, going to Zion, and no ship would think of going down with such a precious cargo.
After one gets over the usual sickness there are many pleasant
descend through a trap door to our quarters below deck. The sleeping accommodations consisted of a large shelf or platform on either side of the vessel which, by means of boards, could be divided into spaces just large enough to accom- modate one person. If a family preferred to sleep closer together the boards could be removed, thus giving more room and perhaps more comfort, if comfort could be thought of under such conditions. As I remember, there was abso- lutely no privacy, no provision even to hang up a pair of hose for pro- tection from the eyes of the curious. On the same level were great long tables where we sat to eat our meals, the usual menu being soup, rice, hardtack, and sour biscuits. This, then, was to be our abode so far as eating and sleeping were
OUR ARTIST'S CONCEPTION OF THE "LOUISIANA"
half an hour before the soup was served, he would entertain himself and annoy the rest of us by ham- mering his hardtack into little bits so that it would eventually absorb sufficient soup to make its passage down the esophagus more easily.
Everybody used to have a storm at sea. Indeed, what would a sea voyage be without one? So one night we had ours, which meant that steerage passengers were locked down and told to be comfortable, everything would be all right. This same old gentleman resented this kind of treatment and paced the floor frantically, declaring that "somebody ought to be up on deck." Meanwhile, his good wife sat up in her berth swaying to and fro crying out, "I canna tarry here!
v$. TIEL0FNC K.5fniT*t+--
occasions to be enjoyed on board a ship. One makes friends and ac- quaintances, takes walks with them from end to end of the vessel if it be possible to keep one's equi- librium. And then the wonder of it all ! The vast expanse of water, the mystery of the starry sky, waves rolling mountains high and splash- ing over onto the deck, while pas- sengers scrambled to avoid a wet- ting, and then to have a great calm when the water is so still that not a ripple breaks on its surface and the great craft appears to be sailing on a sea of glass and three long weeks are almost ended. What's that we hear? Oh Joy, "Land in sight!"
T\JOW for thrills! Everybody
must see land, and joyously
watch the vessel going nearer and
407
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, JULY, 1935
>-
nearer to the shore. But things must be gathered up and packed. Trunks must be brought up from the hold. Good-byes must be spoken. Everybody is busy and excited, each vieing with the other in seeing who shall leave the old ship first. At last we are landed at Castle Gardens and there we must stay until friends or relatives learn that the "Louisiana" is in port. Meanwhile, a dozen officers are opening trunks, sometimes turning the contents out to be sure that no smuggling is in evidence, while others are O. K'd. without opening them. All but one of our trunks were thus passed.
It was late evening and quite dark save for the lamp-light when through the crowd I heard my father say, "There she is. Bless her dear little face."
We immediately boarded a train for Manayunk, a manufacturing town a few miles out of Philadel- phia, where father had provided rooms for us — he had preceded us five months — and there the mar- riage knot was tied and we settled down to family life. My new sister and I, though not yet twelve years old — and I was small for my age — went to work in a cotton mill which, I am sure, was no place for good girls.
However, we soon moved to Philadelphia and found employ- ment, most of the time with fam- ilies. My wage was a dollar a week and board. Thus we began to save and prepare for the journey to the Valley.
TN July, 1867, we started for
North Platte, which was then the
terminal of the railroad and the
outfitting place for those who were going West. It took us nine days to reach our destination. Emi- grant trains did not travel very fast in those days; then, too, they were switched off on every possible occasion. We had to change trains at Niagara Falls and to our delight had a few hours' stay near that awe-inspiring torrent which is for- ever dashing over the brink to the foaming depths below.
One night we spent on a cattle boat sailing up the Missouri River. The cattle, judging from their bel- lowing, seemed not to enjoy our company any better than we en- joyed theirs.
Arriving at North Platte, which was then a little railroad town, we found that the company would be delayed one month. This situation was a serious one: every day meant loss of time and means. Several excuses were given for the delay. One was that some of the brethren were in the east on business. They had been detained, and must return to the Valley with this company. Another was that the Indians had burned a train-load of provisions and more supplies must be pur- chased. Still another was that here was fine grazing and the cattle must start out in good condition.
Meanwhile, there we were with our trunks and traps. The full quota of wagons had not yet been purchased and the housing of men, women, and children was a real problem. Finally the railroad peo- ple tendered us the use of a great barn of a building which happened to be empty, and here we set up some kind of housekeeping for the coming weeks.
At night we made our beds on
the floor, and with gratitude let me say, we could hang up a protection from wandering eyes. My father, after deducting other expenses, found that he had only money enough to buy one yoke of cattle and two yoke were necessary to pull the heavily loaded wagons across the rough way.
TT so happened that a certain brother had a wagon and one yoke of cattle, so the bargain was made that father join his cattle to this outfit and drive all the way for his share in the wagon. The owner of the outfit had a wife and seven children. Our little family con- sisted of five, as father was bringing a little girl across the plains to join her relatives in Salt Lake City. So you see there were fourteen per- sons with all their worldly posses- sions in that one wagon. The own- ers of the wagon used it for a sleep- ing apartment and my father bought a small tent, just large enough for the five of us to lie down in side by side like sardines in a can. This we unstrapped every night and fastened again to the wagon each morning.
Imagine if you can these would- be drivers, who had, perhaps, never seen a Texas steer before, go through the procedure for the first time of yoking their cattle. Truly no rodeo could match the scene. The men had to be instructed in this art and some did not learn very quickly. The same was true of the use of firearms. Every man was supposed to have his own gun and ammunition though he had never fired a shot in his life.
Indeed there were many things for an immigrant to learn. He must be willing to understand and accept the discipline of the camp, become used to having his flour, potatoes and bacon measured out to him each day according to the number in his family.
■"THE captain of a company must be a real dictator. What he says must go. One crack of his or his assistant's whip on the tent or wagon cover meant "Get up quickly!" which we did and made hurried preparations to start. So now everything is in readiness, the command is given and our sixty wagons — fifty of them belonging to Scandinavian Saints — are on the way, and we could sing:
Great-Grand-Triplets — Merrill, Marilyn and Melvin, children of Grant W. and Mary Taylor Maxfield
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, JULY, 1935
'WESTWARD, HO"
"We've left the realms of Babylon and
crossed the mighty seas; We've left the good old ship where we
walked about at ease. And now's the time for starting boys,
We'll jog on if you please. So gee up; my lads, Gee whoa! Push
on my lads, Heigh Ho! For there's none can lead a life like we
merry Mormons do."
Other than one birth and an accidental death by a bullet when men were shooting sage-hens, our journey across the plains seems to have been rather lacking in perilous adventure but was always inter- esting.
We camped once more where there were trees and water. I do not remember the name of the place, but I do remember this in- cident: It was quite late at night when one of the brethren thought he could hear someone stealthily moving among the bushes. You must know that everyone was a little watchful of Indians. So this brother took out his pistol and three times he gave the warning, "Speak or I'll shoot! Speak or I'll shoot! Speak or I'll shoot!" and then off went the gun. This, how- ever, caused some merriment as it was discovered later — that it was merely the wind playing with the leaves.
AFTER we left civilization the first place we came to was Julesburg, which was nothing more than a trading post but at least it broke the monotony of the jour- ney.
One of the diversions of the plains was picking up buffalo chips for fuel. This task fell to the women and girls who wore aprons in which to gather and carry them. Once in a while a few Indians would come into camp when
we were eating and offer to barter trinkets for food.
One day we had an Indian scare. Someone thought he saw a few Inctians on the hills not far away. Every man was ordered to take out his gun and carry it on his left shoulder as he drove, with his right hand. This, too, proved to be a false alarm. I think there was no dancing in our company. Oc- casionally we were called to eve- ning prayer with the tune of "Do What is Right," played from a bugle in the hands of Brother Stephen Hales.
The Platte is a very winding river so we crossed it many times without much inconvenience, as the Scandinavian brothers would take us girls on their backs and carry us across the stream. Sometimes the distance traveled would be only eight miles a day because of heavy sandy roads. One night we pitched our tent in this sand when lo the wind blew and the rain descended and beat upon that tent and great was the fall thereof. Mother was hurried to the wagon of a friend and we girls held up the tent while father tried to drive in the pins, which was an almost hopeless task. This situation gave us sympathy for the man of Bible fame, but after all, situations are just the way you take them. If we had thought shower baths in- stead of cold rain running down , our backs and arms the occasion would have been a delightful one. However, as we trudged along the next day we sang lustily:
"We may get wet a little when we have a shower of rain, The heat may skin our noses, but they'll
soon get well again. And when we think of Zion's land, we'll forget the wet and pain
So, Gee up! my lads, Gee whoa! Push on my lads, Heigh Ho! For there's none can lead a life like we merry Mormons do."
"\A7"E had not completed one-half of our journey, when we dis- covered a shortness of food in camp, but it happened that a government post, I think it was named Fort Platte, had been ordered to evacuate. So we were able to buy some sup- plies from the soldiers.
One has to be accustomed to the western air and atmosphere before he really can have any idea of dis- tances. In our camp was a man named San Givans who had cross- ed the plains many times. Walk- ing along by his side one day as we were coming in view of Scot's Bluffs, I asked how long before we would reach them. His an- swer was, "Oh, two or three hours." But to my astonishment it took us one day and a half be- fore we passed through the open- ings between those bluffs.
Fort Laramie was another place where some needed supplies could be bought, and oh, what a joy it was when we discovered wild ber- ries and ground cherries growing there! Now we were getting into the Rocky Mountain region, and I remember that once at least we had to descend a hill so steep the cattle had to be unhooked and the wagons let down by ropes and manpower. Chimney Rock and Independence Rock had both con- tributed to our recreational activity but no one but those who have walked over prairies and deserts for days, where water is so scarce that the creeks were reduced to little puddles of alkali water, can imagine (Continued on page 450^
409
"O
H Mother, it simply must be chiffon."
Janice's big blue eyes pleaded as eloquently at twenty as they had when she was a chubby child of three, and worked as much havoc with Mrs. Staitman's kind, moth- erly heart.
It is hard to refuse an only child
anything, especially when one is a
. widow and one's every thought of
every waking hour is for that child.
In this particular instance, how- ever, Mrs. Staitman resolutely ban- ished the pleading of the blue eyes and assumed her most forbidding air.
"Chiffon isn't serviceable, Jan- ice. Now a nice crisp organdie could be worn dozens of times and still launder to look like new."
"Oh, Mother!" Janice's voice was bleak with protest, "Who ever heard of a wedding dress being serviceable!"
Affectionately, she resorted to her little-girl tactics. Slipping onto her mother's ample lap and twining white arms about her plump neck, she continued the argument. She could almost see the maternal defenses fast crum- pling about her.
"In the first place, I never, never expect to need a wedding dress more than once. If anything happens to Bill, I'll just fold up and be a nice respectable widow the rest of my natural life."
"Janice dear," her mother ex- postulated in a scandalized tone, "I didn't mean that I expect you to be married in it more than once!"
Janice burrowed her golden head into the folds of the plump neck.
"I know you didn't Mom. But, some way, I don't like your term 'serviceable.' It isn't appropriate. It sounds like blue serge or checked gingham. I want to be beautiful
410
SATISFACTORILY
for Bill, Mom. I want to just take his breath away."
A tremulous smile played around the older woman's mouth and tears of happy remembrance that dated back some twenty-two years before glistened in her eyes. She, too, had had that same desire to be beautiful for Janice's father. She felt her last defense crumpling.
"I only meant," she put in a last dignified effort to stand her ground, "that you could wear organdy to parties afterward."
"But we won't be going to parties," Janice discouraged promptly. "If we were going to live here, it would be different. But Bill's being transferred to Chicago makes matters altogether different. We won't know a soul to invite us to parties. Being married in chiffon will sort of make up to me for not having a June wedding, Mother.
By IRENE
You know how I've had my heart set on that. But now with Bill in- sisting, in October of all times, on rushing the wedding so I can go with him when he is transferred — well, I just have to have chiffon, that's all."
"I suppose every mother knows the joy of being wheedled out of things by her tyrannical children," Mrs. Staitman sputtered as she dumped Janice unceremoniously on the floor and reached for a pile of patterns. "Well, chiffon it is, then. I wish we could buy a lovely dress all ready made, Dear," she added yearningly.
"I wouldn't buy it for the world. I'll love every stitch I put into it. And your part," Janice
HE EYED HER DISINTERESTEDLY AND SAID COOLLY, "WELL?"
SERVIC
DUNLAP
tyrannized lovingly, "is to make at least a dozen of your very cunning - est clusters of rosebuds. Pink buds with Alice blue ribbon. I can't think of anything more dainty for trimming."
J.HE next two weeks went by on glamorous wings. Of course, once wheedled into the idea of the filmy chiffon, Mrs. Staitman put her efficiency to the task with characteristic energy. Her deft ringers fashioned clever trimmings while Janice tucked tiny dainty stitches among the soft folds of the material that seemed to leap into loveliness like something alive.
Bill protestingly argued that Janice was more interested
in
the dress than she was in him.
"I know you'll be a dream in it, Honey," he reasoned one evening when Janice pleaded that she must sew or she wouldn't be ready in time, "but you are a dream to me in anything. I'd rather have you wear something you already have and have more time to spend with me. I'm positively jealous of that dress."
"Oh, Bill darling, not have a new dress to be married in! Why, a lovely wedding dress is the dream of every girl's life. But, Bill, every stitch I put in is twined about a dream of our life together. You wouldn't deprive me of happy dreams, would you?"
"Of course not, Foolish," Bill's tone was very tender as he an- swered, "I'm going around in a dream myself."
A week later Janice's blue eyes
were wide and serious and Bill's young face was white and tense as they took their marriage vows. Life was serious as the age-old words rang out, "I pronounce you man and wife."
Bill caught his breath as Janice turned the full glory of her golden beauty on him. She might have stepped out of a story-book. A golden princess — her regal gown, a cloud of white chiffon — her crown, a coronet of rose-buds hung with tulle.
"I'll keep her always like this," he swore to himself fiercely. "She shant work and lose her youth and loveliness."
The trip to Chicago was a reve- lation to Janice who had lived all her life in the West. As the West- ern mountains disappeared in the distance behind her and they tra- versed mile after mile of level prairie country, she had her first premoni- tion of the difference between the life she was leaving and the life she was entering upon. She knew a moment's feeling that was akin to fear — this strange country, this unknown life with Bill.
But then Bill smiled at her and the world ceased to hold fear.
Soon they crossed the border of Illinois and for a distance the track ran parallel to a burst of glory that Easterners call a woods! She was seeing the middle West at the very loveliest time of the year.
"Look, Dear," she exclaimed, gazing rapturously out of the win- dow, "did you ever see such a gor- geous sight?"
Janice caught her breath in sheer ecstasy at the wealth of beauty they were passing. Gnarled sprawling oaks with their yellow-flecked leaves. Elms proud and stately bearing their golden burden aloft in superb defiance of the November winds that must so soon come to rob them of their splendor. Slim, soft-barked hickories. Sturdy wal-
(Continued on page 453)
411
rHE LATTER-DAY SAINT INSTITUTES
By
J. WYLEY SESSIONS
Director Pocatello L. D. S. Institute
THE motive of education of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been responsible for the development of several definite efforts to provide practical application of its familiar slogan, "The Glory of God is In- telligence."
In early Utah history, the Church found it necessary to estab- lish and maintain simple elemen- tary schools. When the state be- came sufficiently developed to as- sume the responsibility of its first public schools, the Church looked ahead and established Academies or High Schools and later Junior Col- leges throughout Utah and other states where there were large enough Latter-day Saint communities to justify them.
These schools were maintained by the Church with the idea of meeting the standard requirements of secondary education, and at the same time, providing the religious information, training, experience, and atmosphere it considered neces- sary for the development and char- acter of the young people. As other agencies adequately supplied, the secondary schools and made them available for all, the Church was relieved of the responsibility of secular education.
With these developments a new problem appeared, and the Church was confronted with the necessity of providing ways and means of contacting the pupils and giving them daily religious instruction in connection with their high school curriculum. The solution of this problem came in the establishment of the now popular High School Seminaries.
J7DUCATION, however, does not stop here; it is a continuous process and students move on into institutions of higher learning. If 412
J. WYLEY SESSIONS
religion is to be interpreted in terms of practical life and living, it must also grow in thought and experi- ence with other lines of study. It must be discussed and expressed in terms which are otherwise full of meaning to the student. Religion is practical in life and living. It is not theory, but is absolutely necessary to a complete and well- rounded education. There can be no complete education without re- ligious training. It must not, therefore, be crowded out, but a place for it must be left or made in an educational program and it must be kept alive, healthy, and grow- ing.
The Church Board of Education recognizied this and accepted the challenge. It acted upon the con- viction that the principles and doc- trines of religion were founded on fundamental laws and could be subjected to scientific investigation and studied with an exactness and discipline comparable to those used in other fields of human thought and research.
It was at Moscow, Idaho, in
1926 that the Church began its first experiment in religious educa- tion at a State University. It estab- lished what is now called the Lat- ter-day Saint Institute.
The faculty of the University of Idaho specified conditions and standards under which the State Institutions could cooperate and grant credit for college courses in religious philosophy and Bible his- tory given in schools of religion maintained by the various Chris- tian denominations. The faculty recommendations were approved by the State Board of Education and areas follows:
Conditions
1. That courses in religious education sub- mitted for credit in the University of Idaho shall be offered in Moscow by an incorporated organization which as- sumes full responsibility for the selec- tion of its instructors and the main- tenance of its work in a physical plant adequate for instruction of University grade.
2. That courses offered for University credit shall at all times conform to the following constitutional provision un- der which the University of Idaho operates: "No instruction either sec- tarian in religion or partisan in politics shall ever be allowed in any department of the University."
3. That University elective credit of not to exceed eight semester hours may be allowed for such courses.
4. That students desiring credit for such courses shall secure the consent of the dean of their college at the time of registration and that the number of credits for which they are registered be reduced so that the total number of credits taken, including those in reli- gious education, shall conform to the University standards.
5. That credit for these courses be granted only upon the recommendation of the Committee on Advanced Standing.
STANDARDS
1 . The instructor shall have a master's degree or its equivalent and shall possess such maturity of scholarship as is re- quired for appointment to the position of full professor in the University of Idaho.
2. The courses offered shall conform to University standards in library require- ments and in method and rigor of their conduct.
3. None but students enrolled in the Uni- versity shall be admitted to these courses, or such other students as are
<-
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, JULY
9 3 5
THOMAS C. ROMNEY Director of the Logan L D. S. Institute
rated by the Registrar of the University as entitled to University standing.
4. Classes in religious education shall con- form to the University Calendar and to University standards as to length of period.
5. Approval of courses in religious edu- cation shall not be granted until they are adequately financed and there is a likelihood of their permanency,
6. Approval of such courses shall be con- tinued to Foundations maintaining at least one instructor devoting not less than half time to such work.
7. The University reserves the right to as- sure itself from time to time that these conditions and standards are being met.
GEORGE S. TANNER Director Moscow L. D. S. Institute
First Institute Class to be Graduated \M 'ay 26 , 1935
ON May 26, 1935, the first class in the history of the L. D. S. Institutes — collegiate rank — was graduated from the Logan L. D. S. Institute of which Thomas C. Romney, Ph. D., is director. Presi- dent Heber J. Grant was present, gave the address, and conferred upon them their diplomas. Franklin L. West, Assistant Commissioner of Education of the Church, was pres- ent at the exercises.
LOWELL L. BENNION Director Salt Lake City L. D. S. Institute
■THE Church accepted this pro- posed plan and purchased a plot of ground on one of the main stu- dent thoroughfares and convenient to the campus. Here a beautiful building was constructed at a cost of sixty thousand dollars. The building was large enough to meet the particular requirements of the religious educational project and to accommodate the various activities characteristic of university group houses.
The house has three stories. On the main floor are two class rooms,
LOGAN L. D. S. SEMINARY GRADUATING CLASS
Front row, left to right: Clyde Hopkins, Sylvan Needham, Dr. Frank L. West, Mrs. Heher J. Grant, President Heber J. Grant, Mrs. Mary Judd, Director T. C. Romney, Horace C. Carlson.
Second Row: Israel C. Heaton, Verena Adams, Asia H. Bergeson, Elizabeth Darley, Luella Ward Hathcock, Orville S. Lee, William W. Reeder, Ralph Stahle, Ralph. Toleman, T. Rex Lowe.
Third row: D. Max Smith, Margaret Olson, Gaye Perry, Minette Carlson, Seth L. Stewart, Nephi Jorgenson, and Wallace Grandy.
413;
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, JULY, 1935
>••-
SALT LAKE L. D. S. INSTITUTE UNIVER- SITY WARD CHAPEL
LOGAN L. D. S. IN- STITUTE
MOSCOW, IDAHO, L. D. S. INSTITUTE
a reception room, office, library, and chapel. In the basement a ball room, rest rooms, serving kitchen, furnace, coal rooms, etc. The second floor is given to eleven nicely furnished dormitory rooms where twenty-two men can be accommodated. The archi- tecture is of Tudor Gothic type and corresponds in quality and style with the nicer University buildings. The experiment at Moscow was successful, largely because the cooperation was sincere on the part of both the University and the Church. An honest effort was made to provide a high grade program of religion, on college level, at a tax supported institu- tion. In developing the project and directing the activities of the Institute, great care was exercised that it would in no way violate the traditional principle of the separation of Church and State, or otherwise become unworthy of its affiliation with the Univer- sity. Three other Institutes have since been estab- lished.
'THE Logan Latter-day Saint Institute was built in 1 1928. It is affiliated with the Utah State Agricul- tural College under a similar arrangement to that at Moscow. In 1929, the Pocatello Institute affiliated with the University of Idaho Southern Branch
414
was built, and the school year of 1934-35 marked the beginning of an Institute at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
The buildings and programs at each of these four Institutes are built to meet the particular requirements and needs of the students in the respective schools. The buildings are, there- fore, not exactly alike, neither is there entire uniformity in the courses of study offered, nor in the programs of activity. The Moscow In- stitute is the only one that has the dormitory feature. The Chapel at Moscow serves not only the University students, but also the members of the Church living in that Branch of the North Western States Mission.
The population of Logan, Utah, is com- posed largely of Mormon people and ninety per cent of the studentbody belong to the Church. It is assumed that students will par- ticipate in the activities in the various wards of the city. The Institute, therefore, has large Enrollment in week-day classes. These courses and a Sunday School for students who prefer the Institute to the Ward demand the major emphasis. Pocatello again meets an entirely different condition. Students are mostly of Junior College age. Only about one-third of the studentbody belong to the Latter- day Saint Church. Many of the students live on the campus and are restricted and influenced by campus regulations, others work in town for room and board. These conditions have brought about a development along three distinct lines: First, the week-day courses of study in the field of religion. Second, the regular ecclesiastical functions incident to worship and church practice. This includes a Sunday School, Sunday evening Service of worship called Vesper, and an M Men and Gleaner Girl organization. Third, a social program designed to stimulate wholesome association and build friendships among Latter-day Saint stu- dents. The Institutes have made places for themselves in the community life of the schools, and their build- ings have become centers of campus activity. They are used for receptions, balls, teas, recitals, lectures, debates and other University functions.
T
HE Salt Lake Institute which commenced this year is housed in the beautiful University Ward Chapel located directly across the street from the University of Utah Union Building. The program consists of week day courses of instruction, seminars, and weekly discussion groups on current religious problems. A class especially organized for University students and taught by the Institute Director is held in connection with the University Ward Sunday School.
The courses of study at the various Institutes can- not be exactly uniform, yet they are similar. The following is a list of some of the courses offered and is typical of all:
1. An introduction to the History, Religion and Literature of the Old Testament.
2. Prophecy and the Prophets.
3. The History and Religion of the New Testa- ment.
4. The Life of Paul, the Apostle.
<-
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, JULY, 1935
5. Comparative Religion.
6. Religious Principles and Doctrines.
7. Church Practice and Religious Leadership.
At the University of Idaho, University of Idaho Southern Branch, Utah State Agricultural College, and University of Utah, full college credit is granted for courses in Bible study. Students register for Institute subjects in precisely the same manner as they register for University courses. The reports to the registrar are exactly the same for the Institute in- structors as for the University faculty.
Institute groups have organized and received campus status. They take part in the inter-mural activities and scholarship competitions. In these extra-cur- ricular activities they have made most creditable records.
T'HE following statements from some of the Uni- versity officials indicate the pleasant and happy relationships between the Institute Directors and University Faculties:
"I am glad to add my very cordial endorsement of the purposes and the effectiveness of the L. D. S. Collegiate Institute at the University of Idaho at Moscow.
"This splendid building on the campus of the University is maintained as a dormitory, recreational and religious center for the L. D. S. students of the University. Its classrooms, library, and other facil- ities for religious instruction make it a very distinct addition to the religious and recreational life of the University.
"M. G. Neale, President, "University of Idaho."
"A generally accepted tradition among American State Universities is that religious education should be offered privately rather than by the State School itself. No such tradition can lessen the interest that many faculty members in the State Universities feel in the religious life of their students.
"The establishment of the Latter-day Saint Insti- tute at the Southern Branch has proven of great value, not only to Latter-day Saint students, but to the entire campus. While the religious instruction offered has been largely confined to members of the Latter-day Saint Church, other students, faculty members and townspeople have made constant use of the social and recreational features of the building.
"I am glad to congratulate the Institute upon the service rendered to date. I am confident that the entire school is the gainer in many ways because of the fine program of the Institute.
"John R. Dyer, Executive Dean, "University of Idaho Southern Branch."
"It gives me real pleasure to have this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of what the Latter-day Saint Institute is doing for a large group of our young people here at the Southern Branch.
"The University, and particularly those who are
responsible for the social and recreational life of its students, may consider themselves fortunate in having on its campus such an Institute, where religious train- ing can flower into gracious and fine living under the careful supervision of its directors.
"Marguerite P. Drew, Dean of Women, "Southern Branch of the University of Idaho."
T'HESE Institutes foster the idea that beauty is a good environment for religious stimulation, association, and general education. The buildings are artistic in- side and outside and carefully planned lawns and gar- dens surround them. They are furnished with car- pets, drapes and comfortable furniture. The buildings are used daily, almost hourly, by the students who enjoy and respect the privilege. An atmosphere seems to be cultivated which is often mentioned by even a casual visitor and which is often spoken of as "The Spirit of the Institute."
INTERIOR POCA
T EL L 0 L. D. S
INSTITUTE
SAME INTERIOR
FROM DIFFERENT
ANGLE
CHAPEL, LOGAN L D. S. INSTITUTE
415
By
ANN ANDREWS
ONE
s
__ SOMETHING about Bill appealed to Su- san. Everything about Susan appealed to Bill. They were young, sincere and in love. It was the fall of the year, but the spring time of life. They were under a red and yellow maple tree and the voice which was speaking was deep and earnest.
"But, Susan, you can't refuse me, you can't, be- cause— !"
"Because why, Billy, dear?" The voice which an- swered was sweet and demure.
"Because I love you, Susan. Isn't that reason enough?" Susan had to be firm with herself when he looked like that. "Yes, it is reason enough why I shouldn't refuse you, but I have."
"But you love me, Susan."
"Yes."
"Then why?"
"Listen, Bill. How many couples do we know that are happy? Life changes, love changes — ," Susan had heard someone say this, "look at all the failures in matri- mony; everyone starts out the same and nearly everyone ends the same — in the courts!"
"But, darling, we'll be different," insisted the for- lorn suitor.
"Yes, I know. Everyone thinks that, but I have fully made up my mind never to marry. I want to do something worth while, something noble!"
"Well, wouldn't it be noble to save me? Honest, Susan, I can't live without you."
"Now, Billy, don't be a baby. I haven't heard of any fatalities among rejected suitors so far."
"Then tell me what you consider noble, if saving lives isn't?"
iVlY plan," Susan continued, "is to adopt two or three homeless babies and raise them. I've fig- ured it all out. By careful planning and hard work I can keep them with the money grandpa left me."
"Adopt me then. You say I am a baby."
"Oh, don't be silly. I am serious!"
"So am I serious, Susan. If you will marry me and 50 to Europe with me, when we return we'll adopt the whole orphan asylum, or anything else you want. I promise we will."
416
MONTH ON APPROVAL
"That's just it," Susan interrupted, "you have to go to Europe for three years. Bill, can't you see what I can do in that time?"
"I'll give up Europe!"
"You can't. It means your whole future."
"I'll hire someone to raise them until we get back," insisted Bill.
"No, no, no! I've decided, so don't argue. Do you think I'd trust my children to an inex- perienced nurse-maid? Why, the future of a child depends upon its cradle training; besides, Bill, if you pay the money, and some one else raises them, where do I come in?"
"But, Susan!"
IHIS was only a little of the pleading which William Marquette put forth to win his suit. Susan Brooks was firm and steadfast and when Susan made up her mind it took more than a little obstacle to sway her; and Bill was only an obstacle, bigger, perhaps, than she would admit to herself. She loved him, yes, she really did love him; butTwhat is love in this generation compared with duty? She defied the saying, "Love to man is a thing apart, 'tis woman's whole existence." Today woman is man's equal in every respect and ambition and duty must come first. Susan had convinced herself of this.
She had heard much about orphans and it seemed a wonderful way to use Grandpa Brook's money. She would spend it upon children who would other- wise have no chance in life. She would give them a home and a real mother and raise them to be honor- able men and women. Susan was a dreamer but she meant this dream to come true.
Bill was not easily daunted himself so he imme- diately set out to find a plan which would prove to Susan that he was as "much orphan" as she could handle. His first step consisted in calling upon Dr. Parks for sage advice. Dr. Parks was the family physician and there was a strong bond of friendship between the two men which had lasted from Billy's colic days through his college days. When Bill took up the study of medicine they became great pals; and now, as man to man, Bill related how he had been rejected.
"I'll never give her up, never! She admits she loves
me and yet refuses me all because of this scheme of hers to help humanity."
Dr. Parks rubbed his chin and said, "She must raise them herself."
"Yes," answered Bill pensively, "she thinks cradle days are most important and she wouldn't be doing her duty unless she took all the responsibility."
"And you want her to go to Europe with you?"
"Yes."
"We will have to work fast to bring her to our point of view. You leave in October; what day?"
"About the fifteenth."
"That gives us, let me see, about six weeks. Oh, well, leave it to me, old fellow. I think I have a cure even for ambition."
WHERE to get babies was Susan's real problem. It was to be solved much more quickly than she expected. She had been taught to ask for divine aid in weighty matters so she fervently prayed that the Lord would guide her and help her find homeless babies who needed care and a chance in life.
One night shortly after her talk with Bill, as she was drifting into sweet oblivion, she heard a loud ringing at the door and a faint cry. She sat up, listened for a moment, slid out of bed and hurried to the door. And there, actually there! A basket full of babies. A double answer to her petition. They were heavenly twins.
Susan gave a cry of joy. She did not know why the twins were crying but they cried and cried. Yes, cried all through the night! Susan carried the basket into the living room. Mrs. Brooks was awakened to help make food. Mellon's is supposed to make better babies but it did not seem to improve the twins a bit. Patty Brooks rocked one and Susan the other. Papa Brooks fixed hot water bottles and shook up pillows; and thus Susan began her career.
Next day, in spite of a sleepless night, the family began preparations for the newly arrived. Susan was astonished at the amount of work two children can make. Patty was kept busy sewing up flannel nighties and flannel "didies" while mama converted the spare room into a nursery. Susan went into ecstasies over the two blue baby beds Mr. Brooks had sent out on
the morning delivery. (Continued on page 451)
417
THE WORD of WISDOM
FROM THE
IN my opinion, and after due deliberation and study, I might state that there is nowhere a code or document which contains more sound principles of correct living than are contained in the so-called Word of Wisdom as we find it recorded in the 89 th Section of the book of the Doctrine and Covenants of the "Mormon" Church. And the marvel of it all is that these principles were given to the world in the fore part of the last century and by a young man unlearned in the sciences of toxi- cology and of nutrition with which this Word of Wisdom deals; neces- sarily so, for in that day these sciences were in their infancy. Many of the truths expressed in this treatise have only recently been substantiated by scientific experi- ment, or are still to be investigated at further length, and in greater detail. Let us consider from a scientific viewpoint this so-called Word of Wisdom. It might more aptly be termed a volume of Wis- dom.
Roughly, it might be said to be divided into two parts. The first is an admonition to refrain from certain things which we are in- formed are "not for man," or at least not to be taken into the body of man. Among these are specific- ally named Tobacco, Wine (except "pure Wine of the grape of the vine"), Strong Drinks and Hot Drinks. Among these latter are included the caffeinated beverages
Tea and Coffee. .
The second part of this docu- ment is essentially the reverse of the first, for it contains advice con- cerning what one shall take into his body. Included among these (foods) are "All wholesome herbs . . every herb in the season there- of; . . . Flesh of beasts and of the fowls of the air . . . to be used sparingly ... in times of winter, or of cold, or famine. All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life; ... All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; . . . Nevertheless wheat for
418
The marvelous vital organs with which we are endowed are our only guarantee of life. In this reveal- ing discussion Dr. Edmunds tells why the Word of Wisdom is really a word of wisdom.
man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, etc." Concerning these we will say more later on. Let us now digress and consider the human bocly, which is ours, that we may better understand the sub- sequent discussion.
TT is a never-ending marvel to con- template the human body and the inter-relationship of one part to another, one organ to another, and the beautiful harmony which exists among these organs in a state of health. On the other hand, it is also interesting, albeit not pleasurably, to study the sequence of events which follow disease of one or more of these parts or or- gans, and its extension directly or indirectly to involve other parts and organs. This discussion must necessarily be brief, and so we will choose for our consideration and study one of the most interesting and marvelous of all organs in our body, namely, the heart, with its vascular system, the blood vessels; and its closely allied organs, the kidneys.
The heart is unique. It is un- like any other organ in the body. It works all the time, even when we sleep; eight-tenths of a second are required to complete one cycle; that is, the heart works four-tenths of a second and rests the other four- tenths. But even when it rests, the blood vessels in its vascular system throughout the body keep work- ing, by virtue of the natural elas- ticity of their muscle and elastic tissue fibers.
The heart weighs only ten ounces. In comparison with the liver, the latter is five times as heavy, and in comparison with the body as a whole, the latter weighs 205 times as much. Yet the amount of work the heart does is relatively colossal — and it dare not fail! It beats on an average of 72 times a
minute, and puts out about 2 gal- lons of blood in that time. A single drop of blood takes about 23 sec- onds to make a complete circuit of the body and requires from 26 to 28 beats of the heart. It passes twice through the heart in making this circuit, but only once through the body. Each day, even under resting conditions, the heart ejects several thousand pints of blood, and this may be increased by as much as 1000% during severe ex- ercise !
To get a better understanding of what this means, let us make a few comparisons. The amount of work which the heart does in one day is equivalent to the additional energy expended by a man climbing half-way up Pike's Peak or shovel- ing 26 tons of coal up a three-foot incline. For the average man, this will equal an amount of energy sufficient to lift ninety tons three feet high; or the equivalent of lift- ing half a pound forty inches high with each beat! When the pulse is about 72 per minute, approxi- mately eight pints of blood pass through' the heart every minute. With moderate exercise, this is in- creased to about twenty pints; while during severe exercise, all the blood in the body (about eight pints) goes through the heart in about twelve seconds.
l\TOW let us consider it from an- other angle: Assuming that the heart beats about 70 times per minute, blood courses through the vessels at the rate of 207 yards per minute, seven miles an hour, 168 miles a day, and 61,320 miles a year, the heart beating about 50,- 000,000 times! Now multiply that figure by the proverbial "four- score-and-ten" (years) and the fig- ures are staggering. A single cor- puscle lives only' about three to four weeks, but assuming that it were to live for the life-time of the
By P. K. EDMUNDS, M.D.
STANDPOINT of SCIENCE
individual, and let us say the in- dividual reaches the ripe age of 84 years; then this corpuscle would have traveled in that time nearly five and a quarter million miles. And may I reiterate that these fig- ures deal with the heart that beats at the normal resting rate of about 70 per minute; consider the differ- ence were the heart rate to be in- creased twenty to thirty percent by the simple ingestion of a few cups of coffee or other stimulant bever- age at regular intervals throughout the day. But more of this later. The foregoing comparisons are taken from the medical publication "Hygeia."
And now a word about that much-talked-of thing, blood pres- sure. To more clearly understand this latter, let us make a rather homely comparison. Let us con- sider the heart a rubber ball filled with water; let us attach to it a straight tube. It will require a certain pressure on the ball to force the water through this tube. Now if we add a second tube, and here and there branching tubes; and if we bend these at different angles, and on several branches add other balls; and if these extend for a dis- tance of about 70 inches, and then connect with similar branching tubes leading back to the rubber ball; it will require infinitely more pressure on the rubber ball to force the water throughout this closed circuit and back to the ball. What we have amounts to a double column of fluid about 70 inches in height. Let us transform this ball into the heart, the rigid tubes into elastic blood vessels, and the water into blood. The other balls mentioned we will replace with or- gans of the body, the liver, the lungs, kidneys, brain, etc.; and we have as a result a human power plant with its central pumping sta- tion (the heart) as the source of energy supply.
What part does the heart play in maintaining blood pressure? We have discussed that above in con- templating the amount of work performed by this organ. Let us
consider the part played by the blood vessels. Hardening of these vessels almost always causes high blood pressure. Normal blood pressure varies with the individual, but for general purposes, it might be said that a normal person of twenty years has a systolic (high- er) pressure of about 120 (milli- meters of mercury) ; and for each year increase in age, the pressure goes up half a millimeter, so that a person forty years of age would have a pressure of about 130. There are two readings, a higher and a lower reading. When the blood pressure is referred to ordinarily, only the higher reading is men- tioned. While the heart is relaxing
A Word of Wisdom
A WORD OF WISDOM, for the benefit of the Council of High Priests, assembled in Kirtland, and church; and also the saints in Zion.
"To be sent greeting — not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days.
"Given for a principle with prom- ise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.
"Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, in consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by reve- lation.
"That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling your- selves together to offer up your sac- raments before him.
"And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.
"And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the wash- ing of your bodies.
"And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.
"And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly. . . ."
and filling with blood, there still exists a certain amount of pressure, the Diastolic pressure, which is nor- mally about two-thirds of the higher pressure. This is the pres- sure which the heart must overcome before the valves open and blood can be forced into the great vessels, while the difference between the two readings represents the power of the left ventricle of the heart in excess of the diastolic pressure. A high diastolic pressure is of serious import to the heart, and causes the greater concern to the physician, since it indicates increased resistance in the vascular system somewhere (the branching tubes of our crude example) , and throws an added burden on the heart. Naturally we wish to know the reason for this increase in resistance, and, if possible, eradicate the cause.
High blood pressure is common in the United States. It is esti- mated that about 20% of the adult population, which in figures equals about five million persons, have it. It is further estimated that 140,- 000 die annually in this country as a result of this condition, about half of the deaths being due to heart failure as a complication. This condition therefore becomes one of extreme importance. And if there are ways of prevention, we are interested in knowing about them.
There are many factors which contribute toward raising the blood pressure in an individual. Some are transitory, others more lasting; and the transitory causes, as emo- tion, worry, etc., if frequently re- peated, lead to a permanency of the situation. It may be said in general that there are five factors which cause this condition of hard- ening of the blood vessels, with subsequent high blood pressure: (1) Heredity; (2) Infections, par- ticularly venereal infection; (-3) the stress and strain of life, the so-called "wear and tear;" (4). Personal Habits, as overeating, overworking, worry, etc.; (5) In-
(Continued on page 448)
419
fl Builder of Boys and Girls
GENTLEMEN, I would rather rear better boys and girls than raise better sheep and cattle."
The Board of Education of one of Utah's largest school districts was met in regular session. Facing them was a new superintendent; a quiet-mannered, intelligent man, young in appearance, old in experi- ence. The board was demanding further economies in school ex- penditures. The new executive was proposing a program which had it not required the appropria- tion of additional moneys was in itself so revolutionary as to imme- diately earn a rebuff from the con- servative members of the board. In his quiet, forceful way the super- intendent was winning his case.
He succeeded so admirably and effectively in becoming a pioneer in what has been characterized a renaissance in the field of education that it was not at all remarkable when the National Child Welfare Association selected Dr. Francis W. Kirkham as educational director. His creed has always been:
"The greatest opportunity for service to one's country is to do something for its boys and girls."
rTHE name of Francis Kirkham is not a new one in educational circles of the nation. All his life he has sought the opportunity to promote the new ideal in education which would make of the student being sent from the school, not alone the product of the grinding mill proficient in the three "R's," but a well rounded individual trained in the art of living. He believes that good citizenship is a matter of character building and that a great responsibility rests upon the schools of the nation for the promotion of such a program.
When Mr. Kirkham assumed the leadership of the Granite School District he wasted no time pro- ceeding to the traditional "brass tack."
"Gentlemen," he addressed his board, "did you ever stop to con- sider what your job is, what my job is? Do you know that it is our responsibility to guarantee equal opportunities to every child in this district? There are at the 420
By GEORGE S. DIBBLE
Here is a success story that ought to thrill every hatter-day Saint boy and girl who have set their feet upon the ladder which leads to great achievement.
DR. FRANCIS W. KIRKHAM
present time a large number of boys and girls of compulsory school age who are not attending school. We are guilty of dire neglect if we choose to ignore these individuals. There are privileges which belong very properly to these boys and girls. I propose thaf we assume this real responsibility. For this purpose I am asking for an addi- tional appropriation to cover the costs of a pupil accounting and character-building program."
The board weighed the advis- ability of increasing the already overloaded budget. The superin- tendent was obdurate. With the methodical thoroughness of the at- torney that he is, he presented his case.
'The law requires us to spend money on all children of this dis- trict up to the age of eighteen years and to do it on a twelve months basis. Our problem becomes one of character building, of fitting the youth under our supervision to be
honorable, useful citizens who know how to make a living. Every one of you approves the plan of building up a superior strain of livestock. Shall we not do the same for our children? The 'problem' youth of today is our problem citizen of tomorrow."
■THE board granted the increase. At an annual expenditure of $700.00, a child-accounting sys- tem was established in the entire district. A study was made of de- linquent cases. Under observation for special study were: (1) Those who had attended school less than twenty weeks during the school term; (2) those who had been absent the previous school year; (3) those who had failed in two or more school subjects the previous term. Teachers were engaged for a twelve month term to aid in car- rying out the program. Pupils who were forced to remain away from school for economic reasons were aided in securing of worth- while employment and the super- vision of the school extended into his working hours as well as his leisure time. Juvenile delinquency in the Granite District was reduced to 20% or 25% in the short period of three years.
So successful was the plan that neighboring districts tried it with equally startling results. From a superintendent came this statement:
"Through a correlation of this work with the Boy Scout move- ment, we have enlisted every avail- able candidate for the tenderfoot rank in scouting in our entire dis- trict."
In this work Mr. Kirkham re- ceived the hearty support of his co- workers, the Salt Lake Council, Boy Scouts of America, and ecclesi- astic and civic organizations in his district.
■4
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, JULY, 1935
"DACK of the life story of this man is a never ceasing struggle to at- tain a goal he set for himself early in life.
When Francis was thirteen, his mother died in childbirth, leaving a large family. One week later his father left to perform a church mis- sion. With his brother Jim who was eighteen years of age (Oscar A. was only ten) he worked to support the family and sent fif- teen dollars to his father monthly. through the operation of a mercan- tile establishment. Two years later he entered the L. D. S. College, renting a room and preparing his own meals. Bread at that time sold for thirty loaves for a dollar. Not being able to afford milk, he at times substituted hot water and sugar when he had a craving for bread and milk.
Having completed one year's work at the college, he decided to continue scholastic work at Brigham Young University. Taking with him a camp-stove, some potatoes, salt pork, gra- ham mush and some quilts he rented a room in an adobe house for four dollars per month. Be- , sides carrying a heavy course in ! bookkeeping and stenography he studied the piano, practicing J before classes in the morning. Quite frequently the room was so cold that technique was ex- '
tremely difficult.
TN the usual time for ac- quiring a diploma Fran- cis received two: one in stenography and one in bookkeeping. Realizing that his natural bent in-
clined to the teaching field, he re- turned to school. A year later at the age of nineteen he accepted a call to perform a mission to New Zealand.
The trip to New Zealand con- sumed twenty-seven days. As soon as the young missionary arrived he was sent among the Maoris with- out companions and left in this situation for six weeks. Not hav- ing a knowledge of the native ton- gue he suffered acutely the pangs of home-sickness. To counteract this he applied himself diligently to the task of learning the Maori tongue. One day being especially lonely he had been praying fervently when he felt the comforting influence of his mother's presence. From that time forward his progress was
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WBtafo.
rapid and his homesickness never recurred.
At the end of six weeks the pre- siding elder returned to hold a con- ference in the branch. At the con- ference the elder introduced a new missionary, announcing that he would speak through his own translation. Elder Kirkham im- mediately arose to his feet and to the great surprise of the other mis- sionaries present, spoke to the Maoris in their own tongue. At this time the natives of the district were opposing the government and the new missionary was later in- strumental in bringing about a reconciliation. He wrote and pre- pared a simplified grammar of the Maori tongue which has been an important factor in preserving the language as well as a practical aid for students of the tongue. Returning home he fulfilled a brief mission for the Mutual Improvement Association in Idaho. Then the newly return- ed missionary armed himself with sample products of a knit- ting mill and mounted a bicycle. He decided to make his initial canvassing venture at American Fork, but arriving there his courage deserted him (Continued on page 45 6)
/MA
1
.-
AS GEORGE S. DIBBLE SEES THE GIRL AND BOY BUILDER
421
The ABUNDANT LIFE
<U2
■
FOR the last half dozen years or more the little phrase "the abundant life" has met my gaze in dozens of books, scores of magazine articles, newspaper stories and editorials. I have heard it spoken flippantly in the Sunday School class, on the lecture plat- form and from the pulpit.
It has come to be the name for about as many things as the little word "love," which has been made the label for almost everything from a mere bodily urge to the perfect altruism of the Son of God.
COME of the conceptions of the fuller life remind me of a friend, who after listening to a discussion in a Sunday School class of a number of things as gospel, that were not really gospel, re- marked laconically, "The gospel embraces all truth except the gos- pel." Paraphrasing this sally of wit it might be said that, judging from what is being said about it, the abundant life is all kinds of life except "the abundant life."
But it was just last night that I heard the first attempt to explain how one can get this richer life by the mere psychological devices of "attention" and "imagination" and the interplay of these two mental processes. It was in a class discus- sion.
The instructor, who knew a few psychological terms and seemed to like the scholastic sound of them better than the simple spiritual terminology of the Christ, at- tempted to induct his hearers into the joyous fulness of life by the psychological route.
His observations led me to medi- tate. Where did the phrase orig- inate? What is this fulness of life? Just how does one get it?
'"THESE are vital questions. The persistent discussion of them is my excuse for obtruding these para- graphs upon the reader. I should not have permitted myself to be precipitated into print if I were not profoundly convinced that the 422
By NEPHI JENSEN
Who is there that would not like to find the true abundant life which brings a joy which passes under- standing? That is the eternal quest. Judge Jensen, in this brief article, presents or defines or points out what, in his opinion, constitutes that life.
phrase has a very deep definite doc- trinal significance; and that the dis- tortion of its meaning is responsible for a great many people's failing to seek this most precious gift.
The Divine Master is the author of the phrase. It is a part of His beautiful, terse explanation of His saving mission. "I came," He said, "that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
The Savior was always talking about life. "Eternal life," "ever- lasting life" and "life is more than meat," are phrases that were con- stantly upon His lips. The en- noblement of life was the very core of His philosophy. He spoke of "entering into life" as the highest attainment of man. Fulness of living and fulness of giving might be regarded as His conception of real success.
But we shall not catch His mean- ing unless we keep in mind that life in its highest and best aspects, as Jesus understood it, is something more than the mere work-a-day pleasure-seeking existence. He spoke of Himself as "the life of the world" — implying that He was in a special sense a giver of life. That He invested the word with deep spiritual significance is evident from the fact that He says, "If ye eat not of the flesh of the Son of God ye have not life in you."
The profoundest students of the Savior's spiritual philosophy un- derstood that He was distinctively a sensitizer of life. Paul very im- pressively gives Him the appellation "Quickening Spirit."
But the Master's idea of the en- richment of life is quite different from that of the ordinary man. Two stories in contrast will aid us in discovering this difference.
ONE night a man of wealth sat in a local theater while a
drama, written by a noted literary craftsman, was being played by a company of real artists. It was one of those strong wholesome plays that depict the triumph of the truly heroic in human char- acter. When the curtain went down for the last time the man who sat next to the capitalist turned and asked :
"How did you like it?" "Oh, I don't have to pay for a Sunday School lesson," he snorted. The story furnishes a classical illustration of the ordinary man's idea of getting away from the humdrum of existence. He looks to the object from which he gets his pleasure to furnish the excite- ment. He seeks excitement rather than incitement. So if any object from which he is seeking pleasure does not really please, he either strives to have it spiced up in some way, or he resorts to some other type of gratification. If plain food does not tickle his palate, instead of waiting for his appetite to be- come keener, he resorts to richer dishes. If a classical book seems dull, he picks up a wild story. If real art on the stage seems too tame, he goes to a questionable play. If clean sparkling wit does not evoke his risibility he calls for smut. Or, in other words, he constantly seeks to increase his pleasures through change and diversification instead of intensifying his powers to enjoy.
MOW the other story. The chill of winter had just turned to the genial warmth of spring. The ground was becoming dry. Three sub-teen girls were out on the side- walk. Two of them were glee- fully swinging a rope in the skip- the-rope fashion, to the merry ac- companiment of a joyous spring song. The other girl, with heart beating in tune with the lively swish of the rope, was doing a
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, JULY, 1935
lively "salt, vinegar, mustard, pep- per." The circumstance furnished inspiration for a bit of homely meter.
I haven't read the weather dope But the swish, swish of skipping rope
Makes the girlies zip, zip and sing — Surely it must be coming spring.
What is the difference between this man of the world and these innocent playful girls? The right answer to this question will aid us in differentiating the Master's idea of living from the natural man's conception. This man of the world was trying to get more life through diversified gratification. The three little girls followed quite a different plan of happiness. They got intense and interminable joy out of a mere skipping rope. Why? Simply because they were intensely alive. Or, in other words, they got their joy out of the intensity of experience and not from newly invented excitements.
This is the Master's idea of in- creasing life. He holds that it is the intensification of life, rather than diversification that gives zest to existence. His whole philos- ophy of man's ennoblement is based upon the idea of the purification and sublimation of the human spirit.
That the Master was not talk- ing about the ordinary aspects of the work-a-day and pleasure-seek- ing activities, when He referred to the fuller life, is evident from the fact that He came to bring the richer life. The life of the average mortal at the time of Christ was very much like it is today. People at that time worked, played, wedded, danced and drank and made merry. If the Savior had in mind these aspects of life, why did He say "I came that they might have life?" His con- temporaries already had diversified life. What they lacked was a deeper and purer life.
TT is this intensity of life that gives real meaning to our ordinary ex- periences. Drinking a little cold water is a very ordinary experience. But I recall an occasion when it was a most exhilarating event. It occurred in Florida. While my companion and I were on our way to the Gulf Coast we got lost in the dense woods. For over eight hours we wandered about in the forest seeking for a road to the coast. It was extremely hot, and
we did not have a drop to drink all day. At about sunset we reached the little fishing village of Hudson; and walked eagerly, almost fran- tically, to the first home that came in sight and asked for a drink of water. We were shown to the well; and commenced to draw the bucket. Presently
"Dripping with coolness it rose from the well."
The homely words of the song had a real meaning for us that day not because of their rare suggestive- ness, nor yet because the water was exceptionally cool. It was not very cool. And it was not very clear. Moreover, drinking water is a very commonplace thing. But we were intensely thirsty. The intensity of our thirst gave us unusual pleasure in the ordinary experience of drink- ing some water.
T'HIS idea of enhancing life
through deepening it finds its
finest exemplification in the higher
registers of experience. Colonel Robert G. Ingersol, he of the gold- en tongue, speaking at the funeral of his brother said, "In the pres- ence of flowers he was touched to tears." This is a rare tribute to a rare soul. The one to whom it was paid was so intensely sensitive to the beautiful that he was deeply moved by the mere sight of com- monplace flowers. The possession of this keen sense of esthetic de- light adds infinitely more to the en- richment of life than enlarged op- portunities of seeing landscapes, pictures and statuary.
As we pass from the esthetic up to the spiritual level the idea of en- riching life by purification finds its finest expression. A few years ago, a young girl from a home of some little affluence joined the missionary ranks of one of our missions in the United States. She arrived at the headquarters of the mission attired (Continued on page 459)
-«c<«§J5Vs»—
The Covered Wagon Crosses the Sea
rPHE Covered Wagon is actually to be enshrined in a park in Denmark far from the trail over which a part of it came many years ago. This wagon pictured here was reassembled and necessary new parts built in Utah and taken to Denmark by Andrew Jenson, veteran Assist- ant Church Historian, where it is to be presented to a park in Copen- hagen, where it will be put on display. The presentation ceremony will occur July 4, 1935. It is interesting to note that Andrew Jenson, pictured with the wagon on the Temple Square in Salt Lake City, is 84 years of age and that he walked all the way across the plains from Wyoming, a small town on the banks of the Missouri River seven miles north of Nebraska City, to Salt Lake City. He began his hike on August 8, 1866, and arrived in Salt Lake City on October 8. He and his wagon, accompanied by his wife and daughter, made the return trip to Denmark in May and early June by train and ship in luxury the boy, while on the long walk, could not even picture in his mind.
423
A ROMANCE OF
By DOROTHY CLAPP ROBINSON
CHAPTER 8
Oc
. IX days passed. Six days of suspense and joyful antici- pation for the Lamanite, suspense and work for the Nephites. They were days of weary waiting for Zena and hopeful plotting for David — and then came the sev- enth.
A fateful day dedicated to secret preparation, crushing responsibil- ity, heart-breaking uncertainty. The City's pulse was rapid, her voice taut, words short. Her years of misery; of insecurity; of slavery and starvation were pitted against the midnight hour. Which would win? Could she in the time allot- ted get far enough away? Would the Lamanites drink and stay drunk long enough. Would the great Jehovah whom she had dis- regarded so flagrantly in the past, direct them aright?
The night was dark and uncer- tain. Great rumbling clouds hung ominously low above the massive walls. Lightning, vivid and ter- rifying, cut through the blackness, speeding careless ones into places of concealment. In the corrals herds milled about and nervous herdsmen prayed fervently for the hastening of the hour. Jewels and family records brought from crypts in walls and beneath houses kept tryst with robes of purple and fine- twined linens; and everywhere grain, baskets and bags of it, had mysteriously appeared to take honor place among the night's col- lections. People had not dreamed there was so much grain, even their bountiful harvest could not have produced it. For every family there was a generous allotment, enough to carry them to safety.
Fathers moved from one member of their family to another; assign- ing tasks here, giving a whisper of encouragement or caution there. Mothers clasped their little ones close in the tense dark, waiting, counted heads again and again that none might stray aside and be left.
1 HE eleventh hour came and passed; and breathlessly, hopefully, fearfully, excruciatingly
424
slow, the twelfth drew near. Could they make it? Oh, dear God, could they make it? Hearts beat rapidly, breath came unevenly and lips were set grimly, but determination stalk- ed undaunted through the night. The time was ripe and they would escape or perish in the attempt. Prayers that came so easily to some, so hard to others, were on all lips and in all hearts. Poverty, sick- ness and now dependency had at last humbled the most stubborn
NANA-AHA'S FACE GREW DARKER. "WOULD YOU INSULT
ME BEFORE MY MEN?" HE CRIED ANGRILY. "NO BRIDE
REFUSES TO EAT OR DRINK."
TTfiDiNc^ K Smith-
TWO CITIES
and proud; the name of the Mighty- Jehovah had come to dwell perma- nently with them.
Through the tense waiting, through the dank darkness and above the threatening rumble of approaching storm, came the sound of the great gong on Noah's tower. One — two — three — oh, would there ever be another. Four — no one breathed — five ! The way was clear — oh blessed Jehovah, lend now Thy strength, keep the La- manites within their own walls.
Then — a rapid, staccato ding, dong-ding, dong, and every adult, every child of responsible age, snatched his allotted burden, sprang into the street and, taking his place in the family group, moved noiselessly and rapidly to the spot appointed to them in the swiftly moving procession. Cor- ral bars were lowered, and cattle and sheep and goats — even they seemed to sense the danger — swung into the stride of march.
V-/NE entire wall of the hovel by the back gate . had magically disappeared and into the void which was the secret pass the procession plunged unerringly and through it emerged to freedom. A sigh, a tear, a sob came from many hearts for those left behind in un- timely graves. Young eyes, aged eyes, strong feet, weary feet, all turned hopefully toward that goal of freedom and peace — The City Beautiful. While all about and above them, the storm strode, growling, rumbling, lashing itself in- to fury; finally spewing in abandon over their de- fenseless heads. When at last its fury was spent, they were drenched and sodden, but no tracks, no traces were left; all had been obliterated. Verily, the help of the Gracious God had strode through the fury of the elements.
The eleventh hour — and from his seat in his huge assembly room, the Mighty One looked arrogantly about, looked without see- ing. His thoughts were on the black mass that was his City. Sedition was abroad — -of what nature Bithna had given him but an ink- ling. Those Nephites were not dependable as slaves; they were too restless, too proud. His brow knitted. That one who would steal his bride — and the others —he would ferret them out when the sign came. If they craved action tonight they should have it. He would show them the real
strength of their Lamanite overlord. Great peals of thunder reverberated through the huge room. He grew uneasy. He glanced about anx- iously. Yes — his men were all here — two only, at each gate. The door to this place too, had a double guard without, so none could creep upon him unawares. Now, if the Priests would hurry and finish the ceremonies — if the Fair One were here where he could see her all would be well. Patience though, for with one so illustrious, it was befitting that the ceremonies be elaborate and lengthy.
He glanced about again, this time with a smile. What if the men had thrown themselves into an orgy of abandon, the occasion war- ranted it, and these walls were im- pregnable— let them laugh and shout. Let them throw dice with grotesquely somber faces. Let them guzzle wine and more wine — wine the Nephites had brought for taxes — they were drinking to him, their mighty leader, and it would be folly to send all such wine on to Shemlon. What if some of them were helpless with it — what if all of them were more or less in a stage of drunkenness, his guards without the doors were valiant and these walls would admit no intruders.
Through the confusion and din, the throb of a drum brought his thoughts quickly about. His eyes turned to the dividing doorway. His men came up standing. Now, at last, the final act in the elaborate marriage ceremonies was to be staged.
IN the passage stood a Priest beating time and advancing slowly. Behind him came the Great Priest, grotesquely painted and entirely nude. Surrounding him in triangle, were twenty-one lesser Priests; their bodies swaying, hands and feet moving in rhythm. They advanced, chanting melodi- ously.
After them came two Nephite men with Zena between them. They lifted her bodily over the threshold and set her within the triangle, then withdrew to where Isaac and his retinue were, they being the last of the procession to enter the room.
{Continued on page 462)
425
CAME TO
ZION
MY people were Mormon converts. I well recall the beautiful spring morning when two strangers stepped into the little red schoolhouse in north- ern Idaho where my mother was superintendent of a Sunday School and asked leave to speak. Momen- tous day! One of those men was a small man with a huge, drooping moustache whom I was later to know well. He was Elder Amos Hatch, then of Chesterfield, Idaho, later of Brigham City, Utah; at which town he passed away some years ago.
I was at that time eight years old, and my father was a stickler for the early to bed and early to rise maxim. We used to get up at four o'clock in the morning in the winter time so as to be sure we didn't miss anything when it grew light. But for some unaccountable reason I was allowed to sit up until after midnight to listen to the series of discussions which took place at our home between my mother and a number of elders. Several of them lasted all night.
My mother was a descendant of a long line of preachers. She was fully capable of filling, and did fill, the pulpit on many occasions. She was a skillful debater. She had been reared, as it were, with the Bible in one hand. Not one of those elders would even claim to be her equal in knowledge of the Scriptures. Their most powerful weapon, they admit candidly, was her own honesty and sincerity. In my mind a mental picture forms; 426
my mother and Elder James R. Smurthwaite of Baker City, Ore- gon, their heads bent low over their Bibles talking in low, earnest tones, Elder Hatch an interested listener, my father stalking back and forth across the kerosene-lighted room — (He was later to fill three missions himself, and he was. then nearing fifty) — occasionally throwing in a dynamic question, or offering a word of encouragement to "Mary."
A FTER several weeks my parents were baptized by Elder Hatch. I sensed that a crisis hung over us; we had reached a milestone in our lives. Strange talk, to an eight year old, was uttered; phrases the meaning of which I sensed but dimly. "Gathering with the Saints," was the one most often heard. My father and Amos Hatch talked a great deal about Chester- field, the place where Elder Hatch lived — Father with the greatest en- thusiasm; Elder Hatch conserva- tively, warningly.
Somehow I realized that a move was necessary. Our social status was altered. The people where we lived made their living by chopping cordwood for the people of Mos- cow, and the farmers of the Palouse prairie. They were known locally as "wood rats." They were poor. Many of them were tough hom- bres; said to be fugitives from jus- tice from the Blue Ridge moun- tains. Any one of them would have added a notch to his gun at any insult offered to my mother, but they couldn't understand. I
felt the changed atmosphere at school. My folks were literally "set apart."
What little we had was sold or bartered at a ridiculous price. Nothing mattered but to join that ideal people, "the Saints," and live their religion undisturbed. In course of time we got as far as La Grande and then Baker City, Ore- gon, then remote outposts of the Church. But my father's eyes were fixed upon Chesterfield as the eyes of a Moslem upon Mecca.
"\A7"E had a hard winter. Acci- dents befell our horses so that some of them died. There was no work so that others had to be sold. My oldest brother alone obtained a job, and then he was the victim of an accident which caused the loss of his right leg. But with the com- ing of spring we again prepared to move. My father, discontented with his surroundings, eager to reach his destination, was deter- mined to be on his way.
My brother was still in the hos- pital. He couldn't be left alone, and my other brother now had his job. It was decided that Father was to go on by wagon, and I was to accompany him. Mother and the boys were to come later by train.
I was then ten years of age, un- believably shy and awkward. No lust for adventure stirred my being and made me long for the trip. I was all too familiar with life in a covered wagon. I had been almost cradled in one.
We had two horses left, and all our worldly goods were stowed easily inside the wagon. We had, I believe, about fifteen dollars in cash. Our destination was nearly four hundred miles distant. There was then no paved highways; little except two gray ruts across a desert from which clouds of stifling dust arose to keep pace with our slow- moving vehicle. The alkali bit into our lips and made them sore. All during the nineteen days of our trip my own lips were swollen
By FRANK C ROBERTSON
This man who has written scores of stories and more than thirty novels y -pauses to tell of one western trip from the far-away pan-handle of Idaho to Chester- field, west of Soda Springs, Idaho, that was not fiction.
to twice their natural size. They scabbed and scabbed again. It was distressing to eat and painful to talk. Water was scarce across the Snake river desert. Twin Falls, the Magic City, was not even a dream at that time; the gigantic reclamation projects which later did so much for Idaho had not then been planned.
Our money was soon gone. Our meager belonging began to go, ex- tra harness, odds and ends, our tent. We didn't need the latter anyway, for by this time there was room for us to sleep inside our wagon box. We were offered five dollars for my dog — and refused the offer.
My main memory of our migra- tion was sore lips. Everything seemed to be subordinated to the need for securing camphorice, which at best afforded but tem- porary relief. But there was one red letter day when a kind-hearted lady gave us a quart of milk. Was ever nectar so sweet?
I recall our worst experience, when we became stuck in a mud- hole miles from any possible assist- ance. It was really a lake. Before we got out we had to unload every- thing from the wagon and carry it out through the water a distance of more than a hundred feet. Next the wagon box was unloaded and dragged out, and finally the front gears uncoupled from the back ones and taken out in that way. But once we were on our way my father was able to sing "Come, Come, Ye Saints," "Come all Ye Sons of Zion," or "Ye Elders of Israel," at the top of his voice. He knew where he was going, and he knew that he would get there.
"DEFORE we reached our desti- nation one of our horses gave out. There was no way to get another, and so there was but one thing to do. A stay-chain was hitched to the end of the double- tree behind one game, gallant old
horse, and he pulled the wagon in alone the last fifty miles with his mate walking along beside him, tugs dangling, and only holding up one end of the neck-yoke. As a writer I have invented many fictional he- roes, but never have I been able to ascribe such heroic qualities to them as was really possessed by that magnificent old black horse. He was then past twenty, yet gaunt and leg-weary as he was he drew that double load on each day until it seemed that he must drop from sheer weakness; yet never once was it necessary to urge him forward with the whip. Not all heroes are human by any means.
Then at last we reached the head of Portneuf canyon, and the drab, sagebrush flat of my father's dreams lay before us. Fifteen miles distant lay Chesterfield. Father stopped his team, took a long look, and turned to me.
"How do you like it?"
"I don't like it," I said.
The next moment I received a back-hand clip on the jaw that all but knocked me off the high spring
■■■.■■■■:■■ ■■■■:..■ ■■■ ■■■ . ■ ■. . ■■
EARLY HARVEST IN CENTRAL UTAH
seat. My father was a direct and forceful man. "I'll learn you to like it," he declared.
He didn't "learn" me to like it, but I learned to love it for myself. There, today, my parents lie buried in their beloved Zion. At least once a year I go back. I have trav- eled all that long trek in almost a day in a high-powered automobile, and there is no sight in the world which can ever mean quite so much to me as those old, friendly hills back of Chesterfield, among which the best years of my life have been spent.
*\R7"E barged on. We made camp a few miles farther on, and it took us nearly all of the next day to reach Chesterfield. Many times we were obliged to stop and rest our given-out horse, now almost too weak to carry even half the neck-yoke. A kindly farmer, Mr. John Balfour, afterward my bishop, and now a resident of Salt Lake City, gave us hay. Chester- field is upon a hill. Without that hay for our horses we could not have made it.
We drew up to a board gate, with a house sitting a considerable distance back. My father got down and started to the house. Before he had got half way, I saw a man running to meet him, a man in faded blue denim overalls and jumper. Elder Hatch ! I had never seen him before except in a long, black Prince Albe'rt coat and a derby hat. He shook my father's hand, embraced him, clapped him upon the back again and again."
Out from the house paraded three barefooted youngsters, all younger than myself.
"Are you a fruit peddler?" the oldest one asked.
"No," I replied dismally.
They returned to the house look- ing as disgusted as I did dejected. Chesterfield is high and frosty, and raises no fruit. Such as they then obtained came by way of wagon from Brigham City. The visit of a fruit peddler's wagon was an event. No wonder the boys were disgusted.
"THE picture rises before me as
though it were yesterday. A
small boy, dirty, ragged, forlorn,
(Continued on page 448) 427
That
This article is especially -prepared for married women and men and for those who expect to
be married.
Wrapped-in-Cellophane
By
VIRGINIA CANNON NELSON
IT is not so much the ab- sence of a gold or plat- inum band on the third ringer of her left hand that stamps a girl as unmarried, as it is that she wears about her a sort of "wrapped in cellophane" look. It is a look of glamor and allure; an appearance of pink and white daintiness and a be- coming fragility. Like the cellophane wrapper which the corner drug store used in its window display to effectively dress up every- thing from a tooth brush to a package of stationery, this look seems to set a girl apart from the world as something a little more ornamental and precious. This "wrapped in cello- phane look" in a girl is a product of careful hair- grooming, smart looking clothes, trim foot gear, stylishly worn hats, and the right shade, if any, of lipstick. It is a look born of a conscious effort on the girl's part to act becoming- ly, to walk with an easy grace, and to be always at her fascinating best. This look does something to a man. It is provocative to his peace of mind. It changes him from a state of contented singleness to an emotional unstableness where he envisages the girl, gold and green effect, ornamenting his living room sofa. He is tor- mented with a desire to possess the fairy-like, cellophane-radiant crea- ture.
But the "wrapped in cello- needs only the relaxation to the phane" look, after a year or two security of matrimony to destroy of married life usually turns out all the glamor. The girl was, after to be as perishable as the celk>- all, no different. phane wrapper itself. It somehow Stripped of the pink and white
428
Look
illusion, she turned out to be just another woman. In the event of a baby's be- ing added to the family, the relaxed effect seems a little more marked, and the transition from the orna- mental to the utilitarian, a little more realistic and abrupt. Of course, this isn't true of all wives. There are many mothers who look really younger than their grown-up daughters; mothers, who have smartness and style and with whom by con- trast, their children look dowdy. There are moth- ers in abundance who have charm, vivacity and the desire to please constantly with them. But on the whole, isn't it true that the matter-of-factness of mar- riage tends to destroy the pretty front a girl displays to the world before her marriage and gives her a slightly shopworn air? The husband must feel defraud- ed when he finds that the glittering look of his best girl is just a fantasy that she doesn't bother to preserve after very long. Daily contact across the early morning breakfast table and night of soothing a col- icky baby are effective ways of de- stroying the cellophane radiance. He must accept as a substitute for the picture of perfection in his girl that used to set his pulses racing, an excuse of "The baby was so cross today" or "I'm just too tired to get cleaned up tonight" and the bare- faced fact of an unprepossessing ap- pearance in his wife. The husband must soon realize that his wife's glamor was ephemeral, and her beauty not like that of the lilies of the field, to which the Master al-
-4
luded, but very much a thing of toiling and spinning.
AND there is much to be said in justification of the wife. There are the obvious reasons for her lapse in splendor; reasons like less money, less time, and less incentive than she experienced before mar- riage. But there are also many other reasons, reasons less obvious, but deeper-rooted. Since time im- memorial, man has talked of beauty in women, and by praising it, heap- ing platitudes about it, composing odes to it, fighting battles over it, and systematically glorifying it, they have almost convinced women that beauty is a prerequisite to woman; that it is her heritage and her distinctive duty to do every- thing within her power to encour- age and preserve it. Men have been resourceful in this campaign for the belief in the necessity for beauty in women. They have conducted it al- ways with the same zest, persever- ance, and ingenuity that they are now displaying in radio advertising. Is it any wonder that woman succumbs to man's presentation of the case and undertakes to keep it alive by employing all the arts known to women for the fostering of beauty? But after marriage, who can blame her for neglecting to curl her hair, or exercise her sluggish muscles, when she sees her husband, staunch advocate of beauty in women, himself getting baldheaded and paunchy without a qualm or a misgiving. His pas- sive acceptance of the changes in himself, plus the habit of admiring Venus-like creatures, must convince all but the most hopelessly blinded, loyal consort that the proposition is hardly a fair one. The wife's judgment must soon tell her that man's energy in work, on one end of the scales is outweighed on the other end by the wife's duty to be both efficient and ornamental. So unless she be of the very vain type, she rebels and permits the husband his disillusionment. She experi- ences a stage in life when she really doesn't mind letting the man know that the "spick and span," out-of- a-bandbox air, is not a haphazard charm, but the result of painstak- ing, systematic and time-consum- ing labor.
TT is not enough, say these wom- en, for the husbands merely to pass them a few well turned com- pliments, and then trot home for
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, JULY, 1935
dinner, perhaps, business acquaint- ances, whom they hope to impress to the point of signing a contract, by the perfection of their home and wife. There is not, for instance, a parallel attempt on the part of the husband to make himself the epi- tome of everything gracious and desirable when the wife's particular friends are about; he is usually satisfied with a grunt of preoccupa- tion. There is a catch in the prop- osition, the feminine elements feel, when they are supposed to be cooks, dressmakers, nurses, and laun- dresses, yet maintain a crisply- waved appearance simply for the sake of a few ideals the male fondly cherished before he was married.
In fact, with the coming to the screen of Robert Montgomery and the late Rudolph Valentino, women have been convinced that there is something on the other side of the ledger, and that pulchritude in men may be as devastating and worshipful a thing in man as in woman, and a quality to be as stim- ulated and cherished. (And that, by the way, is I am sure, the secret of every husband's particular an-
tipathy to Robert Montgomery.) So to every woman, who at the footsteps of a male upon her stair, dashes to powder her nose, or ar- range her locks, there are at least nine women now, who remain "as they were."
■"THERE are women, I am told, who make up their faces, when retiring to bed, more carefully and painstakingly than for daytime, simply to keep their respective hus- bands in a happy daze of illusion- ment. Think what effort it must cost them to keep the make-up un- smeared and unmussy through the relaxed positions of sleep. And it must cost them bitter moments to see the husband, relaxed and snor- ing, and suffering no self-reproach at woman's martyrdom. There are books which tell of beauty lore in the early mornings; of how the wise woman will awaken well enough ahead of her spouse to per- mit a freshening up of her appear- ance before he opens his eyes. But the books are written by men. More propaganda. The woman (Continued on page 447)
"TABLE TALK," BY MARGUERITE F. PEARSON. A PAINTING THAT WAS EXHIBITED IN THE
SPRINGVILLE ART EXHIBIT, 1935
429'
Painting by J. B. Fairbanks
'AS BRIGHAM YOUNG SAW IT"
I
PIONEER
_jtT was an early Sun- day morning. The spring air, mellowed by the morning sun, was fragrant with sifted canyon per- fumes.
Riding along the upper east bench, Jim Howard eased his foot to the brake and the small car came to a stop.
He slumped down in the seat. One hand clutched and twisted at the periphery of the steering wheel as if he wanted to break a segment out.
His dark eyes flashed on the one who sat so still beside him. She was staring down, unseeing, while her nimble fingers twisted and knotted a handkerchief until it was a moist, wrinkled ball.
Sipping of life's bitters they had grimaced at the first quaff. It was all so unfair; their having to wait.
1WO weeks previous they had met at the Gold and Green Ball and had waltzed into each other's heart.
It all seemed so strange, so very, very strange that love had come to them so fully, so completely at their age. A ripe love, filled with un- derstanding.
They would finish life together. 430
By
GEORGE A. MUIR
That was unquestioned. As soon as Jim found work.
As if continuing a long-broken conversation Jim said:
"It was the same everywhere, Jane. Some questioned; some didn't even bother. With all of them it was the same — my age. One or two asked me to return later. Just a bit of good natured encouragement, I guess."
Silence!
Jim reached over and snapped on the radio. The Tabernacle Organ was playing softly — then, voices.
"Come, come ye Saints."
"Look! Jane," Jim pointed, over the valley below, that was
veiled with a soft, bluish tint. "I wonder," he continued, "if Brig- ham Young didn't see it like that when he stopped here and said, 'This is the place.' A city, rising out of the mist."
Jane brightened. "Can't you al- most hear them now? The Pio- neers! The oxen straining at their yokes against the heavy loads; the creaking wheels."
"And there was work," Jim added dreamily. "Sixteen or sixty, there was work for all. A man could build a home for the one he loved."
Jane leaned over close. "The ones that didn't give up built that city, Jim," she encouraged softly.
IHEN the choir, strong and clear; "All is well, All is well."
Jim squeezed the hand that nes- tled in his. He squared his shoul- ders and breathed deeply — as a conqueror.
It was as if a load had been lifted. They laughed, joyously, and the song of the lark mixed in with their laughter.
"This week I will try again," Jim said firmly. "Age cannot hold me back. Wednesday I shall be seventeen."
Worth
By Latia Mitchell Thornton
TF I shall plant a tree
■*■ To serve the traveler in the days to be;
Though I shall nothing gain
I'm richer that I have not lived in vain.
If I shall till a field
That gives for hungry men its fragrant
yield, Lifted above the sod It shall bear witness for me, unto God.
If I shall grow one flower
That cheers another in a lonely hour,
And makes a better earth,
I shall have proven that my life had worth.
«&f§gte»-
Not Alone
By Margaret Jane Cole
SHE is ready now to go, Life, since you will have it so: All the things she meant to do, All the tricks her body knew, All the subtleties of brain She need never use again. These are arts, these once were dear: She leaves them now without a fear.
It is time; her soul has rent The detaining ligament: Delight, desire, ambition, sleep, None of these she cares to keep; No regrets; naked and free She goes — and Life goes with her — she Not uncompanioned leaves her shell! All is well — all is well!
Tradition
By Edgar Daniel Kramer
WE boast that we are free, but we are slaves Within the shackles of a tyrant rule ; We stumble helplessly into our graves, As little children gaping at a fool.
We love and laugh, yet tremble at a dream,
And follow in the narrow, beaten track,
And him, whose eyes have dared to glimpse
the gleam,
We break beneath the cross upon his
back;
And him we crown with thorns and
crucify,
And give him galled vinegar to drink,
Then, rearing him against the dying sky,
We stand and jeer, because he dared to
think.
We boast that we are free, and yet we go Unquestioning in ways the years have trod,
And all our little wisdom blinds us so That we mistake our glory for our god.
Prayer for the Bridegroom
By Alberta H. Christensen
THIS is his wedding day, dear God; I mean The little boy, who yesterday it seems, Chased butterflies among the clover bloom. I cannot think that all his boyish dreams — - The pirate hut, the grassy lanes of June, And bandaged toes — are memoried so soon !
I would not have it otherwise, dear God — It isn't that I grieve to have him go, But You who know the language of the
heart Will read my meaning in this prayer, I
know.
To honor's path I pray, help him be true — - That this new height to which his young
feet climb — This glistening bond which makes two
hearts as one — ■ May gleam untarnished to the end of time.
And when he blunders — and all mortals
do — So far I'll be I cannot take his hand, Help her to be as wife and mother too — To more than love — God — let her un- derstand!
-«K<S»9*S»-
Companioned
By Vesta Pierce Crawford
THAT each one walks the road of life alone — Someone has said, I know not why at all, For not a single day for me has gone Without an armored legion at my call.
That questing caravan who passed of old Along this shadowed hill and valley way Now rim my own rough path in phalanx
bold— "File on! File on!" Their voices seem
to say:
She whom they left in the prairie earth As the wagons rolled on to the West, And only her dreams had visioned the birth Of an empire reared on the mountain crest:
He who walked across the barrier plain, Long weary miles of solitude and sand He hoped each labored step would help
to gain The shelter of that distant promised land.
They who turned the untamed desert sod, Who moved the rocks and clinging brush
away, And rendered all the grateful praise to God For heavy wheat-heads reaped on harvest
day.
I do not walk alone this road of mine, For lo, each day along the path I see The shining vanguard of that faithful line Who lift their blazoned shields aloft for me!
Lamplighter
By Florence Hart man Townsend
WHEN I am laid beneath the dews and damps,
If men shall say, "She merely lighted lamps —
The lamp of truth in some dark lane of doubt,
The lamp of hope where hope had flick- ered out,
The lamp of joy where hearts were dim with grieving,
The lamp of faith in some lost pilgrim's evening;"
Oh, if they say, "Her life was like a flame,
Lighting securely the darkness when she came,"
Then shall my ashes lie content and still,
And in my heart a glow death cannot kill.
Last Straw
By Ardyth Rennelly
WOULDN'T care if there had been no moon,
No flower-colored moon up in the sky, But oh, there was — you see there? — and
I thought I'd see it from the garden with you by.
I'd dressed so gay with foolish-beating
heart In pearls and perfume and a gown of blue, And while I waited in the velvet dark I thought a little song to sing to you.
I wouldn't care if there had been no moon, No silly jonquil moon up in the sky, But oh, there was, my dearest love. Why
else Should I begin so senselessly to cry?
I
Sabbath
By Margaret Wheeler Ross
HOW kind of God to give us one rest day Between the six of labor, that we may Refresh ourselves, with sermon and with
song, Cheering the wayside, as we walk along The path of life.
For in His house the heavy heart may find Sweet consolation, and the tired mind Get inspiration, and the hungry soul Feed on the fruits of His word, making whole
The tattered life.
Oh, welcome glad and holy day of rest! One out of seven, to His service blest; May we direct our lives as God decreed
For all mankind: Much work, a little rest, if we would lead
The perfect life.
431
Today I Have Seen Shadows
rPHE afternoon on which this is being written is a beautiful Sabbath in May — with bridal- wreath bending lacy boughs down with its wealth of bloom, and the air sweet with the scent of flowers and the song of birds. This morning it seemed to me that the world was the most glow- ingly happy place imaginable — that light and warmth and joy must be in every heart.
Now it is hours later, and I have seen shadows. To three girls, at least, bridal-wreath today is but a white mockery of what anything bridal could mean to them; flowers cannot blot out the disagreeable realization that all is not sweet, nor birds sing to peace the tumult in their souls. For three girls, this heavenly day in May, are seeing its glory through a veil of disenchantment and disillusion. They are girls who know that there is a world of difference between today and other Mays which have gone before.
Strange that there should be three girls in the same day with the same problem; but there are. One of them first told me her story a month or so ago; one about two weeks ago and the third one just today for the first time, coming with the second one to join our pitiful little discussion. Three girls have admitted, of their own volition, that for a moment's imagined thrill they have given up months of contentment. Their stories have enough in common to read almost like one story — except that each will end differently, in all probability. It is the old, old story of a girl who thought that love was all that mattered, and that love was largely physical. It is the story of the girl through the ages who has found ashes of bitterness in her soul in place of the molten gold she dreamed of melting from the ore of a too- intimate experience without the alchemy of mar- riage which carries power to render out the real gold.
No confidence is being violated in telling what they have told me; one of them asked me to. "If what I've learned could serve to warn even one other girl, before it is too late, I'd feel that it had not all been so desperately in vain. Do you think it would help anyone if you should let them know what my feelings are?" , . . And I thought perhaps it would; perhaps it will. In their own words their little plea comes to you — ■ girls of the Church who may be wondering if you are not missing something of excitement and ex- perience.
"Can't anyone make girls understand that such experiences aren't worth the cost? For one short period of excitement I flung to the winds al) chance of ever feeling decent within myself again.
Every story I read, movie I see, incident I hear of — has something in it to bring back my own utter stupidity with the shock of a hot iron being laid again on a wound not yet — or ever, perhaps, healed."
Said the other: "Whenever I let myself think about me, I find myself wondering, crazily, if sometime or other the blackness in my heart will ever seep into my veins — it wouldn't surprise me to find my skin a little darker after awhile, if I don't get away from this dreadful sense of un- cleanliness — that won't wash away."
And again, from the first: "Girls who will listen — if there are any who can take another's word — each of you has an idea of what you con- sider the most desirable possession in life. One might think position — to be envied of others; one thinks of fame — to be known and admired by many; one of clothes and jewels — to make a striking appearance; one of knowledge — to be able to meet brilliant minds and flash back under- standing; one longs for money for travel; one for popularity — .
"But listen to me — you have to listen! You must! ... I have known some of the things you think so wonderful; I have thought them wonderful too. I've had travel, education, good- looks and popularity — but I'd gladly give them up and give up any chance of ever having one of them again if I could but own once more that precious thing I gave away so thoughtlessly — sole possession of my own self- — and pride in it."
"To have to live with a self you have cause to despise is like being shut up for life in a prison cell with a girl whose ideals are lower than yours, whose sincerity and strength you question, whose cleanliness of body and mind you are not sure of. You can't choose the family with whom you must live — but you can choose the you. And girls — ■ choose a decent you whom you can like and pal with and talk over your affairs; not one whom you dare not question because you know the answer; not one whom you cannot look in the eyes, because you know what you will find there." .
This is the message they have asked to bring to you, these girls whose bitterness of spirit is beyond imagination. To look at them and talk with them casually you would think them nor- mal, happy girls; perhaps a bit cynical, but cer- tainly no more than that.
Today I have seen shadows.
The value those shadows might have is to warn others to keep out in the sunlight of truth and strength and goodness; to test every value they have with the question, "Will it lighten or darken my life — and that of others?" — E. T. B.
432
July 24— A Church Holiday
T^HOSE who look upon July 24, Pioneer Day,
as merely a Utah holiday, have not thought carefully of the significance of that date. Though Utah may be the only state in the union which looks upon it as a holiday to be observed through- out the state, members of the Church, wherever they may be, cannot but experience a glow when that day dawns.
The young Church had become outcast; its prophet, only three years before, had been mur- dered; there were factions in the organization; a few members of a brave vanguard found them- selves in a desolate wilderness surrounded by a thousand miles-radius — of almost waste, unin- habited land except for a few trappers and com- paratively unknown tribes of Indians. On July Twenty-fourth Brigham Young and his lieu- tenants called that first group together on the site of what is now Salt Lake City and declared that that spot would mark the headquarters, the prac- tical center of the Church.
By that act a crisis had been passed and July Twenty- fourth had taken its place along with April 6 as one of the dates of prime importance to the Church. It became important, politically, to the state of Utah as the birthday of that com- monwealth, but it was more than that. It was the date of the new location and consequent center of the Church.
No matter where a Latter-day Saint may be residing, July Twenty-fourth becomes one of his sacred days — a. day to be remembered, hallowed, celebrated. This year many different flags and union-jacks will fly over Latter-day Saint gather- ings on the holiday, but invisible and among them will be one banner which floats over all the world — the ensign of God. It will not take the place of or do away with the flags of righteous nations, but it will wave over all as nations form into a magnificent brotherhood which will extend around the world.
Because the citizens who celebrated that first occasion in 1 847 had their homes in covered wagons, the Covered Wagon has become the symbol of that holiday. In a very real sense, it was the castle of the Saint.
In a way, the Covered Wagon has become the symbol of all pioneers in every field of endeavor. Those prairie schooners, children of the old May- flower, had more in them than mere household goods and people. They were loaded to the bows with dreams — great dreams of a new em- pire, built upon the foundation of Brotherly Love. No wonder our artists picture those men and women who followed the long trail with up-lifted chins and prophecy in their eyes! They were dreamers all — Millennium builders who beheld a new heaven and a new earth shining entrancingly through the gray-green hills of sage and the deep blue of the distant, misty mountains.
A few who expected immediate transforma- tions— the men and women who only have the courage to "plant radishes" became discouraged and a few forsook their dreams; but the vast majority, those who could plant "acorns and wait for the oaks" stuck doggedly at their task of rearing a new society upon the reluctant soil. The sons and daughters of these men, many of them, have in their eyes the same fire, in their hearts the same faith, in their souls the same patience and are, figuratively, in their covered wagons today crossing over the many horizons into the new lands of science and art, but with them as a part of their equipment goes that in- visible banner..
Covered wagon days are not over, can never be over as long as dreams form and hope lasts, and July Twenty-fourth will always stand as a day among days — a day to celebrate and upon which to praise God. — H. R. M.
June Conference
•THE June Conference just closed, like all others, may take its place among the best ever held.
Unusually inspirational meetings were held in a
city made lovely by sunshine and flowers and
the ever smiling Utah skies.
A brief summary of the Conference is had in
this magazine, but a more complete report will be
given in August.
Bee-Hive House and Lion House Marked -
(~)N Sunday, June 1 0, markers which had been placed upon the Bee-Hive House, the Lion House, and the Office of the First Presidency used by Brigham Young and succeeding presidents before the present magnificent Church Office building was erected, were unveiled in the pres- ence of a small crowd of interested Church members and citizens. Elder George Albert Smith, president of the Utah Pioneer Trails and Land- marks Association, presided.
President Heber J. Grant gave the history of the Presidency's office; President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., of the Bee-Hive House; and President David O. McKay, of the Lion House.
During the course of his remarks President McKay read a report from the United States De- partment of the Interior in which it was stated that the buildings had been designated as being among the historic structures of the nation which ought to be preserved and that, therefore, the De- partment had caused to be drawn up and filed in the Library of Congress complete descriptions and measurements of them which would enable archi- tects to reproduce the buildings exactly should any catastrophe destroy them. — H. R. M,
M. LA. Slogan for 1935-36 WE STAND FOR SPIRITUALITY AND HAPPINESS IN THE HOME
433
The Challenge of Charm
Magic
Some women have a magic way Of putting cheer into a room!
I never see a woman's hands Move swiftly at their burnishings, But that they always seem to bear A likeness to white flying wings. They are so beautiful at giving A cheerful, happy look to living.
■ — Grace Noll Crowell.
OLDERS, youngers — tall, short — blondes, brunettes — married, single — all be- long to the group called "Charm- ing Ladies." The word "lady" seems quaint, an echo from a mem- ory world. "Woman" has taken on new coloring — it is a composite of youth — age — type — personal- ity. It may be plus or less — but still "woman." With a new ap- preciation for that word our memories remind us that nothing brought girls to time as quickly as Grandmother saying, as she raised a daintily poised finger, "Remem- ber, my dear, you are a lady."
Creating women for a definite purpose, the Creator furnished the threads — colors — pattern, and then left to them the weaving of their own design. He expected a thing of beauty, loveliness. He did not ask for reproductions, but indi- vidual models. He expected differ- ent models or He would have made them alike. Like roses in a garden — all roses, but no two of them with the same coloring, perfume, petals, size, beauty.
A Mirror Talks
(GREETING the visitor as she enters the historic old Lion House, a popular social center for girls and women of Salt Lake City and vicinity, is an antique mirror, just opposite the great oak door. Inscribed thereon are the following words:
Preen
Yourself Daintily*
Tumble and twist those lustrous locks*
Arrange them thus and so*
Have the white teeth glisten as tiny pearls
in a ruby miracle of curves*
See to your eyes — modest but hiding
infinite emotion*
Forget not the frail rose for your cheeks*
And see that your slender neck is like ivory*
And your shoulders as smooth and round
as a visioned Dione*
434
The Art of Being a Woman
By
KATIE C. JENSEN
Make yourself thus lovely*
So stand in humble admiration*
I shall see you as you wish to be*
Even tho' the world see otherwise.
To all who will stop and listen — the mirror speaks — friendly but frank and without favoritism. It asks the question, "Are you the you, you would like to be?" It reflects much more than a shiny nose, if one cares to pause and search its depths and ponder. It talks quietly and tempers truth with logic. I have imagined girls and women of my acquaintance passing before it — blondes — red heads — brunettes — little girls — co- eds— brides — mothers — business women — society buds — teachers — stenographers. One by one they pass before it. "Come, Jane," I fancied I heard the mirror say. Jane is thirteen, tall, wondering, affectionate, forgetful, spontaneous, sensitive, lovable. "Where is your chin? It is such a nice chin and should be up so I can look into your eyes and feel your soul. Smile for me and smooth out the frown that shows at the top of your at- tractive nose. What if that teasing brother of yours did say your legs were long and your hands big, and that boys didn't like loud voices? Look up and love people, say nice things, be kind and friendly, your beauty will come from within and your shoulders will straighten with the joy of living."
"Just a minute please," to the tired school teacher who was dab- bing a speck of powder on her nose. "What excuse have you for look- ing so?" "I am so tired of teaching school. I am getting old, children get on my nerves, I don't get enough pay, it doesn't matter how I look — nobody cares." "I care," said the mirror, "and I am only the reflection of what hundreds of peo- ple are seeing. You have so much to be beautiful with, eyes that can
see the first crocus of spring, the mountains, mauve at eventide, the purple of the dawn, the flicker of fireflies in the dusk, the trust in chil- dren's faces. You have ears to hear sweet music, the plaintive notes of evening birds, the patter of spring rains upon the roof, the voice of someone saying 'I love you.' You have feet to carry you into life, eagerly, expectantly, why are you taking life so seriously?"
Nona, eighteen, a crisp white bow at her throat, a hat becoming- ly perched upon one shell-like ear, supple waist, slender hips, white slippers below the ankles of a thor- oughbred — paused breathlessly. "Hello," cried the mirror, "in spite of your red lips I see a pair of tired eyes (too little sleep) . There are some lines around your mouth that say you are a little dissatisfied and unhappy. Is it envy? Jealousy? Disappointment? Are you sulky?"
Nona smiled back at the mirror. "I know I am a part of the new world and I need to be brave. To be popular with my friends, to go over in life, I must have an interest in others more than myself. I will look out and up. I will forget the ugly things, honest I will. Next time I come you will see no tired eyes, no ugly lines, no selfishness, no doubt."
A/fRS. NELSON ascended the old stone steps heavily. "Please stay for a moment," said the mir- ror. "You are a good woman, a housewife. You have a husband and children. Why do you care so little for your appearance? I don't mind because your figure is matronly, but the spasmodic care you have given your face and your hair has done little toward enhanc- ing your attractiveness. I can see you have had a permanent wave, but your skin is coarse and crows feet show that you worry over fool- ish things. Your mouth reveals that you scold and nag, you are sorry for yourself." "Be quiet," replied Mrs. Nelson. "My home, John and my children take all of my time. They will love me no
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, JULY, 1935
matter how I look or act, but if I "O! woman, you were never made
only had regular hours like other to be understood — just to be loved,
women I — ." You each think that the other is
"O! my dear," said the mirror, the only one who has time or
"I know John loves you, but why money to be lovely, charming. But
not make him proud of you, too. listen all of you young women and
Make the children happy to intro- girls of today — there is an old-
duce their friends. Bring to your- fashioned charm about which this
self a lot of happiness. Before you generation knows little, and should
married John you primped, bathed, learn. I know you think that in
curled, and powdered, to get him. years gone by women were con-
What are you doing to hold him? sidered charming because they
You loved him enough to marry blushed when someone said leg in-
him and want to please him. Do stead of limb, screamed and fainted
you know how much that stray when anything unusual happened,
lock sticking straight out at the sat demurely in a corner feeling
back of your neck disturbs him? terribly wicked because they were
Do you know that you are his ban- thinking things they dare not say,
ner? Under what colors are you and timidity was an asset and that
waving? Hie did not marry a today's girls can see no charm in
that.
And you listen, you older women, who think today's daugh- ters lack qualities of charm: Meth- ods and tricks may vary with con- ditions, but fundamentals — never.
vacuum cleaner, he married for companionship. His love would be warmer and richer if you would pack your toothbrush and run away for a week-end with him. A smart blue dress doesn't cost any
more than an indefinite drab one, a They are the same today as yester- becoming hat will be just as ap- day. Today's charm is only an propnate as one built on matronly outgrowth of the loveliness of yes- lines, a smart, perky bow will add teryears. It is just as alluring, a lettuce look to your appearance." though not as subtle and hidden. The mother smiled (she looked Today, blushes are rubbed on — so young when she smiled) . "I yesterday they were revealed am grateful — I have been thinking through sensitive emotions. To- only tired mothers were good day we know that happiness con- mothers, that a mother who was sists of courage, anticipation, en-
self-sacrificing was fulfilling her mission — that John and the chil- dren liked a clean home and good cooking and — ."
Definitely — directly in came the tired business girl. "Come, be more beautiful," said the mirror.
thusiasm, hope, eagerness, adven- ture in your heart, and we go out to capture it. Long ago, maidens and matrons waited for happiness to come into the home and find them. Each generation needs the other. Let us blend the old-
"What excuse have you for looking fashioned sincerity, daintiness, vir as you do? You are efficient, but where is your charm?"
T AM busy, tired, serious, and so
discouraged. Why only yester- day I lunched with an old friend. She married young, has enough money and the time to keep herself up. She is happy, gorgeous."
"Never mind," answered the mirror. "You must have enough business ability to make a business
of showing up your own beauty TF your enthusiasm is dead, then
you are old. Some people's tomb-
tue, consideration, modesty, ex- quisite femininity, with the mod- ern tolerance, friendliness, frank- ness, tact, pride in personal ap- pearance, speech and behavior. The more charming the woman, the happier the world, the better the men, the richer is life.
Enthusiasm — the Plain Woman's Glory
and attractiveness. Shine up your fine points and cultivate an appre- ciation for beauty in life — people and things." Instantly the reflec- tion of the little business girl was
stones should read — "died at 30, buried at 60." The woman of today is naturally charming because she is enthusiastic about life, peo-
that of a smartly attired young pie, things. Appreciation promotes
woman — poised, radiant, murmur- enthusiasm. "Dumb bells" are
ing to herself, "To be successful in out of date because they do not
life, I must feel fit, look fit, act fit." ring. Enthusiasm is the electricity
As these acquaintances of mine of the soul. Vitality is typical of
passed along, the mirror mused, youth. Enthusiasm and vitality
are two of the most attractive attri- butes of charm. Any kind of en- thusiasm calls forth attention. It is like a fire — it always draws a crowd. Life does not miss us; we let it pass us by, because we are not enthusiastic about it. Bliss Carman says, "A right good love affair will develop personality quicker than any other thing."
Have you ever noticed how a girl in love glows, sparkles, radi- ates charm? You forget her nose is long, her hair is colorless — for she has flashes of beauty that sim- ply fascinate those who see her. Such beauty may come from en- thusiasm as well.
The person who can be enthu- siastic about the successes of others is the delightful personality.
J-JAVE you a pet enthusiasm? Some call it a hobby. A new enthusiasm often changes a per- sonality. The meek little woman who found no place for herself in society decided to give up life with others and live by herself. She gathered old magazines, found her- self cutting out paper dolls, finally making clay models, miniature men and women. Today she directs a toy shop in New York, has money and happiness. She found her life's work through an enthusiasm. What have you done with your gifts?
Strive to reach the bubbling point. Do not boil over (with temper I mean) but, respond to the interesting things in life and people. "Thou art enlarged by thine own shining." Enthusiasm gives life to everything it touches. There are many women with- out enough expression in their faces, whose intonations are too monotonous. They should loosen up and become more expressive. But there are those who over-em- phasize to the point of bad. taste.- Have a natural enthusiasm because you believe in a thing. Tune in with the better things of life and be enthusiastic, but do not "rave" about them.
rPHE question of just how enthu- siastic one may be over a man, is a big question in the average woman's mind. The fitness of things, conditions, personalities, must all be taken into considera- tion. Good-taste at all times should regulate all demonstrations of friendship between men and (Continued on page 447)
435
Jane flddams— World Citizen
TO many people the name, Chi- cago, suggests only crime and Al Capone; to others it means social work and Jane Addams.
The casual visitor to this great metropolis would see only the mas- sive buildings, the parks, and boulevards; but the more thought- ful person would ask for Number 806 Halsted Street, the location of America's first and most famous settlement and the home of Jane Addams, its head resident.
This famous social center is not approached through Chicago's well-known gold-coast. It is in the heart of the west-side slums where for the past forty or fifty years immigrant Poles, Russians, Greeks and Italians have made their homes in an effort to become Americans.
A settlement is a social center where people of all kinds gather in search of friendship and justice. Hull-House was the first settlement in the United States and was founded forty-five years ago by Jane Addams. It has been the means of improving many unsatis- factory conditions affecting the life of the poor in Chicago.
As a child, Jane Addams was required to travel abroad in the interest of her health. While in Europe she saw many things which later led her to establish a settle- ment on the west-side of Chicago. While in London she visited Toyn- bee Hall and saw food being auc- tioned off to the poor in the slums of Whitechapel. In Spain she saw peasant women carrying heavy vats of hot wine; sometimes the hot liquid would splash, leaving severe burns on their arms and faces. These experiences in early life im- pressed her very greatly and explain in part her later career as a social reformer.
P)UE to the early death of her mother, Jane was thrown into intimate contact with her father. They became great companions. His outlook on life was a great force in molding Jane's character and ideas. Like all Quakers, Jane's father was an ardent pacifist. This ideal of peace, in fact, has been the central purpose and objective in all Miss Addams' later work.
One of the great achievements
436
By
MARY BEELEY
This essay written about one of America's greatest women and one of the world's noblest hearts , is by a young lady who sees in the matron of Hull-House a truly great world citizen. Since this ar- ticle was -put in type Jane Addams has passed away but her work goes on.
for which Jane Addams and Hull- House are largely responsible in this country is the improvement in the conditions of child labor. Shortly after the establishment of Hull- House the problem of child labor was somewhat dramatically brought to her attention. In her first and best known book, "Twen- ty Years at Hull-House," Miss Addams says:
"Our very first Christmas at Hull-House, when we as yet knew nothing of child labor, a number of little girls refused the candy of- fered them as a part of the Christ- mas good cheer, saying simply that they 'worked in a candy factory and could not bear the sight of it.' We discovered that for six weeks they had worked from seven in the morning until nine at night; they were exhausted as well as satisfied. The sharp consciousness of stern economic conditions was thus thrust upon us in the season of good will." These and similar incidents led up to a series of re- forms of factory conditions in Illinois.
ANOTHER achievement in the field of child welfare for which Jane Addams and her Hull-House friends must be credited, is the Juvenile Court movement. The Illinois law of 1899 created the Chicago Juvenile Court which was the first children's court in the United States, the famous Denver Court following soon after. More unique, perhaps, than the court was
the establishment ten years later of the Institute for Juvenile Research made famous by Dr. William Healy, but inspired in large part by Miss Addams. Her interest in juvenile delinquency grew out of her direct knowledge of the sordid influences which surround the youth of Chicago and other Amer- ican cities. She saw the dance halls and the gin palaces commercializing joy and confusing gaity with lust. In one of her famous books, "The Spirit of Youth and the City Streets," she says: "This stupid experiment of organizing work and failing to organize play has brought about a fine revenge." To help meet this problem she and her friends created the Juvenile Pro- tective Association, an organization which has promoted many im- portant reforms in the interest of youth.
One of the purposes of an Amer- ican settlement is to help interpret our life and society to the immi- grant. Another aim has been to protect the foreigner from those who would exploit him.
Miss Addams' sense of citizen- ship has known no limit as far as race and nationality are concerned. She is the symbol of altruism, peace, justice, and equality. Her travels abroad have made her di- rectly acquainted with the life and labors of alien peoples in their na- tive land; this enabled her to cope with their problems when they arrived in this country.
pROFESSOR LOVETT of the University of Chicago has said: "Jane Addams may not have discovered the principles of inter- nationalism through her experience at Hull-House, but it is easily with- in the bounds of truth to say that she could not have lived there with- out practicing them. There were, by count, a few years ago, a hun- dred different languages and dialects spoken in Chicago, and the most of them have been heard within the last thirty years in the streets that border the famous settlement. Hull-House thus came to represent an asylum for European nations — impartial, sympathetic, under- standing; the America to which Europe instinctively turned for. (Continued on page 446)
On Priesthood By PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR
This is a continuation of last month's article. See June Era.
npO point out all the different laws, * powers, and authorities in the Church, would be a thing impracti- cable; and to refer to all the different cases wherein it might be used, is not to be attempted. God has or- ganized a priesthood, and that priest- hood bears rule in all things pertaining to the earth and the heavens; one part of it exists in the heavens, an- other part on the earth; they both co- operate together for the building up of Zion, the redemption of the dead and the living, and the bringing to pass the "times of the restitution of all things;" and as they are thus closely united, it is necessary that there should be a communication between the one and the other, and that those on the earth should receive instructions from those in the heavens, who are ac- quainted with earthly as well as heav- enly things, having had the experience of both, as they once officiated in the same priesthood on the earth. This being the case, it will be seen that it is a thing impossible to make different laws touching every case, but that it requires a living priesthood, and not a dead letter; the letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life; and it is the inter- course and communication of the priesthood in heaven, that gives power, life, and efficacy to the living priest- hood on the earth, and without which they would be as dead and withered branches. If any man has life, or power, it is the power and life of the priesthood; the gift and power of God communicated through the regular channels of the priesthood, both in heaven and on earth; and to seek it without, would be like a stream seeking to be supplied with water when its fountain was dried up; or like a branch seeking to obtain virtue when the trunk of the tree was cut off by the root: and to talk of a church without this is to talk of a thing of naught, — a dried fountain, a dead and withered tree.
The Bible is good; and Paul told Timothy to study it, that he might be a workman that need not be ashamed, and that he might be able to conduct himself aright before the living church, — the pillar and ground of truth. The church-mark, with Paul, was the foundation, the pillar, the ground of truth, the living church, not the dead letter. The Book of Mormon is good, and the Book of Doctrine and Cove-
nants, as landmarks; but a mariner who launches into the ocean, requires a more certain criterion; he must be acquainted with heavenly bodies, and take his ob- servations from them, in order to steer his barque aright. Those books are good for example, precedent, and in- vestigation, and for developing certain laws and principles; but they do not, they cannot touch every case required to be adjudicated and set in order; we require a living tree — a living fountain — living intelligence, proceeding from the living priesthood in heaven, through the living priesthood on earth.
No matter what was communicated to others, for them, it could not benefit us; and a living dog is better than a dead lion; — and from the time that Adam first received a communication from God, to the time that John, on the isle of Patmos, received his com- munication, or Joseph Smith had the heavens opened to him, it always re- quired new revelations, adapted to the peculiar circumstances in which the churches or individuals were placed. Adam's revelation did not instruct Noah to build his ark; nor did Noah's revelation tell Lot to forsake Sodom; nor did either of these speak of the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt. These all had revelations for themselves, and so had Isaiah, Jere- miah, Ezekiel, Jesus, Peter, Paul, John, Joseph, and so must we, or we shall make a shipwreck.
Then, while we examine our books, and search them diligently, don't let us put those before the priesthood, but seek to support it in all its branches, that life, and health, and salvation may flow to us through the various branches or channels. I do not wish to be un- derstood as despising those books, for they are good, and there are a great many useful revelations in them; and God will not deny himself, or con- tradict, without cause, his former reve- lations; and every principle of truth is eternal and cannot be changed. But I speak of them as I would of children's school-books, which a child studies to learn to read; but when it has learned to read, if its memory is good, it can dispense with. But I would here re- mark, that we are most of us children as yet, and, therefore, require to study our books. If there are any, however, who think themselves men, let them show it, not by vain glory or empty boasts, but by virtue, meekness, purity, faith, wisdom, intelligence, and knowl- edge, both of earthly and heavenly things.
To define the power of the priest- hood would be impossible, for, as stated
before, it governs all things; but it does not here, neither can it at present, further than the laws of God and its authority is acknowledged. Jesus said, all power is given Me in heaven and on earth; yet He was rejected, cast out, and crucified. Paul explains this mat- ter. "What is man that thou art mindful of him? or the Son of Man, that thou visited him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honor, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him." He was or- dained to that power, but did not then possess it only in the church, and not until His second coming, and the bind- ing of Satan would He possess it among the nations.
There are different councils and au- thorities in the Church, which are in some measure defined, together with some of their duties, in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, but which are not generally understood, and whose powers it would be impossible to de- fine, and which I shall not here attempt to do, but briefly to show, in some few particulars, the relative position which they stand in to each other.
When Joseph Smith was living he was the president of all councils, and all authorities in the Church; he stood as prophet, seer and revelator, and apostle; the chief Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He stood before God as the representative of His Church on the earth. In his absence, the Twelve be- ing next in authority, stepped in, not to deprive him of his place, which he still occupies in the heavens, but to fulfil their office and calling, and the relationship which they sustain to the Church; but why did not his coun- selors occupy his place? Because they were not ordained to that authority, and they, therefore, could not act in it no more than the king's cabinet could reign over the nation after the king's death.
On the demise of a king, it is neces- sary that another should be crowned in his stead, and this must be the rightful heir. It is not enough that he is his companion or counselor; and here let me remark that there is a material dif- ference between a counselor and a pres- ident. There are some quorums in the Church, wherein so much difference does not exist, as the High Council and (Continued on page 446)
437
241,263 Assignments Filled in First Quarter
AGAINST a goal set at 250,000 assignments to be filled by mem- bers of the Aaronic Priesthood in the first three months of 1935, one-fourth of the quota for the year, 241,263 were reported.
Filling of one million assignments for the year is the major project of the Aaronic Priesthood. The standing of the stakes at the end of the first three months, showing the number of assign- ments filled with the quota for the year placed in parenthesis is as follows:
Alberta, 2,714 (6,428); Alpine, 1,216 (6,601); Bannock, 1,215 (3,- 872); Bear Lake, 1,973 (6,228); Bear River, 1,677 (9,076); Beaver, 1,073 (5,850); Benson, 2,437 (12,- 881); Big Horn, 2,079 (5,851); Blackfoot, 2,353 (9,256); Blaine, 767 (5,219); Boise, 1,692 (9,358); Boxelder, 2,719 (12,918); Burley, 3,184 (6,898); Cache, 2,810 (9,- 440); Carbon, 2,692 (9,276); Cas- sia, 403 (2,307) ; Cottonwood, 3,146 (13,540); Curlew, 366 (2,307); Deseret, 1,857 (6,915); Duchesne,
557 (5,907); East Jordan, 11,318 (10,453); Emery, 2,580, (9,080); Ensign, 2,366 (16,372); Franklin, 1,667 (7,632); Fremont, 3,233 (11, 008); Garfield, 657 (4,532); Gran- ite, 8,443 (20,644); Grant, 4,910 (10,646); Gridley, 602 (2,944); Gunnison, 967 (4,624); Hollywood, 4,272 (12,683); Hyrum, 2311 (7,- 956); Idaho, 838 (3,072); Idaho Falls, 2,009, (12,382); Juab, 1,060 (5,409); Juarez, 902 (2,267); Kanab, 1,679 (4,152).
Kolob, 5,142 (7,054) ; Lehi, 2,102 (5,291) ;Lethbridge, 1,129 (4,844); Liberty, 7,200 (24,664); Logan 3,238 (10,536); Los Angeles, 5,458 (13,945); Lost River, 528, (2,833); Lyman, 530 (4,176); Malad, 2,429 (7,584); Maricopa, 4,001 (9,316); Millard, 927 (6,019); Minidoka, 983 (5,009); Moapa, 1,283, (5,- 433); Montpelier, 1,257 (6,304); Morgan, 1,636 (3,619); Moroni,
558 (4,206); Mount Ogden, 3,750, (11,584); Nebo, 2,448 (8,381); Nevada, 1,102 (3,401); New York, 394; North Davis, 1,811 (8,505); North Sanpete, 1,542 (9,760); North Sevier, 438 (4,324); North Weber, 5,411 (10,113); Oakland, 963; Ogden, 4,01.6 (15,078); Oneida, 2,297 (6,872); Oquirrh, 3,790 (8, 480); Palmyra, 2,192, (8,345); Panguitch, 1,819 (4,489); Parowan. 1,515 (9,126); Pioneer, 6,047 (11,- 964); Pocatello, 2,451 (10,636); Portneuf, 813 (5,506; Raft River. 438
623 (2,238); Rigby, 2,148 (9, 456); Roosevelt, 1,610 (6,385).
Sacramento, 290 (2,960); St. George, 1,872 (7,656); St. Johns, 921 (3.987); St. Joseph, 1,603 (9,014); Salt Lake 5,070 (17,- 316) ; San Bernardino, 159; San Fran- cisco, 852 (6,086); San Juan, 1,187 (3,555); San Luis, 543 (3,657); Sevier, 1,933 (6,009); Sharon, 3,033 (5,567); Shelley, 1,080 (5,886); Snowflake, 1,991 (5,873); South Davis, 1,988 (9,048); South San- pete, 1,723 (7,168); South Sevier, 2,086 (5,137); South Summit, 2,048 (5,300); Star Valley, 1,674 (6,- 846); Summit, 809 (5,316); Tay- lor, 1,592 (5,924); Teton, 3,166 (5,108); Timpanogos, 1,356 (4,- 793); Tintic, 1,230 (3,231); Tooele, 1,907 (7,992); Twin Falls, 1,185 (4,326); Uintah, 2,610 (7,- 476; Union, 638 (2,876; Utah, 6,421 (15,891); Wasatch, 1,658 (6,291); Wayne, 1,550 (3,491); Weber, 3,682 (12,102); Wells, 4,- 207 (15,334); West Jordan, 1914 (8,819); Woodruff, 2,273 (5,884); Yellowstone, 1,292 (6,787) ; Young, 691 (2,592) and Zion Park, 895 (2,899).
Aaronic Priesthood Restora- tion Celebration Interests Thousands
QELEBRATION on May 18 of the 106th Anniversary of the restora- tion of the Aaronic Priesthood which occurred May 15, 1829, attracted thousands of members to the various temples of the Church. This article describes the celebration at Salt Lake City. The August and September issues of the Eta will tell of the cele- brations at other temples.
More than 3,000 boys and young men between the ages of 12 and 19 met in Salt Lake May 18 for services commemorating the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood to the earth 106 years ago on May 15. The celebra- tion in Salt Lake was typical of other similar services carried out in other centers where temples of the Church are located.
The celebration began at 8 a. m. at the grave of Brigham Young, where B. Spencer Young, Jr., a great-grandson of the famous pioneer leader, gave a brief sketch of the life and labors of the second President of the Church. Groups of 50 boys each entered the cemetery with bared heads, and in single file. At the grave they were greeted by N. Ross Beatie, a grandson
of Brigham Young, who told them in- cidents from the life of the President and of some of his family. Joseph Don Carlos Young, a son, who went to the cemetery for the opening serv- ices, greeted the boys at the offices of President Young, built in 1852.
From the Young family cemetery, the groups went to the Eagle gate, where this historic structure was ex- plained to them, then to the Bee-Hive House and Lion House, and thence to the steps of the Church Office building, where leaders of the Church greeted them.
President Heber J. Grant said he was delighted to meet the assembled group and congratulated them on being present on this occasion. President David O. McKay, second counselor to President Grant, congratulated the young men on "having accepted the greatest responsibility that could come to you, the reception of the Holy Priesthood. This implies trust," he added, "and to be trusted is better than to be loved."
Elder Reed Smoot of the Council of the Twelve spoke next, saying that in no place else in the world could such a sight be witnessed as he saw before him — thousands of boys holding the Priesthood of God. "There is a work ahead for everyone in the Church," he said, "and the Church will never be too old to include you. I am delighted to see you."
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, of the Council of the Twelve, said: "Amen to what has been said." Presiding Bishop Sylvester Q. Cannon was in- troduced and said he would speak to the boys later in the Tabernacle at a special organ recital.
Following the meeting of the Aaronic Priesthood with the Church leaders, the group passed on to the Temple Block, where Elder George F. Richards, of the Council of the Twelve, and president of the Salt Lake Temple, addressed the boys.
President Richards was introduced by Presiding Bishop Sylvester Q. Can- non. A public address system had been provided by the engineers of radio station KSL, and it was over this system that President Richards spoke, the buildings on the Temple Block echo- ing his voice.
Temple Work in the Latter Days
_ Notes on the speech of Elder George F. Richards, of the Council of the Twelve, delivered May 18, 1935, to about 3,000 members of the Aaronic Priesthood gath- ered at the east end of the Tabernacle on the Temple Block in commemoration of
-4r
■THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, JULY, 1935
the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood. Reported by Weston N. Nordgren of the Deseret News Staff.
I regard this as one of the greatest opportunities of my life, to deliver a message to thousands of boys and young men of the Church endowed with the Priesthood.
There is considerable temple work done in the Church. People of the world in every gospel dispensation have been temple builders. The Bible speaks of it; also the Book of Mor- mon. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized on the Sixth day of April, 1830, and before six years had passed the temple at Kirt- land was completed and dedicated to the Lord.
On that occasion there was a ver- itable pentecost. The Lord Jesus Christ appeared and accepted the dedi- cation of the temple, and gave valuable instructions. After he had departed Moses appeared and delivered the keys of the gathering and restoration of the ten tribes of Israel. Elias, a prophet of the days of Abraham, then appeared and brought with him the keys of the Abrahamic dispensation. Elijah, the prophet of whom Malachi spoke, then appeared and placing his hands upon .the heads of Joseph Smith and Oliver
Cowdery, said: "Upon you I confer these keys."
On that day the spirit of Elijah began to operate on the hearts of men. Throughout the Church there has been diligent search made of genealogical material and libraries have been made accessible to Latter-day Saints who have the responsibility of obtaining knowledge of their ancestry and going to the temple to receive for them the ordinances of the gospel.
After the Latter-day Saints left Kirtland the temple was thrown open and it is said that cows went into the holy edifice and denied it, and that they even bedded down in there. Later the Reorganized church rehabilitated the temple, and it is still in their hands.
The original temple lot at Inde- pendence, Jackson county, Missouri has been divided up, and the "Hedrikites" are now building a temple there. Other parts of the site are owned by the Reorganized church and by the Latter- day Saints. There is a friendly feeling between the Latter-day Saints and the "Hedrikites."
When the saints were driven from Independence to Farr West, a temple site was dedicated there. I have visited the cornerstones myself.
The Saints were driven into Illinois, and built the beautiful city of Nauvoo, the largest city in the state at that time. The beautiful temple there was finished and dedicated and many saints received their blessings there. The records of this temple are now in the Salt Lake Temple archives, and much valuable information is available in them.
This temple fell into the hands of
enemies and was burned by fire. Then a tornado struck the building, scatter- ing the material of which it was built until not a stone remains.
The Saints came west and entered the Great Salt Lake Valley July 24, 1847. Six years had not gone by until they had undertaken to build a temple. The Salt Lake Temple was completed in 40 years.
During the first 20 years the stones were hauled from Little Cottonwood canyon by ox teams and carts. The people suffered hardships in trans- porting the stones weighing thou- sands of pounds over dirt roads in a new country. The roads were muddy in the spring and fall.
In 1873, after the railroad had entered the state, rails were laid from the canyon to the Temple site, and the stones were brought faster by rail.
On the sixth of April, 1892, a great gathering of saints many times larger than that formed by you boys and young men witnessed Pres. Wil- ford Woodruff lay the capstone of the temple by pressing an electric button.
Pres. Lorenzo Snow, who was then president of theTwelve, led the people in shouting Hosannah. An appeal was made to the people at that time to furnish funds for the finishing of the temple, so that it could be dedicated on April 6, 1893, a year later.
Dedicatory services were held in
the Salt Lake Temple on the appointed
day and for several days thereafter,
(Continued on page 440)
MEMBERS OF AARONIC PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS VISITING IMPORTANT CHURCH SHRINES IN SALT LAKE CITY DURING THE CELEBRATION
Ward Teachers' Message, August, 1935
The Ten Commandments
•"THESE words are contained in the * last verse of the last section (136) of the Doctrine and Covenants:
"Be diligent in keeping all my com- mandments, lest judgments come upon you, and your faith fail you, and your enemies triumph over you."
Latter-day Saints should beware of those who teach that the Ten Com- mandments have been discarded and replaced by other instructions. We be- lieve the Ten Commandments to be a revealed code of ethics and morals, given for the guidance of His people by our Father in heaven. They were given, not as advice and counsel, but as commandments. They are of as much force and effect today as com- mandments of God to the children of men as at any time since they were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. They
have not been changed, replaced or discarded.
To the Latter-day Saints the Ten Commandments are doubly binding. They are a part of the Bible which we as a Church accept and in addition they have been reiterated to us by our Church leaders and enjoined upon all members of the Church. At the last General Conference they were again commended to us.
It is folly to equivocate in such sacred matters. Latter-day Saints should accept the Ten Commandments unreservedly for what they really are — the Word of God to his people — and should order their lives according to their teachings.
Frequent reading of them and ob- servance of their injunctions are rec- ommended to and urged upon all Lat- ter-day Saints. Such a course will bring happiness and the blessings of the Lord.
—H<Xi£%&»-
ARE YOU A PACIFIST?
Whether you live in Utah or in some other state, you should read this brief statement. Pasteur said: "It is in the power of man to make parasitic maladies disappear from the face of the globe."
ARE you a complete pacifist or would you consider engaging in a war against disease? If you fight in this war, facts are ammu- nition and here are a few.
One hundred years ago the average life expectancy was 28 years, and about one-half the popu- lation had tuberculosis.
Today, life expectancy has climbed until any child may nor- mally expect to live to 58 or 60 years; and while about half the population has some infection of tuberculosis, only about three per- sons of each thousand in the United States have the active disease.
In Salt Lake City, two persons out of each thousand have tuber- culosis and the death reports of the State Board of Health indicate that only one person out of 100,000 has it in the State as a whole. But even this comparatively low rate means that at any given time, 500 persons are more or less incapaci- tated for living normal lives, and that each year about ninety of them will die.
The amazing thing about this 440
situation is the fact that it is quite unnecessary!
At the present time enough is known about the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis to permit us to eradicate it if we would only apply our knowledge.
The tuberculin test shows the presence of infection and the X-ray shows the presence of the disease. Case reporting, sputum examina- tion, surgical treatment, and sana- toria, all play a part in controlling tuberculosis.
In Utah we have most of these weapons available, (except the Sanatoria) and with a citizenry really interested in the cure and pre- vention of this disease, which still kills more young people than any other, we could make Utah the first State in the Union to wipe out tuberculosis.
The Early Diagnosis Campaign of the Utah Tuberculosis Asso- ciation never stops, but in the spring and early summer it is given special emphasis. Many commun- ities will take this opportunity to ask the Association for a Chest Ex- amination Clinic, or the tuberculin testing of their school. These are forward looking groups. Why not be one of them?
Write to the Utah Tuberculosis Association for their new pamph- lets about tuberculosis, and take advantage of all the services they offer.
fr
"*n
Aaronic Priesthood
(Continued from page 339)
so that all persons worthy of the privilege could attend the services.
Why do the Mormon people build temples?
The salvation of mankind and the dead depends upon them. There are men in the spirit world who lived during the dark centuries of the world when men did not understand the ordi- nances of the temple. The ordinances were restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and are being continued today.
Nicodemus was told by the Savior that unless a man is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. He was also told that this birth was bap- tism in water and of the spirit as Christ was baptized under the hands of John the Baptist. At the time of the Sa- vior's baptism a voice spoke from heaven saying God was pleased with his Son and what he had done. Every- one, therefore must be born of the water and of the spirit.
Men who have lived since the days of Christ and died without a knowl- edge of the gospel are being preached to in the spirit world. The mercy of God reaches all. The law justifies men according to what they are. God will save men with Him. Those who heard not the gospel in life, will hereafter.
Christ suffered, the just for the un- just. Peter says for this cause was the gospel preached to them that are dead, that the ordinances of the temple might be performed for them. Ordinances were performed in temples in the prim- itive days of the Church.
Where there is no law, there is no judgment. The gospel must be taught to the dead, and the ordinances admin- istered to them by proxy — by the liv- ing standing for the dead. When we get the names of our ancestors through research and have temple ordinances done for our dead, these ordinances will be accepted by those who accept the gospel in the spirit world.
I bear you my testimony, that I know the gospel has the power of God unto salvation. I promise you in the name of the Lord that if you are faith- ful you will receive the same witness by revelation from the Lord."
General Superintendence Y. M. M. I. A.
ALBERT E. BOWEN GEORGE Q. MORRIS
FRANKLIN L. WEST OSCAR A. KIRKHAM,
Executive Secretary
Send all Correspondence to Committees Direct to General Offices <
General Offices Y. M. M. I. A.
SO NORTH MAIN STREET SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
General Offices Y. W. M. I. A.
33 BISHOP'S BUILDING
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
General Presidency Y. W. M. I. A.
RUTH MAY FOX,
LUCY GRANT CANNON,
CLARISSA A. BEESLEY,
ELSIE HOGAN,
Secretary
To Stake Superintendents and Presidents:
A NOTHER June Conference of the Mutual Improvement Association has passed into history. It was a not- able event, outstanding in many fea- tures and one long to be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to be in attendance. Friends everywhere, including General Authorities of the Church, have expressed their great de- light in its success. We extend greet- ings and appreciation for the fine co- operation of the Stakes and Missions in assisting us in reaching this achieve- ment.
The summer season is now upon us. Many of the Stakes following the suggestions of our folder and adapting these to local conditions, are already launched upon splendid summer pro- grams. Reports of accomplishments will be appreciated.
We are now looking forward with pleasure to the coming of our annual Stake Conventions and Institutes. The folder, covering these events, giving
the detailed program will soon be in your hands.
There are a number of things which we have found in the past to be im- perative to the success of these gather- ings:
1. A complete organization — Will you kindly check through your Stake Board members at once and see that the organization is complete. There should be the following officers in the Y. M. M. I. A.: Stake Superintendent, two counselors, Stake Secretary, Stake Music Director, Drama Director, Dance Director, Stake Era Director, Chairman of Adult, Senior and M Men departments, a Commissioner for the Explorers and one for the Scouts. These men should be as carefully selec- ted as possible. "Getting the right man for the right job is half the battle." A corresponding group of officers make up the Stake organization in the Young Women's M. I. A.
In like manner a careful check should be made on each ward organi-
zation; here a like personnel should be built up covering all departments of our work.
2. A definite plan guaranteeing at- tendance at the Annual Convention should be worked out.
3. The necessary literature cover- ing the season's program should be purchased and in the hands of all of our workers sufficiently early for them to give it careful study before the com- mencement of the year.
The General Boards are making a special effort to prepare for these in- stitutes. Committee meetings and in- stitutes are being held in which all necessary arrangements and prepara- tions are being made so that we may come to assist you efficiently.
We are very happy about the selec- tion of our courses of study and our other materials for the season's work. With your full cooperation and the blessings of our Heavenly Father we feel that 1935-6 will be a most suc- cessful year for the M. I. A.
Flashes from the Fortieth Annual June Conference-Convention
By Henry A. Smith, Special "Era" Reporter
"LTAVE you ever scanned an attrac- tively arranged menu in an ex- clusive dining hall and found every- thing so appealing, so tempting that you were at a loss what to order? You did not want to make a choice of one because of all the other good things you would have to forego, so, when you finally had to choose, you selected at random.
That is somewhat of the problem confronting delegates to the Fortieth Annual June Conference of the Mutual Improvement Associations held in Salt Lake, June 7, 8 and 9.
This was particularly true on the first official day of the conference. A majority of the conference delegates were confronted with the problem of what to choose among the conference attractions of that day. The program told them of nine educational meets — real fiestas in the many appealing sub-
jects. Which to choose was the ques- tion.
If one went to the drama meet, he would miss the treat provided in the story section. Hobbies had a fascina- tion and all would like to have been in the social conduct or conversation department to enjoy these social events. The music section and dancing were equally appealing and the program in the speech or the reading meet beck- oned strongly. So many good things to choose from. What a healthy sign of a good program well prepared!
It was a good program from the beginning Friday morning with the annual message of President Heber J. Grant, to the close Sunday evening with a message from President J. Reu- ben Clark, Jr. And in between, on Saturday, President David O. McKay delivered one of the principal addresses of the conference, thus bringing the
whole of the First Presidency into ac- tive participation in the conference features.
As you no doubt have concluded from the introduction, the writer con- siders the nine educational meets col- lectively as the feature of 1935's big conference. The work done in any one session was comparable with what could be done in any of the great uni- versities. As a matter of fact most of the sessions were presenting not only university professors but also many na- tionally and locally prominent men and women as authorities in their various fields.
Drama stood out this year as the feature in the educational meets. This began on Thursday, June 6, un- der the direction of the drama com- mittee of the General Board with Pro- fessor John Dolman, Jr., head of the drama department of the University of
441
THE IMPROVEMENT ERA, JULY, 1935
Pennsylvania, as the guest artist. In addition to the splendid instruction by Professor Dolman and others on the program both Thursday and Friday, this meet was characterized by the pre- sentation of "Fresh Fields" in the Victory Theater. This was perhaps the best drama done locally in many years and is comparable to most pro- fessional presentations.
It is impossible in these highlights to name all outstanding people who participated in the educational meets, but no story would be complete with- out the mention of two other partici- pants, both in the story section. Orson Ryan, a former Utahn and now the educational representative of a promi- nent publishing house, stirred several hundred people with his love for books and the story. Just to hear him tell us that one should not want a book to read but should want to read a book, made all the difference in the world in our reading plans. Lethe Coleman, former Chautauqua superintendent, lec- turer, and world traveler, speaking in this same section, won her audience by means of her sparkling personality and her art on the speaker's platform.
Hobbies, too, had a prominent pro- gram outlined. In one session hobby enthusiasts heard from the President of the Church, Elders George Albert Smith, and Melvin J. Ballard, of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, and from Herbert S. Auerbach, prominent Salt Lake merchant and business man, whose hobby of collecting pioneer relics and history is attracting wide attention.
Speaking of the educational meets and appreciation courses, helps us to recall, very vividly, one of the out- standing features of the conference. It was an event to which not enough publicity had been given, although the Tabernacle was well filled Saturday evening. It was the first "Church- Wide Honor Night," carrying this feature of the ward and stake into the June conference for public recognition
of all stakes which had achieved 100 per cent participation of its wards in the activity events of the year.
After witnessing the presentation of Master M Men certificates to approxi- mately 60 boys, the charter group of the Master M Men movement, and the recognition of approximately 60 stakes which had won the right of possessing one of the beautiful Gold and Green achievement banners, those present were permitted an acquaintance with the real heart of each of the cultural courses.
Going right down through the list of the appreciation course subjects, namely, dancing, conversation, social conduct, reading, public address, hob- bies, story, drama, and music, an in- sight into the true value each has for the cultural advancement of Latter- day Saints was given in mural picture form. Each of the Salt Lake City stakes participated in this presentation under the committee in charge, of which W. O. Robinson was chairman. It was a colorful and entertaining pre- sentation and surely the words of Paul before King Agrippa, took on new meaning to the listeners as they saw them dramatically portrayed as an ex- ample of public address. Heber Q. Hale was the reader.
Another attractive presentation worthy of special notation was the song dramatization of "Era Melodies" by the Thirty-first Ward of Liberty Stake. The contents of The Improve- ment Era were appealingly presented in song, all of which was original, music by Lorenzo Mitchell, and the words by Evelyn N. Wood.
The Saltair reception and dance festi- val drew a gigantic crowd. Perhaps the opportunity for greater participa- tion was responsible for this. Approx- imately 500 couples were on the floor at one time, all dancing the same M. I. A. dances. It was a sight long to be
BANQUET AND BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT,
NORTHWESTERN STATES MISSION
(Write-up in May Era)
remembered by the thousands of on- lookers and a thrill of joy to the par- ticipants.
The reception of stake officers, saw approximately 2,000 of the visitors entertained at luncheon at Saltair as guests of the General Boards. The entire evening was spent in social ac- tivity and dancing.
Another high spot in the entertain-