--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Seaman, George A. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 2 number: 1 published: 1898-11 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'George A. Seaman, "Across the Pacific", *Improvement Era* 2, no. 1 (November 1898): 44–53.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera21unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera21unse start_page: 44 end_page: 53 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1898-11) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera21unse publication_year: 1898 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1898, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Across the Pacific burden of proof outside of themselves. They demand proofs of a character that are not asked for upon other subjects. To illustrate An astronomer states to one who has no scien- : tific knowledge that the distance of the moon from the earth is 240,000 miles. He to whom the statement is made says: "Give me proof of this and I will believe, otherwise I will reject your assertion as untrue." The scientist at once points out that the other must prove the matter for himself by an educational process. This is the only way by which he can grasp the mathematical fact in relation to the distance between the earth and the moon. This is quite clear to many who would shout for proofs of the validity of a claim made in relation to divine things. If the prophet who assumes to have a revelation and mission from God points a way whereby the authenticity of his message can be tested, the repudiator of his averments and he who clamors for proof occupy an unreasonable position until they have applied the means of ascertainment prescribed. It may be assumed by those who reject revelation that the proffered means of obtaining the information ought to be such as will appeal to the reason of mankind. Granted that this is the case, it merely presents another point which can only be determined by an investigatory process. It is not enough hastily to conclude that a declared means of obtaining knowledge of a fact is unreasonable and therefore not worthy of consideration. If the method is harmonious with admittedly correct processes already ascertained, then it also must be true. In this as in all other things, let truth be the test of truth. In considering the claim of a man who assumes to have a special message from God, let the value of the proposed means of discovering whether or not this assumption be correct, be tried by first finding out whether or not it agrees with universal law. If it does it should be followed. If this course be taken there need be no doubt in reference to the result. If by the activity of the mind, through faith, a mighty structure can be conceived and become a mental reality, who can say that by the same process, which is inspirational, the very being of God cannot be ascertained, and direct communication be established between humanity and divinity? As in the instance of the man who could not mentally create the bridge, it may be asserted that this is impossible, but this does PHILOSOPHY OF INSPIRATION. 45 not affect the fact that the man who comprehended the possibility of the project was aware that the desired result could be reached. It was just as true to the mind of the man who grasped the possibility before as it was after the structure became a material reality. So with him who reaches the spiritual conclusion that God exists, and attains the consummation of his hopes and aims by the establishment of inter-communication between himself and his Maker. It may be said, in opposition to this standpoint, that "No man by searching can find out God." This is admitted when the conditions necessary to the discovery are left out. One of these is the reciprocal response of the Creator to the spiritual activity of the creature. The discovery of God is impossible as a result of searching if the divine Being does not reward the efforts of the searcher by manifesting Himself to the seeker after divine truth. — The discovery of God without faith belief in His existence is — impossible. The means of discovery must be such as are prescribed by Himself. To assume that God can not place Himself in direct communication with humanity is absurd, because if this were true His power would be limited, and such limitation would be at variance with every conception of the Almighty. This power being existent with Him, it would be unreasonable to hold that He would never exercise it. To possess a power, the exercise of which would be of incalculable benefit, and fail to put it in operation would be the opposite of God-like. It would be a flagrant violation of the law of economy, which demands the best possible results from all things existent. If the foregoing commends itself to the reason of man and is, to a considerable extent, sustained by his daily experience, it is fair to presume that it is true. If that be the case, whatever harmonizes with it is of the same character. From this standpoint the doctrine of Christ, as revealed through Himself, Joseph Smith, and all the other prophets, is likewise true. This includes the existence of the Spirit of God, "which lighteth [or inspires] every man that Cometh into the world;" the spirit of Satan which seduces man from light into darkness; the development of man by means of Ms agency and contact with spiritual opposites; the personal as well as diffusive nature of God — "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost;" and the principle of communication from the Father and the Son, •directly or through agencies of their appointment. — ACROSS THE PACIFIC, BY GEORGE A. SEAMAN. [Note. —This article is made up of extracts from a letter written by Brother Seaman, one of the Utah volunteers in the second Manila expedition, to his wife. was written at different times during the It voyage from Honolulu to Manila, its interest arising from the fact that it details the events and impressions of the journey as they were exper- ienced by the writer. Editors.] We have crossed that imaginary line where custom has established the change of date, and while you are still living in the events of Thursday, June 30th, we have skipped that day and date, and are seeking shelter from Friday's hot sun. You will understand that we are about half through our ocean voyage, which we have now become quite used to. It seems more of an accepted routine now than before, and the probability is that the latter half vdll seem much shorter than the former. It is to be hoped it will, for this monotonous drag seems to kill ambition and give one no other desire than to kill time. Some wander about from morning till night aimlessly doing nothing, while others more ambitious, occasionally pickup a book and with drooping eyelids read until sleep overcomes them, and they stretch out in some shady place where the most air is stirring, and sleep until bugle call warns them that drill time has arrived or that it is meal time. Such, with but little variation, has employed us since we left Honolulu last Saturday. I find some time to read artillery tactics, a thing very necessary, as I have charge of the section. We drill twice a day for thirty minutes each time, mostly for the purpose of exercise and to straighten the men out that they may have the carriage of a ACROSS THE PACIFIC. 47 soldier. One thing has been arranged for our health and pleasure. The rear end of the boat on lower deck has been cleared of everything and pieces nailed down to keep the water from running down the deck. A hose is there attached to the engine's pumps and a stream of water is continually running. It is the favorite resort of the men, many of whom bathe there (of course it is a shower bath) two or three times daily. Before we reached Honolulu there was no such arrangement and the men did no bathing. We have had health rules presented to us, and they must be read weekly that the men may become thoroughly acquainted with them and know how to care for themselves in the climate we will soon find ourselves in. Not one of our battery boys is in the hospital, and apart from minor ailments all are in good health. There are quite a number of the infantry boys in the hospital wards, one or two with quite serious diseases. One young fellow lies just opposite where I am lying on deck writing to you, with an attack of typhoid. They have nursed him carefully for a good many days and now pronounce him out of danger. There are also several cases of measles on board. I started to tell you about the waves as we watched them when they were running fastest and highest. Of course the higher the waves the deeper the troughs, and the two taken together, while only measuring depth by feet, appeared much like mountain and valley. In the distance could be seen a wave crest gradually advancing with a deep valley before it. Of course the valley would reach us first and as we gazed down in its great depths the huge wave would rush on, and with an energy accumulated from long travel would lash itself into foam and dash its spray high into the air. Then would follow a series of smaller waves, seeming to be an effort of the sea to gain a rest and strength for a greater effort than before. A great crowd of us watched it with the glee and shouts of a crowd of school boys. We have been quietly looking after the Mutual Improvement Association I told you of in my last. I have the names of nearly thirty who are more than anxious to join in the movement. There are some eight or ten yet to get whom I am positive of enrolling. We have not perfected an organization yet and may not before we land, because there is no convenience for holding meetings. Another thing has been instituted on ship-board that claims some attention and study. Soon after we left San Francisco a signal corps was organized in our battery, and today it was extended to embrace all of the non-commissioned officers. Of course that includes me, and I will be compelled to learn that. We were given the alphabet today and have our first recitation tomorrow. It is much the same as telegraphy, there being, instead of dots and dashes, motions to right, left, and front with a flag, or, if at night, a lantern. The movements are numbered 1 (left), 2 (right), 3 (front and down). Each letter contains from one to four of these numbers, and will require considerable study to memorize. The boys who have been studying them for ten days are becoming quite proficient in them. It is now 6 a. m., July 2nd. My guard duty did not lose me much sleep last night; the greater part of two hours being all, and while I was awake I was reclining in a comfortable chair on the top deck. The evening was lovely; hardly a cloud was to be seen and such as were visible were small and fleecy. The stars were all shining brightly. The night, while not warm (comparatively), did not drive one to put on his coat. The misty dampness so common, was not to be felt, and altogether it was just such an evening as lovers would choose for a ramble. The vigilance of the commanding officers is quite necessary as a health precaution. This morning a poor fellow was brought up from steerage quarters and put in a cabin room, with a severe attack of measles and pneumonia. He looked to be a very sick man. Another report was around day before yesterday that a man had been buried from the China. 1 will go back a week and tell you as much as I can about Honolulu and our reception there. Thursday, the 23rd of June, quite early in the day we sighted land and from then on all were eagerly stretching their necks and straining their eyes to catch a more definite sight. When we were near enough to get a good view of the land darkness began to close in, and we watched then to catch sight of the first shore light. We did not have to wait long to be rewarded on that score, for light after light appeared, and finally a city was open to our view, traced only by the long rows of electric lights. We were nearing the harbor, and as ves- ACROSS THE PACIFIC. 49 sels dare not enter a harbor without a pilot, we burned lights to signal for that officer. We were soon answered, and shortly a small steamer with a band and excursionists came out with him to meet us. 'Mid strains of music, mostly our national airs, we soon found an anchorage. Not long afterward all had retired and everything was quiet. By 6 the next morning we had raised anchor and were moving into the wharf. As soon as we had moored they began shoveling coal into our vessel, filling all spare room. As soon as breakfast was over we were lined up, rolls were called and we were allowed to set foot on terra firma again. We were marched directly to the Myrtle Boat Club's boat house, and treated to a surf bath. We had a great time, the only difficulty we experienced being the constant swaying of sidewalks, platforms, and everything on which we set our feet. Of course it was nothing more than the sensation of ocean waves that stayed with us on land. It is a sensation that nearly everybody who travels across the ocean experiences. Mr. Isenberg, our host for the day, is a very corpulent man. He is as jolly as he is large, and he made us feel right at home. From the bath we were marched to the Oahu Railroad and Land Company's depot and loaded on the train for an excursion. When I say we I mean the Utah batteries, no infantry companies having the privilege of the excursion. Aboard the train were one thousand bottles of soda water and many boxes of cigars for the boys to smoke. Mr. Kinney, a government official of Hawaii and a former Salt Laker, is the one to whom we are indebted for the excursion and the refreshment. All |being ready, we started out for what proved to be a very pleasant excursion through the country. The tropical verdure that went sailing by on either side formed a natural picture similar to those I have seen on canvas, the product of the artist's skill. Here, too, the artist had been at work, for the arrangement of orchards and gardens showed the work of skillful hands. Here we would go sailing by a grove of cocoa-nut palms, loaded with fruit after its own kind, and as they towered high above every other tree with their bare trunks and tufted coronets, they formed a striking contrast to our orchard trees in cooler climates. The banana tree is a small bushy tree, almost of scrubby growth, appearing barely strong enough to sup- port its large and numerous bunches of fruit. This season, we were told, the fruit is of inferior size and quality. Next we would go sailing by a pine-apple farm. They grow low, something after the style of a cabbage, though much more desirable than that vegetable. The rice swamps, farmed mostly by Japs, are an interesting sight. The ground is worked while very muddy, and after the seed is init is flooded. It seemed odd to see the men, with very few clothes on, working in mud nearly as deep as their legs were long. The land is left flooded thus till the rice is in the boot, when it is drained off and the grain left to ripen. Every stage of farming was in progress'; some were plowing, some swamping, some draining, some harvesting, and some threshing. They have no seasons and as long as the ground has strength enough they can grow their crops in nearly all parts of the year. As we went riding through cuts and around bends new beauties continually came before us. Bushes along the railroad track were loaded with beautiful and variegated flowers. We passed the jut of the ocean where the beautiful pearl harbor is being made. Off in the distance could plainly be seen two volcanic cones, long since extinct, but still preserved in shape, showing what were once immense craters. There are two visible also from the city; in fact one, the Punchbowl, has part of the city built on its side. The real object of our ride, the Ewa Sugar Plantation, eighteen miles from Honolulu, was reached in a little over an hour's ride. Mr. Lowry, the superintendent, kindly turned the grounds and everything over to us, no restrictions whatever being placed on us. The first thing I did was to pluck some of the garden flowers and leaves to put in the letters I had ready Ito send home. While I was running for the flowers some of the boys were making tracks for the trucks loaded with sugar-cane. They came back, each with a long stick of the sweet cane, sucking it with all his might. We began then the tour of the mill, claimed by employes to be the largest in the world.It surely is a large one, for in its manufacture of 140 tons of sugar daily, it employs 120 hands. Of those the most are Japs who are paid only $13.00 per month. They would fare very slim on that, perhaps as slim as I on my "$13.00" a month, but they are furnished a house and fuel, and also water, by their employers. The mill expected to finish its ACROSS THE PACIFIC. 51 season's run in about two weeks, having been running about six months. After the mill closes down the mill hands go out into the fields to attend the growing crops, which labor employs some 1200 hands. One young man kindly showed several of us through the mill and answered our many questions besides telling us all the working of the cane to produce sugar. The first thing to be seen on entering the door is the tail end of the process, the sacking of the sugar for shipment. The se^ving of the sacks is done by Japanese women. The cane is first run through powerful rollers in which all the juice is pressed out and the residue is left as tasteless as sawdust and just as dry. The juice is then taken through pipes to vats, where it is heated and the refuse separated from it. Larger boilers then evaporate all the water, when it becomes syrup, sweet and golden. Two large cisterns then receive it, when it is boiled down to a granular state of much the same consistency as butter when it comes, before it is gathered. It is ready then for the "separators," hollow spheres with the upper part removed. These cylinders, for so they appear, excepting for their concave interior, revolve 1000 times per minute. The molasses is fairly thrown out of the sugar, which is left a golden yellow. It is then allowed to fall through the bottom and is ready for sacking. It is shipped to the United States where it is refined and put on the market. The reason it is not refined where it is made is because the import duty into the United States is so much less on unrefined sugar. I ate a handful of the sugar as it came from the separators, so hot that I could scarcely hold it in my hand. From the tower of the factory we had a fine view of the country. The fields of sugarcane stretched out for miles on all sides. It was in different stages of growth, as everything else on the island seemed to be. Just before we boarded the train for our return trip, Captain Young very fittingly introduced Mr. Kinney, Mr. Isenberg, and Mr. Lowry. We gave each one of them three round cheers and a "tiger" and then Mr. Isenberg patriotically proposed and led in three cheers for "Old Glory." We hurried back to the city, where another treat awaited us. The good people of Honolulu had tables spread in the shade in their public square, and we feasted on all the dainties usually on a first-class bill of fare. The ladies waited on us with the good grace and charm that only ladies possess, and that incited us to eat more thanwe otherwise would have eaten. How different from an incident a day or two before when two boys got into a fight because one thought the other had one more biscuit than he should have. After eating all our substantial foods, pies, cakes, etc., we feasted on grapes, bananas and pine-apples until it was with difficulty that we could leave our seats. During all this time the band was playing, but the stirring national airs had little effect and provoked little applause until we had our stomachs well filled. A man who is hungry, you know, is not in a position to be patriotic or sentimental. The grounds where all these pleasures were found, surround the palace, now the chambers of the national council. Those halls were thrown open to us as well, and as if that were not enough they furnished us with writing material and then collected and stamped all our mail. The government had made an appropriation for that purpose. The use of telephones, everything was free to the "boys in blue." When we returned to the boat a great many of us had a large pine-apple under each arm. We have been eating pine-apple occasionally ever since. We had no sooner reached the boat than we were turned loose, each section under its chief, with the strict injunction to be back not one minute later than 7 o'clock. Some went back to the writing hall and spent most of their time there, while others roamed about the town. The town itself is quite a sight. Everything is clean and neat. The dwellings usually have a plot of ground with them on which the owner raises some choice and delicate fruits. The city did not present the bustle and confusion of our American cities, and yet it seemed to be in a thriving state. There are many beautiful houses;some nearly mansions, and very often, as the boys passed by them, they were invited in and treated to the best there was to be had. We had no sooner returned to the boat at 7 o'clock than I heard twenty-five of our battery would be permitted to go out till 11 o'clock that evening. I put in an early application and luckily became one of the fortunate twenty-five. With Dr. Young and two or three others, I found the mission house, and spent the evening visiting with the Elders and the wife of Elder Williams. The natives were holding a singing school and we went into the ACROSS THE PACIFIC. 53 church where they were and passed a pleasant hour. They sang for us, and when they sang a hymn we knew, we joined in with them. Of course we did not sing their language but that made no difference. We were introduced to them and had considerable A sport trying to learn a word or two, particularly "good-by." gentleman who went with us, though not a Mormon, said it was the finest time he had had since he left home, and he would not have missed it for five dollars. On our way back to the boat we bought a string of bananas, and they cost only fifty cents. They were not large ones but most of them were very good for all that. After we got on the boat that night there was no more getting off to go up town. All we got to see of the town had to come where we were. And it was there, too. The fruit peddler, the pie-man, the soda water cart, all with their wares for sale. Some amusing ways of passing purchases up and change down were improvised, and not infrequently did the luckless vendor lose his wares in the sea. Some of the natives whom we met the night before were there. When we pulled away from the wharf about noon they were the last people I could distinguish, still waving their handkerchiefs at us. Here I found myself 3000 miles from home among strangers, as it were, and yet I found myself peculiarly drawn to these native people. Usually, but unjustly, we look upon the Islanders as a very inferior class of people, but the truth is that they are highly intelligent and social. Their skin and some habits that differ so materially from our own, form incorrect criteria from which to judge them. They showed a great interest in us. One would hardly think that opposition would exist to their annexation to the United States, but their chief fear is that eventually they will be deprived of their possessions as the Indians have been, and they have a mortal fear of seeing their once glorious power thus slip away from them. Undoubtedly they have had their minds poisoned in that particular. We are now sailing south, along the west side of the Luzon* the island upon which Manila is situated. You can see by that that we are nearing the end of our journey. We are all in good spirits over it, regardless of the consequences when we get there. The journey has been a long, tedious one, and we are more than