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SEPTEMBER. 1933 

VOLUME 36, NUMBER 1 1 

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641 



ffhe ^^mprovemen't 



SEPTEMBER, 1933 
Volume 36, Number 11 



ERA- 



Heber J. Grant, Editor 
Harrison R. Merrill, Managing Editor 
Elsie Talmage Brandley, Asso, Editor 



Organ of the Priesthood Quorums, the Mutual Improvement Associations 

and the Department of Education 



FORECAST 

TT7HAT is a word?" It is an 
^ ^ assemblage of letters which 
call for a certain kind of pronun- 
ciation. But that is not all. Words 
are living things. They dip 
somehow into human emotions. 
Elsie Chamberlain Carroll, a 
weaver of words, will discuss these 
common, everyday, weapons or 
tools of man. 

i i i 

T/'AMPIRE MONEY!" Next 
month will appear an article 
in which a gentleman from Salt 
Lake City gives a view of his ex- 
periences with inflated money in 
Germany. 

i i i 

/^GDEN, according to Glenn S. 
^^ Perrins, might more appropri- 
ately have been called Brownville. 
He gives an interesting glimpse of 
the settlement of the "Gateway 
City." 

i i i 

Fiction 
JOHN SHERMAN WALKER, 
J in the October number, pre- 
sents another improvisation on the 
theme of a violin and moonlight 
and love. It is almost poetry in its 
emotional charm. "Punkin Pies," 
and "Cuthbert Tells the Truth" 
are other oiferings in fiction in ad- 
dition to an installment of "The 
Beloved Cinderella." 

i i i 

The Cover 
A LOHA OE" might well be the 
title of the picture on this 
month's cover. It was taken by 
Elmer Johnson, of Provo, Utah, 
while on a mission in the Ha- 
waiian Islands. The picture was 
enlarged from one of his snap- 
shots. 



EDITORIALS 

N. R. A. First Presidency 672 

Not One Cent for Tribute Harrison R. Merrill 672 

"We Seek After These Things" Elsie T. Brandley 673 

Outstanding Thinkers on Prohibition 673 

ARTICLES. 

Greatness in Men — J. Reuben Clark, Jr Bryant S. Hinckley 643 

Dr. JamesJE. Talmage Melvin J. Ballard 647 

Relationship Between Shinto and Mormonism Takeo Fujiwara 655 

Money of the Valley Franvis Foster 657 

A Trip to the Colorado River Mrs. Morris Shirts 658 

"Be Ye Therefore Perfect" Richard R. Lyman 663 

The Spirit and the Body L. Weston Oaks, M. D. 665 

The Pincushion Baby Belle J. Benchley 667 

Foolish Ambitions Harold Thorpe 668 

Personality 669 

There Was An Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe 670 

Book Reviews 680 

Glancing Through 681 

As the World Spins 683 

The Frontispiece Alice M. Home 646 

FICTION 

The Quest LaRene King Sleeker 649 

The Beloved Cinderella Mary Imlay Taylor 650 

More Precious Than Rubies Irene Dunlap 660 

- POETRY 

James E. Talmage is still with us Lula Greene Richards 648 

The Wonder of the Sea Grace Ingles Frost 653 

On the Hills Guy E. Coleman 659 

Autumn Audrey Cubler 671 

Sing On Today, Brave Poet Bryce W. Anderson 671 

Who Dares Christie Lund 671 

Moored Alberta H. Christensen 671 

Summer Annie Wells Cannon 671 

These Are Camping Days Wesfon N. Nordgren 671 

Embers Estelle Webb Thomas 671 

Supposing Frances Hall 671 

Dear Sweet Wild Rose S. B. Mitton 671 

The Path We Tread Ida R. Alldredge 671 

August in the Country Catherine E. Berry 671 

Spared Alberta H. Christensen 674 

Roads Cristel Hastings 679 

When Father Prays Estella Giesking 685 

An Honest Prayer Joseph R. Meservy 688 

Flight — - Edgar D. Kramer 698 

DEPARTMENTS 

Melchizedek Priesthood - — 684 

Aaronic Priesthood 687 

Mutual Messages 689 

Your Page and Ours.-___" Inside Back Cover 



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O. B. Peterson Ass't Bus. Mgr. Copyright, 1932, by the Young Men's Mutual Improvement 

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Entered at the Post Office, Salt 
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■A 









■iS-Ji^aimaHJ 



643 



GREATNESS IN MEN 



By 

BRYANT S. HINCKLEY 

President of Liberty Stake 

In this article is found the 
story of a man nvhoy thrown 
among the great y the wealthy ^ 
and the wise, kept an abiding 
faith in the simple precepts of 
the Churchy and as a reward for 
his genuineness and ability was 
called to one of the most im- 
portant places in the Church. 
President Hinckley ^ in his elo- 
quent m^anner^ has given us here 
a word portrait of our latest 
addition to the First Presidency. 



president 





CLARK, Tr 




"Truth is a natural force and no more to be resisted 
than other natural forces." — Emerson. 

ON Thursday morning, April 6, 1933, J. Reu- 
ben Clark, Jr., was sustained as second coun- 
selor in the First Presidency of the Church of 
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He succeeded the 
late Charles W. Nibley. On March 3 he retired as 
United States Ambassador to Mexico. 

He is the son of Joshua Reuben and Mary Louise 
Woolley Clark and was born in a small rock house 
three miles North of Grantsville, Tooele County, 
Utah, September 1, 1871. 



His parents were among the early settlers of Tooele 
County and both belonged to a race of rugged, free- 
dom loving, God-fearing people. Their forebears 
were among the pioneers and patriots of America. His 
father, J. Reuben Clark, Sr., served in the Civil War 
and his grandsires fought in the War of 1812 and in 
the Revolutionary War. J. Reuben, Jr., was a Major 
in the World War. 

President Clark grew to manhood in the country 
and knows something of pioneering. His very earliest 
recollection is seeing his mother kill a rattlesnake at 
the back door of her kitchen. She was alone much of 
the time. Her husband was superintendent of the 



644 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 




Luacine Savage Clark 

Grantsville Co-op Store ; during the day he waited on 
customers and at night served as watchman. This 
permitted him to come home only about once a week; 
consequently the responsibility of the home and the 
farm rested largely upon her. In the midst of her 
other duties she taught her son to read and to write so 
that when he entered the public schools he was placed 
in the third grade. He finished the grades. There was 
no high school in Grantsville at the time, so he went 
through the work of the eighth grade three times. 

■pjE did the things that were common for boys on 
the farm to do in those days. The chief industry 
of that locality was stock raising. His father owned a 
small band of horses and it was Reu- 
ben's responsibility to look after 
them. He speaks now with animation 
of the days when he rode a sure- 
footed, long-winded saddle pony 
and helped round up range horses. 
There is something fascinating about 
corraling wild horses — something 
that appeals to a boy. It is full of 
action and adventure and he enjoyed 
his full share of it. 

His uncle, Samuel Woolley, had 
rather extensive cattle interests for 
those days and J. Reuben helped him 
trail his cattle to the summer range 
East of Davis County in the spring 

/. Reuben Clark, Jr., presenting his 
credentials to President Ortiz Ruhio, 
Persons seated from left to right: J, 
Reuben Clark, Jr., President Ortiz 
Rubio, and H. E. Sr. Estrada, Minister 
for Foreign Affairs. 



and bring them back to the winter range in the fall. 
He knows what it is to stay in the saddle all day and 
all night — to go without rest or sleep for twenty-four 
hours at a time. The language and the hardships of 
the cowboy are familiar to him. There is more 
hardship than romance to that kind of work. 

The only fuel available in those primitive days was 
wood which was hauled from nearby hills and can- 
yons. He relates how he narrowly escaped death 
when bringing a load of wood over a steep and 
dangerous dugway with only a lead harness on his 
horses which made it almost impossible for them to 
hold the wagon. 

Completing the work of the schools of his native 
town he entered the L. D. S. College in Salt Lake City. 
Here he came in contact with Dr. James E. Talmage, 
at that time president of the institution. This was 
a significant meeting. The Doctor was quick to 

discover in this 
serious - minded 
and industrious 
young man from 
the country the 
qualities that win 
success. He was 
attracted to him 
and encouraged 
him in all his en- 
deavors. This 
contact meant a 
great deal to J. 
Reuben Clark, 
and he is only one 
among many men 
who have been 
helped and in- 
spired through 
association with 
Dr. Talmage. 
For two and one-half years J. Reuben served as 
clerk of the Deseret Museum under his direction, 
which position he resigned in 1894 to enter the Uni- 
versity of Utah. Dr. Talmage was then president of 
the University so that he had direct contact with this 
eminent teacher and scholar for seven years. This 
association resulted not only in a technical training of 




,#•* 





Mary Louisa Woolley Clark, the 
mother of President Clark 




The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



645 



inestimable value to J. Reuben Clark, but ripened into 
a rare and delightful friendship, a friendship which 
can only exist between great and kindred souls. 

pRESiPENT CLARK'S early ambition was to be- 
come a specialist in mining law and with this in 
view he majored in scientific work and was graduated 
from the University four years Jater, 1898. While a 
student of the University he was editor of the Chron- 
icle, president of the student body and valedictorian of 
his class. 

On September 14, 189 8, he married Luacine Savage, 
a daughter of the pioneer photographer, C. R. Savage. 

After graduating he served for one year as principal 
;of the high school at 
Heber City, for two ' 
years as a member of the 
faculty of the Salt Lake 
Business College, and 
for one year as principal 
of the Southern Branch 
of the State Normal 
School at Cedar City, 
returning again to the 
Salt Lake Business Col- 
lege. 

In 1903 he entered 
the Law School of 
Columbia University. 
Now begins a new and 
brilliant chapter in his 
life's story. He was then 
thirty-two years of age, 
had a good educational 
training, a wife, two 
children and $300 in 
money. Though poor 
in purse he was rich in 
something vastly more 
valuable than material 
wealth — vision, valor, 
the will to do and dare 
— rich in those intan- 
gible but impelling 
forces which are back of 
all worthy achievement, 
in the qualities that 



he entered Law School 
to the present time he 
has marched majestic- 
ally forward, exhibit- 
ing under all circum- 
stances strength, forti- 
tude, independence of 
judgment, unfaltering 
courage and the power 
of painstaking and 
vigilant endeavor. 

His training under 
Dr. James E. Talmage 
taught him patience 





■M.^.h^^~ 



Ambassador Clark in his Office^ 
Mexico City 

and accuracy and his great 
power of application soon won 
recognition for him at Colum- 
bia. Dr. James Brown Scott, 
professor at Columbia, had at 
this time in preparation a case 
book on quasi contracts and 
employed J. Reuben to assist 
him in this highly technical 
and important work. 

In 1906, the year of Pres- 
ident Clark's graduation, 
Elihu Root, then Secretary of 
State, appointed the young 
lawyer assistant solicitor. 
This important position 
forced him to study interna- 
tional law and this led him 
into the field of diplomacy. 
Here he came in contact with 
the nation's leading states- 
men. He was assigned to 
study some old and volumin- 
ous cases awaiting settlement. 
As a result some of these cases, 
more than a hundred years 
old, were arbitrated and won 
by the young assistant solic- 
itor, J. Reuben Clark. 

TN 1910 President Taft ap- 
pointed him to serve under 
Secretary Knox as solicitor of the State Department. 
It was at this time that he won the famous "Alsop" 
case against Chile which was arbitrated before the 
King of England, who awarded the United States 
Government $900,000. The layman has little ap- 
preciation of the ability, the painstaking and prolonged 
effort required to do this. 

About this time he prepared a memorandum on the 
advanced money right of the government to protect its citizens in 
when necessary foreign countries by force of arms. This work is 

considered today authoritative in the State Depart- 
ment. President Clark has the rare capacity of clari- 
fying the most intricate problems and the patience 
carefully and exhaustively to explore the most intricate 
and involved questions. 

In March, 1913, he was 
named United States counsel 
before the British-American 




Mrs. Clark and her daughters 



charac t e r ize 
stout - hearted 
intrepid souls. 

Joseph Nel- 
son, President 
Clark's former 
employer and 
life-long friend, 



until J. Reuben 
completed h i s 
course at Co- 
lumbia. 

From the day 



Three Generations of Joshua Reuben 
Clarks 



646 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



Claims Commission, a post which 
he occupied for two years. Here 
he prepared a memorandum on 
neutral trade, a document which 
attracted the attention of Mr. Mor- 
row and laid the foundation for a 
lasting and delightful friendship 
between them and which ultimately 
resulted in placing the rising at- 
torney in a most important diplo- 
matic position. 

In 1917 he became a member 
of the Judge Advocate General Re- 
serve Corps at the request of Gen- 
eral Enoch H. Crowder. Later he 
was assigned to duty under Attor- 
ney-General Thomas Watt Gre- 
gory. He remained at this post for 
a year and was assigned as adjutant 
to General Crowder, so that he 
held the rank of Major and was 
later awarded a distinguished serv- 
ice medal by Congress upon the 
recommendation of General Crow- 
der. 

He made a careful and exhaustive 
study of the Versailles Treaty 
which ended the World War. No 
other man in the United States 
had a clearer understanding of this 
historic document and no one was 
better able to interpret it in the 
light of international policies pur- 
sued by this government. 

J. Reuben Clark supplied the 
brilliant senator from Pennsyl- 
vania, Philander C Knox, and 
those supporting Knox's views, 
with data when the great question 
of the League of Nations was de- 
bated in the Senate of the United 
States. 

After the War he took up his res- 
idence in Utah and in 1921 he was 
called to Washington by Charles 
Evans Hughes, then Secretary of 
State, to serve as a special counsel 
to the State Department in pre- 
paring the agenda for the Confer- 
ence on the Limitation of Arma- 
ments, and during this historic 
conference he served as technical 
advisor to Secretary Hughes, who 
soon thereafter appointed Mr. 
Clark counsel for the British-Amer- 
ican Claims Commission. 

In 1926 he was made a member 
of the Mexican-American Claims 
Commission and soon became gen- 
eral counsel for this Commission. 
Thus he became familiar with our 
Mexican-American relations. This 
knowledge prompted Dwight W. 
Morrow, Ambassador, to take Mr. 
Clark to Mexico as legal advisor. 
In the period between his stay in 
Mexico with Mr. Morrow and his 



appointment as Ambassador he 
served as Under-Secretary of State. 

TjrrHEN Mr. Morrow was elected 
to the United States Senate, 
President Hoover named Major 
Clark as Ambassador, a position 
which he held for two and one-half 
years and from which he resigned 
March 3 of this year. This was a 
diplomatic station which required 
the utmost tact and wisdom and 
which he filled with distinguished 
ability. 

President Hoover, in a letter ac- 
cepting Ambassador Clark's resig- 
nation said, among other things: 
"Never have our relations been 
lifted to such a high point of con- 
fidence and cooperation and there 
is no more important service in the 
whole of foreign relations of the 
United States than this * * *." 

Secretary of State, Henry L. 
Stimson, wrote Mr. Clark, in 
part, as follows: "Your distin- 
guished service as American Am- 
bassador to Mexico has reflected 



The Frontispiece 

By ALICE MERRILL HORNE 

'Y'HE ADOBES," Santa Fe. New Mex- 
-*- ico, by Calvin Fletcher, head of the 
Art Department of the Utah State Agri- 
cultural College, appears as Frontispiece to 
the September Era, and is a good example 
of Fletcher's modern trend and of his 
handling of problems of space. This pic- 
ture is alive with color and yet possesses 
a drowsy peace, 

"Cache Valley in Summer," is another 
picture by the same artist. Both are hang- 
ing in the Summer Salon in Salt Lake 
City. 

The foreground shows the road de- 
scending from hill to valley in true wash- 
board way, and Mr. Fletcher has produced 
good values for each successive view of the 
crest of the rapidly descending road as it 
now and then emerges between hollows 
in places farther and yet farther down; and, 
indeed, the whole wide range and sweep 
of valley — even down to the point of the 
mountain is delightfully spaced. 

Mr. Fletcher is a teacher artist and will 
be remembered by the many successful art 
students who have followed him. Mr. 
Fletcher is not the only artist of the 
Fletcher family for bis wife, Irene Fletcher, 
a former student, upholds his best tradi- 
tions. The Professor knows full well,. and 
takes comfort thereby, that his wife, from 
the high order of her gift, is bound to 
surpass him as an artist. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher have recently 
visited the art colony in Santa Fe where 
eminent artists recognized their work, espe- 
cially pointing out the ease and grace and 
grasp of the young woman, Mrs. Irene 
Fletcher. 



signal credit upon the Department 
of State." 

This is a brief and fragmentary 
reference to President Clark's serv- 
ice to his country, all of which re- 
flects distinct credit on his character 
and reveals his superior ability as 
a statesman and student of inter- 
national aff'airs. 

Preceding and following the 
World War he made important 
contributions to the literature of 
the Department of State on inter- 
national questions. His contact 
with the ablest minds in American 
public life during these eventful 
years, the esteem in which they 
held him personally, and the re- 
liance which they placed upon his 
judgment is enduring proof of his 
character and ability. 

While Major Clark was serving 
in the Officers' Reserve Corps under 
special assignment he prepared a 
volume of 1,150 pages on "Emer- 
gency Legislation to December, 
1917," including "Analogous Leg- 
islation since 1776." This volume 
is carefully annotated and indexed 
and has numerous references. It is 
the only publication of its kind 
and represents a prodigious amount 
of work which was accomplished 
in a comparatively short time. This 
is his most monumental work. 

In a separate volume he has de- 
fined and clarified the Monroe 
Doctrine as no historian has done. 

Referring to the home life of the 
Clarks, Dr. James E. Talmage in 
speaking particularly of Mrs. 
Clark, said: 

"In every way Luacine Savage 
Clark has proved a helpmeet of her 
distinguished husband. Richly en- 
dowed with the enduring graces of 
the noblest order of womanhood, 
of a pure and well trained mind, 
in spirit sensitive yet always firm 
for that which is good, she is held 
in affectionate esteem not only by 
her husband and children but by all 
who know her." 

CISTER CLARK has been active 
in the service of the Church 
whether at home or abroad. Much 
of their married life has been spent 
away from Utah. Whether living 
in New York City, Washington, 
D. C, the City of Mexico, or else- 
where, she has been actively identi- 
fied with the people of the Church. 
Formerly she presided over the 
Relief Society of Ensign Stake 
where they then resided. Brother 

(Continued on page 674) 



d47 




^ aim age 

By 

MELVIN J. BALLARD 

Of the Council of the Twelve 



A GREAT prince in the house 
of Israel departed this life 

on July 27, when Dr. James 
Edward Talmage of the Council of 
the Twelve passed from this mortal 
life. His death was a shock to most 
of the Church. While many knew 
of his failing health, his sudden 
illness was known by but few. 
Those of us who were close to him, 
however, saw at an early day the 
danger of his being rendered help- 
less and more or less an invalid. It 
was a merciful kindness on the part 
of the Lord to save him this em- 
barrassment and suffering, for such 
an active soul would have felt it 
real torture to have been rendered 
helpless; consequently his being 
thus suddenly taken was a kind in- 
tervention of Providence. 

Though his failing health ren- 
dered it impossible for him to make 
the usual visits among the stakes of 
Zion, he was nevertheless extremely 
busy in his office writing up until 
the very day he was carried, two 
days before his death, to his 
home. Not well the Sunday be- 
fore, he had delivered a radio ad- 
dress and had already written two 
others which have since been read, 
so that only two days of sickness 
prevented him from his usual work. 

His funeral was held in the great 
Tabernacle at Salt Lake on Sunday 
afternoon, July 30, at 2:00 p. m., 
and was broadcast over KSL. The 
Tabernacle was crowded to ca- 
pacity, showing the great interest 
the people of the Church had in 
this remarkable man and paying 
him a tribute by their presence. 

Elder Talmage was born at 
Hungerford, Berks., England, Sep- 
tember 21, 1862. He emigrated 



with his parents, 
who were mem- 
bers of the 
Church, and the 
rest of the fam- 
ily, in 1876, 
and located at 
Provo, Utah. 
As a boy he en- 
tered the Brig- 
ham Young 
Academy at 
Provo (now the 
University) and 

completed the 

high school and 
normal courses at the age of seven- 
teen, when he became a teacher in 
that institution. 

His strong bent was in the field 
of science. To pursue his work in 
these courses he went east where he 
won high honors at Lehigh Uni- 
versity, also Johns Hopkins Uni- 
versity. 

TN 1884 he responded to a call to 
return to the Brigham Young 
Academy, where he engaged again 
as teacher. In 1888 he was inade 
president of the Latter-day Saints 
College at Salt Lake City, and in 
1894 was made president of the 
University of Utah. 

He traveled extensively in Eu- 
rope in the interests of science, also 
in the interests of his Church, lec- 
turing from city to city on Mor- 
monism. He won fellowship in 
some of the leading scientific organ- 
izations of both the Old World 
as well as the United States, and 
stands eminently among that group 
of Utah men who have attained the 
highest scholarship. 

However, it was not in this field 




James Edward Talmage 

that he distinguished himself or 
won the highest honors. On De- 
cember 7, 1911, he was called to 
be a member of the Council of the 
Twelve Apostles of the Church of 
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 
and it is very evident to those who 
knew him best that all this previous 
training had been but a preparation 
for the outstanding service he per- 
formed as an Apostle of the Lord 
Jesus Christ. It is true that there 
were many alluring and attractive 
openings for him in his chosen pro- 
fession which would have paid him 
well, but, when the call of the 
Master came, he responded as Peter 
of old did when the Lord asked 
him: "Lovest thou me, Peter, bet- 
ter than these?" (Meaning the 
things of the world.) Peter's 
answer was: "Lord, thou knowest 
all things ; thou knowest that I love 
thee." Then came the commission 
to feed the sheep and feed the 
lambs. 

rjR. TALMAGE answered in the 

same spirit with which Peter 

did, forsaking all the world and its 



648 



The Improvement Era for September , 1933 



alluring, attractive offerings to be- 
come a disciple of the Master and to 
feed the sheep and feed the lambs. 
At no point in all his ministry did 
he ever waver from the position he 
took when he surrendered every- 
thing for the cause of the Master. 
Though many and alluring offers 
came to him to engage as a side-line 
in his chosen profession, he turned 
a deaf ear to all these appeals, re- 
serving all the strength and power 
of his intellect, marvelous as it was, 
to promote the welfare of the 
Church. 

At his funeral I stated that we 
counted him among us as Paul of 
old among the Apostles of that 
dispensation, for he did have that 
brilliancy of mind and clearness of 
expression. He was a master of 
the English language. Boldness 
and courage to take his position and 
ability successfully to defend it 
were his, and he will stand in as 
high and as honorable a place in 
time to come as Paul the Apostle 
of old occupies. 

During these many years as an 
Apostle his was a busy and active 
life in the ministry. He visited 
every state in the Union preaching 
the Gospel, presiding over the Eu- 
ropean Mission, and that gave him 
the opportunity to visit most of the 
European countries where his mes- 
sage was delivered and will be re- 
membered as long as this generation 
endures. 

For several years he prepared a 
series of articles for the newspapers 
of the United States in the interests 
of the Church. This was a great 
contribution to the cause and helped 
mightily to change public opinion 
and win favor to the Church. 
These articles have since been com- 
piled and published under the title. 
The Vitality of Mormonism. 

He was the author of many 
other books, outstanding among 
them Jesus the Christ and The 
Articles of Faith. These will be 
found in the homes of the Latter- 
day Saints as long as the Church 
exists because they are fundamental 
and no one will ever more clearly 
state the doctrines of the Church 
than he has done In these volumes. 
Royalty on these many publications 
in itself would be a handsome re- 
turn, but this man thought not of 
himself, for these were his gifts to 
the Church, and it is a rich endow- 
ment. 

TT would not have been possible 
for Elder Talmage to have ac- 



complished all that he did if it had 
not been for the wonderful com- 
panion God gave him In Merry 
May Booth, who became his wife 
and the mother of the seven chil- 
dren who survive him. They are 
Sterling B., Paul B., Elsie. James 
Karl, Lucile, Helen and John Rus- 
sell, the latter just concluding an 
honorable mission in Europe and 
not able to be home at the funeral 
of his father. This extraordinary 
woman, his wife, was father and 
mother to these children because 
Brother Talmage had to be absent 
from home so much in filling his 
ministry. She is a woman of high 
intellectual attainment, a most con- 
genial companion; they were ideal 
and devoted husband and wife. 
She said, as she stood by his bier, 
that she loved him from the first 
time she saw him and has never 
ceased to love him unto the day of 
his death. Her self-sacrifice and 
devotion to him he highly prized 
and was willing to accord her a 
large part of the honor which came 
to him which would not have been 
possible had she not been willing to 
stand by and do her part, not only 
by him but their home and chil- 
dren. 



James Edward Talmage 
Is Still With Us 

By Lata Greene Richards 

JESUS wept." 
•^ A man beloved had died. 
Mary and Martha also with Him mourned 
Even at the grave of Lazarus their brother. 
Sorrowing, friendly Jews grieved, too, 
with sympathy. 

Eyes to His Father lifted, Jesus prayed 
Devoutly giving thanks for that His prayer 

was heard. 
With loud voice then He cried — "Lazarus 

come forth!" 
And he that had been dead came forth and 

lived ! 
Renewed in mortal life; 
Death's fetters loosed! 

Talmage— Apostle of the Christ in latter- 
days — 

Appointed, blest, and given authority. 

Loving and studying carefully the Master's 
word, 

Makes still more clear in his great book, 
Jesus, the Christ," 

Analogy of that semblance of the Resur- 
rection real. 

Gone from us now to higher fields of learn- 
ing and of love, 

Ever alive in noble, written works, we 
have him still. 



As a speaker Elder Talmage never 
failed to interest. He always had 
something to say that was full of 
thought, his style also was most 
effective. He was a brilliant speak- 
er. While he was strict and exact- 
ing that all should subscribe to 
the laws and order of the Church, 
he was full of charity and forgive- 
ness to the erring sinner. Many 
times I have seen his forgiveness 
manifest to the humble repentant 
soul. He took a very active part 
in dealing with certain transgressors 
violating rule and order. It ought 
to be known by these persons as 
well as by others, however, that he 
was delegated by the Council of the 
Twelve, representing them, to pro- 
tect the Church against the viola- 
tors of its rule and discipline. This 
mission was not a pleasant one al- 
ways for him, but he performed it 
with credit. 

He takes with him the things 
that are worthwhile — a marvelous 
knowledge, his faith, his well- 
trained mind, and above all his 
right to the holy Apostleship which 
he will never forfeit, having hon- 
ored that calling In this life. He 
goes prepared to join with his asso- 
ciates who have in other dispensa- 
tions been called to this holy ap- 
pointment, and he sits with them 
with the Master at their head in the 
councils that preside over the des- 
tinies of this world. 



Death is Not the End 

■p\EATH may claim Its victim in 
infancy or youth, in the period 
of life's prime or when the snows of 
age have settled upon the venerable 
head; it may come through disease 
or accident, by violence, or as what 
we call the result of natural causes; 
but come it must, as Satan well 
knows; and in that knowledge lies 
his present though but temporary 
triumph. But the ways of God, as 
they ever have been and ever shall 
be, are Infinitely more potent than 
the deepest designs of men or devils; 
and the Satanic machinations to 
make death perpetual and supreme 
were foreseen and provided against 
even before Adam was placed on 
earth. The Atonement wrought by 
Jesus Christ was ordained to over- 
come death, and to provide a means 
of redemption and salvation. — 
James E. Talmage of the Council 
of the Twelve. 



I 



^h e bluest 

By LA RENE KING BLEECKER 



649 



,N the gray dawn of 
morning an artist sat in his 
studio, looking out over 
the hill tops. 

Dreams had assailed 
him, vague, shadowy, yet 
filled with fragrance and 
beauty. 

The artist sighed. 

"I would love to paint 
the most beautiful thing in 
the world," said he. "Per- 
haps it will be now if I 
catch the gold and rose of 
dawn as it breaks over the 
hills." 

So he sketched, with 
hasty strokes and was filled 
with ecstacy at the blending 
shades upon his canvas. 
Yet, unsatisfied was his 
longing as when one hun- 
gers and has only crumbs to appease him. 

He sought the seclusion of the woods and while 
strolling saw a little child with wild-tossed curls. 
Her dimpled arms were up-fliung to catch a blue 
winged moth. 

"What grace, what loveliness!" he cried, as with 
eager fingers he sought to sketch the laughing child. 
And when his picture was complete, critics were agreed 
that this was his greatest. 

But again he sighed. 

"A little child laughing in the sunshine," he mur- 
mured," but not the most beautiful thing in the 
world." . . . 

r ASSING a church at evening's shadowy 
hour, he saw a bridal couple kneeling at the altar. 
The bride's face was love-lit and radiant. 

"At last," fervently exclaimed the artist, "let me 
convey to my canvas the look of devotion and trust 
in the face of the bride, and I shall have painted the 
most beautiful thing in the world." 

When the picture was finished, art patrons came 
from far and near to view the painting and the artist's 
fame spread afar. But deep in his soul he was still 
searching for an elusive theme of beauty. . . . 

A storm at sea was his next inspiration. Black 
clouds, wind-tossed and boiling over an angry sea, 
where a ship was partly submerged beneath the waves. 

"Tragedy Is beauty," thought he," souls crying out 
in fear. Death, drowning, darkness!" 

But when the scene was transferred to the canvas 
his former admirers were loath to praise the picture. 




"Too sordid," they de- 
clared, and' could notbearto 
look upon suchhuman woe. 

"You've won!" insisted 
the critics," for never was 
such tragedy portrayed 
that people were loath to 
look at it." 

For a time the artist was 
content until he saw a 
young mother putting her 
baby to bed in its crib. 

"Motherhood," he ex- 
ulted — "now, at last, I 
shall have attained the 
most beautiful theme." 
And he created on his can- 
vas — The Madonna. Years 
passed. 

Silvered now were his 

locks and his steps were 

slow. 

Halting one evening to still his labored breathing, 

he beheld, through a lighted window a white-haired 

grandmother, reading to small children who knelt at 

her knee and gazed adoringly up at her face. 

"Ah — a touch of Heaven," he murmured with 
trembling lips, his body aflame with creative desire, 
"At last, at last — I have found the most beautiful 
theme in the world." 

IjACK in his studio, he began eagerly 
painting, striving to reproduce the firelight's glow 
upon the silvery locks of the grandmother, and her 
tender smile. 

But his palsied hands responded not tp the urge of 
his soul. The picture stood unfinished upon the 
easel and the old man sat listlessly before it. At length 
he arose and sent the light to play upon the paintings 
at display along the studio walls. Atl were there. 
All of life that he had once thought spoke truly of 
beauty. 

Suddenly a light broke upon his countenance. 

"The Dawn." The Laughing Child," "The Bride," 
"The Storm," "The Madonna," "Old Age and the 
Adulation of Little Children," — each theme was a 
part of life, and each was beautiful. 

He sat silently there, surrounded by his creations, 
with the light of knowledge Illuminating his seamed 
face. 

"Life," he whispered reverently, "Life is the most 
beautiful thing In the world." 



650 



A Serial Beginning in this Number 



^he Seloved 



By 

Mary Imlay 
TAYLOR 



(finder el I a 

Star grass was just a little girl but — so was Cinderella^ 
and Cinderella reigns in the hearts of millions of people. 
Mary Imlay T ay lory introduced here for the first tim^e to Era 
readers y isy nevertheless y an experienced writer. 



T was in the evening, after the shop 
was closed, that Star liked to walk down to the 
millpond with Pap Binney. There was a beau- 
tiful fellowship between these two; Star knew 
when to talk and when to be silent. She had 
found out almost at once that the kindly old man 
was a little stunned by the sudden business com- 
petition. For forty years he had been the only 
shopkeeper "out on Fishkill Point Road;" he had 
been "Pap" Binney to two generations of young- 
sters and he had prospered modestly. But the 
war — well, it had changed all the world; no 
wonder it had elbowed Pap out a little. 

"I'd love to help him, but they treat me like a 
princess in disguise!" she thought with a rueful 




Illustrated 

by 

Paul Clowes 



STARGPASS 



laugh, "and I'm only 
a foundling left at 
their back door." 

Which was true. 
Pap had found her 
out by the barn one 
morning, and, no one 
claiming her, they 
had taken her into 
their home and hearts. 
They had even treated 
her more tenderly 
than a daughter, as 
if they held her in 
trust. But she knew 
when the mortgage 
on the place was 
pressing, after the 
chain store opened 
opposite. This eve- 
ning Star slipped her 
hand through Pap's 
arm as they wandered 
down the beaten path 
together, and she kept 
her eyes on the strip 
of water shining in 
the dusk. 

"What did you 
say was the name of 
your last customer, 
Pap," she asked, her 
cheeks pink, "the one 
in the roadster?" 

"Nelson — seems to 
me that was it." Pap 
pretended to forget, 
then he chuckled, 
"Wants to buy a 
black mule, Star- 
grass." 

She looked startled. 
"What?'; 

Mr. Binney enjoy- 
ed his joke enormous- 
ly. "Asked who th' 
gal was on that black 
mule. Seemed to be 
mighty keen about 
th' mule!" 

Star averted her 
eyes. "Look. The 
waterlilies are in 
bloom. Pap!" she ex- 
claimed irrelevantly. 

"I don't know as 
he can get along with- 
out that black mule," 

Star started vio- 
lently and looked 
around into the eyes 
of the young man 
who had seen her 
riding MacDonald's 
old black mule. For 
! a moment she tvas 
vexed, then she 
laughed softly. "J 
wish you would — I 
was going to steal it, 
anyway!" 




652 



The Improvement Era for Septem-ber, 1933 




MA BINNEY 



Mr. Binney went on slyly. "Say, 
Star, do you think MacDonald 
would sell Tex?" 

Star, catching his eye unwill- 
ingly, began to laugh her catching, 
girlish laugh. "Mother's right," 
she said; "I've no business to ride 
mules bare-back — like a tom-boy!" 

The old man patted her hand 
fondly. "Honey, I wish I could 
give you th' finest horse in the 
world to ride!" he said wistfully. 

The girl gave him a swift up- 
ward glance. 

"It's odd, isn't it? You and 
mother keep talking of giving me 
fine things. She's worse than you 
are lately. Pap, she keeps saying, 
'Wouldn't you like to be rich. 
Star?' " 

"She never had a child to grow 
up — of her own," said Pap quietly; 
"it makes her that way. You're 
like her own to her now. She 
wants to give you everything, Star- 
grass." 

The girl laughed softly, 
a name you gave me. Pap! 
look— like grass?" 

The old man chuckled, 
were mighty little an' you had th' 
yellowest head. Star. It was your 
first hair — yellow like those little 
stars on blooming grass, stargrass 
they call it." 



'What 
Did I 

"You 



Tf 



lHEY had come to the 
edge of the pond and stood looking 
at the darting blue-winged gad- 
flies and the lily-pads which lay 
thick at the edges. 

"Kinder peaceful, ain't it Star?" 
Pap observed. 

The girl's hand tightened on his 
arm. She felt suddenly a myster- 
ious thrill ; the soft dusk seemed to 
lap up all the light except that 
shimmer in the pool. She pressed 



her cheek against the old man's 
shoulder. 

"I feel as if something was going 
to happen!" she whispered. 

Mr. Binney, looking down at 
the lovely head and the shadowy 
gray eyes, smiled. "It ain't any- 
thing to do with a black mule, has 
it, honey?" 

She flushed, shaking her head 
vigorously. "You're laughing at 
me. Pap!" she reproached him. 

"No, I ain't," he assured her. "I 
was only thinkin' of old Zeb Jes- 
sup. Zeb was ridin' down Lord's 
Hill on his bicycle, an' he said to 
himself: 'Somethin's goin' to 
happen!' he felt that way. Maybe 
he was goin' to fall off an' bump 
his head. He kinder scrunched up 
on his wheel an' shivered like he 
had an ague. Sure enough, some- 
thin' did happen! He got down 
t' th' foot of th' hill, met Widow 
Lookum an' popped th' question. 
He told me afterwards he hadn't 




PAP BINNEY 



any more idea of doin' it than th' 
next one. She took him in to th' 
soda fountain an' he swore after- 
wards she hypnotized him. He 
come out an' walked right over to 
Parson Jacobs — he lived across th' 
street then — an' got married. 
Presentiments ain't safe, honey." 
Mr. Binney was shaking now with 
silent laughter. "When you get to 
thinkin' somethin's goin' to hap- 
pen an' that black mule — " 

He did not finish. Star had 
clapped a soft hand over his mouth. 

"Pap Binney, if you don't stop, 
I'll—" 

"There's your Ma callin' you, 
honey." The old man broke away, 
still laughing. "Ma's all dressed 
up; I guess she's goin' to walk 
down by the millionaires'," he 



added, one of his ancient jokes at 
Mrs. Binney's expense. 

Star hurled defiance back at him 
as she ran up the hill. 

"What is it, Mother Binney? 
Pap and I were just looking at the 
pond — it's prettier every time!" she 
panted. 

Mrs. binney, care- 
fully arrayed in her Sunday best, 
stood waiting, holding a little flat 
package in tightly clutching fingers. 
There was something in her atti- 
tude and the strained expression on 
her round face that startled the girl. 
There was a little pink color in the 
wrinkled cheeks and the mouth was 
biting in — Mrs. Binney always bit 
in when she was excited. 

"Where are you going. Moth- 
er?" Star asked quickly. 

"Walkin'." Mrs. Binney spoke 
sharply. She was not herself; her 
eyes blinked. "I ain't set on duck- 
ponds — I like to see folks." 

Star laughed, looking down at 
her pink gingham. "I'm not 
'dressed up,' Mother Binney. 
Where are you going?" 

"Fishkill Point Road — shortest 
way." 

Star hung back. "That goes 
right down to Windymere Place," 
she objected, "and — why. Mother, 
they're terribly rich — the new peo- 
ple there; I saw them this after- 
noon. The girl — ." 

"The — what?" Mrs. Binney 
stood still, her eyes popping. 
"There ain't any girl there!" 

"Yes, there is! A tall dark girl 
who dresses — " Star drew a faint 
sigh — "oh, she has the loveliest 
clothes — and her hat!" 

"Dark?" Mrs. Binney consid- 
ered. "Must be a niece or some- 

(Continued on page 696) 




BLANCHAPD 



653 



^^y^t 







\JC/onder of the Qjea 

By Grace Ingles Frost 

jyOLLING — rolling — ■rolling — as far as eye could 
*■ see, 

A vast of luater reveled in its immensity — 

Water that was green as are young apple boughs in 
storing. 

With flecks of foam like flower petals white and 
quivering; 

Ridmg on the plunging waves were graceful, grey- 
winged gulls. 

With silhouetted shadows of fishing boats' dark hulls, 
And where a path of golden gleams at high noontide 
had been, 

A flood of crimson afterglow fell like "a areat 
Amen" — 

Then, lest too much of beauty should Wound the 
heart of me, 

■\ mist came forth to hide away the wonder of the 
sea. 




654 



Ixelationship 'between 






SHINTO and 
MORMONISM 




Sapporo Shrine, Sapporo, Japan 

THE chief reason for my com- 
ing to America, especially 
to the Brigham Young 
University, was one of religion. I 
joined the Church of Jesus Christ 
of Latter-day Saints in Japan in 
1924. Then, in 1926, 1 met Pres- 
ident Harris of the 
B. Y. U., our 
Church school, on 
his famous trip 
around the world. 
He explained to me 
conditions here 
and encouraged me 
to come here to 
learn more about 
things in general 
and theology or 
Mormonism i n 
particular. 

At the present 
time the Japanese 
mission of our 
Church is closed, 
and the Japanese 
Branch has been 



left alone by the 
general authority of 
the Church. It was 
opened by President 
Heber J. Grant, as an 
apostle, Elder Ensign, 
Elder Kelch, and 
Elder Taylor in 
1901, and it was 
closed in 1924. At 
the time it was closed, 
there were five 
churches and about 
one hundred and fifty 
members in Japan. 

This closing was 
probably due to the 
fact that the mission- 
aries could not make 
themselves understood to the Jap- 
anese people, and also to the fact 
that the Japanese people did not 
care for religion; but they studied 
all the sciences with all their might 
— this desire of study of the sciences 
has raised Japan from an uncivil- 
ized country to one of the Great 
Powers of the world in half a 



century. You will be able to im- 
agine how they studied and adopted 
the European and American civili- 
zations in order to bring about 
Japan's present position. 

Another fact is that the Japanese 
language is very hard for Amer- 
icans to learn and understand and 
that the Japanese customs are en- 
tirely different from what you have 
in this country. Another reason 
why Mormonism was refused by 
the Japanese people was the fact 
that the American people, who be- 
longed to the same nation, to the 
same country and to the same race 
as the Mormon missionaries, talked 
against our Church; I mean the 
other American missionaries of the 
other churches told the Japanese 
people that Mormonism was Poly- 
gamy. This was the great objec- 
tion to Mormonism in Japan; and 
the Japanese people only believed, 
and still believe, what the American 
people told them. 

The Japanese people never read 
or studied our Church doctrines, 



A Japanese Shrine ^js^ 







655 



Those who would like to 
get a glimpse of what ^Hhe 
other half^^ are thinking will 
relish this article by an eager 
student of Christianity and 
especially of that branch of it 
known as Mormonism. 




the Book of Mormon, and 
other worthy books of our 
Church. I think, there- 
fore, they will never un- 
derstand our religion. At 
the same time, not only our 
missionaries but also most 
of the American people do 
not know much about the 
Japanese customs, lan- 
guage, and spirit. It was 
my surprise to know that 
some Americans, even if 
they are highly-educated or 
perhaps they are professors 
of universities, do not 
know which is the front 
of the Japanese book. 



Takeo Fujiwara 

IWfR- TAKEO FUJIWARA was born on May 10. 
■^'■'- 1907, at a little town of 4,000 people, a famous 
place for the lily-of-the-valley, a symbol of gracefulness 
and purity, near Sapporo, tfie capital of Hokkaida 
Island, which is north of the Jap-anese main island. 

Mr. Fujiwara joined the L. D. S. Church at Sapporo, 
Japan, on May 10, 1924. He was baptized by Brother 
Vinal Mauss of Murray, Utah, and was confirmed as a 
Latter-day Saint by Brother W. Lamont Clover of 
Brigham City, Utah. 

In 1925 he was graduated from the Sapporo First 
Middle School (a high school grade in this country) 
and was engaged at the Prosecutors' Office of the Sap- 
poro Provincial Court of Justice for ten months; then, 
in 1926, he was unusually appointed to the govern- 
mental post, a court clerk and reporter, at the Kushiro 
Provincial and District Courts of Justice. He was en- 
gaged there for a year and a half, and during which 
time he was promoted to three higher degrees in the 
Han'nin Rank, the Japanese lowest, governmental rank. 
This is an unusual promotion, because it usually takes 
at least three years to attain that promotion. 

In 1926, when President F. S. Harris of the B. Y. U. 
visited Japan, Mr. FujiWara met him in Sapporo. 
Through his encouragement, in November, 1927, Mr. 
Fujiwara came to America to study at the Brigham 
Young University. He graduated from the B. Y. U. 
High School in 1929, and was graduated, as the first 
Japanese graduate, from the University with a degree of 
Bachelor of Arts in June, 1933. He will continue his 
studies at the University for a Master Degree. 

Mr. Fujiwara is well known around Utah and Idaho 
as a Japanese lecturer and entertainer, and has given 
many lectures and entertainments at high schools and 
various places in both states. He is the first and most 
prominent Japanese Latter-day Saint who has gone 
through the Salt Lake Temple. He has been teaching 
Judo or Jujitsu, a Japanese art of weaponless defense 
at the "Y ," and is expected to continue to teach it next 
year. 



TT was also my surprise 

that many American 
people do not know much 
about the Japanese situa- 
tion in Manchuria. Most 
of the college students in 
this country, I have heard, 
come to a college to have 
much fun, while in Japan 
the people come to study 
hard at a college, passing 
severe entrance examina- 
tions. Therefore, I might 
say that for this reason the 
missionaries' education was 
not higher than the Japan- 
ese people who came to the 
church in Japan; the mis- 
sionaries with unskillful 

Japanese language could not make look at anything or anybody 
themselves understood to the through the eyes of enemies. We 
Japanese people. grow greater and better only 

Without studying the other re- through sympathy and understand- 
ligions, some American people ing; for if we hate, we cannot un- 
think that Christianity is the best derstand; if we understand, we no 
religion in the world and other longer hate. "To understand all 
religions are not good at all, and is to forgive all," will be necessary 
that, at their worst, they make for all the people in the world, 
people pessimistic and worldly. Therefore, it is worth while to 

But it is never good in this life to study the Japanese religions, for it 



By 

TAKEO 
FUJIWARA 



will help in preaching the 
Gospel of Christ to the 
Japanese people. There are 
two great religions in Ja- 
pan, besides Christianity. 
They are called Shintoism 
or simply Shinto, and 
Buddhism. It is my inten- 
tion to bring the closer re- 
lationship between Shinto 
and Christianity, especially 
Mormonism. 

Shinto is, I may trans- 
late, the Way of Gods; and 
now it is the national re- 
ligion, supported by the 
government. In Shinto, 
"shin" is another sound 
for "Kami" which means 
God, or gods. It is hard 
for the Japanese people to 
understand what the Chris- 

(Continued on page 675) 



The 
Author 
in Native 
Costume 




656 



.»**'* 



of the 

IJa/ky 



How fnany are aware of the fact that Brig- 
ham Young the Empire Builder, caused the 
minting of coins in his realm, beyond the m^oun- 
tains? This article will be enlightening to 
som^e, and interesting to all who read it. 




'^^ 



JOHN KAY did not know that required nearly all 
the homely gold pieces which the money the pio 
rolled like wagon wheels 
from his press in the Deseret Mint ^J<^ scrape. Hence, 
of 1850. Great Salt Lake City, ^^^^"^ they ^--^ 
would some day be so rare as to 
bring ten or twenty times their face 
value in gold, or so romantic as to 
spring to a coin collector's mind 
along with thoughts of ancient 
Roman silver, pirate gold, and pine 
tree shillings. 

Perhaps if pioneer coiner John 



neers could rake 
nee, 
had 

erected homes in 
the great basin and 
had made the be- 
ginnings of com- 
mercial activity. 




Deseret Gold Coinage, 
1849-1860 



Putting the gold 
into circulation 
was like spilling 
the precious can- 
teen of water upon 
the desert sand. 
Most of the Span- 
ish gold may have 
gone to buy East- 
ern products or to 
finance further im- 
migration. At any 
rate, within a short 
time little was to 
be seen of the 
doubloons. 

n[^HEN came the 
memorable 
event of January, 
1848, which was 
to set the entire 
country agog with 
A few discharged 



the Mormon set 

tiers felt keenly a lack of money, a restless fever 

^ „^.... Trade and barter were the general Mormon volunteers, having found 

KaVhad^even dreamed'tharone of ^^^^^ of exchange; shoes and tables work on the construction of a saw- 

the Mormon ten dollar gold-pieces exchanged for bacon and flour, and mill at Coloma, California, shov- 

would some day be worth $750 or doctors took out their pay in black- eled out the dirt to widen the chan- 

$24,000 a pound, he would have smithmg. The available money nel of the mill-race. After a trial 

tried to make enough that every was needed for trade with the East. - - ^^ i - - ^ 

pioneer could leave a pound or so Captain James Brown had ar- 

for each of his depression-plagued rived from Pueblo, July 29, 1847, 

descendants. with one hundred disabled Mor- 

Such wholesale minting of the mon Battalion men and another 

coins would have rendered them hundred women and children. 



women 
less rare, and consequently less Armed with powers of attorney. 



run had been made to clear the 
channel, the foreman, James W. 
Marshall, picked up from the 
debris washed into the tail-race, a 
few bright yellow pieces of metal. 
Unhappily for Captain Sutter, his 
employer, the magic word leaked 



valuable now. But, at any rate. Captain Brown left the valley out and started the cry, "Ho for 

every person of pioneer stock would August 9 for California to collect California," which fired the treas- 

know the story which is scarcely his soldiers' pay. He returned in ure-seekers of 

ever told even in Utah. December, laden with Spanish gold 

Outfits and supplies for the doubloons $10,000 worth of "Money of the Valley" 

thousand -mile trek across the plains them. photd Courtesy Dcsc-et News 




657 




By 



FRANCIS FOSTER 





Dies for Deseret Coins 



Phoid Courtesy Deseret News 




Knuravers' Tools With Which Dies Were Made 



"The days of old, 
The days of gold, 
The days of '49." 

After March, 1848, the Mor- 
mon soldiers began to arrive in 
"Mormondom" from the mines, 
bringing with them little bags of 
gold dust. Soon Great Salt Lake 
City was fairly well supplied with 
a sort of currency. However, using 
the substitute for money was hard- 
ly much better than having no 
medium of exchange at all. Change 
could not be made without incon- 
venient and inaccurate weighing. 

In September, 1848, Brigham 
Young put into circulation $85 in 
small change which he had brought 
with him from his journey to the 
Missouri River that summer. The 
slight relief was but temporary, 
however, for the "chicken feed" 
soon passed out of circulation, and 
the pioneers were confronted with 
either using the gold dust or — 
well, doing whatever else there was 
to do. 

John Kay tried the "whatever 
else." Kay had learned the art of 




pattern-making and moulding in 
metals in his "home town" — ^Bury, 
Lancashire, England, and now, 
"a thousand miles from anywhere," 
his skill was to be put to use. 

T JNDER Kay's direction, Alfred 
B. Lambson, a blacksmith, 
forged dies for the coinage of gold 
money, using steel furnished by 
Joseph L. Heywood, and Martin 
H. Peck fashioned the great drop 
hammer. Slow and painstaking 
was the work, but at last all pre- 
parations were complete, and the 
"Deseret Mint," which had been 
established in the back part of the 
small adobe building on South 
Temple Street, later shared with the 
"Deseret News," was ready for 
operation. But when Kay at- 
tempted to melt some gold for 
coining, his valley-made crucibles 
broke, and work had to be sus- 
pended. 

But Kay's disappointment in the 
failure was mitigated when the 
Municipal Council authorized the 
issuance of paper money in place of 
the gold coins. The first money 
made in Deseret was signed January 
1, 1849, by Brigham Young, 
Heber C. Kimball, and Thomas 
Bullock; this valley currency, dol- 
lar bills, was printed and issued 
on the first day of the new year. 

A week later, bills of the Kirt- 
land Bank, which had failed in the 
panic of 1837, were re-signed and 



issued along with the dollar bills 
of valley manufacture. v:-:.:... 

On January 22, Brigham Young 
and Thomas Bullock set the type 
for the fifty-cent valley bills. This 
"valley currency" was printed on 
the Ramage hand-press later used 
by the "Deseret News;" the first 
printing in the great basin was in 
connection with the currency .Q^f 
1849. . -:::;i;G'> 

Meanwhile, Kay, coiner of the 
Deseret Mint, was working away in 
the cellar of the little adobe build- 
ing, refining the gold dust and 
nuggets which had been deposited 
in exchange for the "valley tan" 
currency. At last all was ready 
for striking pattern pieces. Trial 
pieces, bearing a design on only one 
side, were struck; they proved satis- 
factory, so preparations were made 
for coining the money for general 
use. 

'~pHE first coins for circulation 
were struck off in May, 1849, 
while Cary Peebles, a California 
pioneer who had sold goods to the 
Mormons, stood by and watched 
the coining of the gold. Peebles 
carried away with him $4,000 
worth of the new money, the first 
Mormon gold, in return for his 
goods. They were not so fine as 
the federal coins, these pioneer 
pieces; yet they were mighty wel- 
come to the pioneers. 

The gold pieces, which are of 
(Continued on page 678) 



658 



c^ Trip to the 

Colorado River 



Those belated honeymoons! Man/y of us could take 
them if we would. Go with Mrs. Shirts on hers^ and then 
-plan one for yourself. 



EARLY in the fall my hus- 
band and I took our belated 
"honeymoon" trip. Not to 
the brilliantly lighted city where 
amusement is the main thought, 
but to the rough mountain and 
sandy desert. 

We left Escalante early one 
morning with our string of pack 
mules. The old one-eyed mule 
leading, we headed south down the 
dry and dusty desert. Twenty 
miles due south we traveled, then 
turned west into a very picturesque 
canyon, until we came to a nice 
place to camp. 

My first jiight out under the 
stars, where all was quiet except for 
the tramping of the horses as they 
hunted for grass that grew on the 
hillside, and occasionally the long 
drawn-out howl of a coyote which 
could be heard through the canyon, 
echoing through the cliffs — how 
unreal ! 

Next morning as dawn lighted 
the way over the crags, we were up 
and all ready packed to travel. We 
journeyed up hill nearly all day, 
old Jen, the one-eyed mule, still 



Mrs. Morris Shirts 

Tl^RS. MORRIS SHIRTS lives in 
*-^-*' Escalante, that town "beyond 
the mountain" where the whistle of 
a train has never and will never be 
heard, in all probability. She, like 
many another of the desert born and 
reared, loves the plains, the red 
bluffs, and the ancient Colorado. 



taking the lead as we followed 
a long crooked slippery trail that 
wound in and out among the rocks 
and stately pines. Slowly up the 
steep mountain and along the nar- 
row trail our mule packs traveled. 
On top of the divide pinenuts 
were plentiful, and as we had 
plenty of time we stopped and 
gathered nuts, giving the horses a 
chance to rest and nibble a little 
green grass. 

^N the third day we traveled 
down what is known as "Last 
Chance Canyon." There is a story 
told of how this canyon came by 
its rather queer name. Two men 
were traveling through the coun- 




By 

MRS. MORRIS 
SHIRTS 

try and became lost. Several days 
they wandered. Their food was 
at last gone and their last chance 
was to kill one of their horses for 
food, but at the critical moment 
fate took a hand in the affair — a 
sheep camp was sighted, where they 
obtained aid. 

As the day waned we came to 
the smoky mountain and camped 
that night at a sheep camp where 
we enjoyed 'sour dough' biscuits 
and mutton and potatoes fried in 







Ready for 


the Trip 




Smoky Mountain, 


Looking 


South 


Photo 


by Mrs, Mc 


rris Shirts 




*^ 


1 
\ 

4 



^^^W fit^^-xo/f i^fSfitJaw-iifVA.'^Mt*.' 




659 




Photo by Mrs. Morris Shirft 
On the '^Silvery" Colorado 




Mr. Shirts ready for the trail 

a bake oven. How delicious! or 
was it because I was so tired and 
hungry? 

Next morning a most wonderful 
sight greeted our eyes. The first 
real glimpse of the mountain that 
is rightly named "Smokey." The 
air was cool and steam seemed to 
be coming from every rock and 
bush, the entire mountain appear- 
ing to be smouldering. On going 
closer to these steam pots I was 
surprised to find great cracks in the 
rocks and from each cavity issued 
warm, foul-smelling fumes and 
the rocks above were coated with 
sulphur-like mineral. It was im- 
possible to see to the bottom of any 
of the crevices or hear the pebbles 



we threw in strike solid ground. 
We spent several days exploring the 
mountain and making pictures, 
then traveled on down the box 
canyon until we came to the Colo- 

On the Hills 

By Guy E. Coleman 

/IRTIST Autumn tints the vale of 
-'''■ Timpanogos 
And he spreads his rich oblations on the 

hills. 
Tender tints of cloud-toned sunset add 

their splendor, 
Mystic music rises softly from the rills. 

There is wonder In the weave of oak and 

aspen 
Carpeting the steeps in patterns deft, divine, 
There is beauty blushing in the crimsoned 

maples, 
Nature-tapestries of exquisite design. 

There's a charm of lavished color in wild 
gardens, 

Magic when the mellow moon of harvest 
shines; 

And my soul is stirred to tenderest devo- 
tions 

When I hear the Voice Eternal through 
the pines. 

There is harvest far more bountiful, O 

farmer, 
Than the golden hoard which all your 

storehouse fills; 
There is more than gold, O miner of the 

mountains 
There is grandeur, glory, God there on 

the hills. 



rado River. And oh, what a 
sight! 

^OD must surely have had His 
best artists at work to put so 
much color into so many hills and 
rocks. For indeed it seemed they 
were but monuments to the glory 
of God, I'm sure His best work of 
art was displayed here. And 
through all this color and grandeur 
winds the silvery Colorado, look- 
ing so calm and peaceful and yet 
it is a very dangerous and treacher- 
ous river. It can be crossed only 
at certain times of the year and at 
certain places. The Navajo In- 
dians cross it each year and bring 
many beautiful blankets to Esca- 
lante, where they trade or sell them 
as their fancy sees fit. 

We spent days exploring the sur- 
rounding hills, my husband finally 
laughed at me and said : 

"I see, Nita, we should have 
brought an extra pack to carry all 
your collections home." 

And indeed we should have. I 
think I had enough rocks, coal, 
pieces of wood, etc., to have filled 
several sacks and upon realizing it 
could not all be taken home, I 
began the difi^icult task of selecting 
the ones I wanted most to keep. I 
know I have never had a harder job 
and I still bewail the fact that so 
many specimens had to be left be- 
hind. 



S60 



More Precious 



M 



ARTHA RUN- 
YON folded the sandwiches care- 
fully in a waxed bread paper, gave 
them a loving pat, and wedged 
them into the cake-box beside the 
fat jelly roll. She had spent a full 
hour on the preparation of those 
sandwiches. 

They must be tasty and dainty 
— like Olive herself. Martha hoped 

oh, so fervently — that Olive 

would be pleased with what she 
had prepared. There were the 
hard-boiled eggs, the shrimp, and 
^celery ready to be tossed together 
with salad dressing and heaped on 
the lettuce leaves white and crisp 
in damp cheesecloth. 

Time was precious after four 
years — too precious to be spent in 
doing things that could be attended 
to before the train arrived. Four 
years! She hadn't seen her only 
daughter for four years! 

Suddenly Martha's tired eyes 
were shining with mother-love. 
There had been only the letters 
these past four years — appreciative 
letters that comforted her for the 
cruel sacrifices she was making. 
Now she would have Olive herself, 
young, lovely, glowing with life, 
to love and mother and cherish. 

It had been hard to send her 
away from the Western city which 
Tiad been their home for so many 
years — sixteen hundred miles away 
to an Eastern school. Hard to 
think of even nine months without 
lier dark fragile loveliness that made 
the drab little flat a shrine. But 
Martha had felt fiercely that Olive 
•deserved more than the dismal fiat 
could offer. Her child belonged to 
youth and gaiety and loveliness, at 
.least as long as she was young and 
;gay and lovely herself. 

OlIVE'S dead father 
would have wished it so. And 
there was money enough from the 
insurance, by very close manage- 



Than Rubies 



Martlia Runyon was a mother I That just about gives 
the theme of this tender story. 



ment, for Olive to have the essen- 
tials and a few luxuries. 

As for Martha, she required so 
little. It hadn't been hard to get 
a job as cleaning woman at the 
county hospital. It paid enough to 
keep her in necessities. She had 
enjoyed it, too, interspersing her 




"/ hadn^t heard you leave" she 
apologized. "Won't you he late?" 

mopping and dusting with speak- 
ing a cheery word to those broken 
forlorn beings lying helpless for 
months at a time sometimes. For 
the last ten days she had spoken 
gently every morning to the frail 
little old-before-her-time g i r 1- 
mother who would only say her 
name was Ethel, who turned away 
indifferently when her thin little 
baby girl was placed in her arms. 

Olive didn't know about the 
work at the hospital. She must 
never know. Daughters didn't 



always understand that scrubbing 
and cleaning might be necessary but 
were not necessarily degrading. So, 
in order that Olive would not 
know, Martha had quit her job 
yesterday after four years of work- 
ing and waiting for her cherished 
daughter to come home. 

They had planned by letter, 
what they would do. They would 
move to an apartment, not a fiat, 
in the heart of the city and Olive 
would obtain a position. She had 
trained for secretarial work. She 
could easily find a position through 
one of her influential friends just 
as she had found one every summer 
since she had been gone. It had 
been hard, being separated in the 
summers too, but Olive had been 
so anxious to help pay some of her 
own expenses. 

And now, after the long dreary 
stretch of four years, Olive would 
really be home today. In one hour, 
to be exact. Martha would have 
her for her very own again and all 
their golden dreams would come 
true. 

She trembled a little as ■snc fast- 
ened the clasps of the blue silk dress 
she had bought yesterday on pur- 
pose to wear to the station. It 
didn't seem right for anyone to feel 
so violently happy as she felt. Her 
eyes grew misty and she had to stop 
to wipe her glasses. Fumblingly, 
she reached for the only ring she 
owned beside the plain gold band 
she had never stopped wearing. It 
was a cheap little trinket with a red 
stone but her husband had kissed 
her finger when he slipped it on 
years ago. 

"Some day I'll buy you a real 
ruby," he had promised. 

And all through the years Olive 
had talked about the time when 
Mama could have her real ruby. It 
had grown to be an imaginary goal 
toward which to strive. It represent- 
ed the end of bitter struggling; the 
beginning of a more gracious life. 



661 



By 

IRENE 
DUNLAP 

Illustrated by 

CORNE 
VANDERENDE 



Martha smiled through 
the mist in her eyes as she 
reached for her coat in the 
clothes closet. Real rubies 
belonged on white, beauti- 
fully-manicured hands, not 
on hands that were worn 
and rough and tanned. 

S UDDENLY the 

silence of the flat was 
broken by the shrill peal 
of the door-bell. Martha 
hurried, tremulous. What 
if — ? Was there an earlier 
train? 

It was not, however, a 
smiling glowing girl who 
stood there as a glorious 
surprise. It was a casually 
indifferent messenger boy 
holding out a telegram. 
Fearfully Martha took the 
message. Read it through 
— ^stunned and unbeliev- 
ing. Slowly then she went 
over the words. It couldn't 
be^ — -after all their plan- 
ning. But it was. It was 
there in cold print. 

She was still leaning 
against the closed door 
when Mrs. Hughes pushed 
it open gently. 

"I hadn't heard you 
leave," she apologized. "Won't 
you be late?" 

Then her eyes fell on the open 
yellow slip. "Oh, Mrs. Runyon, 
not—?" 

"Olive won't be home," Martha 
said monotonously. "She was 
married yesterday. To a wealthy 
fellow. They're going — they're 
going to a Harvard reunion of his 
on their honeymoon." 

Mrs. Hughes was ominously 
silent. Then she burst out indig- 
nantly, "And after you've worked 
and slaved for her for four years, 
she turns down her own mother to 
go gallivantin' off to some college 
doin's." 




"Olive doesn't know about my 
working, Mrs. Hughes," Martha 
interrupted quietly. "She thinks 
there's been enough from her 
father's insurance. And as far as 
her marrying — I married and you 
married. It's her own life the 
child has to live." 

Mrs. Hughes closed her lips 
grimly. "Why couldn't she come 
home first and have him come and 
marry her here?" 

"There wasn't time," Martha 
was quick in Olive's defense. "See, 
she says here in the day letter that 
immediate business is taking him 
away from the town where her 
school is for an indefinite time. 



"The usual indifferent stillness 
characterized Ward C where Ethel lay. 
Her face was turned to the wall, away 
from the tiny bundle beside her."' 

That's the reason they decided to- 
be married, so she could go with 
him. They're going to stop for 
this class reunion of his on the way. 
He's anxious to show her off to his 
friends. And what an impression 
she'll make. She's entitled to it," 
she turned to her neighbor fiercely, 
"all the fun and good times she can 
crowd into her youth. Some day 
she'll be old like us and she won't 
want trips and excitement." 

"But not to come home at all 
when she's been gone four years 



662 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



already," Mrs. Hughes pursued 
relentlessly. 

"I'll bet the time has gone by on 
wings for her. It's when you are 
home waiting that time drags. But 
they're coming home as soon as this 
business trip is over. They're com- 
ing to visit me." 

Mechanically she began to take 
off her hat and coat. 

"Come over in about an hour, 
Mrs. Hughes," she invited, "and 
have some salad and sandwiches." 

IHE outside air was 
chill and drab, viewed from Mar- 
tha's kitchen window. Smoke from 
neighboring factories poured forth 
in dirty curls that puffed feebly 
upward and then spread down 
heavily on lines of wet gray clothes. 
It was that dismal hour of a winter 
day when twilight has just begun 
to settle but cautious souls are wait- 
ing still a little longer to turn on 
lights. The twilight grew deep in 
the room behind her but still 
Martha stood at the window, ob- 
livious to chill air and smoke and 
growing darkness. 

She was seeing Olive through the 
years. The dimpled crowing 
baby depending on her for food 
and care. The little girl running 
home to Mother to have a skinned 
knee kissed or to have a soul-scar- 
ring hurt erased by loving arms and 
whispered words of sympathy. 
The older girl, tall and lovely as a 
nymph, needing even more a 
mother's tender counsel. 

Now Olive was entering a new 
life with a husband to shield and 
protect her. She didn't need Martha 
any more. For a moment, Martha 
felt dizzy. Not to be needed! 
That meant she'd have to sit back 
and watch life instead of being in 
the midst of it. She was through 
preparing a young life to go forth 
and take her place in the world. 
She was through! Nothing to do 
but finish her own life, alone, un- 
disturbed, just — ^just living until 
the end! 

Something rebellious shot 
through her heart. No! She could 
never do that! She couldn't go 
on for years and years enduring a 
living stagnation. For a life with- 
out service would be stagnation. 
If there was someone else she could 
help. Someone who needed her. 

Suddenly there flashed across her 
mind the pitifully old features of 
a girl-mother lying unwanted and 
unloved on a hospital cot. The 



girl who called herself Ethel. That 
girl needed her. 

A light came back into her tired 
eyes. Resolution and courage flowed 
back into her veins. She squared 
her shoulders. There was work 
for her to do. There was love and 
comfort to be administered where 
it was sorely needed. Sit back and 
watch life go by? Not while there 
were Ethels in the world! 

When Mrs. Hughes came in to 
share the salad and sandwiches a 
little later, Martha was laying the 
table in a cozily lighted kitchen 
with the same brisk energy that had 
always characterized her. She was 
even humming a little under her 
breath. 

"Well, for a person that's just 
lost her daughter — ." Mrs. Hughes 
began. 

"You'd think Olive was dead 
and buried," Martha interrupted 
cheerfully, putting thick slices of 
jelly-roll on her prettiest hand- 
painted plate, "instead of just be- 
ginning the fuller life. God grant 
it may be full to the utmost for 
her, full of love and service. That's 
what life is for, Mrs. Hughes. Just 
giving. Now that business condi- 
tions are what they are, there are 
so many chances to help people." 

Mrs. Hughes sniffed. "Your life 
from now on will be pretty dreary, 
I expect, you being alone and all. 
Come over and sit with us when- 
ever you're lonesome," she invited. 



^y^fnrmtmr^Mifi^'iM.iiit^'j^^^t^ 



"I haven't much but what I have, 
I'm sure you're welcome to." 



M. 




On the Stveetwater, Wyoming 
Martin's Cove in Distance 



:ARTHA thought- 
fully put cream in her chocolate. 
"I won't be alone," she announced. 
"There's a girl at the hospital who 
needs me. If she is well enough, 
I'll bring her and her baby here 
right away. If not, I'll spend a 
part of each day with her there. 
Then as soon as she can be moved, 
I'll bring her here. That girl and 
that poor little baby need a moth- 
er's care." 

"You don't mean — take some 
total strangers in?" Mrs. Hughes' 
tone denoted scandalized incredul- 
ity. "That isn't necessary, Mrs. 
Runyon. There's charity places. 
You don't have much yourself." 

"If I did have," Martha put in 
grimly, "I'd adopt that baby." 

Mrs. Hughes' fat round face 
dripped with incensed amazement. 
"At your age? I should think, as 
much as you've slaved all your 
life, you would be glad to sit down 
and rest for a few years." 

"I'm only forty-six," Martha 
protested indignantly to the first 
suggestion. "If you think I am 
going to sit down and rest at my 
age! Why shouldn't I adopt a 
baby if I want to?" 

"Honestly, Mrs. Runyon," Mrs. 
Hughes reasoned concernedly, "I 
think you are taking your disap- 
pointment awful hard. It's — it's 
put queer ideas in your head. You're 
trying to hold back. Why don't 
you just have a good cry and get 
it out of your system?" 

"Why shouldn't I?" _ Martha 
demanded, ignoring the interrup- 
tion and having no intention at all 
of having a good cry. 

Mrs. Hughes settled down to in- 
tensive reasoning. "Well, for one 
thing, you must have used all your 
money. What right have you got 
to adopt a baby when you haven't 
the means to bring it up?" 

"Yes," Martha acknowledged 
humbly, "that's it. I haven't any 
means. I'll work but I won't make 
enough to provide much for a 
baby." 

"And, after all," her neighbor 
offered, "as long as the baby's 
mother is alive, she'd have some- 
thing to say about you adopting 
her." 

"Yes," Martha admitted, "that's 
right." 

"Maybe Olive will let you come 
and live with her," Mrs. Hughes 

(Continued on page 701) 



663 



'ne le Therefore ^erfed" 

A Discussion of the M. I. A. Slogan 

^^ Inspired by the He fining Influences of Mormonisniy 
We Will Develop the Gifts Within XJs^' 

By RICHARD R. LYMAN, Ph.D. 

A Member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles 



FOR its members, the ideal of 
the Church of Jesus Christ, 

as stated by the Master him- 
self, is: "Be ye therefore perfect, 
even as your Father which is in 
heaven is perfect." (Matt. 5 :48.) 
In an effort to help its people 
approach this exalted ideal — ^per- 
fection — the Church holds up 
standards; it also provides oppor- 
tunities, and gives effective training 
leading to a well-rounded life in- 
cluding not only spiritual but 
physical and mental development 
as well. To those who are trained 
in our religious activities, Church 
ideals never cease to be ideals, 
Church standards never cease to be 
strong and powerful incentives to 
follow "the straight and narrow 
path" that leads to joy, honor and 
salvation eternal in the Great Be- 
yond. 

Let us then consider some of the 
spiritual uplifts the Church offers. 

/^UR spirituality is stirred and 
our faith strengthened by the 
satisfying conviction that we ex- 
isted before we came to dwell on 
earth and that there is life beyond 
the grave. The importance, the 
joy and happiness and glory of life 
here on earth are greatly enhanced 
by the satisfying conviction that 
our souls are immortal 

Victor Hugo said: "When I go 
down to the grave I can say like so 
many others, 'I have finished my 
day's work.' But I cannot say, 'I 
have finished my life.' My day's 
work will begin again the next 
morning. The tomb is not a blind 
alley; it is a thoroughfare. It 
closes on the twilight, it opens with 
the dawn." 

Glorious indeed is our belief in 
the everlasting union of husbands 



and wives and of parents and chil- 
dren. We not only believe in mar- 
riage but that family relationships 
are not for time only but for 
eternity as well. Courageously and 
faithfully Latter-day Saints arc 
bearing and bringing up children 
to whom, both by example and 
precept they try to teach the ex- 
alted standards of the Church. 
Thus we are doing an important 
part in that divine plan in accord- 
ance with which human beings are 
born, taught, trained and educated 
here on earth in an eternal line of 
progression. 

When individuals old or young 
are confirmed members of the 
Church, one having authority lays 
his hands upon their heads and 
says, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost." 
The companionship of the Holy 
Ghost is a rich gift; it is one all 
Latter-day Saints should take pride 
in developing. 

Its enjoyment awakens in human 
hearts higher ambitions and more 
ardent desires to live in accordance 
with the exalted standards of the 
Church. So living, actually makes 
people different. This spiritual 
change or transformation which 
comes to those who possess the 
Holy Ghost was referred to by the 
Savior when he said, "Verily, ver- 
ily, I say unto thee, Except a man 
be born again, he cannot see the 
kingdom of God." (John 3:5.) 
It is the unceasing uplift of the 
Spirit, it is the power of God that 
makes people stronger and more 
God-like and prepares them for liv- 
ing throughout eternity in the king- 
dom of our Father. Having thus 
been "born again," enjoying richly 
the inspiration and power of the 
Spirit makes human beings more 
or less immune to wrong-doing, as 
vaccination makes them immune to 



smallpox or inoculation makes 
them immune to typhoid fever. 

AN uplift comes, ideals and am- 
bitions are kept exalted by the 
practice of asking the blessing on 
the food and of participating with 
regularity in daily family and indi- 
vidual prayers. Such practices en- 
able us, in the language of the 
ancient prophet, to "walk in the 
light of the Lord." (Isa. 2:5.) 
Even one as wise and great as Ben- 
jamin Franklin realized the im- 
portance of placing trust in Divine 
Providence. In the Constitutional 
Convention he said, "I have lived, 
sir, a long time; and the longer I 
live the more convincing proofs I 
see of this truth, that God governs 
in the affairs of men." In the dark 
days of the Civil War Lincoln said 
the great trouble with our nation 
was, "We have forgotten God." 
The Church is struggling to have 
its people remember Him. 

Partaking of the Sacrament of 
the Lord's Supper weekly and 
worthily is another requirement or 
practice of faithful members of the 
Church of Jesus Christ, In the 
Sacrament meeting the faithful have 
an opportunity of coming into 
close communion with the spirit 
and power of Almighty God. It 
is during these moments of intense 
worship that silent prayers are of- 
fered, that sins are forgiven, that 
new resolutions are formed which 
keep people striving on successfully, 
to walk in that straight and nar- 
row way that leads into the pres- 
ence of our Father. 

By practicing the law of tithing 
funds are secured for conducting the 
affairs of the Church. Thus, all 
faithful Saints contribute one-tenth 
of their income for the advance- 
ment of our Father's kingdom. 



664 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



Practicing the law of tithing is but 
teaching or practicing that great 
fundamental Christian principle, 
that important lesson of the Mas- 
ter, namely, that it is more blessed 
to give than to receive. (Acts 20: 
35.) Look into the face of the 
faithful tithepayer. See the joy in 
his countenance. His life is one 
that is jfilled with true happiness. 
On all such the Lord has promised 
that he will open the windows of 
heaven and pour out countless ma- 
terial and spiritual blessings. 

npHE missionary system of the 
Church instituted under the 
direction of the Prophet Joseph 
certainly bears evidences of being a 
divine institution. This activity 
brings young men and young 
women, during what is perhaps the 
most critical age of their lives, into 
close contact with the perfect life 
and teachings and labors of Jesus, 
the Son of God. Those who go 
into the mission field do so at their 
own expense, thus practicing in an- 
other way that important Christian 
doctrine of unselfishness. These 
missionaries not only acquire a 
knowledge of the Gospel but they 
get that knowledge well grounded 
by actual practice because they go 
from house to house month after 
month and year after year teaching 
these important Gospel truths and 
practices to all whom they can in- 
duce to listen. Thus in their lives 
and in their souls are grounded, in 
the days of their youth, those great 
and fundamental principles which 
have such a tremendous uplift in 
the lives of human beings. 

Now we may consider some of 
the refining influences and practices 
of Mormonism which develop men 
physically. 

Through the Prophet Joseph 
Smith the Lord has revealed the 
knowledge that "the spirit and the 
body are the soul of man; and the 
resurrection from the dead is the 
redemption of the soul." (D. ^ 
C. 88:15-16.) Because the body 
is the tabernacle of the spirit of 
man, we consider it to be sacred. 

The Word of Wisdom was given 
for "the temporal salvation of all 
Saints in the last days." It enjoins 
abstinence from alcoholic bever- 
ages, tobacco and hot drinks and 
moderation in the eating of meat 
and also specifies the foods which 
are wholesome for the use of man. 

We have placed emphasis upon 
the promise that physical, mental 
and spiritual growth may be ad- 



vanced through observance of this 
law of health. Our Utah products, 
those whose parents for a genera- 
tion have lived in accordance with 
the Word of Wisdom and the high 
ideals of the Church, make out- 
standing records in physical con- 
tests of various kinds. They ap- 
pear to have unusually fine phy- 
siques. 

T ET us also consider some of the 
scholastic teachings, the mental 
training offered by the Church and 
its organizations. One of our 
mottoes, as expressed in the words 
given to us by the Prophet Joseph 
Smith, is "The glory of God is 
intelligence." Naturally, follow- 
ing leadership with such a banner, 
the Church and its organizations 
are striving constantly to spread 
knowledge and to develop under- 
standing. To our Church mem- 
bers an educational training is given 
which literally extends from the 
cradle to the grave. History and 
literature, health and science, art, 
recreation, music, drama, public 
speaking — the Church offers op- 
portunity for training in these and 
many other lines. In fact every 
truth and all knowledge which 
make people better and happier may 
appropriately be made a part of 
the training and education given 
to the people by the Church and 
its many organizations. 

To the public schools we send 
our children and to these institu- 
tions we give whole-hearted sup- 
port. Since the Church teaches 
that the glory of God is intelligence 
and that men are saved no faster 





St, George Tabernacle 
By Harold R. Griffin 



than they gain knowledge, to be 
true to our teachings we must and 
we do accept all truth of every kind 
from whatever source it comes. 

After spending several years in 
a great eastern college, one of our 
Utah boys said: "The greatest 
handicap to those who are born 
and reared in the Mormon Church 
is that they do not appreciate their 
own strength, they do not see the 
richness and appreciate the value of 
the gifts that are within them. 

This young man explained that 
he went into this great eastern col- 
lege somewhat timorously and did 
not appreciate for a considerable 
time the gifts which were within 
him. But by degrees he discovered 
that he could learn the lessons and 
solve the problems with as much 
speed and certainty and thorough- 
ness as could those who had been 
born and who had received their 
undergraduate training in the East. 
By degrees he discovered that others, 
even the brightest of the students, 
made mistakes and had to work 
hard to solve the problems and 
learn the lessons. He discovered also 
that even the greatest of his pro- 
fessors were made of the same flesh 
and blood that he was made of and 
that they too learned only by hard 
study, that they solved problems 
only by putting forth the same kind 
of effort he had to exert. 

Thus one product of the Church, 
one who had the blood of the Pio- 
neers flowing in his veins, had his 
eyes opened when he came in con- 
tact with others. He began to dis- 
cover and appreciate the strength 
and greatness of the gifts within 
him; he began to feel the strength 
which had come to him as an in- 
heritance from his Pioneer parents 
who all their days had lived in 
conformity with the ideals of the 
Church. 

'T'^HE broad and varied program 
of the Mutual Improvement 
Associations is supposed to have in 
it so many and such varied elements 
that some portion of it will contain 
a genuine and effective appeal to 
every human heart. The aim is to 
teach young people to appreciate 
their own strength and to evaluate 
with accuracy their own gifts and 
the gifts and abilities of others. 

Our contests, for example, are 
expected to arouse our young folks 
to intense activity, to awaken with- 
in them the highest possible am- 
bition. We give opportunity for 
(Continued on page 678) 



665 




pirit and the^ody 



Including Observations 
in Newer Physiology 

In this article a trained medical doctor ^ "who 
is also a trained Latter-day Sainty discusses that 
great duo — the Spirit and the Body. Some of the 
facts here presented lead to interesting specula- 
tions. 



SOME months ago newspapers 
commented on the fact that, 
in an eastern laboratory, a 
piece of heart muscle had begun its 
twenty-first year of rhythmic con- 
traction outside the body to which 
it belonged. That is, an individual 
organism died or was killed, and 
its heart has been kept alive more 
than twenty years by perfusing it 
with a solution containing those 
elements essential to its nutrition 
and activity. 

Besides bearing scientific interest, 
this experiment carries significance 
as a vital section in the fascinating 
religious mosaic which is gradually 
being assembled for us out of dis- 
coveries in science. The picture, 
when finally completed, will stand 
as a monumental testimony of life 
beyond the grave — a living demon- 
stration that the mortal organiza- 
tion of man includes something 
vital, active, and divine which is 
not bounded by mortal death. 
Many of the pieces are yet only 
partially moulded, and are but 
slowly evolving. Others, swiftly 
formed, have been ignored in our 
lack of wisdom to recognize their 
precious nature, and temporarily 
discarded with the rubble. Some, 
heedlessly placed, have been made 
to distort and render ridiculous the 
ensemble. Such mistakes have not 
resulted from wilful intent, but 
have occurred as natural conse- 
quences of our possessing too few 
of the sections to clarify our vision 
of the whole. Then too, the in- 
fluence of human desire for con- 



formity, and fear of ridicule by 
contemporaries in the field of scien- 
tific research, have effectually pre- 
vented recognition of the spiritual 
significance which might otherwise 
have been attributed to many dis- 
coveries in science. 

Especially during the last decade 
have more productive and more 
promising attempts been made to 
see into the mysteries of Creation, 
and to demonstrate the production 
of life. In physiologic research, 
various experiments have been and 
are being carried on in this direc- 
tion. Not long since, an eminent 
and scholarly American surgeon, 
who is also an' investigator of rec- 
ognized ability, announced that he 
had succeeded in generating amoebic 
life through the manipulation of 
certain coloidal substances. Natur- 
ally, such a claim aroused consider- 
able comment and not a little ex- 
citement. However, it was soon 
shown that the phenomena he had 
thought due to his material taking 
on the properties of living matter 
were actually produced by demon- 
strable purely physical and chem- 
ical influences. 



Dr. L. Weston Oaks 

DR. L. WESTON OAKS is a 
practicing ear, nose and throat 
specialist in Ptovo. He was born in 
eastern Utah. In later years he 
studied at Brigham Young Univer- 
sity and in eastern medical schools. 
He has been practicing for more 
than ten years. 



By 



L. WESTON 
OAKS, M.D. 



A T the present time, in most 
medical laboratories of major 
American universities, studies in 
tissue cultures are being pursued. 
By this is meant the placing of a 
few cells from a human or other 
animal body under such conditions 
of warmth, moisture, and nutrition 
as to promote their continuation of 
life. So dealt with, the tissue cells 
will not. only live on for a time, 
but will also carry on the process 
of cell division. So far, these ex- 
periments are only primitive, but 
they do demonstrate again that 
ability of body cells to live on after 
death of the organism, and to con- 
tinue some of their activities, such 
as growth. Some success has been 
achieved with tissue from the 
human cornea — or clear part of the 
eyeball — with bone, with cartilage, 
and with other types of tissue, both 
human and lower animal. 

It has long been a practice in 
teaching certain phases of physi- 
ology to use what is designated as 
a muscle-nerve preparation, consist- 
ing of the dissected thigh and leg 
muscles of the frog, together with 
the sciatic nerve supplying them. 
By keeping these moist with nor- 
mal salt solution. It Is possible to 
cause the muscles to respond to 
stimulation for many hours after 
the individual animal has ceased 
living. 

At least four observers have 
studied the electrical phenomena 
emanating from the heart, in rela- 
tion to death. Each of them has 
recorded, with the electrocardio- 
graph,* activity in the human heart 
for as long as thirty to forty-five 
minutes after individuals were pro- 
nounced dead by all ordinary indl- 



*An instrument for recording the heart 
beat by registering electrical currents set up 
in its muscle. 



666 



The improvement Era for September, 1933 



cations. This means that the heart, 
in each case studied, retained suf- 
ficient of its vital organization to 
make definite efforts at beating, for 
at least one-half hour after the in- 
dividual body was classed as dead. 
In a surgical hospital of Moscow 
in Russia, a man who had attempt- 
ed suicide by cutting the veins in 
his forearm with a razor, lay dying 
from acute loss of blood. The 
head surgeon suddenly left his bed- 
side and hurried down to the hos- 
pital morgue, where he uncovered 
the body of a man who had died 
six hours earlier of a fractured skull. 
Opening the abdomen hurriedly, 
he removed from the vena cava 
nearly a pint of blood, rushed up- 
stairs, and injected it into the vein 
of the dying man. Four days later 
the patient left the hospital cured! 
Further study shows that the blood 
of a cadaver keeps its vitality for 
twelve hours after death. Collected 
from the dead body within this 
period and preserved under proper 
conditions, it may be used for 
transfusion any time within 
twenty-eight days. Hence "a man 
may be useful to his fellow men 
even after death." 

FJURING the autumn of Nine- 
teen Hundred Thirty-One, in 
a medical college hospital, a young 
man died of meningitis arising from 
Infection of the nasal accessory 
sinuses. Death occurred at seven 
o'clock in the morning, and the 
body was immediately transferred 
to the hospital morgue. At one 
o'clock in the afternoon, the post- 
mortem examination was conduct- 
ed, during which a small clipping 
of mucous membrane was removed 
from one of the sinuses for micro- 
scopic examination. A portion of 
this specimen was mounted in nor- 
mal salt solution and studied to see 
if any of the cillaf were present. 
Not only were cilia found, but at 
this time — six hours after the in- 
dividual organism had as a whole 
ceased to function — they were still 
In vigorous motion, sweeping across 
the microscopic field at great veloc- 
ity any blood cells or other particles 
coming within reach of their 
stroke! Despite the fact that they 



were simply mounted in cold fluid 
and no attempt made to prolong 
their life, these structures continued 
incessant activity for three hours 
longer, or for nine hours after the 
man's death! 

Naturally such an experience 
may leave some weird impressions, 
and may cause some of us a measure 
of trepidation lest we be entombed 
before we are completely dead. 
More significantly though, it raises 
the question: what is death!' 

The phenomenon of physical 
death has always been regarded as 
a mysterious entity, inevitable, but 
to be avoided so long as possible. 
Scant attention has been given to 
scientific study of it, yet there may 
be something of vital import to be 
learned from such an inquiry — 
something precious and reassuring 
in times of uncertainty and doubt. 

Careful scrutiny of the material 
already mentioned might reason- 
ably lead one to a consideration of 
the hyposthesis that mortal death 
Involves at least two definite pro- 
cesses and that cells of various body 
tissues may be caused to live on 
for weeks, months, and even years 
after this so-called terminal event 
has been repeatedly shown. Yet 
not one of these living preparations 
retains any apparent characteristic 
by which it can be identified as be- 
longing to an individual body. 



fCilia are minute, hair-like processes 
carried by most of the cells lining nose and 
sinuses, and which are during life in 
constant rhythmic motion. They tend to 
sweep or move in definite directions any 
material attempting to find lodgment upon 
the surfaces of the membranes. They are 
often lost in prolonged disease of the 
structures. 




Queen of the Meadows 



They become merely tissues of par- 
ticular classes. The corpse, even a 
few minutes after what we consider 
as death, presents little to denote 
the qualities of personality which 
characterized it in life. We see be- 
fore us a lump of material, retaining 
the same shape and consistency as 
in life, but vastly different in Its 
power and effectiveness. Yet ex- 
perience has repeatedly shown that 
the cells in that structure are still 
living for some hours after this 
great change has occurred. A vital 
something has been extracted from 
the physical machine — a something 
which gave to it organization and 
purpose. All of the structure may 
still be there, even to the last cell. 
Yet, it has suddenly become in- 
capable. Inert, selfless. 

npHEOLOGICAL usage has given 
us the term "spirit" for that 
part of man which is supposed to 
transcend the termination of mortal 
life. Since no better terminology 
is at hand, we may well designate 
these two events In temporal death 
as : ( 1 ) departure of the spirit, and 
(2) death of the body. 

The latter stage has been termed 
somatic death, and gives the signal 
for natural agencies of decomposi- 
tion to begin their elemental disin- 
tegration of the tissues. Regarding 
the physics and chemistry of this, 
man has learned certain things, and 
can apply laws and principles gov- 
erning or modifying them. 

The first episode of death, how- 
ever, is yet as a closed book. Ef- 
forts to weigh, measure, or photo- 
graph the something which is lost, 
or to apply other methods of phys- 
ical science to its study have been 
essentially futile. May it not be 
that, since the matter concerns 
science of the spirit, It must be at- 
tacked with spiritual instruments 
and methods? With such equip- 
ment man seems so far wholly un- 
familiar; but does that disprove its 
existence? Conceivably the experi- 
mental plan of study in things spir- 
itual may yet come into Its own. 

A homely but interesting anal- 
ogy may be drawn between the 
human body and a finely coordi- 
nated machine, such as an airplane 
or motorcar, with all its parts in 
perfect condition and the fuel tanks 
loaded, but the motor idling. Man, 
representing the spirit or intelli- 
gence, steps to the controls. The 
motor is accelerated, gears are 

(Continued on page 704) 



667 



By 

BELLE J. BENCHLEY 



Here is a living ^'^Pin 
Cushion,^^ and ivhat an odd 
darling it is! These little 
fellows are frequently 
found in the of en by those 
who frequent the hills^ but 
they are not easily found. 



The 




The Little Quills Stood Straight 
on End, Just Like His Mother's. 



Pincushion Baby 



A BIRD cage may seem to be as though he were covered with 
a queer house for a porcu- silken fur or downy feathers in- 
pine, but the only porcupine stead of sharp-pointed quills. It 
born in the San Diego Zoo first was only a few hours, though, be- 
saw light through a bird cage, fore his quills stiffened up like his 
Porcupines are not easily kept in mother's. For a few days, he 
any sort of cage, especially if there watched her spread her quills. After 
is wood around, for they like noth- that, when anyone came close to 
ing better than to gnaw pine boxes the wire, the miniature pincushion 
into sawdust for their breakfast, turned around and backed up at 
In the wilds, they live largely upon them, his every quill standing 
pine bark and the soft, damp wood straight on the end. He had learn- 
just under the bark. They girdle ed something that many people 
trees and damage our forests. Even who have lived around animals for 
in the bird cage, Mother Porcupine years do not know, 
set to work on the door, the only Almost every day visitors at the 
edible material at hand. But most zoo say to their children, "Come 
of the cage is made of wire and away from that cage. Those 
cement ; and besides, when the baby porcupines will shoot their quills 
came, the mother had more to do into you." Baby Pincushion, 
than to gnaw wood. though, even when he was just a 
The baby was born one night few days old, knew very well that 
after the keepers had gone home, he could not shoot his quills. No 
In the morning, they found the porcupine can. To use their quills, 
baby pincushion with quills as soft porcupines must back up to you 
as the pin feathers of large birds, and stick them into your flesh. Once 
His stubby little tail was equip- in your flesh, however, the quills 
ped with hollow quills which were hang faster to you than they do to 
open at the ends. He could rattle the porcupine's own body, to 



them almost as well as a snake rat- 
tles its tail. 

■\/fRS. PORCUPINE was very 
proud of her baby. She 
washed his face and nosed him just 



own 
which they are loosely bound. 

But Mother Porcupine had an- 
other use for her quills. When 
danger was near, she always rattled 
her tail. If she ever made any other 

sound, we were not able to hear it. jections. 



At meal time, she lay on her 
stomach, which is the only way 
a porcupine can possibly lie in 
comfort. The baby cuddled be- 
side her, pushed his nose right in 
among her quills, and drank por- 
cupine milk to his heart's content. 
His contentment was expressed by 
a sigh, a smacking of the lips, and 
very shortly after dinner by a com- 
fortable sleep. Everyone looked 
to see whether his nose and eyes 
were not full of his mother's quills. 
They were not, of course. 

gABY PINCUSHION grew rap- 
idly after the first few days, but 
his quills grew faster still. The male 
of his species has very long quills, 
so it was not long before he looked 
very much larger and more fierce 
than his mother. 

Now he is two years old. He 
likes to be with his mother all of 
the time and insists on sleeping at 
her side. However, when they rest 
now. Mother Porcupine makes her 
son lie with his head in the op- 
posite direction from her own. In 
that way, their quills do not in- 
terfere with each other; and since 
it is much more comfortable. 
Master Pincushion makes no ob- 



668 



Cfoolish 




C) 



o 



o 




o 

(Ambitions 



H.W 



D, 



By HAROLD THORPE 



a foolish 
question 

fore you 



ID you ever have 

ambition? Ponder this 
gravely a moment be- 
make a reply. A little 
reflection should bring vividly to 
your mind a multitude of your 
own youthful and childish ambi- 
tions. Undoubtedly a consider- 
able number of these would have 
caused you much embarrassment, 
if not disaster, had you realized 
them. From childhood up we are 
prone to many strange and foolish 
ambitions. 

Remember those we had when 
we were clever little girls three years 
old, and our mothers belonged to 
the Children's Diet Association? 
This association met once a month 
to discuss whether boys should eat 
boiled turnips for breakfast or fried 
cabbages for dinner. After much 
research and investigation, and 
much experimental stuffing of boys 
on bran, and buttermilk, and 
stewed prunes, these discussions 
finally led to the conclusion that 
boys' appetites were larger than 
their stomachs ; and therefore, boys 
should eat more mush for break- 
fast and less beef. 

Mother sometimes took us with 
her to these important delibera- 
tions. How we thrilled when we 
were all ready in new dresses! 
But by the time we reached the 
front gate on the way to the Con- 
vention on Mush and Appetites, 
we would suddenly be seized with 
a violent and foolish ambition to 
play the game of the Mountain and 
the Valley out in the middle of the 
street. 



It was a simple game, easily 
played. We would rush out into 
the middle of the road and scoop 
all the dust and dirt we could find 
into a pile, which we called a 
Mountain. The low place from 
which we scooped the dirt we 
called the Valley. After our build- 
ing and scooping was all done, 
we would lie down on the Moun- 
tain and roll off into the Valley. 

We didn't always fin- 
ish the game, for Mother could see 
dangers that we could not see, and 
called us back. "Chris William!" 
she would cry warningly, "see that 
cow? Come right back here this 
instant, Chris William, or that 
cow will eat you up in one big 
bite!" 

With a shriek we rushed back to 
Mother and safety. Sometimes we 
couldn't see the cow, and pro- 
tested against this uncalled for in- 
terruption. But Mother always 
knew where that terrible cow was 
lurking, waiting to rush out and 
gobble up little girls. 

She was right inside the gate, 
under some bushes — or she was 
down in the cellar. One day the 
cow was in the chicken coop — 
causing a lot of hens to cackle. We 
could hear the hens, and Mother 
knew the old rascal was out there. 
And one day that old gobble-all 
hid in the stove down in the base- 
ment. No one ever knew how the 
cow got into the stove, but Mother 
said she was there. 

But worst of all was that warm 
day in June, when we wanted to 



play ever so much, and that old 
fool of a cow began singing, 
"Yankee Doodle" across the street 
before we could even start. 

We doubted it was the cow 
singing, for it sounded very much 
like the voice of Francis Ann 
Friskom, who lived across the way, 
and who warbled every morning 
because Bert Butterhead was her 
beau. Neighbors said that Francis 
Ann always sang "Yankee Doo- 
dle" at the top of her voice the 
day after she and Bert became rec- 
onciled after a quarrel. 

But Mother knew positively 
that the cow was in the wash-tub 
singing "Yankee Doodle" because 
she was hungry. The old heathen 
was only waiting a favorable op- 
portunity to rush out and grab us, 
bounce back into the wash-tub 
again, and there chew two little 
girls of tender years and pounds 
and pigtails into forty-seven cuds. 
So that memorable day we looked 
pretty and remained with Mother, 
and went with her to the debate 
between clabber and bologna. 
Sometimes Mother spanked us to 
save us from the cow. (I can feel 
my last spanking yet.) And that 
last spanking cured me for all time 
of ever wanting to plaj the game 
of the Mountain and the Valley on 
Mush Association day. 



A; 



.ND then there is 
that other foolish ambition that 
used to stir ten year old boys 
whenever a big brass band in bright 
uniforms would come to town 
{Continued on page 679) 



Personality 



669 



E. W. HOWE 



By 

JOSEPH FAUS 

Edgar Watson Howe, 76, former cowboy, miner, jarmer and intinerant 
■printer; former editor and publisher of the very individualistic ^'•Atchison 
Globe,^'^ Atchison, Kansas; author of ^^The Story of a Country Town,"^^ ^^An- 
thology of Another Town,^^ ^^The Story of a Country Man,^^ ^^Ventures in Com- 
m-on Sense,^^ and other books, is reputed to be the m^ost widely quoted m^an. 



SOMEONE has said the leopard 
cannot change its spots. Men 

have been born whose minds 
become symbolically the same. Na- 
ture, heredity and environment 
combine to endow them with a 
gospel of living, and to their gospel 
they cling. Be this gospel sane and 
conservative, happy peradventure 
the individual ; and if the life of the 
individual is not circumscribed in 
orbit, the effect of his personal 
philosophy, gradually evolved, is 
bound to be more than casual. 

Fifty years ago Mark Twain 
read with relish and gusto a new 
novel, product of such an aforesaid 
sane and conservative individual, to 
his friend, George W. Cable. He 
read, that is, subject to Mr. Cable's 
frequent interruptions, which were 
of such enthusiastic import as "Su- 
perb!" and "Colossal!" 

At approximately the same time 
a book reviewer for The Century 
Magazine, by name William Dean 
Howells, was penning to the un- 
known author of the same novel an 
epistle containing the following 
excerpts : "Your book is a remark- 
able piece of realism * * * the 
only one of our times that seems to 
have vitality. * * * The simple, 
naked humanism of it is extraor- 
dinary. * * * Upon your honest 
piece of work I give you my hand, 
with my heart in it." 

Edgar Watson Howe, homespun 
youth, had projected his forceful 
personality into that book: the 
characters were flesh and blood, the 



scenes were stark and intense; no 
subtlety adorned the dialogue, no 
exoticisms the atmosphere. Still, 
it is interesting to chronicle, every 
publisher then in the United States 
had refused the manuscript ; and the 
impecunious author, undismayed, 
had printed it himself. He set the 
type with his own hands, ran off 
the pages on a small job press in 
his Atchison, Kansas, weekly news- 
paper office, and then crudely bound 
them into book form. 

It is anticlimax to say that after 
the literary Daniels had paeaned 
their judgments, the publishers 
avidly sought permission to print 
other editions of the book they had 
previously rejected — anticlimax to 
say that E. W. Howe's first novel, 
"The Story of a Country Town," 
is yet selling and, according to 
many authorities, is the "Great 
American Novel" to date. 

T7IFTY years is a long time. A 
long time. The laudatory let- 
ters that Howells and 7" wain wrote 
to young Howe are yellow and 
faded, and young Howe is now 
old. His body has changed, but 
his philosophy of life, like the 
leopard's spots remains unchanged. 
(And why not? Has better been 
divulged? Where are prettier spots 
than the leopard's?) True, with the 
years it has ripened and mellowed, 
rather than grown acid and petul- 
ant, but essentially it Is the same. 
"The pot of gold is not found 
at the end of the rainbow, but at 
the end of a good day's work." 



"Self-denial is easier in the long 
run than self-indulgence." 

"Better be safe than sorry." 

"Greatness is simplicity — ^sim- 
plicity is effectiveness — effectiveness, 
is success — success is living an hon- 
est and upright life." 

"You may talk all you please 
about religion and patriotism, but 
a right good love affair moves a 
man more than anything else." 

"Watch out at a dining-room 
table as you would at a railroad 
crossing." 

"When a man says money can 
do anything, that settles it. He 
hasn't any." 

For a half century, and more, 
the press has been broadcasting his 
terse and witty ideas to the world 
— ideas that are the very warp and 
woof of Ed Howe himself. This 
Champion of the Average Man. 
who proudly "preaches from the 
audience," belongs to no orthodox 
school and acknowledges no master. 
save truth as he sees it. And — 
fascinating fact! — he cannot write- 
or talk, or even walk, without 
eliciting some response from some- 
one somewhere. 

"Who," asked a well-known 
psychologist of me one day last 
winter in Miami, after I had left 
the side of Mr. Howe, "is that 

gentleman?" 

"First," I countered, curious, 
"tell me what he is." 

"Well," replied he slowly, "I 
have been studying his face for the 
{Continued on page 686) 



670 



^here was an Old 'Woman 
Who Lived in a Shoe 




This is How the Shoe-House Was Made 

"The idea is an original one," said John Olson, 
florist at the Utah State Hospital, ' 'as I have never seen 
anything like this before in my life. The shoe is 
seven feet high, 80 inches in length, and 40 inches in 
width. 

"The leg was made of 4,000 echeverias, or hen 
and chickens, and 500 alternatheras, yellow and green. 
The sole of the shoe required 100 achyranthes. The 
door is the old English type with long brass hinges 
and old-fashioned brass knocker. On the opposite side 
of the house there is an English window with a flower 
box attached. The grounds represent a rolling 
meadow with English daisies scattered about, all in- 



"There was an Old Woman 
Who lived in a shoe. 
She had so many children 
She didn't know what to do. 
She gave them some milk 
Without any bread, 
And spanked them all soundly 
And sent them to bed," 

JOHN OLSON, florist, designed and executed the 
unique flower display pictured here. It appeared 
as one of the interesting floral features at the 
grounds of the Utah State Hospital at Provo, Utah, 
last year. People from many states viewed the ex- 
hibit and pronounced it unusually interesting. 

We have just passed through another glorious sum- 
mer, and we feel certain that in many sections of the 
world there are gorgeous flower displays just now and 
thousands of unique designs worked out in foliage and 
blossoms. We are eager to see some of these and to 
pass them on to our readers. 

The Improvement Eta will pay one dollar for 
actual photographs of floral designs growing in the 
out-of-doors this year, 1933. 

Here are the instructions: 

Photograph the design. 

On the reverse side of a glossy print give name, 
address, and date of the photograph. Retain the 
film, but have it available if it is called for. 

Mail the print to The Improvement Era, Floral 
Design Editor, 50 North Main St., Salt Lake City, 
Utah, on or before October 30. 

The ten most interesting photographs will be paid 
for at one dollar each. All others will be returned 
if self-addressed and stamped envelope is enclosed. 




closed by a rock garden planted with flowers in 
harmony with the picture. 

"On the grounds are to be peen the Old Woman 
and five children. She is shown in the act of punish- 
ing one. Rabbits, dogs, cats, and a green frog under 
a toad stool made of a giant type of achcveria are to be 
seen on the grounds. 

"The old well and oaken bucket are in the picture, 
as well as a little garden seat. One can easily breathe 
here the words of the old song: 

" 'How dear to my heart 

Are the scenes of my childhood 
When fond recollection 
Presents them to view'." 



671 




Who Dares 

By Christie Lund 

"TTTHO dares to draw the line 
' ' Between the real and the unreal, 
The finite and the infinite? 
Dares say 

The rose, which withers at a touch, 
More tangible than its 
Pure, lingering perfume? 
The dreams and introspection 
Of a soul 
Less actual 

Than the body's clumsy touch? 
Or who dares claim 
That death is absolute 
Because a heart, 

Which beat but by a higher will. 
Has ceased 
And left us 
Fingering our husks? 



Sing on Today, Brave Poet 

By Bryce W. Anderson 

QING on! Tomorrow may be drab and 

AJ gray ; 

The song that bursts your heart may fade 
away; 

The flower may wilt, the song-bird pass 
you by; 

Dark clouds may hide the blue of sun- 
kissed sky; 

The gentle muse tomorrow may be gone; 

Lost love may turn your heart to stone. 
Sing on! 



Moored 

By Alberta Huish Christensen 

/^H I could sail the Seven Seas, 
^^ But could I find on distant strand 
A wonder half so rare, my dear. 
As your wee hand? 

And could the sea, however blue. 
Or lambent stars let fall such light 
As lustrous candle-glow, upon 
Your hair tonight? 

Oh I'll not sail the Seven Seas — 
For treasures of the earth and skies 
Out-treasured are, my dearest dear, 
In two blue eyes! 

Embers 

By Estelle Webb Thomas 

T HAD thought when the flame of love 
-*■ blazed bright, 
When it warmed the day and illumed the 

night. 
That should ever it flicker or wane away 
The whole of life would be void and gray. 

I did not know that the steady glow 
Of its quenchless embers smouldering low. 
Could melt from a wandering heart its chill 
And prove a haven — precious still! 



Summer 

By Annie Wells Cannon 

TNCENSE and color everywhere 
•*- The fragrant air, exultant flings 
Her sweetness to the western winds 

Far to the north, the song birds fly 
Thrilling with joyous melody. 

And in the sapphire sky 

The glorious stars so brightly shine 
That heaven and earth become divine. 

Always golden Summer brings 
Life's most precious offerings. 



These Are Camping Days 

By Weston N. Nordgren 

TTTHAT ho! These are the camping 
' ^ days 

When soft, cool mountain breezes blow, 
Enticing men and boys to pack, and trail 
Into the forests touched with virgin 
snow! 
These are the nights of stars; and deep, 
AU-penctrating thoughts. When father, 
son 
Share food together by the evening fire; 
And ties that bind their spirits are begun. 

What ho! All boys — all leaders, too — 

Prepare your kits, and hike along. 
And climb, and sweat, and rest a bit; 

And break forth joyously in rousing 
song! 
These are the days of nature — New 

And clean from trouble, daily toil; 
These are the nights when God is near — 

And Youth finds kinship with the soil. 

Autumn 

By Audrey C abler 

Ji/TISS AUTUMN is coming today, 
-^^^ Let's go out and greet her. 
She looks lovely in her clothes so gay, 
I'll be very glad to meet her. 

She is a blend of gorgeous colors — 

All orange, yellow, and red. 
I wonder where is Miss Summer? 

Perhaps she has gone to bed. 




Camp on the Tom Sun Ranch, on 
the Sweeticater, Wyoming 



Supposing 

By Frances Hall 

/F I should have a little girl 
With happy-sunshine hair, 
I'd plant for her gay, laughing flowers 
To make her toddling fair — 
A blue delphinium paradise 
To match the glory of her eyes. 

If I should have a baby boy 

With eager, freckled nose, 

I'd have a great, broad-breasted lawn 

For little, stumbling toes. 

If such wee folk should come to me. 

What a joyous gardener I should be. 



Dear Sweet Wild Rose 

By S. B. Mitton 

DEAR sweet wild rose, to me so fair a 
flower. 

Why fade away and die so very soon? 

Why leave your nook, your pretty leafy 
bower 

And only stay a few short days in June? 

Do you not live mid leaves your own 
breath scented? 

Do not the breezes kiss your ruddy lips? 

Then why not stay and bloom and be 
contented 

While from your lips, bright rays, the dew- 
drops sip. 

Dear sweet wild rose, mid briars and 

brambles smiling. 
Your fragrance with soft blushes giv'n to 

them; 
Your innate charm, unwary hands be- 
guiling. 
Which break you rudely from your thorny 

stem. 
You'll bloom again, I know, mid briars 

and brambles. 
But not until a year has passed away; 
'Tis when the fleecy lamb in meadow 

gambols, 
And birds and brooks and breezes are at 

play. 



The Path We Tread 

By Ida R. Alldredge 

OOMETIMES we look through vision 
^ clouded o'er 

Our path seems rough, perhaps a little steep 
We wail, bemoan our fate the more 
Self-pitying the while, for this we weep 
The flowers bloom in beauty all in vain 
The perfume of their petals fill the air 
They shower at our feet like drops of rain 
And carpet tired feet that do not care 
The warblers sing from dawn till eventide 
Arrayed in gorgeous colors, green and gold 
The eyes of heaven high above us ride 
And light the path we tread with shining 

gold 
Could greater wealth our steps bestrew 
Than snow our pathway fresh with heav- 
en's dew? 



672 



■ n ^—ii t ^ m M^.^ii^i,u«,— »u— ,»|| I H^^ii^^ii ■ 



>iiaB»ii^^ii< 



rditorial^ 



M»»»l f ■ H |«w^||.^^||^^ll^^ll II— I II— w,||— ^11— ^»tli M ill^— !!■ 




XJ/'E ate advised by 
legal counsel that 
the provisions of the 
National Industrial Re- 
covery Act do not apply 
to the Church and its 
activities. Nevertheless, 
in order to be as helpful 
as possible in the efforts 
of the president to re- 
lieve the conditions of 
distress throughout the 
country, the Church gladly joins in the measures 
the President has inaugurated, and will meet, in 
its offices, the requirements made of industrial 
enterprises in the matter of minimum wages and 
maximum working hours for employes, this be- 
ing the only respect in which the provision of the 
act could have relation to Church activities. 



with the brave history of this country behind 
them, should need no such law; they should, 
from the bottom of their souls, so resent kidnap- 
ing practices that they would offer no compromise 
of any nature. — ^H. R. M. 



a 



WE DO OUR PART 



We Seek After 

These Things 



> y 




Not One Cent for Tribute 

CINCE the kidnapers of Baby Lindbergh worked 
their racket so successfully, there has been a 
veritable epidemic of kidnapings. The unscrupu- 
lous evidently have said to each other: "Why 
shouldn't we band together and pluck some of this 
wealth. In these days of aeroplanes, high-power- 
ed cars, and motor boats, with rings of criminals 
ready to assist us to escape, we stand little chance 
of being apprehended; if we are, loose-tongued 
attorneys with no regard for human justice will 
be able to get us off with light sentences if we are 
not liberated entirely." 

The racket has worked for huge amounts sev- 
eral times recently, and no one knows how many 
less important kidnapings have reaped smaller 
rewards. 

So long as men and women are willing to pay, 

kidnapings will continue, just as the piracy along 
the northern coast of Africa continued until 
America issued the famous ultimatum to the 
pirates — "Millions for defense, but not one cent 
for tribute." 

Human lives are precious, but there are other 
things more precious, among which are to be 
included liberty and freedom from a threat of 
kidnaping. When payment ceases whether ap- 
prehension, conviction, and punishment follow or 
not, kidnaping will cease. 

Some states are already considering laws pre- 
venting relatives and friends, or any other agency 
from offering or paying ransom. Americans, 



J MOTHER year is about to begin for M. I. A. 
with the guiding thought of a slogan to be 
kept in mind and put into uplifting application. 
The slogan for the season 1933-34 is worded 
thus: "Inspired by the refining influences of 
Mormonism, we will develop the gifts within us." 

It opens up a wide field for discussion, along 
both lines of refining influences of Mormonism, 
and gifts within us. What are the refining in- 
fluences of Mormonism? What are inner gifts 
which might be developed? To attempt to answer 
the first query is to undertake a formidable task, 
so numerous are the refining influences ; to attempt 
to answer the second is to look searchingly into 
our own minds and hearts and determine what are 
our individual gifts — we alone can know that 
about ourselves. 

In thinking of the far-reaching significance of 
the term "refining influences of Mormonism" one 
is almost inescapably led to the statement in the 
13th article of our faith that "if there is anything 
virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praise- 
worthy, we seek after these things." And in 
seeking after them, as a people, we make them 
integral parts of our religion — refining influences 
of Mormonism. Beauty of nature, of mind, of 
spirit, of form and substance, of sight and sound, 
might be classed as the loveliness after which we 
seek. Trees in leaf or bud or flower; sunlight on 
the waters of a lake or gleaming from behind 
banked clouds; mountains capped with a crown 
of snow, or dressed in the green of pine and fir; 
gardens in which the glory of color is hardly 
second to the delicacy of perfume; music which 
enters into consciousness to lift, to restore and to 
inspire; reading, the magic art of drawing us into 
close companionship with the greater ones of 
earth, today and yesterday; writing, which in 
itself is a miracle and a mystery of expression; 
honor, fairness, love for one another, these are but 
a few of the very many things which are included 
in those things which are virtuous, lovely, or of 
good report or praiseworthy; and all of them are 
the refining influences to which the slogan refers. 
To seek after them is a responsibility which rests 
with the individual; the gift of appreciation is 
one which must be developed before such seeking 
can be availing, and is one of the gifts which each 
holds within himself, ready for development. 

What a glorious statement that is — that what- 
ever is virtuous or lovely or of good report or 
praiseworthy, is a part of the answer as to what 



M^-^Umm^tt-^^H' 



Editorial— 



673 



religion really is! Anyone who has found ecstatic 
uplift in the morning wind, who has known the 
solace of flowers, who has felt the magic of music, 
and the thrill of patriotism has known something 
of the religious aspect of things beautiful and 
praiseworthy; anyone who has experienced the 
triumph of overcoming temptation, of rising 
above evil, of crushing unworthy thoughts and 
ambitions, has known the power of that which 
is virtuous; one who has patterned a life after a 
great example, who has sought truth and truths, 
present and eternal, has glimpsed the spiritual 
value of seeking things of good report. Perhaps 
in all doctrinal theological literature there is no 
more comprehensive, enlightening definition of the 
uplift of religion and faith than the 13th article 
in the statement of Latter-day Saint belief, having 
nothing to do with dogma or creed; nothing to 
do with ritual or ceremony; having only to do 
with spiritual values which, when acquired by an 
individual, would make of him a better person. 

If one is desirous of knowing what phases of 
his faith and religious belief are concerned with 
the routine of every-day living, an analysis of the 
meaning which the 13 th article of faith has for 
him would be highly illuminating. To tie the 
results of the analysis up with the new slogan of 
the M. I. A. would be to realize quite clearly what 
the refining influences of Mormonism are, and to 
have a fairly definite idea as to how to go about 
developing inner gifts through the inspiration of 
these influences. "If there is anything virtuous, 
lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we 
seek after these things." And life abundant will 
open for us! — E. T. B. 

Outstanding Thinkers 



on Prohibition 



To The Editor: 



HTHIS symposium of statements by outstanding 
American thinkers should help to nullify 
the false propaganda of the liquor interests. 
Sincerely yours, 
O. J. McClure 

Professor Irving Fisher 

Head of Political Economy, Yale University 

'OEPEAL of the Eighteenth Amendment, if it is 
accomplished, will have been due to two prin- 
cipal causes: 

(1) The wet propaganda which has greatly 
exaggerated the failures of Prohibition 
and minimized its successes. 

(2) The Depression. 

During a depression "whatever is is wrong," 
That is, the public is ready to change anything 
on the chance that it may help us out of the de- 
pression. Countries having free trade have in- 
troduced tariffs; countries having tariff^s are talk- 
ing about putting them down. Countries having 



||^M»|>«Wi— 1|.— ^11 II »«^»||^— 11.^— |»l ■! Ill II II — I 



Prohibition have been giving it up; countries 
where liquor flows freely are talking of halting 
the traffic. 

It is a time not to be swept off^ one's feet by these 
unreasoning spasms of public opinion, based on 
discontent and a frantic, desperate desire to "do 
something." 

The idea of letting people drink in order to tax 
them is more fallacious than lifting oneself by 
one's bootstraps. Every nickel spent for beer is 
a nickel taken from milk or other legitimate busi- 
ness, and reduces the productivity of the drinker 
by more than five cents worth. There must be a 
net reduction in the net income, the source of all 
taxation, directly or indirectly. From the eco- 
nomic point of view, repeal will not help but re- 
tard recovery from the depression. 

Dr. Joy Elmer Morgan 

Editor, The Journal of The National Education 
Association 

'T'HE repeal of the 1 8 th Amendment would pro- 
long the economic and financial collapse of 
America. It would divert into channels of dis- 
sipation and frivolity the money which should be 
spent to maintain homes, schools, parks, churches, 
and legitimate industries. More money would be 
spent for liquor than for schools. Great sums 
would be spent through advertising to promote 
the use of whiskey, champagne, wines, and gin. 
This huge advertising budget would serve as a 
corrupting influence in every phase of American 
life. The work of the honest parent, the sincere 
teacher, and the devoted preacher would be harder. 

Jane Addams 

Founder and Director of Hull-House 

TN spite of the activities of the bootleggers, the 
Hull-House neighborhood, which I imagine is- 
typical of many others, has been enormously im- 
proved since the period of prohibition. It would 
be nothing short of a calamity if the amendment 
is repealed and we are thrown back into the 
wretched conditions which formerly prevailed. 

Louis J. Taber 

Master, National Grange 

HTHE Eighteenth Amendment has been invalu- 
able to agriculture because of the increased 
consumption of farm products. We have time 
for but a single example: In 1917 our average 
consumption of milk was 754.8 pounds. Ten 
years later the per capita consumption was 967.3 
pounds, indicating that milk was taking the place 
of beer throughout the land and that children 
were enjoying the health and life-giving mate- 
rials with which the dairy cow — the foster mother 
of mankind — blesses society. To produce the in- 
creased milk consumed would require more grain 
than was used by all the brewers and all the dis- 
tillers before prohibition. (Cserf by special permission) 



674 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



^President J. Reuben Clark^ Jr. 



and Sister Clark have been blessed 
with four brilliant children ; Louise 
(Mrs. Mervyn S. Bennion) , Mari- 
anne (Mrs. Ivor Sharp) , J. Reuben 
and Luacinc Savage. 

For the past thirty years Elder 
Clark's time has been devoted 
largely to public service, and no 
other son of this commonwealth 
has won greater renown in the 
broad field of statesmanship and 
diplomacy. He was born and 
reared under modest circumstances; 
he has educated himself — and by 
sheer force of hard work, rugged 
honesty, straight thinking, the 
capacity to make and retain friends 
— without family prestige or polit- 
ical preferment, unaided and single 
handed, he has won his way to 
lofty levels. 

He has occupied a place in the 
highest councils of the nation in 
times of peace and of war and has 
had a part in decisions affecting the 
destiny of the world. He enjoyed 
the intimate friendship of Calvin 
Coolidge, Philander C. Knox, 
Dwight W. Morrow and others 
and has been the friend and con- 
fidential advisor of these eminent 
statesmen. 

He is a trained diplomat and 
diplomacy is the fine art of making 
human temperaments agree. There 
is nothing subtle, cunning or mys- 
terious in this art as practiced by 
President Clark. He faces the facts, 
gets the other man's point of view, 
and stands tolerantly and cour- 
ageously for the right. His diplo- 
macy is simple, straight-forward, 
and just. There is no alchemy in 
it. He has no fondness for the 
pronoun "I." He is honest to his 
finger tips. Few men surpass him 
in mental brawn. He holds in 
happy combination the virtues 
symbolized by the head, the heart, 
and the conscience. President 
Clark is an able and effective advo- 
cate. He has a good speaking voice, 
a ready command of pure English, 
with an orderly and logical way of 
thinking. He speaks with a dis- 
cretion and a sincerity that carries 
conviction. His discourses are dis- 
tinguished for their originality, 
compactness, breadth of view, 
soundness of doctrine, grace of dic- 
tion, and spiritual inspiration. In 
speaking before the last general 
conference he said in part: 

"The world is moaning in tribulation. 
I do not know the cure. The questions 
involved are so nearly infinite in their 
vision that I question whether any human 



mind can answer them. But it is my 
faith that if the people shall shun idleness, 
if they shall cast out from their hearts 
those twin usurpers, ambition and greed, 
and then shall re-enthrone brotherly love 
and return to the old virtues — industry, 
thrift, honesty, self-reliance, independence 
of spirit, self-discipline, and mutual good- 
ness — we shall be far on our way to a 
returned prosperity and worldly happiness. 
We must again yield fealty to the law that 
wealth, however great, is a mere shadow 
compared with the living, enduring riches 
of mind and heart. * * * The world 
problem is not primarily one of finance but 
of unselfishness, industry, courage, con- 
fidence, character, heart, temperance, in- 
tegrity and righteousness. The world has 
been on a wild debauch materially and 
spiritually; it must recover the same way 
the drunkard reprobate recovers — by re- 
pentance and right living." (Page 103, 
Conference Pamphlet, April, 1933.) 

A. E. Bowen, an intimate friend 
and business associate, when asked 
to give an estimate of President 
Clark's character said: 

"The personal endowments and qualities 
which have made possible his varied and 
distinguished achievements are perhaps 
three, with their corollaries: 

"First: A vigorous and discriminating 
intellect. His is the rare power of pene- 
trating through all confusing, superficial 
envelopments to the root and marrow of a 
confronting problem. 

"Second: A prodigious power of 
work — a constitution which seems able 
to respond to any draft that may be made 
upon it. Work is his vocation and his 
avocation, his pursuit and his pastime. 

"Third: An uncompromising, unde- 
viating honesty — intellectual and moral 
honesty. Tace the facts' is a characteristic 
expression of his. He spends no time in 
working upon schemes of evasion. Having 
been surrounded with abundant oppor- 
tunity for graft and acquisition he has 
come through without the smell of fire 
upon his garments. No opprobrium has 
ever attached to his name. To him sham 
and pretense are an abomination." 

AXTHEN one studies him at close 

range he is impressed with a 

sense of ruggedness and culture. 

His features indicate caution and 



Spared 



JBy Alberta Huish Christensen 

Perhaps the philosophy of this is a little 
Pagan, but it is the only virtue I could ever 
see in young death. 

YES, I remember — -she was that kind, — 
A sort of blossom shimmering in the 
wind. 
A bud of promise on a flowering bough 
Is what I see as I recall her now. 

So will she always be, — a blossom shim- 
mering in the wind. 
There were no shadows, no pale lean cheek. 
Death claimed, it seems for memory's sake, 
Ere monster Age had plundered all the gold 
From her rich eyes. — How kind! 
Now will she live in youth forever more. 
Never to go slow-stepped and limping to 
the door! 



Continued from 
page 646 



determination; this impression is 
mellowed by the friendliness of his 
mild blue eyes which reveal a warm 
and sympathetic soul. 

He is sixty- two years of age, 
sound in health, matured in judg- 
ment, affable in manner, genial, 
scholarly, sagacious, benevolent, 
honest beyond cavil, and absolutely 
uncompromising so far as truth or 
principle is concerned. 

Ambassador Morrow once said 
to J. Reuben Clark: "You stand 
in the least awe of wealth of any 
man I have known." 

No man can intimidate him; he 
cannot be bought, cajoled, in- 
trigued or persuaded to do anything 
that is not in the interest of right 
and justice. There is a moral 
grandeur about this attitude which 
challenges admiration. No client 
ever did or ever could secure his 
services who sought to evade or 
subvert the law. Neither friend 
nor foe ever questioned the rectitude 
of his intentions. "He is hewn of 
stern, heroic stuff." 

J. Reuben Clark's name will go 
down in history as a statesman and 
a religious leader. From his boy- 
hood he has been active in Church 
service and always a careful student 
of both its history and its doctrine. 
He is not only an able theologian 
but an eloquent preacher. 

Today he belongs to a small and 
select company of men who stand 
high in the confidence of the people 
and in the favor of the Almighty. 
In all the history of the Church 
few men have been honored with a 
place in the First Presidency. 

He is still in the prime of life. 
He has a clear understanding of the 
fundamentals of government and 
of the great underlying principles 
upon which society rests. His train- 
ing has made him world minded. 
He thinks in large terms. He will 
enjoy the love and the sustaining 
faith of the membership of the 
Church and will receive light and 
inspiration from on high — all of 
which will qualify him to render 
to the Church and its people a long 
and brilliant service. 

This exalted calling is a climax 
to a career not distinguished for 
anything miraculous or meteoric 
but one built upon the sound 
foundation of faith in God, hard 
work, correct living, common sense, 
tolerance and sympathy — backed 
with a supreme love of justice and 
right. 



The improvement Era for September, 1933 



675 



4iRelationship Between Shinto and Mormonism- 



tian God is, who is the Living 
Personal God, the Father in the 
heaven, as we Latter-day Saints 
believe. Shinto is the original, 
primitive faith of the Japanese peo- 
ple, before Buddhism came to the 
country in 552 A. D. (the. Japan- 
ese time in 1212 from the begin- 
ning of the Empire) . Shinto, to 
American people, seems strangely 
simple, and yet, at the same time, 
strangely difficult to understand, 
not only for what it says, but also 
for what it does not say, as it is 
very hard to understand the Japan- 
ese situation in Manchuria. 

CHINTO does not teach; it has 
no heaven; beyond teaching 
that the soul lives after death, and 
it does not say what becomes of 
the soul. It is simply a religion of 
the heart. Shinto believes that no 
moral teacher is as Infallible as one's 
own heart. Therefore, its one 
moral commandment is "Follow 
the impulses of your own heart," 
which seems to some no command- 
ment at all. But I think there Is 
the spirit of Liberty and Freedom 
behind that meaning. There is no 
special scheme to learn or practice, 
no such meeting on Sunday, as the 
Sunday schools which Christians 
have. The gods whom it worships 
are eight million in number. Just 
as you will see in Greek mythology, 
these gods are mostly nature gods 
or goddesses, such as gods or god- 
desses of winds, of the storm, of 
rain, of fire, of fountain, of water, 
of mountain, etc. But there are 
also other gods. These are the 
souls of departed great persons, 
who return to help or hurt their 
descendants. It is a religion of the 
dead to whose spirits offerings are 
made, offerings of food and drink, 
not because they need them, but to 
prove that they are not forgotten, 
just as you put flowers on a grave ; 
so Shinto Is commonly called "An- 
cestor Worship." 

But it is not quite fair to give it 
this name. The people of any na- 
tion In the world would worship, 
respect, or praise the great ancestors 
of their country. Why do the 
American people celebrate the birth- 
days of Washington and of Lin- 
coln? Why do Christians worship 
Christ and honor the prophets? 
Why do Mormons study gen- 
ealogies and work for the dead? 

The Shinto shrines are very 



simple and beautiful and usually 
consist of two small houses. One, 
standing In front. Is the prayer 
hall; the other is the Sanctuary. 
The inside of these shrines is also 
perfectly simple and very clean ; for 
simplicity and purity are at the 
very center of the faith. The struc- 
ture of the shrine is very similar to 
the structure of the temples In 
Persia. We understand that the 
tabernacle of the ancient time had 
two parts, one for the sanctuary; 
another for the worship place. 

In the shrines there are no graven 
Images, and no statue of gods or 
men In the innermost sanctum, but 
there is a box which holds some 
souvenir, or a symbol, such as a 
sword, a mirror, or a jewel. Some 
of those things, I understand from 
the Book of Mormon, were 
brought by Lehl and his people 
from Jerusalem to America. These 
three things were especially given, 
so tradition tells us, by Amaterasu 
Omi Kami, "the Heaven-Shining 
One," the fair, mild, bright, vic- 
torious Sun Goddess, who sent her 
offspring from celestial realms to 
the land of Japan, there to establish 
order and dominion: "The land 
of sun-rising, the Middle Kingdom, 
the rich rice field is the land where 
my offspring shall rule. * * The 
kingdom shall prosper forever; and 
there shall be no end as far as 
heaven and earth exist," was her 
word and command; which, it 
seems to me, expresses the Idea of 
St. Luke, found In his first chapter, 
thirty-third verse. It reads: "And 
he (Jesus from the house of the 
throne of David) shall reign over 
the house of Jacob forever; and of 
his kingdom there shall be no end." 

TIMMU TENNO, her great 
J grandson, received these three 
things, when he became the first 
Emperor of Japan in 660 B. C. — 
this time, seems to me, Has relation- 
ship with the time (600 B. C.) 
that Lehi left Jerusalem with his 
people, as we read in the Book of 
Mormon. Now these three things 
have been handed down from Em- 
peror to Emperor. So Shinto rev- 
erences the Emperor as a human 
descendant of the sun, the great life- 
giving force of nature. You see, in 
the Japanese national flag there is 
a red circle in the white, which 
represents the sun, which seems to 
be the first creation of God, as we 



Continued from 

page 655 

read in the first chapter of Genesis. 
Therefore, Japan would not be 
Japan without this curious religion 
of Shinto. The Emperor, Shinto, 
and Japan, will be one unity that 
shall never be separated, as if Lat- 
ter-day Saints believe the Trinity; 
that is, God the Father, Jesus Christ 
the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Shin- 
toism Is patriotism, and It Is faith 
in the past, the present, and the 
future of Japan. 

The Japanese people believe and 
Insist that Japan is the Kingdom of 
God. Christianity teaches the 
Kingdom of God, of which we read 
many times in the Bible. The 
Japanese Imperial Crest of the 
Chrysanthemum, the Persian 
King's crest of the chrysanthemum, 
and the Cross and the Crest of the 
Chrysanthemum on the statue 
(probably image or portrait) of 
Christ-Child in some temple in 
Rome, Italy, show the symbols of 
the same Idea, There is an old 
map of "Naniwa Jo-kozu" in the 
Japanese Imperial Library, which 
I have heard, is not the Japanese 
map, but perhaps the old map of 
the Tigris and Euphrates River in 
Persia, and this map will explain 
some difficult passages in the Bible. 
It is interesting to know that the 
Persian costumes of old and present 
time are similar to those of the 
Japanese ancient people. An old 
"No" -song, "Kekari" expresses the 
same idea that tells in the verses 
from nineteen to twenty-eight in 
the fourteenth chapter In the book 
of Exodus. This "No" -song tells 
that a priest of Shinto went Into the 
sea; the sea water separated and 
there made a road so that he could 
pass without getting wet; after he 
passed, the waves came together 
again and became the sea as before. 
It is just as Moses passed the Red 
Sea. 

There are In Japan "Shinto Go- 
busho," or the five books of Shin- 
to; (1) "Amaterasu he Ninsko 
Kotai Jingu Chinza Shindai-Ki." 
(2) "Go-Chinza Den-Ki/' (3) 
"Go Chinza Hon-ki," (4) "Hookt 
Hon-ki/'znd (5) "Yatnato Hime- 
Ki," which are similar to the five 
books of Moses, Genesis, Exodus, 
Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuter- 
onomy. In the Japanese books 
there are not written the same 
things as those in the books of 
Moses, but there is the story of the 
creation of the world. The mean- 



676 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



ing of the Japanese author's name 
is similar to the meaning of Moses. 
It shall be proved by studying 
Greek. The author's name is 
"Aharaka-no-Mikoto" in the old 
Japanese language, which is even 
strange to the Japanese. I found 
some similarity between Greek and 
Old Japanese language. In Greek, 
as in Latin, the subject of a sentence 
is often omitted. This is so in the 
Japanese language. Isn't Japanese 
he similar to Isaiah? 

The Toshitoi-no-Matsuri" from 
"Notito (meaning prayer)" of 
Shinto is similar to the passage of 
the Scripture in the verses 3-5, 
Chapter fortieth in the book of 
Isaiah. The last volume of the 
twelfth book of the "Manyo-Shu 
(the collection of old poems) " con- 
tains some idea of the. verses 10-19. 
twenty-eighth chapter in book of 
Genesis. We shall find that the 
story of "Omono-Nushi-no-Mi- 
koto" or simply "O-Kuni-Nushi- 
no-Mikoto," one of the gods in 
the Japanese mythology, is very 
similar to that of Joseph in Egypt. 

TN the Bible many descriptions 
show that the younger brothers 
were superior to the elder broth- 
ers and succeeded their fathers in- 
stead of the elder brothers. For 
example, Abraham had two sons, 
Ishmael and Isaac, and Isaac suc- 
ceeded Abraham. Isaac had two 
sons, Esau and Jacob, and Jacob 
succeeded. And we read in the 
Book of Mormon that Nephi suc- 
ceeded instead of Laman and of 
other elder brothers. And the 
youngest one was always superior 
and better than the elder brothers, 
as in the story of Joseph in Egypt 
and other descriptions. In the 
Japanese mythology and the his- 
tory of olden time, there are many 
examples of that kind. For ex- 
ample, "O-Kuni-Nushi-no-Miko- 
to" whom I have just mentioned 
above, was the youngest brother, 
but he was the finest one among 
the brothers and at last he ruled 
over the elder brothers, as in the 
story of Joseph in Egypt. The 
first Emperor, Jimmu Tenno, was 
also the youngest brother. 

The seven gods in the story of 
the creation in the Japanese book, 
it seems to me, represent seven days 
of God's creation of the world in 
the Bible. The way of the creation 
in the Japanese book is more rea- 
sonable than the seven days' order 
of the creation in the Bible, and of 
course, the ways of both creations 



are not exactly the same. The 
Japanese Twelve Zodiacal (hor- 
ory) signs point out twelve months 
and the Twelve Apostles. 

A Shinto priest's secret prayer is 
similar to that of Moses alone in 
the holy place and to that of Jesus 
alone in the mountain before he 
was crucified and also to that of 
Joseph Smith. By secret prayer 
the Shinto priests receive some mes- 
sage from God, as Moses, Christ 
and Joseph Smith have done. In 
Shinto women and girls can have 
no authority or priesthood, but can 
assist men who have proper au- 
thority, as the Latter-day Saints 
believe in the Priesthood in which 



Service 

By F. M. SHAFER 

npHE meaning of the word "Ser- 
vice," as given by Webster, is 
"The condition or occupation of 
one who works for another in a 
menial way," — menial means a 
slave, or inferior person. I am very 
sure that the word has a much 
broader definition. The word Ser- 
vice, in its true sense, stands for ac- 
complishment and development, 
physically, mentally, and spiritual- 
ly. There is no greater word in 
our English language than the word 
Service, for it signifies the true defi- 
nition of life, without which there 
could be no development, or accom- 
plishment; and I will add, — real 
purpose in life. Our great men of 
today have reached the prominent 
positions which they occupy in the 
affairs of men, through, and by 
their service. The scriptural say- 
ing, "That it is better to give than 
to receive," is indeed true. That 
which we give, makes for growth 
and development. Our physical, 
mental, and spiritual natures, are 
strengthened and developed, by and 
through the very act of rendering 
service to our fellow man. Aside 
from the fact that we are perform- 
ing our duty as a public servant, 
or as a private citizen; extending 
to those who are dependent on us, 
help and assistance; — the greatest 
benefit is to ourselves, adding to our 
natures those traits of character that 
makes for good citizenship. Happy 
is the man who has performed his 
duty well — and again, happy is he 
that has rendered a service to a 
friend, or neighbor. There is a 
personal satisfaction in helping 
others. 



the women have no authority but 
they can assist. In the order of the 
Priesthood in Shinto there is sim- 
ilar order to that which we have 
in the Priesthood of our Church. 
In Japan the people believe that 
spirits of the dead people come back 
once a year to this world from the 
other world, and it shows just as 
we believe our souls live after death. 
The Japanese people believe that 
the great ancestors become gods, as 
the Latter-day Saints believe we 
shall progress until we become 
gods, which we will read in the 
Doctrine and Covenants. Before a 
Shinto priest goes to prayer at a 
shrine, he must clean his body. He 
may take a shower from head to 
foot, or take a bath, but he must 
clean himself from head to foot 
with clean water or hot water. He 
does this for the reason that if he 
goes without cleaning his body, 
God will not answer his prayer. 
Therefore, he must clean his body. 
This is just what we do in our 
Church. We cannot enter the 
Kingdom of God without baptism. 

T HOPE, therefore, that the Japan- 
ese mission will be reopened at 
some day in the near future, and 
when it is, I hope to be able to 
better explain the Gospel of Christ 
among my people. This is better 
than you American people do in the 
unskillful Japanese language. The 
Japanese people are very reasonable 
and quick to learn if the Gospel 
can be explained to them, because 
it is so similar to the Japanese reli- 
gions. So I hope also to establish 
or to be instrumental in having a 
church school in Japan, like the 
Brigham Young University at 
Provo, where it is possible for my 
people to attend. This, I am sure, 
would help very much in spreading 
the knowledge of the true religion. 
I know now that our Church of 
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 
was given in these latter days to 
Prophet Joseph Smith by the hand 
of God, Himself, and His Son Jesus 
Christ. I know the Book of Mor- 
mon is true and the Pearl of Great 
Price and the Doctrine and Cov- 
enants are also the words of God. 
The reason I came here is that I 
might learn the Gospel, and after 
I finish school at the Brigham 
Young University, I shall go back 
to Japan and explain that Gospel 
to my people. I remember and you 
will also remember that Jesus 
taught us to preach the Gospel to 
all the people of the world. 



677 



<^nCxperience ofz^'j^athers 



FOR some time President Wood- 
ruff's health had been failing. 
Nearly every evening President 
Lorenzo Snow visited him at 
his home. This particular evening 
the doctors said that President Wood- 
ruff could not live much longer, that 
he was becoming weaker every day. 
President Snow was greatly worried. 
We cannot realize today what a ter- 
rible financial condition the Church 
was in at that time — owing millions of 
dollars and not being able to pay even 
the interest on its indebtedness. 

My father went to his room in the 
Salt Lake Temple, dressed in his robes 
of the Priesthood, knelt at the sacred 
altar in the Holy of Holies in the House 
of the Lord and there plead to the Lord 
to spare President Woodruff'is life, 
that President Woodruff might outlive 
him and that the great responsibility of 
Church leadership would not fall upon 
his shoulders. Yet he promised the 
Lord that he would devotedly perform 
any duty required at his hands. At 
this time he was in his eighty-sixth 
year. 

Soon after this President Woodruff 
was taken to California where he died 
Friday morning at 6:40 o'clock Sep- 
tember 2nd, 1898. President George 
Q. Cannon at once wired the informa- 
tion to the President's office in Salt 
Lake City. Word was forwarded to 
President Snow who was in Brigham 
City. The telegram was delivered to 
him on the street in Brigham, He 
read it to President Rudger Clawson, 
then President of Boxelder Stake, who 
was with him, went to the telegraph 
office and replied that he would leave on 
the train about 5:30 that evening. He 
reached Salt Lake City about 7:15, 
proceeded to the President's office, gave 
some instructions and then went to his 
private room in the Salt Lake Temple. 
President Snow put on his holy 
temple robes, repaired again to the 
same sacred altar, offered up the signs 
of the Priesthood and poured out his 
heart to the Lord. He reminded the 
Lord how he plead for President Wood- 
ruff's life to be spared, that President 
Woodruff's days would be lengthened 
beyond his own; that he might never 
be called upon to bear the heavy bur- 
dens and responsibilities of the Church. 
"Nevertheless," he said, "Thy will be 
done. I have not sought this responsi- 
bility but if it be Thy will, I now pre- 
sent myself before Thee for Thy guid- 
ance and instruction. I ask that Thou 
show me what Thou wouldst have me 
do." 

After finishing his prayer he expected 



By LeROI C. SNOW 

a reply, some special manifestation from 
the Lord. So he waited, — ^and waited 
— and waited. There was no reply, no 
voice, no visitation, no manifestation. 
He left the altar and the room in great 
disappointment. Passing through the 
Celestial room and out into the large 
corridor a glorious manifestation was 
given President Snow which I relate in 
the words of his grand-daughter, AUie 
Young Pond, now the wife of Elder 
Noah S. Pond, recently president of 
the Northern States Mission: 

"One evening while I was visiting 
grandpa Snow in his room in the Salt 
Lake Temple, I remained until the door 
keepers had gone and the night-watch- 
men had not yet come in, so grand-pa 
said he would take me to the main front 
entrance and let mc out that way. He 
got his bunch of keys from his dresser. 
After we left his room and while we 
were still in the large corridor leading 
into the celestial room, I was walking 
several steps ahead of grand-pa when 
he stopped me and said: 'Wait a mo- 
ment, Allie, I want to tell you some- 
thing. It was right here that the Lord 
Jesus Christ appeared to me at the 
time of the death of President Wood- 
ruff. He instructed me to go right 
ahead and reorganize the First Presi- 
dency of the Church at once and not 
wait as had been done after the death 
of the previous presidents, and that I 
was to succeed President Woodruff.' 

"Then grand-pa came a step nearer 
and held out his left hand and said; 
'He stood right here, about three feet 
above the floor. It looked as though 
He stood on a plate of solid gold.' 

"Grand-pa told me what a glorious 
personage the Savior is and described 
His hands, feet, countenance and beau- 
tiful white robes, all of which were of 
such a glory of whiteness and bright- 
ness that he could hardly gaze upon 
Him. 




ilOM 



Pony Express Marker, Fort Bridger 



"Then he came another step nearer 
and put his right hand on my head 
and said: 'Now, grand-daughter, I 
want you to remember that this is the 
testimony of your grand-father, that 
he told you with his own lips that he 
actually saw the Savior, here in the 
Temple, and talked with Him face to 
face.' 

During the June conference in 1919 
at an M. I. A. officers' meeting in the 
Assembly Hall I related the above tes- 
timony. President Heber J. Grant im- 
mediately arose and said: 

In confirmation of the testimony 
given by Brother LeRoi C. Snow quot- 
ing the grand-daughter of Lorenzo 
Snow, I want to call attention to the 
fact that several years elapsed after the 
death of the Prophet Joseph before 
President Young was sustained as the 
president of the Church; after the death 
of President Young, several years 
elapsed again before President Taylor 
was sustained, and again when he died 
several years elapsed before President 
Woodruff was sustained. 

After the funeral of President Wil- 
ford Woodruff, the apostles met in the 
office of the First Presidency and broth- 
er Francis M. Lyman said: "I feel 
impressed, although one of the younger 
members of the quorum, to say that I 
believe it would be pleasing in the sight 
of the Lord if the First Presidency of 
the Church was reorganized right here 
and right now. If I am in error re- 
garding this impression. President Snow 
and the senior members of the council 
can correct me." 

President Snow said that he would 
be pleased to hear from all the breth- 
ren upon this question, and each and 
all of us expressed ourselves as believ- 
ing it would be pleasing to the Lord 
and that it would be the proper thing 
to have the Presidency organized at 
once. 

When we had finished, then and not 
till then, did Brother Snow tell us 
that he was instructed of the Lord in 
the temple the night after President 
Woodruff died, to organize the Presi- 
dency of the Church at once. Presi- 
dent Anthon H. Lund and myself are 
the only men now living who were 
present at that meeting. 

May the Lord bless and guide us by 
his spirit continually and may the tes- 
timony that we possess of the divinity 
of the work ever abide with us and oui 
faithfulness be an inspiration to lead 
others to a knowledge of the gospel, 
(Continued on page 679) 



678 



The Improvement Era for Septemher, 1933 



^Money of the Valley- 



two and one-half, five, ten and coin in 1850, and the weight was 

twenty dollar denominations, were reduced slightly. Still later, at the 

alloyed with only a little silver, request of Brigham Young, J. M. 

On the "heads" of the twenty-dol- Barlow, pioneer jeweler, coined five 

lar coin, the first of that denomina- dollar coins of a different type. The 

tion to be issued in the United dies for these fine appearing pieces 

States, is the inscription, around were made in Barlow's shop by 

the margin. Holiness to the Lord. Douglas Brown, an employee. 



In the field is an eye, beneath a 
miter, or bishop's cap. On the 
"tails" side are the abbreviations, 
G. S. L. C. P. G., around. In the 
field are two clasped hands, with 
the date beneath them. Below is 
the legend. Twenty Dollars. The 
diameter of the coin is 19-16 inches, 
the weight 444.5 grains. 

The ten, five, and two and one- 
half dollar coins very closely re- 



"Holiness to the Lord" is stamp- 
ed in characters of the curious Des- 
eret Alphabet on the "heads" of 
the jeweler shop fives. In the field 
is a lion, reclining and facing left, 
and below him is the date. On the 
reverse is the inscription, Deseret 
Assay Office Pure Gold, around the 
margin. In the field is an eagle, 
wings outspread, with a beehive on 
its breast. Below the eagle is the 



semble the twenty. The weight legend 5 D. 

of the ten is 221.5 grains, the 

diameter 17-16 inches; the five, 

113.5 and 14-16; and the "two- 'T'HE Mormon gold money was 

fifty," 56.5 and 12-16. All the issued intermittently until 

coins have smooth edges. 1860. When Alfred Cummings 

Kay coined most of the gold became the second governor of 

coins in 1849 and 1850, During Utah Territory, the coinage was 

the time he labored as coiner, he discontinued, and as fast as the 

often carried the gold bars home at coins were superseded by United 

night for safe-keeping; his older States money, they were sold as 

girls used them for building log bullion. So today all the coins arc 

cabin playhouses on the hearth. rare, the ten and twenty dollar 

A circle of nine stars was added pieces being the rarest of all, except 

to the "heads" of the five dollar for pattern pieces struck on one side. 



Continued from 

page 657 

How true has proved the pro- 
phetic statement embodied in an 
article which appeared In the col- 
umns of the New Orleans "Daily 
Picayune" in 1850: 

"We are indebted to the mercan- 
tile house of James Conolly and 
Co. of this city, for the pleasure of 
examining a sample of a consign- 
ment sent to them of California 
gold, in the shape of coin, stamped 
with Mormon symbols. * * * 
They present much the same ap- 
pearance as the United States gold 
coin, though not so neatly cut or 
beautifully designed. The gold is 
of a dull yellow color. One is 
naturally led, on examining these 
hieroglyphic looking pieces of treas- 
ure, to thoughts of the distant land 
they come from and the strange 
people who have left the impress of 
their religious faith on both sur- 
faces. * * * The Mormons ap- 
pear, indeed, to have separated 
themselves entirely from all ties of 
home and country. * * * They 
are evidently destined to become a 
great and powerful community. 
There is something of the preserv- 
ing, unsubdued, Anglo-Saxon 
spirit in them that claims at least 
our admiration of their courage." 



'^''Be Ye Therefore Perfect''- 



Continued from 
page 664 



those who have natural ability as 
public speakers to develop their 
public speaking gifts. Our young 
men and young women generally 
wherever they go are outstanding 
as debaters and as public speakers. 
Many have been elected class pres- 
idents in eastern colleges because 
of the ease and eloquence with 
which they could stand upon their 
feet and speak to their fellow class- 
mates. 

The Gospel spirit, the M. I. A. 
spirit, awakens and develops the 
gifts of writing, speaking, acting, 
dancing; it encourages and utilizes 
talents in music, art, literature, etc. 
The record the Tabernacle Choir 
has made with its national broad- 
casts is one example of our develop- 
ment. People throughout the 
country listen to this music and are 
thrilled by it. Our music festivals 
demonstrate how effectively the M. 
I. A. is developing the art of sing- 
ing. 

An outstanding example of 



what our Church people can do in 
the way of developing these un- 
usual gifts is the work of Dr. Karl 
G. Maeser. He took the boys and 
girls from the farm and from the 
country and so awakened within 
them ambition and so stirred the 
gifts that God had given them that 
today outstanding even in the na- 
tion are many leading characters 
who from this inspired teacher re- 
ceived their first ambition to make 
of their lives something really be- 
yond the ordinary. 

The burdens, the labors, the 
trials of the Pioneers were hard; 
they were heavy, but all of these 
were borne with joy. Let us pray 
not for labors and duties in pro- 
portion for our strength, but for 
strength to discharge and to dis- 
charge well all and every duty how- 
ever heavy, however unpleasant 
that may come to us. And let us 
pray for ability to do all these 
things with joy. 

Our Pioneer ancestors had the 



daring and courage to leave the 
places of their birth, and in many 
cases traveled half around the 
world, to come here where "the 
mountain of the Lord's house" is 
established. We have an oppor- 
tunity to reap the rich harvest 
which their lives of righteous liv- 
ing deserved. They have sown 
well. We are here to reap the har- 
vest rich and rare, to develop the 
gifts within us which are ours be- 
cause of their prayerful, upright 
lives. If we are worthy of our 
parentage we will be filled with 
that faith which makes nothing 
impossible. We will have an am- 
bition to develop to the highest 
degree the gifts within us. 

Inspired, therefore, by the teach- 
ings of the Church and by the in- 
numerable other refining influences 
of Mormonism, let us each to him- 
self make this solemn pledge : "God 
helping me, I will do my best to 
develop the gifts within me. If 
I have been blessed with two tal- 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



679 



ents, I will do my best with these 
two talents to make two talents 
more." If perchance some have 
been blessed with three and some 
perhaps have been richly endowed 
with five talents, let these then say: 
"Inspired by the refining influences 



of Mormonism, I will do my best 
to develop the gifts within me and 
with these five talents make five 
talents more, that when my work 
is finished, I may hear those glor- 
ious words, 'Well done, thou good 
and faithful servant*." 



These are some of the aims, some 
of the ideals of the workers of the 
Church. We are struggling to be 
perfect even as our Father in heaven 
is perfect. "Thus on to eternal 
perfection the honest and faithful 
will go." 



■^ ^ Oit^Vafr- 



4^An Experience of My Father s- 



Continued from 
page 677 



is my prayer and I ask it in the name 
of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

A few days after the M. I. A, con- 
ference, in an interview with President 
Lund in his ofScc, he retold the inci- 
dent to me as given by President Grant 
regarding the meeting in the office of 
the First Presidency on Tuesday morn- 
ing, September 13th, 1898, at which 



Lorenzo Snow was chosen President of 
the Church. He also said that he heard 
father tell a number of times of the 
Savior's appearance to him after he had 
dressed in his temple robes, presented 
himself before the Lord and offered up 
the signs of the Priesthood, 

I related this experience in the Eigh- 
teenth ward sacramental service. After 



the meeting Elder Arthur Winter told 
me he also had heard my father tell of 
the Savior's appearance to him in the 
Temple instructing him not only to 
reorganize the First Presidency at once 
but also to select the same counselors 
that President Woodruff had. Presi- 
dents George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. 
Smith. 



^IC^*^^!*— 



^Foolish Ambitions — 

with a big show. Just as the band 
formed an imposing circle on Main 
Street and started the first lively 
tune, every normal ten year old 
boy present would be instantly 
filled with a sudden and wonderful 
ambition. He wanted to sprout 
up into the air, instantly, on legs 
as high as the meetinghouse, and 
in the same breath, acquire the art 
of fancy long-legged jig dancing. 
Then, before the band had finished 
the first tune, he could step right 
into the center of the enchanted 
circle and dance a jig where the 
whole town could see him! 

What calamities might have be- 
fallen a boy had we ever acquired 
such legs! More than likely he 
would have become so conceited he 
wouldn't have noticed where he 
was going. Very probably he 
would have bumped his shins on 
the meetinghouse roof, and broken 
both legs. Down out of the sky 
he would have tumbled headlong! 
And there, right below him, and 
waiting to receive him on her 
jhorns, would have been that same 
obnoxious cow that spoiled the 
game of the Mountain and Valley. 
Thus a bright and promising day 
would have ended disastrously, on 
top of a fool cow. 

But the one supreme ambition 
of my childhood days was a con- 
stant desire to count the cars on 
every freight train that passed 
through my native village, and 
commit the number to memory. 
How proud I used to be among my 



Continued from 
page 668 



playmates when I could say to 
them, "I know how many cars the 
old freight had on every day this 
week. Monday it had six, Tues- 
day three, Wednesday thirteen, 
with four coal cars, and so on. 

IHIS strange desire did 
not leave me when I became a 
youth, as it should have done. 
Every time a freight train passed 
through the fields where I was 
working as a farmer's hired boy, 
I used to stop, wipe the hot per- 
spiration from my face, and de- 
liberately count the cars on the 
train twice, to make sure I was 



Roads 

By Cristel Hastings 

/KNOW a street that leads into a city 
Also a lane that finds a cooling stream 
Where ferns may look down at their green 
reflection 
And sway to idle winds, and dream — 
and dream. 

I know a path that leads into a forest 

Lined with purple shadows of the night, 
While poplars bend somewhere upon a 
hill-top. 
Ringing their silver bells in quick de- 
light! 

I know a trail that dances over hill-tops 
Reaching high for clouds that sail the 
blue, 
But I want just a path that leads me 
homeward — 
A path that takes mc home at dusk to 
you! 



right che first time. Of course 
this unusual halt in a hot day's 
work did not always please my 
employer. I can still hear a rather 
grumpy old farmer saying to me, 
"Never mind the train, boy, it will 
come by itself; the hay won't come 
only when you make it come." 

The climax came when I was a 
young man almost full grown. I 
was employed with a gang of men 
digging a trench for a pipe line 
parallel to the railroad tracks. The 
first day we were there, three 
freight trains passed us within two 
Ihours. Unaware Jiow much at- 
tention I was attracting to myself, 
I stopped each time, "leaned on 
my tools" and deliberately counted 
the cars on the train. I was lean- 
ing idly pn my shovel and had 
just begun counting the cars on the 
third train when the foreman came 
up behind me and stood counting 
time on me while I was counting 
the freight cars. '■ 

"How many trains have passed 
here today?" he demanded gruffly, 
after the train had passed. 

"Three," I answered brightly. 
I was about to tell him how many 
cars there were on each train, but 
he didn't act as if he wished to 
know that. That night he "fired" 
me. I don't count freight cars 
when I am working for the other 
fellow any more. That one ex- 
perience cured me of my most fas- 
cinating childhood ambition. 

Friend, what was your most 
foolish ambition? 



680 




'[R^iews 



''Round-Up'' 

r^ FRANK STEELE, editor of the 
Lethbridge Herald, has rounded 
up some of his verses which have ap- 
peared in his column, "Lights and 
Shadows," and has issued them in the 
form of a small, paper bound brochure, 
a copy of which he has sent in to the 
office of The Improvement Era. 
His title poem reads as follows: 

Round -Up 

They gather their cattle. 
These bronzed, silent riders, 
From gully to buttc 
Herds darken the plain; 
They come from the bad-lands, 
They come from green valleys, 
And some from the hills 
Where the White Faces reign. 

My Muse is a rider 
And from hither and yon 
Are gathered winged dreams 
And fugitive lays; 
In the Round-up of life 
Many trails lure my fancy, 
And recompense comes 
With the flight of the days. 

We commend Mr. Steele's activity 
in the field of verse. Many people 
might well follow his example. It costs 
little to print in this informal manner 
the thoughts one has. In that way they 
are kept together and are available for 
one's friends. 

"Hailstones" 

' i ^HE hailstones mentioned in the 
title of a booklet sent to the editors 
of The Improvement Era are not the 
tiny balls of ice which are to be expect- 
ed soon as winter retreats, but are tiny 
pellets of verse, most of them of the 
four line variety. The booklet was is- 
sued by Vinnie Hale Cannon. 

In a foreword she says this: "I 
humbly inscribe the thoughts that make 
up this small book to my daughter and 
my son, and to other girls and boys to 
whom I have given a helping hand 
over some of the rougher spots of life." 

Here are the first and the last "Hail- 
stones:" 

"When your durned old heart's a 
bustin' 
An' you feel each heart-string torn. 
Look around an' find some feller 
Whose heart's achin' worse than 
yourn ; 
Throw your two arms right around 
him, 
Whisper somethin' in his ear; 
When you cheer the other feller 

You forget your aches, old dear." 
* * * 



"Dull folks know lots more than you 
think. 
An' great folks are frequently small. 
Try likin' each kind 
Fer the good you can find, 

Fer, bless your soul, God made them 
all." 

"Red Mother'' 

By FRANK B. LINDERMAN 

Illustrated by H. M. Stoops 
The John Day Company, New York 

COME time ago I had the pleasure 
^ of reading "American',*' the life 
history of a great Crow Indian, by 
Frank B. Linderman. When I had 
finished the book I pronounced it a 
most excellent biography for the reason 
that it gave the reader a wonderful 
view of the inside story of an Indian — 
a glimpse of his youth, his training, 
his work and his play, his marriage 
and his wars. In "Red Mother" Mr. 
Linderman has done for the Indian 
woman what In "American" he did 
for the Indian man. 

Those two books are twins and 
should be in the library of him who 
would really come at the heart of his 
Red brother and sister. 

As Plenty Coups, chief of the Crow 
Indians, told his story to Mr. Linder- 
man through interpreters. Pretty 
Shield, one of the "Wise Ones," a 
medicine woman, told her own life 
story. Mr. Linderman pays tribute 
to this great and good old woman 
and anyone who will read the story 
sympathetically will come to see a 
lovable side of the Indian. He will 
find himself placing this old lady along 
side of the best women of any race 
whom he may happen to know. Since 
the story teller insists on telling chiefly 
the stories connected with her early 
life "before the buffalo went away," 
one cannot think that she is old until 
he is reminded by Mr. Linderman 
that she was nearly seventy when the 
story was taken. 

Pretty Shield, daughter of a chief 
and a member of the powerful clan 
called the Sore Lips, goes back to her 
youth when she was a little girl play- 
ing with her Indian doll and ball made 
out of the pericardium of a buffalo. 
She tells how little Indian boys and 
girls play; how they are taken care 
of when dangers from enemy Indians 
or "white bears" (the grizzlies) 
threaten; how they travel from place 
to place and what thrilling adventures 
they sometimes have when, as with 
her on one occasion, they get into a 
buffalo stampede. 



Pretty Shield also tells of the be- 
trothal practices, the marriage, and 
the child-bearing of Indian women, 
in this case, herself. She pictures the 
manner in which the women work, 
and also some of the joys they used 
to have when the buffalo were plenti- 
ful and there was always "fat meat." 

In one chapter the "Wise One" tells 
of the Custer battle which was described 
to her by her young husband and het 
father who joined the expedition as 
scouts for Custer. She declares that 
the stories of Custer's last fight have 
been garbled and that like many another 
pretty American tradition, Custer, Son 
of the Morning Star, did not die sur- 
rounded by Indians he had killed. 

Mr. Linderman, through infinite 
patience, has gathered this remarkable 
story through the help of Goes To- 
gether, an Indian woman who acted 
as interpreter. 

Those who are eager to know the 
Indian as he is, or I should say as he 
was before the white man influenced his 
behavior, are likely not to find any 
better source of information than is 
to be found in "Red Mother" and its 
companion book, "American," which 
was reviewed in these pages some time 
ago and which has been placed on 
the reading course especially for the 
Vanguards. 

Mother of Gold 

By THEODORE CURTIS 

/CONTAINING poems written by 
himself and pictures of the mothers 
of well-known Church leaders, with 
Insets of the sons of these mothers, this 
little volume by Theodore Curtis, Utah 
writer, will interest readers of poetry. 
Comments from readers are as fol- 
lows: 

This new gift-book, "Mother-Heart 
Gold," is full of beauty. — Dr. J. H. 
Paul. 

I have recognized In your work 
much talent for expressing great 
thoughts in a beautiful and expressive 
manner. — Dr. John A. V/idtsoe. 

Your book is very popular. — David 
O. McKay. 

Your poems are very beautiful. You 
are a true poet. — Orson F. Whitney, 

Every reader of your inspired lines 
is better for having read. — Dr. James 
E. Talmage. 

The book is a gem. The sentiments 
expressed In your verses are beautiful 
and the arrangement very artistic. — 
President Anthony W. Ivins. 

You write many splendid poems— 
President Heber J. Grant. 



681 




Religion and Recovery 

(Editorial Foreword in Forum 
for August, 1933) 

By HENRY GODDARD LEACH 

THE Sunday morning of the day 
on which General Hugh S. 
Johnson explained over the 
radio the plan and purpose of 
the National Recovery Act, I attended 
the early services of a church in a sum- 
mer resort near one of the large cities. 
I expected to find only a few elderly 
women in attendance, knowing as I 
did that Sunday would be the only 
day upon which most of the families 
thereabouts could find time for rec- 
reation. To my surprise the church was 
comfortably filled with husbands, 
wives and children who had come to 
enjoy this early service, and who seem- 
ed to enjoy the hour of worship, as 
proven by their smiles. Religion can 
be a thing of smiles and serenity in- 
stead of frowns and gloom. 

Since the World War, religion has 
been called a failure on the grounds 
that it did not keep mankind from 
the blind hatreds of the war; it has 
been called futile because it did not 
restrain us from the selfishness which 
brought on the depression; it has been 
called naive by young intellectuals who 
have turned up their noses at it; a faith 
in things unseen cannot be proved and 
does not belong, they feel, to a rational 
civilization. 

But faith by its very nature eludes 
proof; religion is a higher function of 
the emotions, just as logic is a higher 
function of reason. It has not yet 
been proved that reason is more im- 
portant to man than emotion. If re- 
ligious faith is not subject to absolute 
proof — and it is usually almost as 
elusive as the changing theories of sci- 
ence — religion equally eludes exact 
definition. Religious denominations 
cannot agree on the same definition of 
religions, yet, as Dean Inge once ex- 
plained, the ethics of Jesus should be 
acceptable to any broadminded per- 
son who is not a Christian. 

Most of us apply the word religion 
unconsciously to any transcending, un- 
selfish passion. Though for myself I 

*Used by permission of publishers. 



define religion as belief in a personal 
God related to human emotions, I am 
willing to admit to the glad fellow- 
ship of religion any ruling passion or 
way of life that transcends personal 
selfishness. I cannot prove the state- 
ments of creeds, yet I refuse to deny 
myself the spiritual joy that comes 
from the assumption of the hypothesis 
they present. 

The disgust which many have for 
religion is due to the disunity and petty 
arrogancies they have seen in various 
sects, failing to see the essential unity 
which Dean Inge observes when he 
tries to show that Jesus preached some- 
thing more profound, even, than Chris- 
tianity. American youth, appalled by 
the bigoted, once-a-week hypocritical 
pervisions of Christianity so dramatic- 
ally assembled for them in "Elmer 
Gantry," says that Christianity has 
been tried and found wanting. Hap- 
pily, they are greatly mistaken; Chris- 
tianity has not even been tried, in mod- 
ern society; anyone who reads the ser- 
mon on the mount, realizes that fact. 
The commandment "Love thy neigh- 
bor as thyself" embraces all laws, all 
wars. It solves all personal problems. 
It eliminates, automatically, selfish- 




Beside the Bee Hive House 



ness, condemnation, anger, and doubt. 
It is a complete, joyful way of life 
for social man. 

These principles of religion are a- 
bout to be applied in America in the 
partnership of business and politics; 
the first time since the Middle Ages 
that religion is to be tried out on a 
national scale. Although the Nation- 
al Recovery Act does not mention the 
words deity or religion, it is an ap- 
plication of the commandment "Love 
thy neighbor as thyself." We are 
all to cooperate until each of our neigh- 
bors has a share in the nation's work, 
and at the same time to maintain self- 
respect and initiative. Both faith and 
hope are returning. 

On March fourth, the President 
went from a house of worship to his 
inaugural, where he proclaimed a re- 
turn to the ancient virtues. Our Na- 
tional Recovery is not a victory for 
the Church, but it is a reaffirmation 
of the simple and unescapable and 
periodically forgotten truths of relig- 
ion. 

The Crisis in Character 

By JAMES TRUSLOW ADAMS 
(Harper's Magazine for Aug., 1933) 

TN America, although we have talked 
about the depression until most of 
us are heartily sick of the topic, we 
have not talked enough about the third 
of the three phases of the crisis — the 
economic, the political, and the crisis 
in character. The economic crisis is 
the easiest to understand, and prob- 
ably the easiest from which to emerge, 
for it was a normal result of disobey- 
ing economic laws. Business cycles 
and secondary post-war depressions are 
nothing new. 

Coincident with this there has oc- 
curred a political crisis, brought about 
by redrawing the map of Europe on a 
basis of nationalism, racialism and 
hatreds, instead of economics and estab- 
lished methods and channels of trade; 
depressing effect of revolutions and 
political uncertainty, threats of war, 
tariffs, debts, reparations, currency con- 
trols, and other hindrances. This 
crisis is more difficult of cure because 
it has its seat in the emotions and pas- 
sions of the greatest modern democra- 
cies. 



682 



The improvement Era for September, 1933 



The third crisis — that in character 
— has complicated our unhappy situa- 
tion and may continue after we have 
surmounted the others and gained a cer- 
tain degree of material prosperity. 

There is nothing new about the de- 
moralizing effects of both war and 
boom times, but the conditions of our 
people during the last few years have 
been more sinister than usual, as shown 
in the absence of trusted leaders, lack 
of courage on the part of the people 
at large, and more universal corrup- 
tion of all classes, high and low. Lead- 
ership among financial potentates has 
been lacking for the simple reason that 
the highest and most respected of them 
have betrayed their trust to the people 
and the nation; are being tried for 
evading income-tax payments, are flce- 
•ing to Greece to escape justice, are 
ruining great sections of country 
through unforgivable carelessness. 
Cases of individual corruption are not 
new, but it is new that there seems 
to be not a single banker who can come 
to the front and assume national finan- 
cial leadership; they all seem to be 
afraid of being caught. 

And it is not alone in the realms of 
finance that there is apparent lack of 
character. There was notorious evi- 
dence of it in both houses of Con- 
gress before ex-Senator Smoot or Sen- 
ator Owen made their remarks about 
the lack of courage displayed by the 
legislature in doing its duty by the peo- 
ple; the worst blow of all was struck 
at the American character when the 
House of Representatives, by an over- 
whelming vote, did not hesitate to 
repudiate the plighted word of the na- 
tion, given over and over again, to 
pay its debts in gold or its equivalent. 
When the great Federal Government 
itself breaks its word and announces 
that a contract and a pledge mean noth- 
ing, is it any wonder that its citizens 
follow suit, and that stockholders fight 
to avoid paying legal obligations? 
What becomes of American character 
when both the government and lead- 
ing citizens hasten to repudiate legal 
obligations and solemn pledges for the 
sake of gain, and contracts are consid- 
ered mere scraps of paper binding only 
when it is convenient? As we insist 
upon the war debts being paid, we do 
foreigners the honor of believing that 
they must live up to a moral standard 
which we have abandoned because it 
became too burdensome. 

If we turn to the press, we find the 
same flabbiness of fiber, if nothing 
worse; some papers always have dis- 
torted news for the sake of sensation, 
but we used to regard other sheets as 
above such debauchery; yet recently 
one of the most dignified journals in 
the country did not hesitate to publish 
false statements which had no appeal 
except sensationalism, and in doing so 
the paper disregarded the protests of 
its correspondent who, like others, 
knew the statements to be wholly false. 
Another paper published a deliberate 



misrepresentation, sanctioned by the 
editor, such as would have lost a cub 
reporter his job a few years ago. But 
the rank and file of everyday men-^ 
John Doe and Richard Doe — can no 
longer throw stones at those in high 
position, for the politics, economic sit- 
uation and personal character of the 
small town is the source of much po- 
litical stench and infection. Criminal- 
ity of even the highest government of- 
ficers makes little impression upon the 
smug complacency of the people, for 
they have become used to it in their 
own communities. Moral issues ap- 
pear to have ceased to make the slight- 
est appeal to the ordinary citizen; dur- 
ing the Judge Seabury fight against the 
Mayor of New York, in the interests 
of decent government, a group of club 
men, far above the average in position 
and intelligence, sympathized with 
Walker rather than Seabury on the 
grounds that the former was amusing 
and good company and Seabury too 
much like George Washington. In 
most of our great cities, we have ap- 
parently abdicated completely to the 
forces of evil. True, there is a strong 
resentment against those leaders of fi- 
nance who have betrayed trusts, but 
the feeling exists largely with those 
who have had personal money losses, 
not because of the lack of character 
made evident by the shady, if not dis- 
honest, manipulations. 

We may turn elsewhere and see the 
same thing. Take advertising and con- 
sider the society people who lend their 
names to the exploiting of goods, 
which they may or may not have used, 
for the sake of cheap notoriety and 
a handsome check, and the advertisers 
turn to such with a clear understand- 







Figure on the Brigham Young 
Monument 



ing of the snobbishness which is in the 
average American's character which 
makes him value a thing according to 
the value placed upon it by people 
who are somebodies. It is a sorry 
spectacle of shoddiness, this advertis- 
ing along these lines; and a sorry sort 
of citizen who swallows it with the 
artificial conviction that he would be 
looked up to more if he used the same 
silverware, sheets, face creams, etc., as 
the elite. 

Without adding more examples of the 
breakdown, if there is such, of Ameri- 
can character, let us consider some of 
the possible reasons for it. One rea- 
son is the corporate management of 
business affairs, which makes more and 
more of its employees "y^s" men, try- 
ing to please the man higher up, and 
growing increasingly incapable of 
meeting his own problems and mak- 
ing his own decisions. Few men are 
their own boss; the almost universal 
adoption of the corporate form has 
exerted a pernicious influence. 

To account for the change in the or- 
dinary American, the herd of follow- 
ers rather than leaders, we need only 
to turn to the changes in our private 
lives, largely due to invention. Needs 
have increased, demands have multi- 
plied, money requirements have grown, 
business has become more competitive. 
With the irresistible need for more 
money, it became necessary for a man, 
or so it seemed, to make money at any 
cost of effort or principle. The effect 
upon character has become all too ob- 
vious. The great display of material 
things which has come into popular- 
ity, creates a tendency to live for show, 
for the material things, and thus we 
live on the surface instead of in life's 
deeps. Another phase of life which 
has made us lazy and soft is the lack of 
need for personal service to others. A 
boy no longer has to make fires and 
carry in coal and out ashes; an auto- 
matic furnace does that for him; an 
automobile in the garage gives none 
of the responsibility for caring for a 
living thing, as a horse gave in the old 
days. Multiplying these by countless 
more in this press-a-button age, it 
seems to me that there has been a great 
lessening of the things in daily life 
which build up character. We have 
comfort, but we slacken the muscles 
of will and the fibers of character. 

Is the problem insoluble and future 
as dark as the present situation would 
indicate? I think not. I have spoken 
of the national character, which is but 
a sum total of all the individual char- 
acters, and so a regeneration of na- 
tional character can come only by the 
regeneration of individuals. It can 
come only from some subtle change in 
the heart of the individual American 
man and woman — a change which one 
cannot predict, but of which we need 
not despair. 



683 



As the ^orld Spins 



father Nile to Have His 
Route Changed 

CCIENCE cannot stop the sun from 
*^ shining, but it can change the 
course and bed of a river in order that 
evaporation may not rob the lands of 
so much water. A plan has been set 
forth to change the course of the Nile 
River in Africa in order that more 
water may be available for irrigation 
purposes. The project is expected to 
cost $150,000,000. From the Liter- 
ary Digest, July 29, 1933, p. 14. 

Pensions Instead of the 
Poorhouse 

n ATTLE for Old-age Relief Legis- 
■^ lation in Every State Is Now Half 
Won. with 12,000 Living on Month- 
ly Allowances From Public Funds." 

Twenty-five States have enacted old- 
age pension laws. They are Arizona, 
California, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, 
Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, 
Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, 
Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New 
Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, 
North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Wash- 
ington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, 
and Wyoming. Literary Digest, July 
29, 1933. p. 18. 

End of Illicit Drug Traffic 
Now in Sight 

'T^HE manufacture and distribution 
of narcotic drugs are regulated by 
the League of Nations. Thirty-eight 
countries have joined the pact. This 
action, it is thought, will have much to 
do with ending illicit traffic in drugs. 

"When it is remembered that the 
dope addicts in this country are esti- 
mated at 120,000, that the number 
throughout the world is many times 
as large and that the traffickers are con- 
stantly building up new sources of de- 
mand, even among school children, 
the benefit of this international agree- 
ment can not be exaggerated." 

International control of the narcotic 
drug traffic went into effect July 9. 
Literary Digest, July 29, 1933, p. 19. 

Forty-eight Idahoans Suffered 
from Spotted Fever 

pORTY-EIGHT residents of Idaho 
suffered from Spotted Fever, a dis- 
ease caused by the bite of certain wood 
ticks, during the "tick season" of 1933. 
according to reports emanating from 
Boise. 

"Until 1930 this disease, (Spotted 



Fever) one of the most dreaded mala- 
dies of the Northwest because it is often 
fatal, was not found in more than a 
dozen states. Recent investigations by 
the United States Public Health Service 
has revealed that the fever has now 
spread into practically every State. A 
case was reported in New York State 
this summer. Cases of illness which are 
probably spotted fever have been re- 
ported in Kansas, Nebraska, and Mis- 
souri. In the Rockies it is considered 
a "fever year." The Journal of The 
American Medical Association in July 
reported seventy-four cases in Wyo- 
ming and forty-five in Montana. . . 
Some of the most noted entomologists 
of the world, including the late Dr. 
Hideyo Noguchi, have risked their lives 
studying it. Six contracted the disease 
and died while experimenting with in- 
fected ticks." Literary Digest, 

Bald Heads may he 
Eliminated 

"C^OR years wise men and fakirs have 
been seeking cures for bald heads. 
A Chicago physician now announces 
that he may be on the threshold of a 
discovery which will work the miracle. 
His treatment will be by means of a 
hypodermic needle and will be a gland- 
ular treatment. 

We May Have a Federal Police 
and Detective System 

n ACKETEERING and some other 
^ crimes like kidnaping have grown 
to such proportions and operate over 
such wide territory that state lines have 
become a bar to detection and capture, 
in many cases. Senator Royal S. Cope- 
land has presented a plan for a nation- 
wide detective system which may be 
adopted by the Federal Government 
and the States. 

Our Speedy Conquest 
of the Air 

nPHREE decades after tlie first flight, 
American planes carry thousands 
of passengers over millions of miles in 
a year. (Headlines in a recent publi- 
cation.) 

"The volume of traffic on the air 
lines of the United States has grown 
from 800,000 pounds in 1926 to 
8,000.000 in 1932; passengers from 
about 5,700 carried in 1926 to 536,- 
000 in 1932; express from 3,500 
pounds in 1926 to 1,500,000 pounds 
in 1932. Miles flown by scheduled 
operators were 4,000,000 in 1926 and 
they exceeded 50,000,000 in 1932." 



Cotton may he to the Whites 
What the Buffalo was 
to the Indian 

/^ERMAN scientists believe that cot- 
^^ tonseed may some day furnish a 
food for man that will contain vitamins 
A, B, C, and E. It may even contain 
vitamin D after radiation with violet 
light. Cotton, therefore, may some day 
both clothe and feed us just as the buf- 
falo used to care for the Indian. 

Kidnaper Given Death 
Penalty 

TT/- ALTER MC GEE was given the 
* ^ death penalty for the kidnaping 
of Miss Mary McElroy, daughter of 
the City Manager of Kansas City. 

Chronic Illness to go 

TVTUCH of the chronic illness that 
^^^ exists today may be charged to the 
attitude on the part tof physicians and 
the public that chronic disease is in- 
curable, says Miss (Mary C.) Jarrett. 

" 'This error,' she says, 'is no longer 
excusable; for progress in medicine dur- 
ing the last half-century has put the 
whole subject of chronic illness in a 
new light. As medicine progresses the 
conception of incurability is constantly 
changing. When a doctor calls a pa- 
tient 'incurable,' he is confessing his 
ignorance of the disease; or, to put it 
another way, to pronounce a patient 
incurable in the present state of medical 
knowledge places a serious responsi- 
bility on the physician and implies at 
times a greater knowledge than he 
possesses. Chronic invalidism is often 
the result of discontinuance of medical 
care wlien the acute symptoms have 
been relieved.' 

"Altogether, the outlook for the 
chronically ill is definitely better." — 
Literary Digest, Aug. 1 9, p. 1 7. 

Freedom, of Press Defended 

J DAVID STERN, editor and pub- 
* lisher of the Philadelphia Record, 
believes that a liberal press is the na- 
tion's best safeguard, according to a 
statement found in The Literary Di- 
gest. Talk is a safety valve, he de- 
clared. 

We quote: "In time of stress news- 
papers readers turn to the editorial page 
to articulate their indignation. 

"Man goes berserk when he has no 
outlet for his emotions. Talk is the 
psychological safety valve. A liberal 
press is the nation's best protection 
against political extremism." 



684 



<iJKelchi%edek Priesthood 



Seventies Organize 

Ey PAUL P. ASHWORTH 



npHE 231st Quorum of Seventies of 
^ the Church was organized Moth- 
er's Day, May 15, 1933, from members 
of the Jefferson Ward, Grant Stake of 
Zion, by President J. Golden Kimball. 
As organized it consisted of 52 mem- 
bers. The work of this quorum has 
been so successful during the first year 
of its existence that a report of the 
methods followed is given in the 
interest of the Seventies' work every- 
where. 

The following committees were or- 
ganized: Church Welfare Committee, 
Church Service Committee, Social 
Committee, Music Committee, and 
Special Missionary Work Committee. 

The Personal Welfare Committee 
consists of a chairman, and three or 
more members, who look after the per- 
sonal welfare and interests of the 
Quorum, those that are sick, and out 
of employment are especially considered 
and arc visited weekly and everything 
possible that can be done by the quorum 
is done for them. 

The Church Service Committee is 
devoted to the spiritual interests of the 
quorum members. This committee is 
also organized with a chairman and 
three or more members who follow up 
the securing of attendance at quorum 
meetings. Temple excursions, attend- 
ance at Sacrament meeting and the 
other spiritual duties of the members. 
To assist them with this work they 
have devised a card index system as 
follows: 



Church Service Committee Index 
Full Name Phones- 
Address 

Birth Date Month Year 

Nationality 

Married Temple Civil___ 

No. in Family Boys Girls- 

Single Endowments 

Ordained Seventy When Where 



Activities 

Quorum Meetings Ward Teaching-.- 

Missionary Work Committee 

Temple Work Recommendation 

Sunday School Mutual 

Sacrament Meetings _„__ 

Talent 

Occupation Needs 

Missionary Funds : Dues — . 

Wife Active 

Remarks 



Give Reasons for Non Activity 



So successfully has the work of this 
committee been carried out that the 
quorum meeting attendance has aver- 
aged 52% since organization, and 
56.8% from January 1st to April 
23 rd of the present year. The keeping 
of an exact easily accessible record of 
each member with notes of follow-up 
work done with inactive members has 
accomplished a great deal. 

The Music Committee consists of a 
chairman and two members and the 
Special Missionary work among non- 



members is carried on by the Seventies 
under the direction of a member of the 
Council. A number of non-members 
have been brought into the Church by 
the activities of the Special Mission- 
aries in Jefferson Ward. 

All of the above committees are su- 
pervised by a member of the Council 
which consists of Fred Trost, Arcnd 
Lugt, Ernest Jorgensen, Hyrum Pohl- 
man, John Brunner, Ariel Funk, and 
James Graves. H. F. Aldous is Secre- 
tary and Wm. Rigby, Class Leader. 



Virtue 



WARD TEACHERS' MESSAGE FOR OCTOBER 
Prepared under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric by Oscar W. McConkie 



'~pO possess virtue is to have power 
and admirable qualities or accom- 
plishments, as well as to be clean from 
sexual impurity and other vice, and is 
to have a "particular moral excellence," 
and a "disposition to conform to the 
law of right." Codes of civilized peo- 
ples, civil and ecclesiastical, have ex- 
tolled it and by legislative enactment 
have generally made sexual impurities 
crimes, the more heinous being not 
infrequently punishable by death. Be- 
fore the Lord, who commanded that all 
men sanctify themselves, and be holy; 
that they defile not themselves with 
man or beast or "with any manner of 
creeping thing that creepeth upon the 
earth," sex sins are an abomination. 



They defile also the land, "therefore I 
do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, 
and the land itself vomiteth out her 
inhabitants.'' Against such offenses 
the Lord will set his face; and "the 
soul that sinneth it shall die." It is a 
law of the earth. 

The divine law, "Thou shalt not 



T THINK if I were permitted to offer 
one prayer only for my brethren and 
sisters it would be this: "O God, keep 
us honest under the pressure these 
Iiard times have laid upon us. Let us 
be true to all men and to Thee," 

— Stephen L. Richards. 



commit adultery," has never been re- 
pealed and is no less important today 
than in Mosaic time. The stench of 
sexual impurities is as offensive now 
as at any time past. The law remains. 
Its violation is a principal gateway to 
the wilderness of sin, to the slough of 
despond. The wise-hearted will not 
partake of so great wickedness and 
offense against God. Its sham and Il- 
licit pleasures inevitably end in torture. 
A primary duty of man, to himself 
and to society, is patiently to guard his 
own future. In doing so he must over- 
come a primal motive of sin, to wit: 
the urge to gain quick and unearned 
happiness through unnatural pleasures. 
It is the road to decay, and the more 



The Improvement Era for Septemher, 1933 



683 



intense and lustful practise, the speedier 
comes moral, physical, and spiritual 
disintegration. Licentiousness cheap- 
ens life and causes a noble something 
within the offender to die. 

A chief vice is precocity. By ob- 
scene suggestions broadcast it is stimu- 
lated, turning much that was clean and 
bright to rust, with corrosion fasten- 
ing itself upon standards and institu- 
tions once held sacred. Happiness is 
sought before its time, and open and 
secret vice abound with their shallow 
inducement for double life. The rem- 
edy is in militant conquest, in con- 
quering self, and in lending our full 
powers to the end that others shall do 
so. To succeed is to earn peace and 
self-respect, with happiness following 



inevitably. Free love or other unfair 
sex relationship leads from happiness 
into marshy lands, where long repent- 
ance follows short pleasures. 

"The law of the soul is eternal en- 
deavor, that bears the man onward and 
upward forever." A trained, self- 
denying discipline, aided by time and 
patience will succeed. It is the Lord's 
plan that man should do so. Plato 
aptly said: "God was good, and being 
good he had no form of envy, and 
having no form of envy he desired all 
men to be like him." It is authori- 
tatively stated that we may become 
like Him if we obey His law. That 
is our hope, but without virtue it can 
not be. 

Virtue is sweeter than honey but 



to possess it one must be ever alert. 
He must tug at the same oar with God. 
A desire for it is a great gain toward 
it. When possessed it must be care- 
fully guarded lest it be lost. Long 
and straight hitting may be necessary 
to gain it but it can be lost quickly. 
Mere thought, if uncontrolled, may 
kindle a flame that will consume all 
trace of it. We must hold a tight 
rein, for the battle to overcome self 
is life's greatest conquest. He is ex- 
ceedingly rich who has done so. This 
priceless treasure may be acquired by 
all who fear God, "to walk in all his 
ways, and to love him, and to serve 
the Lord thy God with all thy heart 
and with all thy soul." 



Weekly Thoughts on Tithing 



Week of September 3 : 

The tithe belongs to God, therefore, 
should be returned to Him. 



Week of September 10: 



By DR. FRANKLIN MADSEN 

The law of tithing is a law of in- 
heritance. 
Week of September 17: 

By paying tithing, people are pre- 
pared "against the day of vengeance 



and burning." (Doc. and Gov. 85:3). 
Week of September 24: 

Tithing is a practical means of plac- 
ing the Divine and the dollar into 
concerted motion. 



"Use" God Without Understanding Him 



TX rHY shouldn't we use God and 
^ ^ make the most of His beneficence 
just because we do not understand 
Him? We use electricity and avail our- 
selves of its benefits without under- 
standing it. Why not use the power of 
God as unquestioningly as we do the 
power of electricity? 

Reverent contact with God brings 



By JULES LUTGE 

benefits as directly and as surely as the 
nonchalant pressing of a switch brings 
us the conveniences of electricity. Why 
do we have doubts about the advisa- 
bility of contacting God simply because 
we feel that He has not been clearly 
defined to us? 

An automobile manufacturer brings 
an intricate mechanism to us and with- 



out so much as a glance under the hood 
or the chassis, we entrust our lives to it, 
with full faith that every nut and rivet 
is in place! Yet we quibble about 
taking God on faith. 

How rich our lives would be if we 
accepted God as unquestioningly and 
as trustfully as we accept the mechani- 
cal conveniences of life. 



When the Vice-President of the American Tobacco Co. 

Stopped Smoking 

By DR. JOHN HARVEY KELLOGG, M.D., LL.D. 



^ I ^HERE came into my office one 
^ day a tall gentleman, very erect, 
with a serious and dignified air, fea- 
tures haggard and wrinkled, skin sal- 
low and a depressed and worried facial 
expression. 

Without sitting, he said, "Dr. Kel- 
logg, I am Charles S. Keene, Vice- 
President of the American Tobacco 
Company. I am sixty-seven years 
old. I have myocarditis. I have con- 
sulted many physicians. They have 
been able to give me no help and offer 
me no hope. I am informed that I 
have at most, not more than two or 
three years to live. This is a fine old 
world. Doctor, and I'd like to stay a 
little longer and enjoy it. I have come 
out here to Battle Creek to see if pos- 
sibly you might not be able to do 
something to help me so that I may 
live a few more years. Can you help 
me? 



When Father Prays 

By Estella Giesking 

XT/'HEN father prays, the stillness 

seems so tender and complete 
It is as though we all had come before 

the mercy seat; 
He'll bend his reverent reverend head 

and speak direct to God 
And well he may for all his life, he's 

grasped the iron rod. 

And lower still he bends his head in 
earnestness so deep. 

Irreverent I must stand abashed and al- 
most I must weep. 

I think of all the work he's done — I 
think of all his cares, 

I wonder how he's stayed so sweet; 
He's wheat among the tares. 



As he still stood, so anxious that 
he would not sit before hearing my 
answer to his question, I said, "I sup- 
cose, of course, you smoke, Mr. 
keene." 

"Oh, yes, " he replied, "I have 
smoked ten or twelve strong cigars 
every day for forty years." 

"If you will stop smoking," I sug- 
gested, "I have no doubt you will im- 
prove greatly and may add some years 
to your life." 

"Do you really think. Doctor, that 
smoking has anything to do with my 
heart trouble?" 

"I do not doubt that it has. It may 
be the chief cause of it. I have known 
many cases in which persons suffering 
from myocarditis made wonderful im- 
provement after they stopped smok- 
mg. 

Said Mr. Keene, gripping his hands 
in his eagerness, and speaking in a very 



686 



The Improvement Erajor Septem,ber, 1933 



earnest tone, his face turned slightly 
upward and beaming with hope, 

"Doctor, I'm ready to do anything 
that is necessary for me to do in order 
that I may have the privilege of living 
a few more years in this fine old 
world." 

"Well, then," said I, "you will stop 
smoking at once," and he did. 

Three weeks later, sitting in my 
office, he reported: 

"Really, Doctor," he said, "I have 
not missed my cigars so much as I ex- 
pected. Yesterday I lighted a cigar- 
ette, not because I craved it, but, rather, 
out of curiosity, and to my great sur- 
prise, found that I cared little for it. I 
threw it away. Etoctor, I have been think- 
ing this matter over and have made 
up my mind that tobacco does a great 
many men a great deal of harm." 

Pausing a moment, he added, "and 
it doesn't do anybody any good. I 
have given it up myself." 

Already he was showing improve- 
ment. He continued to improve. At 
the end of three months, he was able to 
return home greatly bettered in every 
way. He not only stopped smoking, 
but he adopted the whole biologic pro- 
gram. He was most meticulously care- 
ful to observe every precept of the bio- 
logic code. No coffee or tea, never a 



taste of meat of any sort, fish, flesh or 
fowl, no condiments, efficient elimi- 
nation, exercise and fresh air. Every 
health-promoting means of any sort 
was made a part of his health program. 
He became a most enthusiastic advo- 
cate of the biologic life. After return- 
ing home, he spread the gospel among 

his friends, and soon came Mr. P , 

of , with a letter of introduc- 
tion from Mr. Keene. 

"Ever since his return from Battle 

Creek, said Mr. P , Mr. Keene 

has been after mc about smoking. 

Whenever he sees me, he says. "P , 

you're smoking your head off. Go up 
to Battle Creek and get rid of it." 

And Mr, P stopped smoking, 

and with great benefit. A few months 
later he resumed "moderately," of 
course, a trap into which so many fall, 
and often under bad medical advice, 
and in a few months went to the cem- 
etery. 

Others of Mr. Kecne's friends came 
and profited greatly by renouncing the 
cigar and the cigaret. 

Twice a year Mr. Keene spent a 
month at the Sanitarium for exami- 
nation and treatment and for several 
years made steady improvement. Ten 
years after he first appeared in my 



^Personality of E. W, Howe 



^^Voi»" 



office, Mr. Keene came back on his 
semi-annual visit and, as he walked 
into my office exclaimed, "Doctor, you 
have added twenty years to my life." 

He certainly looked many years 
younger than when ten years before 
he first appeared in my office. His face 
was free from wrinkles and his com- 
plexion that of a robust, country school 
boy. Renouncing the tobacco habit 
would without doubt add five or ten 
years to the life of the average smoker 
who has attained the age of fifty or 
sixty years. The earlier the practice is 
given up, the greater the number of 
years that may be added to the life 
expectancy. 

There is good ground for believing 
that the average smoker loses more 
than five years of life because of the 
habit. This means an annual loss to 
the country and the world of many 
thousands of human lives because of 
indulgence in the weed which Colum- 
bus found when he discovered America, 
and of which his sailors said, "We saw 
the naked savages twist huge leaves to- 
gether and smoke like devils." — From 
the March, 1933, issue of "Good 
Health Magazine." Used by permis- 
sion of the Good Health Publishing 
Company. 



Continued from 
page 669 



past ten minutes, and I judge him 
to be an unusual person. He is, I 
think, from the country, and smart 
— a David Harum, say, with an up- 
to-date polish. He is intellectual 
rather than emotional. He is proud 
but tender. He is generous but 
thrifty. He is benign but firm. 
He is a realist — a conservative. 
And, palpably, he has a magnetic 
personality." 

A DOG, too, is by way of being 
'^ a psychologist. Consider, 
please, this amusing instance. One 
February afternoon at the Hialeah 
race-track an official of the sports 
organization entertained a number 
of celebrities in his private box at 
the clubhouse. Among his guests 
were a financier, an opera star, a 
publisher, several artists, a cinema 
player, and Ed How^e. As they 
leisurely ensconced themselves in 
the box a stray mongrel got wind, 
literally, of them — sniffed eagerly 
and experimentingly of their heels 
and, after diagnostic, settled down 
contentedly and trustingly at the 
side of Mr. Howe's chair. 

The identical emotion that im- 
pelled this canine decision is what 
impels the farmers and towns-peo- 
ple in juxtaposition to Ed Howe's 
summer home in Kansas to seek him 



out for advice, cheer and aid. It 
is what causes countless polyglot 
admirers to gravitate to his winter 
headquarters in Miami. A dog, a 
farmer, a clerk, a banker, a pugilist, 
a laborer, a statesman — there must 
be something about the man. 

It is a common thing for embry- 
onic scribblers, prone to clothe their 
brain folks in the seven veils of 
illusion and to soar with bizarre 
and polysyllabic adjectives, to turn 
desperately to editors and ask for 
a literary purgative. "Give me 
twenty-five cents," invariably reply 
George Horace Lorimer, Ray Long 
and others, "and I will send it to 
Atchison, Kansas; and every month 
for a year you will receive a copy 
of "E. W. Howe's Monthly." 
written entirely by himself. Study 
it; digest it; emulate its reportorial 
doctrines." The same little four- 
page magazine, they advise, that 
some of the world's preeminent 
men — John D. Rockefeller, H. G. 
Wells, E. H. Gary, par example — 
regularly take and religiously read, 
utilizing much of the counsel there- 
in. — Yes, there must be something 
about the man. 

S great a philosopher as Emer- 
son he is, declare some — this 
slender handsome man of seventy- 



A' 



six, who by dint of his own per- 
spiration and perseverance rose 
from humble obscurity to an emi- 
nence enviable. I don't know — 
but certainly he is a beloved char- 
acter, with influence far-reaching 
and beneficial. 

"We should all pretend, in pub- 
lic, to be a little better than we are," 
remarked he once to me, laying 
down the rules for a happy and 
successful existence; "we should 
have a display window, as the 
gtore-keepers have, and exhibit our 
best goods. We should have ideals 
we cannot quite reach; we should 
all be a little high-minded, and ac- 
complish a little of the greater 
good. Every man should know a 
few lines of poetry; he should ex- 
aggerate every good thing a little, 
and hover cautiously around the 
various higher things, but he must 
not go so far from the shores of 
reality that he may not paddle back 
in safety. We can't wear our Sun- 
day or company clothes all the 
time; we must put on working 
suits, and attack the weeds and the 
mud holes." 

And that, typically, is Ed Howe 
— the greatest living Apostle of 
Common Sense. 



<^aronic Triesthood 



687 



Self-Check Questionnaire 



n EGOMMENDED to Stake Aaronic 
Priesthood Chairmen and Ward 
Supervisors as a guide in checking on 
conditions in Stakes and Wards. These 
questions are based upon the recom- 
mended plan of Supervisors: 

Is your Stake Aaronic Priesthood 
Committee fully organized according to 
the recommended plan? Ansu^er 

Does the stake committee make regu- 
lar visits to wards to check on Priest- 
hood activity? Answer 

Docs your stake committee get regu- 
lar monthly reports from all ward com- 
mittees ? Answer 

Does your stake committee send 
monthly reports to the Presiding Bish- 
opric ? Answer 



Does your stake committee plan and 
carry forward a definite plan of social 
and fraternal activities? Answer 

Are your Ward Aaronic Priesthood 
Committees all organized and operat- 
ing according to the recommended 
plan ? Answer 

Do the quorums and classes follow 
the order of business provided in the 
lesson books? Answer 

Are assignments made to each mem- 
ber of Aaronic Priesthood each week? 
Answer 

Are these assignments followed up 
and reported on? Answer 

Are the regular lessons followed? 
Answer 

Are the Book of Remembrance les- 



sons being given? Answer 

Do Ward Aaronic Priesthood Com- 
mittees meet weekly? Answer 

Do supervisors check attendance reg- 
ularly and follow up inactive mem- 
bers? Answer 

Do ward supervisors meet regularly 
with the Ward Correlation Com- 
mittee ? Answer 

Do supervisors check on attendance 
of their quorum members at Sunday 
School, M. I. A. and Seminary? An- 
swer ^ 

Do ward committees plan and carry 
forward a definite program of social 
and fraternal activities for quorum 
members ? Answer 



Uniforms in Sacrament Service 



T X fE are meeting with great success 
^^ in our work this year. We have 
nearly two quorums of Deacons and 
have adopted the uniform dress in the 
passing of the Sacrament. We find 
that the boys show much greater in- 
terest in their work when all are dressed 
alike. There is also more reverence 
shown during the passing of the Sacra- 
ment by the members as well as the 
boys themselves. 

With these personal duties cared for 
he has a greater incentive to be cour- 
teous, thoughtful and orderly In the 



performance of his sacred duties. Then 
too, the boys are more regular in their 
attendance, both at Sunday School and 
evening services as well as their quorum 
work. 

Each boy furnishes his own suit, 
unless he is unable, and then it is 
furnished to him and he is expected to 
keep himself neat and clean at all times. 

We follow the prescribed course as 
outlined by the Presiding Bishopric in 
all of our classes, of Priests, Teachers 
and Deacons. Our Priests and Teach- 
ers classes are fairly well attended. We 




Deacon's Quorum, Portland, Oregon, showing uniforms 
used in Sacrament Service. 



are very enthusiastic about our Priest- 
hood here in Portland. 

It is our aim to make better Deacons 
so that the future may produce better 
Elders, Seventies and High Priests. 

This picture is of the first quorum 
of Deacons. They are: Arthur Sin- 
clair, Max Harker, Arthur Vincent, 
Weston Mattice (Secretary) , Edwin 
Wells (Second Counselor), Collin 
Peterson, Carlton Craner (President), 
James Kline, Jr., Billle Hansen (First 
Counselor) , Eugene Craner, Roland 
Purdy, George Peterson. 



Thoughts on Sunday 

By Vera B. Stewart 

OUNDAY is a different day from all the 
*^ rest. 

Maybe it's because by God it has been 

blessed. 
There's a sacred stillness in the air, 
Which has been felt by mortals everywhere. 
The very birds sing different Sunday 

morning, 
As if they were a special deed performing; 
At least it seems that way to me. 
As I listen to their songs so sacredly. 
The church bells pealing through the ail 
Speak of worship which we all should 

share 
To refresh our minds and free us from 

all care. 
(Friendly, W. Va.) 



Knowledge 

By Catherine E. Berry 

TT Is a fearful thing to know 
■*■ That Life can take and break you so. 

It is a joyful thing to learn 

When Winter goes, Spring will return. 



688 



The Improvement Era for Septem,her, 1933 



Improvement in Aaron ic Priesthood Work 



' I ^HE Alberta Stake has made an ex- 
cellcnt showing in the attendance 
and activity of the Aaronic Priesthood, 
The methods employed to secure these 
results are briefly summarized by Pres- 
ident Edward J. Wood. The primary 
responsibility rests, naturally, on the 
ward bishoprics. Under their direction 
the details are carried out as follows: 

"The first requisite is a capable and 
faithful supervisor, a Ward Aaronic 
Priesthood Chairman who is a boys' 
man, possessing executive ability, much 
energy and a love for his fellow men. 
This class of man is not easy to find, 
but is invaluable. We usually have 
the supervisors select as their aides — 
boys from the various quorums and 
they carry on the physical work, such as 
visiting the various members of the 
quorums and appealing to them. 

"One of the most stimulating meth- 
ods that we have found is the contest 



work. We have organized contests 
between Deacons and Teachers. Teach- 
ers and Priests in the same ward, and 
the Lesser Priesthood of one ward 
and the Lesser Priesthood of another. 
Some of these contests have lasted for 
a month, others for three months. 
The losers are penalized by furnishing 
conveyance and a lunch for a trip to 
some nearby industry which would be 
instructive to the boys, or in the ar- 
ranging and organizing of a party in 
gymnasiums, where games are played 
and peanut and candy socials are en- 
joyed. In these parties the fathers are 
invited to associate with the boys, and 
from these sources we have had some 
of our best results. Some of the 
wards are now organizing an attend- 
ance contest between the Lesser Priest- 
hood and the Melchizedek Priesthood 
as we find that many of the inactive 
members of the Lesser Priesthood have 



fathers in the Melchizedek Priesthood 
who are inactive, and if we can get 
representatives from both priesthoods 
working in the family we are assured 
of greater success. Oftentimes the in- 
active in the Melchizedek Priesthood 
is the father of two or three inactive 
boys in the Aaronic Priesthood and 
they follow in his footsteps. 

"We have also found that the 
breaking of the Word of Wisdom is 
one of our chief deterrents, and any 
improvement in this line helps our 
percentage in attendance at meetings. 
We arc trying to stress the attendance 
of the 'teen' age girls at sacrament meet- 
ing, as we find that the Lesser Priest- 
hood has far greater attendance at 
sacrament meeting than the girls of that 
age and we think if more of the girls 
would attend, this would also assist in 
getting a larger attendance of the 
boys." 



Uintah Stake Conducts Successful Outing 



T X7ITH the first ideal spring day of 
^ ^ the season the gathering of over 
350 members of the Uintah stake 
Aaronic Priesthood was held Saturday 
afternoon. Included in. the outing 
were supervisors and ward and stake 
authorities. The event was held at 
the Morgan Merkley pasture in Dry 
Fork canyon. It was one of the most 
successful outdoor gatherings in the 
history of the stake. 

Every detailed arrangement for the 
entertainment of the members of the 
Aaronic Priesthood had been carefully 
worked out before hand by the vari- 
ous committees in charge. Morgan 
Merkley of the committee on grounds 
had selected one of the finest spots in 
the entire section, a grassy meadow. 
A huge pile of wood for the evening 
bonfire was provided. Before the fire 
at night the program of music, song 
and story was given as a conclusion 
of the eventful day. 

The program of sports commenced 
shortly after 12:30 p. m., when each 
of the groups under the direction of 
Ivan Perry rapidly had all participat- 
ing in games. Groups from each of 
the three divisions contested for su- 
premacy. Indoor baseball, spot ball, 
tug o' war, relay races, etc., took up 
the time until lunch when groups from 
the various wards separated to enjoy 
their evening meals. Then there was 
time for hiking, taking in the beau- 
ties of the surrounding section. 

The Aaronic Priesthood stake organ- 
ization compose Archie Johnson, Hugh 
W. Colton of the stake presidency, 
Harold Hullinger, Chairman of the 
Aaronic Priesthood, from the high 
council, A. T. Johnson, Karl B. 



Preece and Joseph Collier, supervisors. 
Special committees were Mr. Johnson 
and Mr. Colton, program; Joseph Col- 
lier, refreshments; Ivan Perry, sports; 
Mr. Preece and Mr. Collier, attend- 
ance. 

The following program before the 
camp fire in the evening, was given: 
Trombone solo, Frank Goodrich; dar- 
ing duet, Norman and Eldred John- 
son, deacons; Naples trio, Byron 
Goodrich, Ashel Manwaring, Frank 
Goodrich; story by L. G. Noble, prin- 
cipal of Uintah high School; cornet 
solo, Harold Bell, deacon; talk. Presi- 
dent H. B. Calder; yodeling, Ashel 



An Honest Prayer 

By Joseph R. Meseroy 

A70 better saying can be said of man 
Than that he prays to God an 
honest prayer: 

Beneath the cloak of penitence he kneels 
To ask his King to give him greater 
light, 
To blot away the sins of yesterday 
And make him strong tomorrow to 
do right; 
At prayer he tries to hide no crime from 
God, 
Confesses all, determines to do 
right — 
To always love his neighbor as him- 
self 
And serve the Lord with all his 
strength and might. 
What calls forth better estimation than 
The sending up to Him an honest 
prayer! 



Manwaring; talks, Joseph Collier and 
A. T. Johnson; song with ukulele 
accompaniment, Don Weeks, deacon; 
remarks. Bishop H. LeRoy Morrill, 
Tridell ward; closing remarks by Hugh 
W. Colton and Harold Hullinger. 

Deseret Stake Devises 
Effective System 

npHE Presiding Bishop's Office has 
received from Deseret Stake a sam- 
ple of the record card developed to 
record the activities of ward correla- 
tion committees. The card provides 
for complete information regarding 
every young man with his history and 
a month record of his activities. It 
also provides a rating system whereby 
every Aaronic Priesthood member is 
rated in classes "A", "B" or "C" 
according to his record of activities. 

Splendid results are reported from 
the use of the card. Deseret Stake had 
an average attendance at quorum meet- 
ings in 1932 of 26% with 62% of all 
members filling assignments, 30% 
average attendance at Sunday School 
and 65% observing the Word of Wis- 
dom. 



-o«i^^i» 



T7f rHEN a young man complains 
^ ^ about how little his position 
pays him, the boss probably isn't pay- 
ing him more because he isn't able to 
see how he could get value for his 
money. 

* H= * * 

VIT'HAT'S all this talk about your 
^ ^ being determined not to be a 
slave to work? That's the only way 
we get to be freemen in this workaday 
world. — Jules Lutge. 



689 




MUTUAL MIESS-AGES 




General Superintendency 
Y. M. M. I. A. 

GEORGE ALBERT SMITH, 
RICHARD R. LYMAN, 
MELVIN' J. BALLARD, 

Executive Secretary : 

OSCAR A. KIRKHAM 



txecutive mpanmemr^ 

Send all Correspondence to Committees Direct to General Offices 

General Offices Y. M. M. I. A. 

SO NORTH MAIN STREET 

General Offices Y. L. M. I. A. 

33 BISHOP'S BUILDING 
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 



General Presidency 
Y. L. M. I. A. 

RUTH MAY FOX. 
LUCY GRANT CANNON, 
CLARISSA A. BEESLEY, 

General Secretary: 

ELSIE HOGAN 



Recognition from George Washington Bicentennial Commission 



Hon. George Albert Smith, 
Salt Lake City, Utah. 

My Dear Mr. Smith: 

TTT'ITH the close of the George 
^^- Washington Bicentennial Cele- 
bration on Thanksgiving Day, this 
Commission has received comment on 
the inspirational success of the celebra- 
tion from all over the world. 

This success is not only a satisfying 
commentary on the work of this com- 
mission, but it in turn reflects honor 
on all co-operating agencies and organ- 
izations that entered into the spirit and 
the activity of the Bicentennial Year. 

In this respect, no organization of its 
kind took a more active part or con- 
tributed more to the glorification of the 
name of George Washington than The 



Room 2550, Graybar Building, 

Lexington Ave. at 43rd St., 

New York. 

June 24, 1933. 

Mr. George Albert Smith, 
Salt Lake City, Utah. 

My dear Mr. Smith: 

'"pHANK you very much for your 
telegram of June 1 1th, and for the 
very fine and generous manner in 
which you expressed yourself therein. 

It is gratifying to me, both person- 
ally and as President of the Boy Scouts 
of America, to know that the great 
Mormon Church has always taken and 
is now taking, such a keen interest in 
character development, as exemplified 
by the Boy Scouts of America. To 
you and to your associates in the church 
I extend heartiest congratulations as the 
result of having recently celebrated 
your 20th Scout Birthday in the 
church with which you are so prom- 
inently identified. 

The loyalty and enthusiasm which 
you personally have shown to and for 
Scouting, and the very valuable help 
and assistance which you have rendered 
to the National Council is not only 



Young Men's and Young Ladies' Mu- 
tual Improvement Association of your 
Church. 

We also acknowledge the support of 
Senator Reed Smoot and Senator Wil- 
liam H. King, who, we understand, 
are members of your organization. 
These men have aided this commission 
in its mighty task on all occasions. 

In recognition of the outstanding 
quality and quantity of the participa- 
tion of the Young Men's arid Young 
Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associa- 
tion in the Bicentennial, we deem it 
an honor to award to the Association 
an official George Washington Bicen- 
tennial Commemorative Medal in silver 
in the name of the United States George 
Washington Bicentennial Commission. 
This medal was made by the United 

Letters to M. I. A. 




States Mint at Philadelphia, and is a 
replica in silver of the platinum medal 
recently presented to President Hoover. 

Immediate steps will be taken to 
facilitate the formal presentation of 
this medal through the offices of one of 
the Senators from Utah. 

We trust that the Bicentennial of 
George Washington has inspired you 
to undertake further program and study 
activity that will keep the fire of pa- 
triotism burning in the hearts of the 
youth of the land. 

Sincerely yours, 
Sol Bloom, Associate Director 

Note: The medal has been received 
and may be viewed by those interested. 
It was formally presented at June Con- 
ference. 



Green and Gold Queen, Boise Stake 



very gratifying to me, but is deeply 
appreciated as well. 

Yours very truly, 
(Signed) WALTER W. HEAD, 



National Council Office. 

2 Park Ave., New York, 

June 19, 1933. 

Mr. George Albert Smith, 
Salt Lake City, Utah. 
Dear Mr. Smith: 

ly/TY first duty and pleasure on re- 
turning to the office is to express 
to you by letter my deep appreciation 
of the many courtesies extended to me 
on my recent visit to Salt Lake City. 

It was a great inspiration to see your 
Church in action and the magnificent 
spirit of cooperation and mutual un- 
derstanding between your young peo- 
ple and the leaders of your Church. I 
have never seen anything like it in all 
my contacts with all the church groups. 

Your people have been most suc- 
cessful in meeting your young people 
on the level of their own interest with- 
out attempting to make "oldsters" out 
of the "youngsters." 

It is quite evident that in the whole- 
some social life of the young people 



690 



The Improvement Era for Septem.ber, 1933 



and between the young people and the 
more mature members of the family 
you have also maintained a high level 
of spiritual life and have preserved all 
the values of a living Christianity. 

The Youth Conference, the social 
features of Saltair; the Primary pageant 
in the great Tabernacle; the Twentieth 
Anniversary of Scouting in the Church; 
the testimony meeting in the General 
Assembly; and the Sunday Conference 
and Convocation with President Grant 
were inspiring events, revealing the fine 
spirit and vision of Mormonism. 

I congratulate you and the leaders 
of your Church on your splendid vi- 



Adults 



sion and success in reaching your young 
people. You have developed a great 
program for your young men and 
young women and the youth of the 
Church. 

Please extend my greetings with add- 
ed words of high esteem to President 
Grant and all of your associates. 

Cordially and faithfully yours, 
(Signed) RAY O. WyLAND, 

Director of Relationships. 

Joint Meeting — October 

pXECUTIVES already have ma- 
terial in hand for that meeting. 

>- 



OEPTEMBER is the month in which 
^ the wheels of M. I. A. again begin 
to turn, after a summer of comparative 
inactivity. The Adult class is one 
which, as a rule, begins to function 
early in the season, for its members are 
the tried and true of the ward who 
know when Mutual resumes its regu- 
lar meetings and are anxious to par- 
ticipate from the first. 

The course of study for the Adult 
department for the season 1933-34 
promises to hold unusual interest and 
food for thought and discussion. It 
is "Religion, a Way of Life," and the 
manual in which it appears is from the 
hand of Guy C. Wilson, well known 
writer of the Church and student of 
religious affairs. 

The Project for the department is 
"We will strive to raise the cultural tone 
of our community social life and re- 
creational activities," and offers a field 
of activity, preceded by thoughtful 
planning for every Adult member de- 
sirous of contributing to the uplift of 
the locality in which he lives. 

Appreciation Courses will be offered 
for those who desire to come into bet- 
ter understanding of cultural activities, 
and it is hoped that the adult member- 
ship will avail themselves of the op- 
portunities of these courses. 

The whole nation, if not the world, 
is looking up this fall, with the feel- 
ing that the past two or three years 
have passed and those to come will 
more than compensate for the diffi- 
culties of the last ones. Letting the 
optimism of the country into our M. 
L A. outlook is naturally one of the 
first steps to be taken; and the Adult 
class is naturally the one to make this 
optimism felt. Come out to Mutual 
in greater numbers than ever before; 
participate in the discussion and share 
your thoughts and ideas in order to 
provide stimulation for yourself and 
others. Realize that M. L A. is an 
important and integral part of the 
program of the Church, and enter in- 
to it with the spirit of that realization. 
May 1933-34 be great! 



Opening Department Social 

October 3rd 

pREPARE now for a good start. A 
■*■ get-acquainted social at the open- 
ing of the season gives an impetus to 
the work that is most essential. Per- 
sonal invitations have been found to 
be most effective. Get a list of all 
who are eligible from the Ward Clerk. 
Divide names among active members 
and see to it that everyone receives a 
hearty invitation. "The rest of us 
want you — we need you," should be 
the nature of this appeal. 

If it has been impossible for you to 
organize and adopt your activity pro- 
gram, project, etc., before this occa- 
sion, (Oct. 3rd) by all means use part 
of the evening to acquaint all the mem- 
bers with the suggestions contained in 
the Guide, and attend to all of these 




Living Picture of Old Oaken Bucket 
Sandy 3rd Ward 



things. So plan the entire program for 
this opening social that it will sparkle 
with interest and hearty good fellow- 
ship throughout. Stress joyous living 
as our aim. The learning process is 
only part of our program. Group ac- 
tion in common causes, enjoyment in 
social enterprises are primary purposes. 

Adult Guide 

CTAKE and Ward Adult Leaders 
^ and all Adult members should pro- 
cure at once the Adult Department 
Guide and Manual 1933-34, if they 
have not already done so. By study- 
ing the first twenty-five pages you will 
become thoroughly prepared to go be- 
fore your group to discuss this year's 
program. It is probably the most at- 
tractive and comprehensive plan that 
has been presented. The general aims 
and purposes of the Department have 
been clearly defined and guiding prin- 
ciples held up to view. By adopting 
or creating a program in harmony with 
these, suited to your own needs, as 
each group is invited to do; you can- 
not fail to arouse unbounded interest 
and insure unprecedented success 
throughout the season. 

It is hoped you will, by exercising 
your initiative, make some valuable 
contributions to the Church as a whole. 
The General Boards look to you for 
the development of new ideas that will 
enrich our program, for approaches to 
vital problems, for suggestions and 
leadership in many ways. 

"Religion a Way of Life" 

npHIS is the title of our new manual, 
from the pen of Guy C. Wilson, 
head of the Department of Religious 
Education of the Brigham Young Uni- 
versity. 

The first seven chapters deal with 
a new aspect of religion, a broadening 
aspect and one that will take in all the 
activities that tend to enrich life and 
make it much more worthwhile. 

The next eight chapters deal with 
the question why people today seem 
to be losing faith in what is called re- 
ligion; "Obstacles to Faith" are con- 
sidered. 

1. Pain and suffering. 

2. The new attitude toward the 
Bible. 

3. Miracles. 

4. Unanswered prayer. 

5. "Scholarship" ideas. 

The question is frequently asked: 
"Just why are so many of the younger 
generation and especially the student 
element of our church growing indif- 
ferent to the church in its activities?" 
That is the major thought behind the 
manual for this year. It is intended 
to prepare parents to understand the 
problems perplexing student youths to- 
day. 

The next three chapters are devoted 
to the three greatest ideas that have 
ever come to the world, ideas that are 
instrumental in moving the world for- 
ward. 



The Improvement Era for September , 1933 



691 



The last eight chapters deal with the 
philosophy of Mormonism and the 
teaching of the fundamental principles 
of our religion and what to do about 
it. 

The Second Period and 
Its Purposes 

(See pages 21-30 of Adult Depart- 
ment Guide and Manual.) 

pSSENTIALLY this period is set 
aside for general cultural develop- 
ment through study and expression. It 
is intended to increase our capacity to 
enjoy the cultural side of life. The 
courses suggested are called significant- 
ly, Appreciation Courses. Adult groups 
are at liberty to choose their own. The 
following are suggested. 

1. From the Community Activity 
Manual: courses in dancing, music, 
speech, story-telling, etc. 

2. Current events and current lit- 
erature. (Feature Improvement Era.) 

3. The appreciation of literature. 
(Choose your own texts.) 

4. Subscribe for a course offered by 
the Brigham Young University. (See 
pages 27-29.) 

5. Devise your own program with 
approval of your M. I. A. executive 
officers. (Stake and Ward.) 

The Study and Activities 
of Our New Project 

(Seepages 16-19, inc.) 

npHE first Tuesday night of each 
month is to be devoted to the pro- 
ject and special programs. These are 
named in the Adult Department Cal- 
endar (see page 20). Suggestive ma- 
terial for these evenings will appear 
from month to month in the Improve- 
ment Era. 

Report — Watch the Era 

TN order that the Improvement Era 
may fully serve the interests of our 
department it is important that you 
send frequent reports of what you are 
doing to the Adult Committee of the 
General Board. It may be you have 
hit upon some new idea, a capital sub- 
ject for study, an interesting mode of 
procedure, a delightful social event, a 
thrilling project or an activity of un- 
usual, appealing character that is prov- 
ing successful in your group. Tell us 
about it so we may pass it on to oth- 
ers through the Era. The Adult Com- 
mittee of the General Board wishes to 
become a clearing-house for the field. 
Give others the benefit of your ideas 
and experiences. We want to know 
about your successes. 

Questions and problems which may 
arise or requests for suggestive mate- 
rial will receive prompt attention if 
submitted directly to: 

M. I. A. Adult Committee, 
50 No. Main Street, 
Salt Lake City. Utah. 




Gold and Green Queen and Attendants, 
Orangeville Ward 



Ogden, Utah 
M. I. A. Adult Committee: 
/^UR Adult Class was a very big suc- 
^^ cess last year. We followed the 
program. We have never missed one 
social and have found it a good thing 
to have a short program at the begin- 
ning of our Socials and using only 
talents from the Adult Class; in that 
way everyone gets a chance to perform 
and use his or her special talent and it 
is rather surprising the talents one can 



Seniors 



find in that way. Next we would 
have games — these games depending on 
the crowd. Wc had our regular class 
but at a social so many more were in- 
vited that we had to test them out to 
see which games would make the big- 
gest hit. We usually started with a 
get acquainted game (there are a great 
many which we have used to good ad- 
vantage) . Then we would pantomime 
something of every day life, or have a 
guessing game and gradually get them 
all on the floor without the timid ones 
knowing they really were in the game. 

After the games all were seated and 
the committee appointed for serving 
refreshments served them while they 
were in a glad frame of mind and 
naturally very hungry. The lunch 
was donated by different ones each time, 
so that no hardships were imposed on 
the same ones. 

We had a wonderful time all year, 
the older people enjolying it as well 
as the younger ones! 

Here's best wishes for the M. I. A. 
Adult Class. Good luck to all! With 
best wishes for continued success in 
this great work. — Alice A. McGinnis, 
Activity Leader. 



-jfe-- 



"^TOW is the time for the Senior Class 
•*' ^ leaders to get their work lined up 
for the coming year. The Mutuals 
will begin soon and every effort should 
be made to have the guns all loaded 
and aimed ready for the big opening 
salvo. 

Right now the Senior class leaders, 
in conjunction with the M. I. A. execu- 
tive officers, could list those in the ward 
between the ages of 23 and 35 and 
could do a little preliminary work in 
getting them interested in the coming 
class work. The lessons this year are 
of paramount importance to every- 
body and the magazines and news- 
papers are filled with material dealing 
with the subjects which are to be treat- 
ed during the coming year. 

Reconciliation 

By Ltnnie Fisher Robinson 
J FOLLOWED Thee throughout the 
-*■ ages. Lord, 

And thought to find Thee in Thy writ- 
ten word — 
I saw Thy footprints in a flowering glade 
And waited long — hungering in its shade. 
Where sorrow dwelt I traced Thy holy 

grace. 
And reaped Thy blessings in a humble 

place — 
I sought Thee with the rising of the sun 
And watched Thy glory till the day was 

done 
Every where I went in search of Thee 
I caught bright glimpses of Thy mystery. 
Resigned at last to loneliness apart — 
I found Thee chambered in my groping 
heart! 



Perhaps something could be done 
about awakening a ward interest in 
clipping a text book from current pub- 
lications. The class leader might espe- 
cially interest a few in aiding in mak- 
ing up a class text book which could 
be used as the year advances. Sugges- 
tions concerning this matter may be 
had in the Senior Manual for the year. 

Senior class leaders, by all means, 
should be in attendance at their stake 
conventions this fall and should be 
there ready to take part. They should 
have gone over the class material rather 
well and should be ready and eager to 
discuss it. Stake leaders should do 
their best, also, to keep a scrap book 
or a clipping envelope ready to exhibit 
at their conventions in order to encour- 
age ward workers to prepare them- 
selves. 

If anyone in the stake or ward has 
made a success of a worthwhile hob- 
by, that person might be interviewed. 
Newspapers will be glad to feature 
those who have done anything differ- 
ent or unique. 

The Senior Manual ("Problems of 
Today and Tomorrow," by Merrill 
and Brandley) is available and should 
be in the hands of all of the Senior stake 
and ward leaders, for certainly that 
class is going to be most successful 
which has at its head a person who 
has interested himself in the current 
problems of the nation. A biblio- 
graphy of magazine articles might be 
arranged in advance in order that in 
the very beginning assignments may 
be made intelligently and definitely. 



692 



The Improvement Era for September , 1933 



M Men-Gleaners 



A DELIGHTFUL feature of the 
"^^^ M. L A. program is the bringing 
together of M Men and Gleaners for 
joint activities. In connection with 
• this group, let us ever keep in mind 
our six objectives: 

1. Directing the mind of youth to 
the deep values of mind and spirit, and 
to the beautiful in outward expression 
and dress. 

2. Extending desirable acquaint- 
anceship, 

3. Learning to work in groups. 

4. Forming self-governing groups 
for developing leadership and initia- 
tive, 

5. Developing culture and social re- 
finement, 

6. Developing a higher type of so- 
cial leader^ip. 

The leaders in charge of separate M 
Men and Gleaner groups and the M 
Men and Gleaner officers are responsi- 
ble for the successful carrying forward 
of these joint sessions. Generally the 
latter conduct the programs. 

During 1933-34 the first Tuesday 
of each month is entirely given to Joint 
M Men and Gleaner activities. The 
period will cover one hour and a half 
— from 7:45 to 9:15. The subject 
for discussion is "Personality" to be 
presented through talks and discus- 
sions. Activities and demonstrations 
pertinent to the subject for each month 
may be introduced if desired. Free- 
dom and initiative are to be encour- 
aged in arranging each evening's pro- 
gram. Leaders and M Men-Gleaner 
officers should read the entire course 
through so that they may get the feel- 
ing of the subject and more intelligent- 
ly plan the various features. Prepara- 
tion should be made during the month 
preceding each program for the talks 
by M Man and Gleaner Girl. The 
talks will be about five or six minutes 
in length and should measure up to the 
standards of good public speaking as 
outlined in the Community Activity 
Manual. These should be followed by 
spirited discussions, and these in turn 
by the demonstrations where such are 
introduced. Each month helps and 
suggestions will be given in the M 
Men-Gleaner notes in the Improve- 
ment Era. 

Part Three, pages 187-209 of the 
Gleaner Manual and pages 107-135 of 
the M Men Manual are devoted to the 
M Men-Gleaner program. 

Personality 

A MAGNETIC personality; what 
■^ would we give to be its possessor?" 
This year's program will have sugges- 
tions and material which will enable M 
Men and Gleaners to improve their per- 
sonalities by improving their behavior, 
for personality is the sum total of 
social behavior. 

Throughout the coming year many 
phases of personality will be discussed. 



beginning with the first lesson — Per- 
sonality — What is it? — a chapter 
which creates a decided interest in the 
subject matter. The hundreds of thou- 
sands of dollars spent every year in re- 
sponse to such advertising as "I was a 
wallflower," etc.. "Awaken the sleep- 
ing beauty in your eyes," is evidence 
of people's desire to be the possessors 
of pleasing personalities, and continu- 
ing through such subject heads as — 
Sincerity, Charm, Manliness, Deport- 
ment, Aids in the Development of Per- 
sonality, Harmonizing Personalities, 
and in conclusion, the Great Person- 
ality and Appreciation of Life, — make 
this year's joint program one which 
will be extremely interesting and de- 
cidedly beneficial. 

One of the main reasons that our 
present day world is in such a state of 
turmoil is because of "Unethical prac- 
tice and adherence to false values." 
Never before has there been such a need 
of sincerity, and "Real sincerity is not 
so simple as commonly supposed; it 
has two aspects which may be termed 
moral and intellectual." "Man must 
not only behave in strict accord with 
his beliefs, being morally sincere, but 
he must anchor his beliefs in truth; he 
must be intellectually sincere." "When 
mankind shall have become sincere, 
morally and intellectually, economic 
depression, political corruption, social 
class will have vanished from the earth." 

Often a personality is judged at a 
first meeting; then is not the matter 
of deportment a vital element in de- 
velopment of personality? "How do 
you meet people? Does a first meet- 
ing with you arouse interest in fur- 
ther acquaintance?" Deportment is 
most important to those of us who 
wish to improve our personalities. 

"Only by overcoming bad habits, 
by substituting good ones in their 
place and by perseverance can we reach 
the goal of our creation." The form- 
ing of good habits makes for improved 
behavior, and improved behavior 
means better personality. 

Every girl possesses charm, but no 
girl is as charming as she might be. 
A charming person fills the atmosphere 
with vibrations of graciousness and 
loveliness, for charm is an expression 
of the soul. 

A man who possesses manliness 
finds the gates of humanity thrown 
enthusiastically open to him. If you 
would be manly seek the attributes that 
make you so. 

"None of us can live alone. What 
you do affects me, and what I do must 
give you some concern, or we are dead 
to each other." Thus we must learn 
to harmonize our personalities; we 
must bring into this world of ours un- 
selfishness, tact, and understanding if 
we are to live in harmony. 

The Great Personality, the ideal ex- 
ample — "He is never jealous of any 



man. He is never impatient. He is a 
man of exquisite refinement." This 
lesson is the foundation and the back- 
ground of all other lessons. "I find 
no fault in this man," calmly said the 
representative from Caesar. Surely He 
is the Perfect Personality, 

Our attitude toward life tremen- 
dously affects our personality. If we 
accept life as a great Spiritual Drama 
with an important prologue gone be- 
fore and an important epilogue to fol- 
low, we shall live purposefully and 
well. 

South Sanpete Stake 

^HE South Sanpete Stake M. I. A., 
has recently accomplisehd what 
some held to be impossible. For the 
first time in the history of the stake the 
oportunity was afforded for every M 
Man and Gleaner Girl to attend the M 
Men-Gleaner banquet. 

Because of the geographical location 
of the wards of the stake and the fact 
that no banquet hall is available, large 
enough to house a single stake banquet, 
it was held advisable to hold three 
banquets: one at Sterling, one at Manti 
and one at Ephraim. 

The Sterling banquet was held in 
the Sterling ward chapel with about 
eighty people present, the theme being: 
the "M. I. A."; the colors, green and 
gold. The Manti banquet was held in 
the Center ward chapel with about one 
hundred twenty-five taking part. The 
banquet tables were decorated in the 
M. I. A. colors and the theme "Tomor- 
row" was very effectively carried out. 
The Ephraim banquet was held in the 
Ephraim High School with about one 
hundred seventy present. White and 
gold were the decorating colors, to- 
gether with easter lilies; the theme 
being Easter. After each banquet a 
dance was held. 

In order to beat the depression and 
make the event as nearly as possible 
within the reach of all who cared to 
come, usable produce was accepted as 
the admission price. 

Lehi Stake 

TT was a gala affair — the Lehi Stake 
■^ M Men-Gleaner Banquet! M Men 
and Gleaner Girls ,like the wind blown 
snow, drifted from all parts of the 
stake to the Lehi Second Ward chapel, 
where they were to be entertained in 
banquet and dance for the small sum 
of thirty-five cents. 

The burning red candles which cen- 
tered the tables, were very conspicuous 
In the half lighted hall. Flowers beau- 
tifully decorated the tables and a color 
scheme was carried out in accord with 
the birthday anniversary of George 
Washington. A well arranged program 
was carried out during the course of 
the meal. 

After the banquet a short program 
was enjoyed while the tables were 
cleared out of the recreation Hall. Then 
the rest of the evening was spent in 
dancing. 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



693 



Gleaner Girls 



Gleaner Leaders: 

TT is a privilege to be a Gleaner leader 
and a responsibility also. Who can 
tell how far reaching your message will 
be if it touches the hearts of your Glean- 
er girls? Let us keep constantly before 
us the purpose of the Gleaner organiza- 
tion. Bring before your girls often 
the story of Ruth. As she gleanecTin 
the fields to gather the golden grain, so 
our Gleaner girl is privileged to glean 
in the fields of life, to glean out of all 
the experiences of the past. All the 
world is her harvest field. She gleans 
sheaves by gaining knowledge and 
binds sheaves by putting that knowl- 
edge into action. The harvest depends 
upon the quality as well as the number 
of sheaves gleaned. The chaff is to 
be discarded that the kernels may be 
clean and fit for storage. Each year 
we lead you into new fields of gleaning. 
Our Gleaner manual is our guide in 
gleaning; the calendar on page 4 is the 
compass which tells where to glean 
each Tuesday evening. This manual 
is prepared with a prayer in our hearts 
that it may prove of real worth and be 
a source of joy and inspiration to 
Gleaner leaders and girls. The price is 
35 c. We give a brief epitome of the 
1933-34 program as contained in the 
Gleaner Manual. The first Tuesday 
of each month will be devoted to the 
Joint M Men-Gleaner program; second 
and third Tuesdays, manual discus- 
sions; fourth Tuesday, the Project. 

Course of Study 

'"pHE Gleaner course of study is 
"Gleaning in the Field of Bi- 
ography." (Sec Gleaner Manual, Part 
Two, pp. 107-184.) For sixteen 
evenings we will keep company with 
a few of those noble ones who have 
graced the history of the world. These 
biographies have been compiled and 
written by Clarissa A. Beesley. The 
first chapter is introdluctiory to the 
course and should be read carefully and 
prayerfully by class leaders in order to 
give its contents to the Gleaner girls. 
In order to get the spirit of the whole 
course and to be able to make assign- 
ments intelligently, we urge leaders to 
read the entire course through before 
commencing class discussions. Sister 
Beesley has made these sketches most 
interesting for she has woven into them 
the story of the ambitions and accom- 
plishments of the characters portrayed. 
We shall study four great teachers. 
Jesus takes His place at the head of 
our great teachers. He is the great 
Teacher, the Master — the wan who 
spake as no other. We shall study 
and contemplate His life and works 
while in mortality. After that we 
shall study the lives of other leaders 
and we shall think of them as servants 
or messengers, working to create beauty 



or to dispense truth and thus further 
His plan for the progress and salvation 
of mankind. We shall study Moham- 
med, the great Arabian prophet and 
teacher; Joseph Smith, the Prophet- 
Teacher of| this day and Mahatma 
Gandhi, the champion and spiritual 
leader of a numerous people. We shall 
consider two great artists, Michelan- 
gelo and Jean Francois Millet; two 
musicians, Mozart and Tschaikowsky; 
four men of letters, Thomas Carlyle, 
Charles Dickens, Robert Browning and 
Alfred, Lord Tennyson; three scien- 
tists, Pasteur, Lord Joseph Lister and 
Rontgen. These studies in biography 
will be brief but world-wide. 

Projects 

^HE Project "I Will Gather Treas- 
ures of Truth" will be continued 
as our project. We have reprinted the 
instructions on this project and also 
the sample "Treasures of Truth" book. 
(See pp. 13-50.) We have also re- 
printed last year's "Outlines for Eight 
Class Discussions" on this project, 
thinking there may be some new groups 
organized which have not already had 
these discussions and we want them 
to have the benefit of them. We are 
giving outlines for eight new class dis- 
cussions on "Gathering Treasures of 
Truth" to be used In wards which 
have taken up last year's discussions. 
We feel that the project, "I will 
gather Treasures of Truth," should 
always be a part of the Gleaner or- 
ganization, as much so as our naijie 
"Gleaners" or our insignia. We hope 
leaders and girls will not be satisfied 
until they have made a success of this 
project. In a few stakes unusual at- 
tention has been given to the project 
during the past three years. These 
stakes have requested an optional pro- 
ject. In these few stakes where the 
optional project will be used for class 
discussions, we ask that the girls still 
be encouraged and assisted to go on 
seeking and recording "treasures" for 
their books, and that at least once or 
twice during the year the project, "I 
will Gather Treasures of Truth," be 
featured in some way. (See instructions 
on page 51 of the Manual.) The op- 
tional project selected is a course In 
First Aid. Outlines for eight class 
discussions on this subject are printed 
in this manual (Chapter III, pp. 63- 
102) These lessons were compiled and 
written by Elsie Hogan. 

Our Sheaf 

T WILL read the Scriptures daily" 
has been chosen as our sheaf in 
order to bring more spirituality into 
our Gleaner program. We urge that 
Gleaner leaders, as well as the girls, 
read three or more verses of Scripture 
each day. On September 26, which 
is the last Tuesday In the month, the 



sheaf should be introduced. Each 
Tuesday thereafter leaders should en- 
courage and stimulate the girls in the 
daily reading of the Scriptures. (See 
Chapter IV, p. 1 03, Manual.) 

Testimony Meetings 

A CCORDING to our calendar, page 
4, the evenings of January 30 
and May 29 are given to testimony 
meetings. Expressions from leaders 
and girls as to the personal benefits 
obtained from gathering "Treasures of 
Truth" and the reading, studying and 
memorization of Scripture should be 
the general theme of these evenings. 
Spirituality should dominate these 
meetings. (See p. 104, Manual.) 

Books to Read 

npHIS year we shall spend time in 
reviewing some of the delightful 
reading course books of the past. On 
pp. 105-106, of the Manual, we give 
brief review of three books used in the 
past — "The Light In the Clearing," 
"The Crisis," "Bleak House." We re- 
view one new book, "As the Earth 
Turns," by Gladys Hasty Carroll. We 
do not urge the purchase of these books, 
jbut where t!hey are obtj&inable, we 
know they will prove enjoyable as well 
as profitable reading material for our 
Gleaner girls. 

Banquet 

A FTER spending the afternoon in 
'^^^ ZIon Park the M Men and Glean- 
ers from ZIon Park Stake enjoyed a 
lovely banquet at the Springdale Ward 
chapel. 

The banquet hall was cleverly dec- 
orated with gold and green. 

Stake Gleaner Leader, Mrs. Glen 
Williams, and husband, acted as hostess 
and host. 

President Claudius HIrschi acted as 
toastmaster during the banquet. A 
delightful program was presented. 

Before serving the banquet get ac- 
quainted dances and games were en- 
joyed. After the banquet the remain- 
der of the evennig was spent In danc- 
ing. 

Brigham City First Ward 
Entertains 

npHE First Ward of Box Elder Stake 
held a very successful M Men and 
Gleaner Girls banquet and ball in the 
First Ward recreation hall. The hall 
and tables were beautifully decorated 
with flowers and guest favors of tiny 
bouquets made of colored candles. A 
delicious three course banquet prepared 
by the mutual officers and Gleaner Girls 
was served by a committee of Junior 
Girls. 

The toastmlstrcss used as her theme 
activities of Gleaner Girls and M Men; 
love-making, house-cleaning, spring- 
fever, etc. 

After the tables were cleared the eve- 
ning was spent in dancing. 



694 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



Junior Girls 



-)§«•- 



' I 'HIS is the season in which we con- 
template the work ahead of us — 
past are vacations and lazy enjoyment 
of the warm summer days — and we 
realize that we must be up and doing. 
In Junior classes there is a new crop 
of girls — the Bee-Hive girls of last 
year — and they must be made welcome 
and given the feeling of belonging. 
L'eadcrs will be studying progtrams 
and activities, and mapping out plans 
of campaign. Much lies in wait of joy 
and work and happy association. 

The course of study for the new 
season (1933-34) is "Building a 
Life." It is not a new course, for it 
was given two years ago, but it con- 
tains truths and stimulating thoughts 
which ever will be new. Girls who 
come into the class this year, as well 
as those who came last, have not had 
the opportunity to become familiar 
with the material in the Junior manual, 
and it was felt that they should con- 
sider the subject, for it is a vital one 
to them, just at the age where they 
appreciate the fact that they must help 
to supervise and manage the building 
which is to be their life. Written by 
a number of well qualified individuals. 



the manual is inspiring and instructive, 
and will contribute to the growth and 
enjoyment of the leaders who study 
and teach it as well as the girls who 
listen and learn. 

Projects for the year are two in 
number — a continuation of the delight- 
ful project of last year, "My Story — 
Lest I Forget," and Cultivating Cul- 
ture. The first is for girls who have 
begun the book which is the story of a 
life, and wish to continue it, as well as 
those who may become newly interest- 
ed; the second for those who choose a 
project other than one which necessi- 
tates keeping records and writing inci- 
dents. Both will be interesting and 
helpful, and if a Junior girl works with 
either or both she lays new founda- 
tions for lifelong satisfaction. 

Department activities, as heretofore, 
will be the Travelogue, Question Box, 
and Story Telling, the last named to 
be their activity in the spring contests. 
Girls of 15 and 16 are eligible to 
Junior membership, and happy should 
be leaders called to associate with girls 
of this enchanting age. Leaders have 
a great responsibility in setting an ex- 
ample. May they fulfil it well! 



Bee 'Hive Girls 



>• 



Dear Bee -Keepers: 

"\T7"E are beginning another season's 
'^ ^ work, which we hope will bring 
joy and satisfaction to you and your 
Bee-Hive girls. Bee-Hive work will be 
a new experience for many of you, but 
a happy ong if you will enter into it 
with the spirit of enthusiasm and a 
determination to succeed. One of the 
first requisites is to seek the guidance 
and spirit of our Heavenly Father. The 
voice of inspiration comes to those 
who are sincere. Preparation and 
study are essential to success, but it 
must be accompanied by His spirit. 
Have confidence in yourself; love your 
girls and cultivate a sympathetic un- 
derstanding for each individual girl; 
love the Bee-Hive work and be enthu- 
siastic about it. Harmonize your work 
and let sunshine radiate and penetrate 
all that you do. Be a real Bee-Hive 
girl yourself with your girls, make 
Bee-Hive a part of all you do. Seek 
knowledge from all good sources to 
enrich your experience and better 
qualify you for your responsibilities. 
Be glad and rejoice in the success of 
others, and particularly in the success 
and happiness of your Bee-Hive girls. 
To successfully carry on the Bee-Hive 
program, it is essential for every Bee- 
Keeper to have a Bee-Keeper's Book 
(which includes handbook) price 60c 
Young Ladies' Office, 33 Bishop's 
Building, Salt Lake City, Utah. Each 



one of your girls should have the Bee- 
Hive Hand Book, price 25 c. Take 
your Bee-Keeper's Book now, begin 
with page 1 and read to page 3 9, then 
turn to the Bee-Hive Hand Book at 
the back, and read pages 1 to 22 in- 
clusive. Study the plan carefully and 
get a vision of the symbolism. Pur- 
chase and read also the Review of the 
Life of the Bee — General Board Ofiice, 
price 15 c. Prepare your guides at 
least one week in advance. In order 
that there may be uniformity in pre- 
senting the guides, we give herewith 
a calendar for the first three months 
for Nymphs, Builders and Gatherers. 
The calendar for succeeding months 
will appear in later issues of the Era. 




Graduating Class, North Weber Stake, 
Ogden, Utah 



Calendar 

Nymphs: 

Sept. 19th — Guide I — "Bees and 
Bee- Hive Girls." 

Sept. 26th — Guide^ II— "H o w 
Hives and Cities Grow." 

Oct. 3rd — Guide III — "Service in 
Bee-Hive and City." 

Oct. 10th — Guide IV — "Hive and 
City Government." 

Oct. 17th — Guide V — "Sanitation 
in Hive and City." 

Oct. 24th— Guide VI— "Cleanli- 
ness and Order in Hive and City." 

Oct. 31st— Guide VII— "Public 
Servants in Hive and City." 

Nov. 7th — Open Night. 

Nov. 14th— Guide VIII— "Cell 
Making and Home Building." 

Nov. 21st— Guide IX— "Cell Mak- 
ing and Home Building." 

Nov. 28th — Guide X— "Cell Mak- 
ing and Home Building." 

Builders: 

Sept. 19th — Guide I — "Plan of the 
Bee-Hive." 

Sept. 26th — Guide II — "T rial 
Flights" (Probationary Require- 
ments) . 

Oct. 3rd— Guide III— "The Build- 
ers' Purpose" and "Call of Woman- 
hood." (Foundation Cells No. 1 and 
2.) 

Oct. 10th— Guide IV— "Scrap 
Books. Name and Symbol." (F. C. 
No. 3.) 

Oct. 17th — Guide V — Name and 
Symbol (Continued — F, C. No. 3.) 

Oct. 24th — Guide VI — Have Faith. 

Oct. 31st — Guide VII — S e e k 
Knowledge. 

Nov. 7th — Guide VIII— Planned 
by Bee-Keepers and Girls. 

Nov. 14th— Guide IX— The Word 
of Wisdom. 

Nov. 21st — Guide X — Safeguard 
Health — Foods. 

Nov. 28th — Guide XI — Safeguard 
Health— Rest and Exercise. 

Gatherers: 

Sept. 19th — Guide I — ^Preview. 

Sept. 26th — Guide II — The Life 
Cycle According to the Gospel Plan. 
(Foundation Cell No. 2.) 

Oct. 3rd — Guide III — A Practical 
Use of the Symbol. (F. C. No. 3.) 

Oct. 10th — Guide IV — Open for 
Planning of Bee-Keepers and Girls. 

Oct. 1 7th — Guide V — K now 
Work. 

Oct. 24th — Guide VI — Food and 
Rest for Baby. (F. C. No. 5.) 

Oct. 31st — Guide VII — Sterilizing 
Gauze — Home Emergency Cabinet. 
(Foundation Cell No. 6.) 

Nov. 7th — Guide VIII — O p e n 
Night. 

Nov. 14th— Guide IX— The Life 
of the Bee. 

Nov. 21st — Guide X — Diet. 

Nov. 28 th — Guide XI — Family 
Meals. (F. C. No. 4.) 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



Swarm Days 

l\TORTH WEBER STAKE: Swarm 
■^ ' Day was held at the Ogden Third 
Ward Meeting House, and after a 
splendid program rendered by the Bee- 
Hive Girls and Stake Board members, 
certificates of graduation were present- 
ed to fifty girls. Refreshments were 
served to the graduates, their mothers, 
and the Stake Board members by the 
Stake Bec-Keepers. 

Carbon Stake: At the Bee-Hive 
Swarm Day of Carbon Stake each 
Swarm had a booth beautifully deco- 
rated, having on display the work they 
had done during the winter — scrap- 
books, pillow cases, symbols put to 
use and other forms of handwork. Fol- 
lowing the judges' awards on hand- 
work, a delightful program was given, 
featuring an address of welcome by 
the Stake Bee-Kceper, Prayer, Woni- 
anho Call, demonstration of The Spirit 
of the Hive, Builders' Purpose, Honey 
Gatherers' Song, demonstrations of the 
fields of Religion, Home, Health, Do- 
mestic Art, Out-of-Doors, Business 
and Public Service, a Song for Moth- 
ers, and the awarding of rank and cer- 
tificates. Refreshments were served, 
the girls and their mothers, after a 
grand march, formed a great Bee-Hive 
to sing "The Call of Womanhood" 
and the program was concluded by 
prayer. 

Shelley Stake: Swarm Day drew a 
large attendance, and a fine program 
was presented, with exhibitions of 
scrap-books and contest in handcraft 
being featured. Sixteen essays on 
"Symbolism" were entered, and a de- 
lightful program, followed by a lunch 
served to one hundred twenty-five 
capped the climax of a successful and 
beautiful occasion. 

Cassia Stake: Swarm Day was a 
most delightful affair this year, con- 
sisting of a program, including a play 
of the Fields and the Spirit of the 
Hive, display of handwork and cook- 
ing, essays on Symbolism, and making 
of awards. We have enjoyed the work 
immensely and feel that the Swarm 
Day was a great success. 

Aim 

By Lois Anderson 

/SHALL plant a tree 
Before my house 

To grow. 
And watch it push its way 
Through dark brown earth, 

And so 
When I am old 
I can look out 

And see 
That in my youth 
I gave to earth 

A tree. 



Boy Scouts- 

Troop 134, Los Angeles 
Council 



npO the Los Angeles Branch of the 
'*■ Mexican Mission came Elder James 
D. Cox, a young missionary from 
Idaho. This missionary brought with 
him a desire to preach the gospel to 
the boys of the Mission through 
Scouting. Permission from President 
Antoine Ivins was granted for the or- 
ganization of a Scout Troop. The 
parents of the boys objected as they 
thought that it would be the training 
of their sons to become soldiers, as 
soldiers wore uniforms. Many meet- 
ings and gatherings were held with the 
parents to prove to them that the 
Scout movement was a training in citi- 
zenship and the training of the boy 
for a better opportunity in manhood, 
and a program of character-develop- 
ment for the boys to teach to each oth- 
er in groups. With this as a key, they 
gave their consent. 

During the summer months the boys 
were away from home and the branch. 
Elder Cox, knowing that some of the 
boys did not speak English and for 
them it would be very difficult to learn 
Scouting from the Scout handbook, 
obtained a large piece of canvas and 
drew all the interesting things of Scout- 
ing including the boy in full uniform, 
all the Scout badges, a Scout knife, 
rope, and all of the merit badges in 
colors. When the boys returned in 
the fall, they were enthusiastic in the 
movement from seeing it in pictures. 

Each boy was told of what it took 



695 



->- 



to register the troop and what they 
would have to do to become Tender- 
foot Scouts. 

The Troop was registered on Octo- 
ber 30 with eight boys, two commit- 
teemen, and two assistant Scoutmast- 
ers, all Mexicans. Elder Cox serves as 
the Scoutmaster and President Ivins as 
Chairman of the Troop Committee- 
men. To date the troop has 23 reg- 
istered Scouts in the ranks of Tender- 
foot and Second Class. 

Weekly hikes are taken to different 
parts. This week's hike took them to 
U. S. S. F. Constitution (Old Iron- 
sides) ; each part of the boat was ex- 
plained to the boys and why it has 
been preserved by the Government. 
While at the harbor the Troop was 
taken to the Battleship Utah for com- 
parison. 

To these Scouts their Scoutmaster is 
the best, for he is giving these boys the 
information and activities they desire. 
The boys of the troop represent seven 
different churches and the desire this 
young missionary had when he first 
came into the field is being realized — 
the boys are better church goers and 
they are being advanced more rapidly 
in the Priesthood. 

History of Troop Six, 
Santa Monica 

'"pHE troop was first organized in 
^ April, 1930, but the charter giv- 
ing us the authority to function under 
National Headquarters supervision was 
not obtained until May, 1930. 

Prior to this the sponsors of our 




Troop Six, Santa Monica 



696 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



troop, the Santa Monica Ward, had 
some difficulty in obtaining a suitable 
Scout Master. Finally Mr. Norris C, 
Weight was obtained for the job, and 
has "reigned" over Good Old Six as a 
very successful leader. At the time of 
the organizing, we had some six or 
seven boys in the troop, all of which 
were tenderfoots except Scout Roger 
Wood, a transfer from a Midwestern 
troop. He received his Eagle a few 
months after joining our troop. 

All the boys received their tender- 
foots, and we were under way to do 
big things. With the great help of 
the Ward, we built us a cabin in a part 
of Red Rock Canyon Topanga. After 
this we had no trouble in obtaining 
new recruits for our organization. We 
took many overnight hikes to To- 
panga, and accomplished many ad- 
vancements in the lines of Merit Badges 
and Tests. 

A year after organization we had a 
regular attendance of about twenty- 
-eight uniformed scouts. About sixty 
percent being first class. We had ac- 
complished many things, such as con- 
test awards, and planned good turns. 
We also had organized four patrols 
and a Junior Officer Staff. About this 
time, Mr. Frank Pudney of the Troop 
Committee was officially designated as 
Assistant Scout Master of the troop. 
He was well liked by the boys and was 
given the lasting nickname of "Pop." 

In January, Ted Beck received his 
Eagle badge, being a little over thir- 
teen years of age and the first to com- 
plete all the tests in the troop. 

In the summer of 1931 we had sev- 
en boys at the Catalina Island Scout 




Fathers and sons enjoying a ball 
game. Camp Kootenay, Waterton 
hakes Park^ Canada, 



Camp, of which four received good 
campers badges. 

The troop had been advancing rap- 
Idly and we conceived the idea that it 
would be an unique accomplishment 
if we could have twelve scouts, in- 
cluding the Scout Master and Assist- 
ant, receive the greatest, highest, and 
most honorable award, the Eagle Scout 
Badge. We had some fifteen scouts 



who had attained the rank of First 
Class Scouts and were ready for Merit 
Badges. Every meeting we would meet 
in a room aside from our regular meet- 
ing hall, and work and work hard on 
Merit Badges. Some boys got six or 
seven all at the same Court of Honor. 
We did this for a year, and in Decem- 
ber, 1932, we had eleven scouts ready 
to receive their Eagle Awards. One 
interesting feature of this was the fact 
that Scout Master Weight and Clyde 
Weight, father and son, received their 
Eagle Awards at the same time. 

On January 21, 1933, we broke 
some records by having eleven out of 
twenty-two boys receive their Eagles 
at the same time. These boys are, as 
they appear in the picture; Left to 
right, back row: Asst. Scout Master 
Frank Pudney, Ted Holman, Clyde 
Weight, Bill Anderson, Jack Doman, 
Scout Master Norris C. Weight. Front 
row: Kelly Smith, Ted Beck, Warren 
Gill, Martin Baxter, Marshall May- 
nard. (One Eagle Scout, Billy Haun, 
was absent when this picture was 
taken.) 

We accomplished these things, and 
won the Trail of the Eagle attendance 
banner for 1931-1932. 

Scout Master Weight received his 
Scout Master's Key, the second one 
awarded in the Crescent Bay Council, 
on April 7, 1933, Court of Honor. 

We are now entering Sea Scouting, 
and intend to do the same thing in 
this line of scouting as we have done 
in the past. 

Throughout all we had the loyal 
support of the Santa Monica Ward and 
the Troop Committee. 



^The Beloved Cinderella 



thing. Blanchard's a widower, no 
children of his own there!" 

"How do you know?" Star 
laughed at her, teasing. 

Mrs. Binney nodded her head 
with a cryptic look. "I know! 
Anyhow, I'm gain' down that way 
— want to sniff th' salt air, I 
reckon. You come along. Star." 

"But there's Pap down by the 
pond — let's make him go, too." 

Mrs. binney 

caught her arm. "No! You let 
Pap alone — I want to talk to you, 
child. Pap's losin' money right 
along; he's all snarled up, an' I'm 
goin' to try an' pick him out, make 
him put in a sody-fountain. Seems 
like everybody picks him; if a 
kid comes in for a penny's worth 
of candy Pap gives him a nickel's 
worth an' pats his head! There 
won't be a penny left if he keeps 
on goin' th' way he has. If I only 



could get some gumption into him, 
I'd—." 

"Oh, I wouldn't have him 
changed!" Star cried. "And you 
wouldn't either, Mother Binney; 
you're only pretending to find 
fault. Pap's as good as gold!" 

"That's true as gospel, but it 
ain't good business," Mrs. Binney 
snapped, and then a strange mood 
came over her. "I'd never dare to 
tell Pap — not if I was goin' to com- 
mit a crime, I wouldn't!" she mut- 
tered. 

Star's sweet laughter made a little 
ripple of music in the dusk. "As 
if you could commit a crime. 
Mother Binney!" 

"There ain't no tellin'," replied 
Mrs. Binney soberly, and stopped 
short, peering ahead of her with 
short-sighted eyes. "What's that 
down th' road there — those two 
tall white things?" she gasped. 

Star laughed softly. "The two 



Continued ftom 
page 652 



white stone pillars at the gate. 
Mother. It's Windymere." 

"Humph!" Mrs. Binney peered 
over the wall. "A kind of nice 
place to live in, Star. How'd you 
like to live there an' have all that 
— automobiles an' yachts an' lovely 
dresses?" 

Star did not answer; she was 
looking intently at the lovely vista 
of an Italian garden. 

Mrs. Binney peered anxiously 
into her absorbed young face. 

"How'd you like it all, honey, 
for your very own?" she asked 
wistfully. 

"Oh!" Star drew a long breath, 
"I'd love it!" 

There was a silence, as shadow- 
less to Star as the twilight. Then 
she was startled by Mrs. Binney' s 
hand on her arm. 

"You wait here. Star, I'm goin^ 
in. I've — I've got a message to 
deliver." 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



697 



"Why not take me along?" Star 
began, but Mrs. Binney had already 
started down the driveway, walk- 
ing fast. 

"I wonder what in the world is 
the matter with her?" Star thought, 
"I never saw her so odd!" 

Then she forgot Mrs. Binney. 
The sweetness of the roses filled the 
air ; there was a spell about the place 
and the hour. To Star it was a 
kind of fairyland. Her life had 
been so simple, a little adopted 
child in the old shop on Fishkill 
Point Road; she was not covetous 
of wealth, she was too simple and 
wholesome for that, but these 
roses — she stretched up on tiptoe, 
failed to reach one and jumped for 
it. Too high! She failed, coming 
down softly on her feet, laughing. 

"Let me get it for you — " the 
voice was at her elbow. 

Star startled violently and looked 
around into the eyes of the young 
man who had seen her riding Mac- 
Donald's old black mule. For a 
moment she was vexed, then she 
laughed softly. 

"I wish you would — I was go- 
ing to steal it, anyway!" 

He reached it easily. How tall 
he was! She took it, blushing 
beautifully. 

"Thank you!" She was demure 
now. 

"I've come for you," he said 
gravely; "Mr. Blanchard sent me. 
Mrs. Binney is with him now." 

Star raised startled eyes. "Mrs. 
Binney? Has — anything happen- 
ed?" She thought Mrs. Binney 
must have been run over by an 
automobile in the grounds. "Is she 
hurt?" she cried. 

"No, she's quite well," he as- 
sured her, "and she said you were 
to come at once. Mr. Blanchard 
wants to see you." 

Star looked perplexed. "He 
doesn't know me!" she exclaimed. 
"Please — ^please, what is it?" Then 
something in young Nelson's seri- 
ous face frightened her. "Oh, please 
tell me!'' 

"Don't be frightened; it isn't 
anything to frighten you, it's good 
news!" he drew her hand through 
his arm and led her between the 
two tall gate-posts. 

It was almost dark now, but the 
little lights began to twinkle here 
and there, amidst the shadowing 
trees. Star did not know what it 
meant, or why she was going up 
the white marble steps and across 
the terrace, but she found herself 
in a big room, where soft circles of 



light from shaded lamps sent fan- 
tastic shadows upward on lofty 
ceilings. She stood still, she was 
surely in a dream! Then she saw 
a familiar stubby figure in an old 
brown wool dress and that funny 
hat that Mother Binney always 
wore on Sundays. Suddenly Star 
wanted to laugh. Poor dear Mrs. 
Binney, how she looked beside that 
big gray headed man who sat at 
the table opposite ! The man who 
was looking now, not at Mrs. Bin- 
ney, but at Star herself. He spoke 
and his voice sounded harsh to 
the startled girl. 

"Bring her here, Nelson," he 
said imperatively. 

Star drew back; her heart began 
to beat in her throat. Something 
was going to happen! She had 
felt it. She was frightened now; 
she dragged her hand from Nel- 
son's kind, reassuring grasp. 

"Please come a little nearer," he 
said gently, for her alone. "Don't 
be afraid, it's good news!" 

She let him take her hand again 
and lead her into the circle of light 
where Mrs. Binney stood. 

"Mother!" Star whispered. 

But Mrs. Binney did not an- 
swer; she was biting in and her 
face was queer and white and 
blotched. 

Mr. Blanchard rose from the 
table, tall, imposing, a little pom- 
pous. 

"This — " he glanced at Mrs. 
Binney — "this lady has just told 



me your story," he said to Star, 
"and — " he touched a package on 
the table with an unsteady hand — • 
"she's brought proofs. I'm glad to 
tell you," his voice broke a little as 
he looked at the slim young creature 
with the shining hair, "you — the 
fact is, my dear, you're my daugh- 
ter. 

"No — no!" Star gasped. Then 
she turned, bewildered, seeing only 
a blur in the beautiful room. 
"Mother Binney — what does he 
mean?" she cried. 

"It's — it's what he says, dearie, 
it — ." Mrs. Binney choked and 
swallowed hard. 

"Your daughter?" the girl 
looked up at him and whitened to 
her lips. 

Blanchard, deeply touched, nod- 
ded. He could not speak, and the 
girl seemed to waver. She stretched 
out a helpless hand, and, just in 
time Nelson caught her in his arms. 
For the first time in her strong 
young life Star had fainted. 



V. 



II 




Beside the Rock Creek, Wyoming 



AGUELY, Star be- 
gan to be aware of voices; they 
seemed far off at first. Someone 
was fanning her. The thick lashes 
lifted and the gray eyes opened 
slowly. 

"What — happened?" she whis- 
pered, only half roused. "Did I 
fall off Tex, Pap?" 

"She'll be all right in a moment 
now! 

A voice that she did not recog- 
nize! Star's eyes opened wide and 
she raised herself on her elbow. She 
was lying on a lounge and another 
girl was fanning her briskly. Star's 
startled gaze met dark smouldering 
eyes, a rich colored face, glossy 
brown hair and an astonishingly 
lovely gown. Where was she? 
Then she remembered. She sat up 
weakly and pushed the golden hair 
out of her eyes, looking at the girl. 

"You're very good — please 
don't fan me any more, I'm all 
right," she gasped. "Where's — " 
she looked around vaguely at the 
room and saw no one she knew — 
"where's Mother Binney?" 

"Right here, dearie." The voice 
was thick and shaky, so unnatural, 
indeed, that Star turned and looked 
at the speaker. 

Mrs. Binney looked old and 
flabby and her eyes blinked. She 
did not dare to put these strangers 
aside and hold Star in her arms; 
she could only swallow hard, her 
chin shaking. 



698 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



"Here — drink a little water, my 
child," Mr. Blanchard suggested 
gravely, taking a glass from the 
tray the butler had just brought. 

Star rose unsteadily to her feet. 
"Thank you," she said gently, "I 
don't need it. I — I think I'll go 
home now — " and she turned to- 
ward Mrs. Binney. 

But Blanchard intervened. "You 
don't understand," he said gravely. 
"This is your home, your name is 
Mary Agnes Blanchard, you are to 
stay here tonight — and always! 
I'm your father," he added, as an 
afterthought, too absorbed in his 
study of the pale young face, the 
startled eyes and the lovely, shin- 
ing, touseled head to know exactly 
what to do himself. For a railroad 
magnate and a successful business 
man, J. C. Blanchard felt incred- 
ibly awkward. 

The girl, backing away from 
him, stretched out a wavering hand, 
found Mrs. Binney's plump famil- 
iar arm and clung to it. 

"I don't understand," she fal- 
tered; "please tell me!" 

Mr. Blanchard cast a severe look 
upon Mrs. Binney. "You should 
have told her beforehand," he said 
sternly. 

Mrs. Binney, whose chin was 
still wobbly, tried ineffectually to 
make up for her delinquency. 

"She knows about bein' left in 
th' grass by th' barn, sir," she be- 
gan, in a flustered voice. "I — I 
didn't tell anybody about this — 
this — I mean about Pharcellus. 
You see, he didn't tell me until 
th' night he died." 

"That horrible man?" Star's 
hand tightened on her arm. "Why, 
Mother Binney, he was thrown out 
of an automobile by accident. Pap 
took him in because he was so hurt 
— he couldn't have known about 
me! 

"You were stolen, my child," 
Mr. Blanchard explained kindly. 
"It appears now that when pur- 
suit was hot, one of the gang, that 
very man who died at Mrs. Bin- 
ney's house, dropped you behind 
their barn. He seems to have come 
back there to find out how things 
were — mainly, I presume, because 
I recently offered another reward 
for any news of my daughter, alive 
or dead. The accident — an auto- 
mobile crushed him, I believe — 
prevented action on his part. But 
he told this — good woman, and 
she came to me. I took this place 
here for the season, took it just 



as Phar — par — what was his name, 
madam?" 

Mrs. Binney swallowed hard. 
"Pharcellus, sir." 

"Just as he died," Mr. Blanchard 
ended. 



Ti^ 



.HERE was a little 
silence. In it they heard Star draw 
a quick breath like a sigh. They 
were standing now in a semi-circle 
about her, Blanchard in the center, 
his niece, flushed, grave, not pleased 
with it all, on his left, young Nel- 
son at his right, and hovering, in- 
terested but respectful, the butler 
with his tray. Star let go of Mrs. 
Binney's arm and moved waver- 
ingly forward. She looked about 
the beautiful room, bewildered; 
then the color came back into her 
face and she lifted wondering eyes. 

"Is it — does this all — " she 
hesitated — "is this my home?" 

Blanchard smiled. "It certainly 
is, Mary Agnes Blanchard, and 
I'm your father. Have you noth- 
ing to say to me?" 

"Oh!" cried Star softly, looking 
up at him, her face quivering. 
"What have I to say? I — I'm so 
bewildered. You see, I don't know 
you, but if you're my father — " 

Blanchard drew her gently into 
his arms. "I am certainly your 
father," he assured her, "and I'll 
have to manage to reconcile you to 
it! Etta," he turned to the dark 
girl in yellow, "hadn't you better 
take your cousin upstairs now?" ' 

"Oh, but I'd like to go home — 
to go back with Mother Binney 
first," Star faltered; there was 
something in Etta's smouldering 
dark eyes that was unfriendly. 
"I'd—." 



Flight 

By Edgar Daniel Kramer 

JJ/'HY did she leave? 
' '''^ I only know 
That the candles were out 
And the stars swung low. 

Where did she go? 

I can but say- 
That she laughed and fled 

Through the dews away. 

What does she seek? 

To me it seems 
She would be finding 

Her secret dreams. 

What will she find 

Beyond the years? 
Beauty waiting 

To dry her tears. 



"Yes, I know!" Mr. Blanchard 
cut her short; he had the quick, 
incisive way of the successful busi- 
ness man, "but I'd like you to dine 
with us. I presume you're willing 
to do that for me, my dear?" 

Star assented, but her eyes filled 
suddenly; she wanted Pap Binney. 
Pap would know just how she 
felt! Then suddenly she met young 
Nelson's eyes. She went over to 
him quickly; he seemed almost like 
an old friend here. 

"Please ask about Mother Bin- 
ney — isn't she to stay here, too, for 
dinner?" she faltered, looking ap- 
pealingly at Blanchard. 

But he was already dismissing 
poor flustered Mrs. Binney. 

"I'll see you tomorrow, mad- 
am," he said gravely. "The re- 
ward — my secretary here, Mr. 
Nelson, will see to that; I'll pay it 
all to you." 

Mrs. Binney gasped, her round 
face crimsoned. "I won't take it, 
sir, not a cent! I — " her chin 
shook forlornly, "I just want to 
see Star happy!" she sobbed aloud. 

Star, half way to the door with 
Etta, turned and ran back. 

"Oh, Mother— Father," she 
choked on the word, "let me go 
back with her now!" 

He shook his head, laying a firm 
hand on her arm, while John Nel- 
son led the weeping Mrs. Binney 
out. 



J, 



OHN had a feeling of 
exultation; without reason he was 
glad that he had accepted Blan- 
chard's offer of work to tide him 
over. He had intended to continue 
his study of law, but he had needed 
money to complete his self-imposed 
course, and now — it was luck that 
had made him take the work here! 
He was so self-absorbed that he was 
startled when Mrs. Binney stum- 
bled. 

"Let me help you," he exclaimed 
with contrition. 

"You ain't got any call to put 
me out!" Mrs. Binney sobbed. 
"I'm goin' just as fast as I can!" 

John came down from the 
clouds. 

"I'm sure you can't think as 
badly of us as that!" he said 
gravely. "I know Mr. Blanchard 
is grateful. He's searched for his 
daughter all these years. It's a 
great relief to know that, all this 
time, she's been safe with you!" 

"He didn't say anything in par- 
ticular," Mrs. Binney went on, 



The Improvement Era for Septemherf 1933 



699 



ignoring the interruption, "but I've 
never been told so plain before to — 
to get out! I want he should know 
I'm Mrs. Elisha Binney, an' I'm 
a church member. I'm respectable, 
I ain't just — just mud!" she pant- 
ed, climbing down the marble 
steps of the imposing terrace. "No, 
I ain't goin' home in one of his 
automobiles, young man, I'm goin' 
to walk! And I don't want com- 
pany either. Goodnight." 

John Nelson stood still, stunned 
by the unexpected explosion, and 
watched until the stout, middle- 
aged figure disappeared into the 
shrubbery by the gate. He had an 
impression that Mrs. Binney had 
gone suddenly mad, and he did not 
know that she stopped the other 
side of a bank of blooming laurel 
and shed bitter, frightened tears. 

"I hadn't ought t' have done it!" 
she sobbed to herself. "He's a 
stuck-up old piece of hard cash an' 
th' child won't ever be happy if he 
can help it! I wish I hadn't. I 
wish — " she choked back her tears 
and peered through the laurel at the 
great house. 

The thought of the luxury she 
had seen there began to take the 
edge off her resentment at Blan- 
chard's cavalier treatment. She did 
her wet handkerchief up into a ball 
and mopped her swollen eyes with 
it. 

"I couldn't have done any better 
for her — not that I can see!" She 
sobbed less violently now. "May- 
be he's only got that yeast-risen 
manner for outsiders — he put his 
arm around Star real kind an' 
fatherly. Anyhow — " she sobbed 
again — "Pap's losing money, there 
ain't anything for th' child — Jor- 
dan's a hard road — Lord!" she 
jumped violently. "I kinder felt 
as if there was something in those 
b)ushes right now — I'll go home! 
Seems as if I could see Pharccllus 
starin' at me — ." She shivered, 
•dodged past the white stone gate- 
posts and fled. 

"I can't help it!" she cried over 
and over again, in the dark sha- 
dows of the lane. "I've given her 
everything; now — I — I'm glad I 
did it!" 

oHE had her hand on 
the back door of the old shop when 
she stopped again, staring at the 
time-worn panels with breathless 
■dismay. She had to tell Pap! It 
was a long moment before she 
lifted the latch and plunged in. 



Mr. Binney was sitting in the 
little back room, reading the news- 
paper. The light from the old 
lamp fell full on his round face and 
the scanty lock of white hair stood 
up on top of his head. Mrs. Bin- 
ney, who was holding the door 
open with a hand that began to 
shake again, had never seen him 
look so old and so worn. 

"It's that mortgage," she 
thought, and winked back tears. 
"If only I could take that reward 
— ^but I can't! Land end, I ain't 
as bad as that!" 

"You ain't as bad as what?" Pap 
looked around at her. 

She did not know that she had 
spoken out loud and his question 
startled her; she sat down weakly. 

"Where's Star?" Mr. Binney 

"Up t' Blanchard's." Ma was 
laconic. 

Pap laid his paper across his knee 
and looked at her. 

"What in Sam Hill have you 
been cryin' about?" he asked fin- 
ally. 

Brokenly, disjointedly, with 
hard sobs choked down, Mrs. Bin- 
ney told him. 

"Pharcellus had th' clothes an' 
the locket an' everything; there 
wasn't a thing missing — Mr. Blan- 
chard looked em' all over careful. 
Star's there now, his daughter! 
Pharcellus, he come down here to 
get th* reward — that's what he told 
me th' day he died, an' — ." Mrs. 
Binney stopped for breath, and 
then she sobbed. "It's happened 
so — Star's got everything! It's 
like a story-book 'Lisha, I — it just 
kinder made me cry t' think of how 
-^ — how fine it all is for her. Ain't 
it wonderful. Pap?" she added, 
nervously appealing. 



Pap was silent. 

"Sittin' there like a frozen 
image," she thought angrily, "an' 
just listenin'!" 

The silence was so thick that it 
seemed to choke her; she looked 
around at him, sniffing violently. 

"Ain't it grand for our little 
Star?" she demanded. 

Mr. Binney made no reply in 
words; he rose slowly, put on his 
coat and began reaching for his hat. 
His wife watched him, her eyes 
round with sudden dismay. 

"Pap, what arc you goin' t' do?" 

"Do?" Mr. Binney stood still 
and stared at her, his broad face 
exceedingly pale. "I'm a-goin' 
right up there. How d'you know 
but what Pharcellus was lyin'? 
You hadn't any business to go an^ 
do it, Maggie Binney! That man, 
Pharcellus — " Pap spat out the 
word — "I ain't a mite surprised he 
was a kidnapper; looked to me like 
he'd hopped right out of Sing Sing. 
But you went an' took his word 
for it!" 



Mrs. 



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BINNEY was 
trembling again, her chin shaking 
so violently that her teeth fairly 
chattered. "Pap, what you goin' 
t' do?" she asked brokenly. "Mr. 
Blanchard went over th' papers an' 
th' clothes an' everything. He says 
Star's his daughter. An' he's rich 
— my goodness, that house — an* 
it's Star's — our little Star's!" 

"I'm goin' to find out if it's all 
straight an' square!" cried Pap, 
breathing hard, "I ain't goin' to 
let you be imposed on an* then take 
in some other folks — not meaning 
to, of course, Ma. Star — why. 
Star's my little gal. I'm goin' right 
there now — soon as I get my hat." 

Mrs. Binney caught his arm and 
clung to it, weeping. 

"Pap!" 

He looked down at her, relent- 
ing. "It ain't your fault if you 
were took in. Ma," he said kindly, 
"but — it's up to me." 

"Pap, it ain't up to you!" she 
cried. "It's Star's. She's there an* 
— she's happy, she's got her own 
father." 

"Her own father?" Mr. Binney 
stood still. His arm fell at his side, 
the old hat dropped to the floor 
unheeded, his face lost its color, his 
eyes stared. "Why, ain't I her 
daddy? She'll miss me — my little 
Star!" His voice broke suddenly; 
he choked. "Ma, I can't believe 



700 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



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that little Star'll forget me — or you 
either!" 

"She's a rich man's daughter, 
Pap; we can't give her anything. 
It ain't right t' interfere. Th' 
papers an' th' locket an' th' dress 
— " Mrs. Binney gasped — "oh. 
Pap, she'll be so happy an' safe an' 
well cared for — it ain't right for 
you to butt inl" 

Pap stared at her; the hand that 
he had laid on her shoulder tight- 
ened its grip, it almost made her 
wince. 

"Star happy there! Didn't she 
want to come home?" he asked 
tremulously. 

Mrs. Binney was trembling now, 
but she shook her head vigorously. 
"She wanted all those things, Pap. 
She's just a girl; she's got a right 
to be happy an' rich an' beautiful!" 

Pap weakened. Slowly his grim 
purpose relaxed; he sank into a 
chair, staring in front of him. 
"Didn't she say nothin' — any thin' 
about me?" he asked hoarsely. 

"Why, 'Lisha, she's got her own 
father, just found him!" Mrs. Bin- 
ney cried reprovingly. "Ain't that 
enough — her own father?" 

Mr. Binney stared at her a mo- 
ment in silence. His chin dropped ; 
he looked ten years older. He 



turned his eyes away from his 
wife's and stared blankly at the 
wallpaper in front of him; it had 
been there the morning he had 
brought the little foundling into 
the house in his arms. He could 
still see the sun shining on her little 
yellow head — little Stargrass. 
Suddenly he struck his hand on 
the table. 

"Maybe I shan't go tonight, but 
— father or no father — I'm goin' 
first thing in th' mornin'. If it 
ain't all regular an' — an' she ain't 
happy there, I'm goin' to bring her 
straight home!" he cried hoarsely. 



/^UR earth life is but one stage 
in the course of the soul's eter- 
nal progress, a link connecting the 
eternities past with the eternities yet 
to come. The purpose of our mor- 
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training, trial, and test, whereby 
we demonstrate whether we will 
obey the commandments of the 
Lord our God and so lay hold of 
the boundless opportunities of ad- 
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elect to do evil and forfeit the boon 
of citizenship in the kingdom of 
heaven. — James E. Talmage of the 
Council of the Twelve, 



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Mr. Backman, Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, presenting 
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On June 28 one of the students of the L. D. S. 
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The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



701 



^More Precious Than Rubies 



comforted. "If she married a 
wealthy fellow, she owes that much 
to you." 

"No, she knows I would never 
do that except as a last resort. We 
have talked about that. Much as I 
love her, and much as I know she 
loves me, I value my independence 
too much to give up a home of my 
own, if it's only one room." 

"Well, I must say," Mrs. Hughes 
helped herself to her fourth sand- 
wich, "you're a queer one. Most 
people would be glad to have things 
given to them for a change." 

At last the salad and sandwiches 
and jelly-roll were all consumed. 
Mrs. Hughes rose regretfully. 

"Now you just put this foolish- 
ness about adopting a baby out of 
your mind," she admonished. "I 
don't think you ought to work 
yourself to death over that girl, 
cither. She'll be fed and taken care 
of. You've worked hard enough. 
Come and sit with us whenever 
you're lonesome." 

Martha smiled vaguely. She felt 
a little too tired to keep arguing 
the point. But her mind was made 
up. She wouldn't be sitting down 
resting with the Hugheses. 

That night before she went to 
bed she counted the change in the 
worn brown purse. It wouldn't 
go far. But there were little in- 
expensive gifts that might gladden 
the girl's heart. She mustn't be 
alone and without things as if no- 
body cared. She was so young — 
why, she couldn't be any older than 
Olive herself. A few little gifts 
and a stewing hen that would make 
rich nourishing broth and some 
fruit. 

Early the next morning Martha 
again donned the blue silk dress, 
and slipped the cheap little red- 
stoned ring on her finger. After 
one day's vacation, she was again 
on her way to the hospital. But 
this time she entered the front door, 
the visitors' door, and walked 
sedately up the front stairs. 



T^ 



-HE usual indifferent 
stillness characterized Ward C 
where Ethel lay. Her face was 
turned to the wall, away from the 
tiny bundle beside her. Martha 
stepped up close to the cot and 
pulled aside the coarse faded blanket 
that had fallen across the baby's 
face. There would be a soft new 



Continued from 
page 662 

blanket tomorrow. Pink. Pink 
blankets had always been a little 
more appealing to Martha than 
blue ones. 

"Ethel." 

The touseled head on the pillow 
turned wearily. "Oh, it's you," 
indifferently. 

"I've come to see if I can take 
you home with me for awhile." 

"Home?" The vacant stare in 
the young-old eyes modulated to 
a glimmer of faint interest. 
"Home?" she repeated. 

"Home." Martha tried to sup- 
press the eagerness in her voice. 
"Just you and the baby and I. 
We'll have chicken broth and 
noodles and good rich milk to coax 
you back to health. I want you 
to stay with me until you are 
strong and well again." 

"Home." The tired voice re- 
peated the word, seeming not to be 
able to grasp its meaning. "It's 
been — so long — since I've had — 
a home." 

The baby began to whimper and 
Martha picked it up and soothed it 
gently in her arms. A fierce joy 
went through her as the whimper- 
ing subsided. It took so little to 
soothe this poor little waif. And 
what little it took she, Martha, 
could give. Through with service? 
Not while this wild surge of satis- 
faction for a little love, a little giv- 
ing, could course through her veins. 

"Why — are you good — to me?" 
Ethel had wearily shifted her posi- 
tion so that she could face Martha. 
"I'm not — worth it." 

"You're worth it to me." Mar- 
tha looked straight into the dull 
blue eyes. "I need to do things for 
you just as you need what little I 
can offer you. Remember that. I 
need you. I'm going to talk to the 
superintendent now," she added 
gently. "I'm going to make ar- 
rangements to take you home with 
me tomorrow." 

The superintendent, however, 
shook her head in disapproval. "She 
isn't in any condition to move. She 
hasn't made any progress at all. 
She's so — -so totally indifferent. 
Doesn't seem to want to live." 

So Martha had to change her 
plans. Instead of making the fiat 
cozy for the visitors, she would 
spend the next day and the next and 
many days to come by Ethel's cot 
in the hospital. 



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702 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



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vJN the way home she 
bought warm blue slippers and a 
box of candy for Ethel, with red 
tissue paper to wrap them in and a 
bow of red satin ribbon to make 
them look more festive. For the 
baby, she bought a warm fluffy 
blanket, pink with white teddy 
bears on it. The baby would love 
those teddy bears when she was 
older. Then she stopped at the 
market and bought a fat hen and 
fresh eggs to stir up a plain cake. 

The rest of the day fairly flew. 
There was so much to be done and 
so much joy in doing it. Even the 
outside world changed as if to 
match the joy in Martha's heart. 
Great fleecy snowflakes changed the 
dull gray air to a mantle of glisten- 
ing brilliance and heaped on the 
bare ground a feathery mantle. 
Smoke from the factories curled de- 
fiantly high in the air and disap- 
peared harmlessly in the distant 
horizon. 

Toward evening a messenger 
brought a happy surprise. There 
was a registered letter and small 
package from Olive. Martha knew 
it was a belated Christmas gift for 
she and Olive had not bought each 
other gifts this year but had plan- 
ned to use the money instead for 
Olive's return trip. She opened the 
package first with an instinctive 
longing to save the message till last. 

There were folds and folds of 
tissue bound by a blood-red satin 
ribbon. It looked so festive. Mar- 
tha's heart was beating like a trip 
hammer. What could it contain? 
When she had unwrapped the last 
tissue fold and had opened the tiny 
box inside she caught her breath in 
sheer rapture at the wonder she saw. 

Against a contrasting bed of 
white silk, the warm red fire of a 
magnificent stone gleamed up at 
her! Olive hadn't forgotten. She 
had always wanted Mother to have 
a ruby. With a little gasp of hap- 
piness Martha slipped the ring on 
her finger. 

She held up her hand reflectively 
to admire the ruby's magnificence. 
At first she did not understand the 
keen sense of disappoinment she 
experienced. The warm red glow 
was just as intense. The beauty, 
the splendor, the wonder of it was 
just as magnificent. But — there 
was something wrong. 

Sorrowfully she 

let the significance of it sink into 



her consciousness. It didn't belong 
on her finger! Precious as rubies 
are, they must have the proper set- 
ting. Tenderly she laid it back on 
the nest of silk. 

Then she started to open the 
letter. But an impulse stopped her. 
She had had the joy of receiving the 
ruby today. Why not save the 
intimate written visit with Olive 
until tomorrow? Perhaps there 
would be some part of it that 
would bring a little cheer to Ethel. 
She would read it while she was at 
the hospital. 

Once more she opened the ring 
box and gazed long and proudly 
at the jewel it contained. Then 
she placed it in the drawer of her 
dresser with the few treasures she 
possessed. 

The letter she tucked into the 
pocket of her coat. It would make 
the morrow a little brighter to have 
Olive's letter to read. 

The next day dawned bright and 
glistening. There was a song in 
Martha's heart as she cooked the 
cereal for her breakfast. The song 
remained all the time she washed 
the dishes and put the flat to rights 
and while she combed her graying 
hair and slipped on the blue silk 
dress. When she was ready she 
took the ring-box from the dresser 
drawer and slipped the ruby on 
her roughened finger. A few min- 
utes she left it there. Then slowly, 
sadly she drew it ofi^ and returned 
it to its box. It just wouldn't be 
right, some way, to wear it today. 
It would be like flaunting her splen- 
dor in poor little Ethel's face. A 
few minutes of regret she allowed 
herself. Then the song bubbled 
back in her heart. If she could 
coax a little hope into those dull 
blue eyes on the hospital cot, this 
day would be a happy one. 

But there was not even recogni- 
tion in Ethel's eyes when Martha 
reached the Ward, carrying the gifts 
she had wrapped so happily the day 
before. During the night Ethel 
had taken a turn for the worse, her 
fever had come up, and she lay now 
a tossing burning heap of agoniz- 
ing humanity. 

The nurse shook her head as she 
administered to her. "It's her in- 
diff^erence. If she wanted to live, 
she could pull out of this." 

Martha brought the baby from 
the nursery and wrapped the new 
pink blanket about the tiny form 
and held it tight against her breast. 
What would happen to the poor 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



703 



little waif if Ethel died? What 
would happen to it if she lived? 
Someone could give it clothes and 
food. But it needed love. It had 
a right to love, Martha told herself 
fiercely. Every child did. 

Suddenly a great yearning rose 
within her to take this child and 
mother it, give it the love and care 
to which it was entitled. If only 
she had a little money to insure its 
being properly cared for. But she 
had used almost everything she had 
and now that she had given up her 
job, she might have trouble finding 
another. In that case, she wouldn't 
be able to give the baby what it 
needed. No, she didn't have any 
right to take it unless she knew she 
could provide for it. Sorrowfully 
she repeated that over and over to 
herself. She didn't have the right. 



Q< 



fUIETLYshesatand 
held the baby for a long, long time. 
She could do nothing for Ethel. 
The poor child was slipping away, 
rapidly and without a struggle. Not 
a glimmer of recognition for the 
woman who yearned so to help her. 
Not a glance for her baby who lay 
snug and warm against Martha's 
breast. In a little while it was over. 
The huddled little form lay still. 
Martha felt as if some part of her- 
self had slipped away into the great 
beyond. Softly she uttered a 
prayer and tears ran unheeded 
down her cheeks. 

It was only when the tiny black- 
haired baby had been orphaned for 
an hour or more and Martha still 
sat cradling it lovingly in her 
arms, that she remembered Olive's 
letter. That precious letter that 
she had saved in the hope that it 
might bring some cheer to Ethel. 
She opened it slowly, almost dread- 
ing to expose the happiness It must 
contain to the bleak presence of 
death. 

But with the first lines a dull 
glow of joy crept over her that 
grew in intensity until it consumed 
her with its volume. Olive had 
written: 'Tor the first time in my 
life. Mother dear, I have the op- 
portunity to repay you for the love 
you have showered on me. I'm 
sending you the ruby, dear. I've al- 
ways wanted to give you one. 
Charles sends the check and wants 
me- to assure you that there will be 
one for you each month. You are 
to do absolutely as you please with 
the money. Mother. Get a nice 



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ERNEST a ROSSITER, Manager 



704 



The Improvement Era for September, 1933 



It. 



apartment, furnish it well, buy planned how they would furnish 

yourself clothes, or whatever you 

wish." 

"Whatever you wish." They 
had dreamed of a better place to 
live — she and Olive. They had 



She would like pretty clothes 
— yes. She loved the ruby. But 
there was something more precious 
than nice apartments and clothes 
and rubies. 



*>- 



in>;«^^(»- 



-<* 



^Ihe Spirit and the Body 



"Whatever you wish." Martha 
leaned over and kissed the tiny head 
on her arm. "I guess we can man- 
age now to give you what a baby 
needs," she whispered tenderly. 



Continued from 
page 666 



shifted, steering mechanism comes 
into action, and the machine takes 
on a purposeful existence. In the 
course of time, parts wear out or 
some major break occurs in the 
mechanism and the machine will 
no longer function coordinately. 
Man steps out of it to seek more 
ready means of travel, and its in- 
telligent activity is for the time 
being at an end. Disintegration of 
the metals, woods, and fabrics soon 
begins; but there need be no break- 
ing down of the intelligence which 
directed the organism. Quite to the 
contrary, we should expect there 
enrichment and development grow- 
ing out of the relationship and re- 
sulting experiences. Is it too far- 
fetched to presume that relationship 
of man's intelligence to his body 
may be a similar one? 

In the field of physiology there 
are many fragments of knowledge 
bearing upon this problem. Among 
these are such observations as that 
no brain center has yet been found 
for consciousness. This seems to 
depend upon certain coordinate in- 
ter-activity of many areas in the 
complete brain mechanism. It has 
been thought that the large frontal 
lobes of the cerebrum were mainly 
the seat of man's intellectual pow- 
ers, yet a massive abscess may occur 
in this location without in any 
measureable way impairing mental 
activity. Should such a lesion de- 
velop in any brain area chiefly con- 
cerned with some definite single 
function, profound disturbance is 
quickly evident. 

To assume, as the Behavlorists 
do, that thought is only the result 
of physical and chemical molecular 
processes taking place within the 
brain tissues seems quite too puerile, 
even if one knew or believed noth- 
ing pertaining to life after death. 
Should we accept such a theory, 
how may we explain the fact that 
identical twins, born through the 
same travail of the same mother, 
reared in the same household, at- 
tending the same schools and hav- 
ing every contact similar, almost 
invariably develop personalities 



so widely at variance with each 
other that scarcely any likeness 
seems to exist between them. Cer- 
tainly one might be justified, if this 
theory were at all tenable, in assum- 
ing that uniform impulses would 
govern their actions and thoughts, 
since even their chromosomes origi- 
nated from the same cell. Actually, 
one may become a great intellect, 
and the other only a mediocre think- 
er : or one may become a prominent 
citizen in the community, and the 
other a human derelict. Then too, 
how may such a belief hope to ac- 
count for a Beethoven, a Michel- 
angelo Buonarrotti, an Abraham 
Lincoln, a George Washington, a 
Brigham Young, as compared with 
the rest of us? It requires more 
than variation of food intake and 
environment to produce genius. 
QHEMICAL analysis yields the 
same identical ingredients in 
the same proportions, from the 
brain of the great thinker as from 
that of the day laborer whose in- 
tellectual flights are delimited by 




Tri-Stake Pioneer Monument, Temple 
Grounds, Cardston, Canada 



the columns of a Sunday news- 
paper. Where then is knowledge 
stored? The brain cells show no 
variation, even in amount of proto- 
plasm, to account for its acquisi- 
tion. Corpses are strikingly alike: 
living human beings are eternally 
dissimilar. This infinite variation, 
this unfailing singleness of person- 
ality is not explicable in any purely 
physical science or principle. It 
can only be appreciated in the light 
of a divine provision for individual 
ego which quite transcends the ma- 
terialistic. 

Many questions may be pro- 
pounded to increase our confusion 
when we are in doubt; and espe- 
cially does this apply in the eternal 
query as to what awaits us at the 
end of mortality. Submitting our- 
selves to worry only deepens the 
perplexity, and makes us forget that 
it is not our task at once to settle 
this problem for the world. We 
forget too that egotism is the whole 
kernel of atheism, and that a hum- 
ble, open minded attitude, founded 
upon sincerity and integrity of soul, 
will eventually resolve the trouble- 
some question into a comforting 
philosophy of life. Then indeed 
may we quote with confidence that 
terse description set forth in the 
Doctrine and Covenants, section 
77, verse 2: 

"* * * jj^ describing heaven, 
the paradise of God, the happiness 
of man, and of beasts, and of creep- 
ing things, and of the fowls of the 
air; that which is spiritual being 
in the likeness of that which is tem- 
poral; and that which is temporal 
in the likeness of that which is 
spiritual; the spirit of man in the 
likeness of his person, as also the 
spirit of the beast, and every other 
creature which God has created." 



CCnpHIS is a splendid world to 
live in; you will never have 
a better one until you make it. 

"God has placed all the materials 
here of which Heaven is made; go 
to work upon them if heaven you 
hope for." — J. T. Barrett. 




"Aurora, Utah, May 15, 1933. 

WE have certainly appreciated the lesson outline in the Era 
each month, and the Era itself is a very choice magazine 
— each cover is an inspiration to its readers. We thank you 
with all our hearts for it and for the Bee Hive work in it. 
I feel that this year it has helped each girl to gain for herself 
a testimony of the Gospel. 

"Eva S. Thompson, 

"Stake Bee Keeper, North Sevier Stake." 

■f i i . ^^, 

FOREVER OR NEVER," the serial which closed recently,' 
brought forth many letters, a few extracts from the latest 
of which we are quoting here. With the beginning of our new 
serial — "The Beloved Cinderella" — our interest, however, will 
now be transferred to it and other stories. 

FROJVI Captain Harmsen, himself: "I have received so many 
letters about my serial, Torever or Never,' that it would be 
almost a physical impossibility to answer each individually. 
No other story of mine has ever pulled a tenth of the fan 
mail. * * * 

"Having received a flood of vitriolic, caustic letters con- 
demning the action of Mr. Van Hermes in the July Eta, I 
greatly desire to state: Dear Friends, the United States of 
America is founded upon the principle that every man shall 
have freedom of thought and expression. Therefore it is not 
fair to condemn Van Hermes because his honest opinion does 
not meet your approval. * * * 

"However, I am very happy that so many of you wrote 
me that you did not concur in his opinion. * * * 

"And then, perhaps I should be spanked. I am ready to 
take it — from my mother, but not from anybody else. 

"Very truly yours, 

"True B. Harmsen." 

CW. SMITH of Duchesne, Utah, joins in: "I too, have 
• been a reader of the Eta for twenty-two years, and of all 
the splendid numbers, each one being a jewel cut to fit its 
particular setting, that has come off the press, the July, 1933, 
number is the one around which all previous issues revolve. 
The installment of Torever or Never' in this issue is not the 
least interesting by any means of the splendid articles. So 
I, for one, cannot help but feel that Mr. B. Van Hermes' 
indictment of this story is a hasty one * * *." Speaking of 
returned missionaries Mr. Smith continues: "They are now 
required to form new associations, adjust themselves to new 
or changed labors and conditions. The boys and girls who 
were once their companions, no longer seek that companionship, 
hence for many of our returned missionaries this becomes 
the darkest hour of their lives. As time goes on most of our 
boys and girls find themselves again just as John Alder is 
doing in the July installment. To me there is no finer quality 
in human experience than for one who has taken the count 
to come back and meet you with a smile of true comradeship. 
So I am sure that our friend, Mr. B. V. H., will forgive me 
for suggesting to the Editor of the Era that Torever or Never' 
takes its regular course along with the Era's fine material." 

LOUISE FORSYTH and Gwen Hurst, Blanding, Utah, 
write: "Not considering the plot and characters, the 
construction, style and wording should have made it (Torever 
or Never') exempt from publication. The plot itself has its 
possibilities — it is new and different and in the hands of an 
experienced writer it could have been made into a pretty good 
story. But it seems to us that Captain True has spent his life 
reading cheap eastern magazines and has tried to copy their 
style for The Improvement Era, and it just hasn't gone over. 
We can't help feeling that B. Van Hermes is right — you could 
have been given better copy." 

THE Captain's Mother, Rosena Harmsen: "I am reading 
the serial, "Forever or Never" with a great deal of 
satisfaction. Captain True B. Harmsen seems to have opened 
wide the returned missionary's heart for our inspection. The 



jdjntnA-Cjwjvjdu 



July installment was very fine. * * * We readers are tired 
of angelic heroes. We want men of action. But we want 
men who are right at heart; honest and conscientious; men of 
righteous convictions, but who are human enough to be 
wrong, and filled with the Spirit of Mormonism enough to 
admit it, and filled with the Spirit of the Gospel enough to 
correct it." 

GLEANER GIRLS, Sacramento, California: "In a group 
meeting of Gleaner Girls this summer we have read and 
discussed the four installments of the serial, Torever or 
Never,' in the Era. We have also been 'cussing' and dis- 
cussing the letter by B. Van Hermes found on 'Your Page 
and Ours' * * * As for the story and the characters, the 
only criticism we as a group have or feel is that Captain 
Harmsen has enlarged upon the part of the girl and perhaps 
made it a little 'too shady,' but that is a mere opinion, as we 
la,re of the same sex. We know, however, many cases of 
returned missionaries who have acted in exactly the same 
manner as John Alder of 'Forever or Never.' We especially 
enjoyed the last installment and feel that a lot of real gospel 
is preached in it. Do finish it! We want you to know that 
we want the rest of the story in the Era, but not in the fire. 
At the June conference we were told that the Era this year 
is going to be bigger and better and we say that it is already. 
We are for the Era." 

T A VERA GINN, Piedmont, South Carolina: "In the July 
*~^ Era there is a letter on 'Your Page and Ours' by B. Van 
Hermes that says he opposes 'Forever or Never, ' * * * There 
are some folks that don't even know when they get a good 
fiction story. He asked the young people about their opinion. 
Well, I am a young person and I think it is real good. Our 
family is reading it as well as some of our friends, and we all 
enjoy it very much. * * * The plot is good, it is educational, 
and also a very good lesson on 'The Word of Wisdom.' We 
have been reading the Era for some time and enjoy it. If you 
wish you can publish this. Whether or not you publish it, 
please finish 'Forever or Never'." 

JB. STEDMAN, Price, Utah: "Mr. Harmsen is not the 
* only one who has filled a mission and held the office 
of District President and returned home finding it hard to 
readjust. John Alder's experiences are similar to some I 
had when I returned — but hasn't the author 'bit off more 
than he can chew' in trying to handle this theme? He has 
simply packed his story with inconsistencies. * * * John 
was 'a regular battering ram' on the football field, and then 
Biff walloped him, but after six weeks of training he 'thrilled' 
because a slap on the shoulder did not hurt. That kind of stuff 
is simply 'soft.' * * * 'He growled,' 'he rasped,' 'he chuckled 
grimly.' The story is chopped to pieces." 

Y Y -f 

"Lasquieti, P. O., 

British Columbia. 
The Editors of The Improvement Era, 
Salt Lake City, Utah, 
Dear Friends : 

WE get the Era regularly and enjoy the whole of it. The 
articles are particularly good, they are so broad and 
progressive. In the stories, "Forever or Never" is thus far 
one of the best. The poetry, generally speaking, is delightful. 
Such fresh, clean spirit, true portrayal of beauty, and othei 
things too numerous to mention! The covers are well done 
and a great relief from the so popular kind of impossibly 
colored women. 

Now, to lodge a complaint: The last two numbers have 
been sent without outside wrappers and by the time they 
reached us the covers were torn badly and loose from the rest 
of the magazine. Since we desire to keep the magazines for 
reference work and would like them intact, would it be 
possible to place a wrapper on those going this great distance? 
We would greatly appreciate it. 

Yours very sincerely, 

(signed) L. M. 
P. S.— We are also L. D. S." 




I Moulding 

their futm 





That joy of planning their future also has a 
serious angle, for nnuch depends on the foun- 
dation they choose, upon which to build 
their future happiness. An unequalled base 
for that permanent, substantial structure 
every couple hope for is without doubt 
BENEFICIAL Life Insurance. 

Not death insurance but life insurance, for 



It makes possible — first that cozy home — 
Junior's education — an income at old age. 
Five or ten thousand will do the job nicely, 
and you may be able to get it from The Big 
Home Company. Borrow it? No indeed! 
If you are in good physical condition you 
can buy it, on installments of V/2% a ye^r 
— Easy if you live. — If you don't, we pay it 
for you. 



DIRECTORS 
Heber J. Grant 
A. W. Ivins 
J. Reuben Clark, Jr. 
Geo. J. Cannon 
E. T. Ralphs 



Have a Beneficial Representative give you full particulars of 
this outstanding savings-investment plan. 



^^^UK 



DIRECTORS 
Jos. F. Smith 
B. F. Grant 
David 0. McKay 
A. B. C. Ohison 




IMIQRA 




Amit