Questions and Answers

EDITOR'S TABLE. 215 possession of this Spirit, the harmony in the Church of Christ will be superior to the harmony that can be looked for or hoped for, in any other organization whatsoever. And because the Saints have free access to the Holy Spirit, and may walk within his light and fellowship, and possess the intelligence which he is able to impart, a stricter harmony among the Saints may be insisted upon, than in any other organization of men whatsoever. For the same reason, lack of harmony may be more severely censured, and persistent opposition and rebellion more justly denounced and swiftly punished. In all things, however, patience and charity must be exercised —and no less in seeking the perfect harmony we hope for,than in other things. The present state of imperfect knowledge, the struggle it is for all men to live on those spiritual heights where they may be in communion with God, must be taken into account, and due allowance made for human weakness and imperfections. So that, while the existence of that degree of harmony essential as a working principle in the Church must always be imperatively demanded, beyond that, the Church in the matter of harmony may well afford to exercise forbearance and charity towards all its members, until the day of more perfect knowledge shall arise upon the Saints; a day when, through a wider effusion, and a deeper penetration of the Holy Spirit, they may be brought to stand in perfect harmony with each other, and with God. Joseph F. Smfth. AIR AND VENTILATION. One of the important considerations tending to the enjoyment of good health is plenty of fresh air. It would seem unnecessary to reiterate this truth,were it not known that so many people are careless, indifferent, or even criminally negligent, on this point. During the winter months, people are even more apt to neglect ventilating their homes than during the summer months, when the heat

216 IMPROVEMENT ERA. ■compels the opening of doors and windows to let in the cooler air. During the cold months,it is no uncommon thing for them to take it for granted that cold air is fresh air, and so let cold bedrooms remain unventilated for days at a time. But cold air may be just as foul as warm air. Hence, the need of ventilating in cold weather as well as in warm. If you seek health and vigor, let the windows to your sleeping apartments be opened for the night, so that the fresh air may fill your lungs with vitality; and let the rooms of your home have ample ventilation by throwing open doors and windows, if necessary, for air and sunshine, even if this be done at the cost of fuel. Abundant ventilation both in warm and cold rooms will save many a dreary headache, and be the means of imparting health and vigor to the children. Don't be .afraid of fresh air. FIRST SPIRITUAL THEN TEMPORAL. Remember, to be carnally minded is death, and to be spiritually minded is life eternal.—II Nephi 9: 39. One who stops to consider the history of the Latter-day Saints, both as experienced in these valleys, and in the early rise of the Church, will readily see that those who have wrought, have done so for faith and principle, and not for temporal advantage or material gain. In fact,it has almost become a true saying: To be a Latter-day Saint is to be poor and dispised. Certainly no person, in early times, having only the main chance in view for material wealth and comfort, would ever have thought of identifying himself with the Saints; and the situation is not much changed today. But to their spiritual blessings, and to the joy ef the simple life led by the Saints because of their belief in the gospel of Christ, there has been added by our Father in Heaven, in later years, many material blessings. Our people in a degree are prosperous. They have valuable and productive farms, which are yearly

EDITORS TABLE. 217 being made more valuable by the skill and experience of the husbandmen; our grain, beet, and tomato fields are responding with abundant yields, from the touch of improved methods, seconded by ability and understanding in preserving and marketing our products. We have gold and silver, and copper; the mercantile,manufacturing, and mining industries, in which many are engaged, respond abundantly to intelligent care and wise manipulation,to such an extent that many among us have been made comparatively well-to-do. To this condition there can be no objection so long as we keep in view one of the main thoughts of our religion: They who enjoy a rich spiritual life, and an abounding faith in all that is good and true, are rich in very deed, with or without material wealth. But if we are to begin to measure the value of our religion by the material blessings which we enjoy, there will soon be great shrinkages in both happiness and faith. On the contrary, we will ever remain more content and vastly wealthier by measuring the value of our material blessings by the overflowing measure of spiritual joy and abounding faith. I am led to reason thus by circumstances which recently have crowded to the front. There are people who would be good Saints, and happy spiritually, if they were only well provided for temporally. These people seem to forget the words of the Savior: "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." They rather reverse this injunction. Here is a man in a distant part writing to us, saying, "I believe in the gospel and am favorable to your people," and then follows the milk in the cocoa nut, "I would like to join your people; can you secure me remunerative employment, at such and such an occupation?" But the feeling in the heart of such a one is always: "I take no chances; no occupation, no faith; no temporal emoluments, no spiritual efforts." It should be first faith, then occupation; first spiritual effort and life, then temporal salvation. It is not alone strangers who thus have an eye only for material blessings and comforts, but there are a few young people

218 IMPRO VEMENT ERA. among us, and their numbers seem daily to be growing, who havefallen into the same error. Friends are even found,now and then, who come pleading to the authorities for certain young people who are to be favored temporally in order that they may be saved spiritually. "Can not this and that be done," is the plea, "to save them to the Church? If provided with place and position, they may be saved, otherwise, there is danger of their falling overboard!" Now the reply to such pleas can only be this: "The Church is not purchasing converts. It has never done so, either in reality or by implication, and certainly it is not doing so now." Such excuses were never thought of by the founders. Imagine the pioneers doing their work for pay! or for expected comfort! or the Church purchasing in any way, or by any kind of promise, men and women to accomplish the achievements of early days, and the labors and sacrifices of Kirtland, Jackson county, Nauvoo, and Winter Quarters! People who are thus imbued with the idea that material comforts are paramount, should return to the study of first principles, and learn to sacrifice all things for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because of its intrinsic worth, and because of faith in the receipt eventually, of the spiritual joy and comfort guaranteed to the confident believer. Obedience to the Gospel brings its own reward, and its blessings can neither be bought nor sold, any more than when Peter anciently declared to Simon: "Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God, Repent therefore of this thy wickedness." Joseph F. Smith. DEATH OF ELMINA S. TAYLOR. In the death, December 6, 1904, of Elmina S. Taylor, General President of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations,

EDITOR'S TABLE. 219there passed away a veteran in the cause, and one of its oldest, most active and respected workers and officers. She was born September 12, 1830, in Middlefield, Otsego Co., New York; and was married to Elder George H. Taylor in Haverstraw, Rockland Co., New York, August 31, 1856, by Elder, afterwards President, John Taylor, Elder George A. Smith being present. Three years later, with her husband, she set out for the west to join her people. Passing through many adventures on the plains with ox-team transportation, and crude accommodations, they arrived in Utah on September 16, 1859, in the company of Elder Edward Stevenson. When Eliza R. Snow, who had taken charge of the young ladies' association from its organization, suggested that a general board be appointed to look after their interests, Sister Elmina S. Taylor was selected bj her and set apart by President Brigham Young, the first general president of the Y. L. M. I. A., on the 19th of June, 1880, in which capacity she labored with great success, untiring diligence and unflinching integrity, until the time of her death. She was a good, true and noble woman, who passed to her deserved reward. She devoted her best years to the young women of Zion, who keenly realize that a noble and luminous spirit has been taken from among them, and sharply feel the absence of her immediate personality, and that she can no more be with them as a leader and worker in their cause. She won the respect and esteem of the young women, by the strength, power, justice and consideration displayed for them, in the ever-busy actions of her noble life; and their love, by her unselfish devotion, her zealous labors, her sweet disposition, and her tender solicitude in their behalf. By the force of her character she accomplished a grand task in organizing, in cementing into a strong sisterhood, and in training the young women of Israel; her work extends in one broad benefit, not only to all of the young women, but through them to all of the young men of the Church of Christ. The latter's advancement and progress in the path of improvement is due, in a great measure, to the devoted endeavor of Sister Taylor and the girls of their companion associations. In contemplating the generous fruitage which her life has brought to the everlasting

220 IMPROVEMENT ERA benefit of this generation, the young people of Zion should not associate the thought of grief with her departure, for she has contributed so much to us and to those who shall come after, that in spirit she still continues with us, while her wonderful works shal triumphantly go on forever, a power in our behalf. In her death we do not sorrow, but rather rejoice in the rest she has won, for she lived nobly to a mature age, and gave her best years and efforts to the young people. The achievements of her day live on, though her worn body rests in mother earth. The general board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations passed the following eulogy on her life at their meeting Wednesday, December 7: Sister Elmina S. Taylor, president of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, having died at her home in Salt Lake City, December 6, 1904, at the age of 74 years, and after 24 years of faithful service as the supreme head of our companion organization, the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations: It is Resolved by the General Superintendency, for themselves and for the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations throughout the world; That we express in unqualified terms our praise of the splendid organization of the young women of Zion brought up to its present perfection under the presidency of Sister Taylor; That we recognize in the vast labor which this achievement has involved, the triumphant consecration of a noble life, whose whole soul— with qualities of mind and heart peculiarly adapted to the duties of leadership—was dedicated to this service; That we sympathize deeply with the officers and members of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations in the sorrow of their parting from their distinguished president, who had won completely their respect for her wisdom, and confidence in her executive judgment, and their unfeigned love; That we commend the glorious example of her life, in its unselfish devotion to the highest ideals of culture and improvement, to the adoration of the young women of our people, and her memory to the reverence and honor of all who love righteousness, and who delight in the happiness and well-being of their fellow men. The funeral services were held on Sunday, December 11, in the Assembly Hall, Salt Lake City, and were, by request, con-

EDITOR'S TABLE. 221 ducted by the general board, Y. M. M. I. A., President Joseph F. Smith presiding. The white decorations, the sweet music, and the hearty eulogies of her life, were in harmonious keeping with her pure character, her sweet disposition,and her noteworthy achievements. President Smith in his closing remarks said: I endorse without reserve, all that I have heard said today respecting the character, life, labors, virtues, wisdom, judgment and intelligence of our sister, Elmina S. Taylor. Most people of my acquaintance —and I presume it will apply generally—walk very largely in a light that is borrowed, like the light of the moon borrowed from the sun. There are few men and women in the world, who do not seek borrowed light. But I will give it as an opinion which I have held many years, because of my connection with these Mutual Improvement associations and with Sister Taylor, that she was one of the few in the world who had the light within her, and who had the inspiration and the intelligence that is born of truth, and of the forgiveness of sins, of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ; and she walked in it, and, therefore, she had power among her associates and her sisters. She was legitimately the head of the organization over which she was called to preside. She borrowed no influence from others. She bore her own influence upon the minds of those with whom she was associated. There came out of her soul the spirit of wisdom, counsel and judgment, and her mind was clear in regard to the truth; she always spoke as one possessed of more than ordinary intelligence, which she really did possess. She was a strong character. She had a strong personality. But the very strength of that character and personality was tempered and softened by the choicest spirit of kindness, of love, of mercy, and of charity, that ever, in my judgment, adorned woman-kind; and while she possessed this strength of character and this strong personality, it was always bent in the direction of righteousness, in the direction of truth, and for the uplifting of her associates. Herein is where she shone most brightly, because all her thoughts and all her energies were directed in the right channel and for the right cause. And she was singularly free from mistakes, and from those little imperfections or weaknesses which are so often exhibited by fallen human nature. We have lost a valuable soul from among us in the flesh. God bless her memory to all those who knew her; and may her fame and her name be handed down from gener-

222 IMPROVEMENT ERA, ation to generation, by those who love God and strive to keep his commandments. DR. GROVES LATTER-DAY SAINTS HOSPITAL/ On the 1st of January, 1905, one of the best equipped hospitals in the West will open its doors for the treatment and amelioration of the sick and afflicted. This is the "Doctor William H. Groves Latter-day Saints Hospital," located in Salt Lake City, at the north of Third East Street, on the bench, between C and D on Eighth, and overlooking the whole city and the valley from the Hot Springs, to the point of the mountain on the south. This institution came into existence through the bequest of the late Dr. William H. Groves, of Salt Lake City, who, dying, bequeathed $50,000 toward its construction. In the bequest it was stipulated that the hospital was to be known as "Dr. William H. Groves Latter-day Saints Hospital," and it was likewise inscribed in the will that the institution was to be under the perpetual control of the presiding bishopric of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This was on April 26, 1895,but it was not until the spring of 1903,that the money was put into use,when the present magnificent structure was begun, upon the eminence overlooking the city of the Saints. Up to this time, the Latter-day Saints had never undertaken the erection of a building for the treatment of the sick, and frequently the need of it had been brought home to the benevolent and tender-hearted on many sad occasions. It is true that some years ago the Women's Relief Society, seeing the necessity for such an establishment, and ever alert to relieve and mitigate suffering, began the treatment and care of the sick in a rented house, in what was known as the Deseret Hospital, an institution which, in its time, did much good, but which was brought to an untimely end, for the serious lack of financial support as early as January 1, 1895, after a career of nearly thirteen years. The present hospital, therefore, is the first of its kind to be erected by the people whose marvelous achievements in the desert, and for the amelioration of mankind in a spiritual way, have become celebrated throughout the world.

EDITOR'S TABLE. 223 The hospital corporation was organized on the 27th day of June, 1903, the-managing board consisting of five trustees; namely: William B. Preston, President; Robert T. Burton, Vice-president, Orrin P. Miller, Jos. S. Richards and Franklin S. Richards, with Doctor Joseph S. Richards as medical director, and John Wells, Secretary and Treasurer. It was discovered before the work was commenced upon the building, July 1, 1903, that the funds which had been donated by Doctor Groves would be sadly inadequate for the completion of a structure such as the trustees thought should be erected by them. The President of the Church was, therefore, consulted, and consented to add as much again to the bequest which had already been made. In addition to this, the Fifteenth Ecclesiastical Ward of Salt Lake City, which had sold its property, donated to the institution $10,000. The work continued, and the result of the efforts of the builders is one of the finest hospitals in the Western country, equipped with every modern appliance that art and invention have been able to supply for the benefit of the sick and afflicted. The building is located upon a two-and-a-half acre block, surrounded by a neatly cemented stone wall. The grounds will be laid off in lawns and flowers, with a grove of trees to be planted in the rear of the structure. The hospital measures 170 feet by 45 feet, is five stories high, the basement story being built of red sandstone, and the upper four stories of buff brick trimmed with stone. The floors are of cement, and the hallways and rooms are laid with English inlaid linoleum, beautifully finished. The reception room has white marble walls with tiling floor over the cement. There are eighty airy, well lighted, and perfectly ventilated rooms, not including bath rooms, toilets, closets, laundry, and other accessories. Out of this number forty-five are private rooms. Each bed in every room in the house is supplied with a call-button enabling the nurse, from her headquarters on each floor, to be directed by the automatic table in her room to the patient who requires her immediate attention. The rooms are also supplied with telephones making it possible for the convalescent to lie in their beds and converse with their friends in different parts of the city, in neighbor-

224 IMPROVEMENT ERA. ing cities and villages, or wherever the wonderful instrument reaches. There are eight wards, that will accommodate six persons each, making the hospital accommodations, without crowding, one hundred and six patients. Different charitably disposed citizens have already furnished a number of the rooms, $5,000 having recently been donated for this purpose. Every room is equipped with electric lights, steam heaters, telephones, as above mentioned, and every modern convenience for ventilation and light. The metal steps of the stairways are laid with interlocking rubber tiles. The automatic elevator carries the attendants from floor to floor, without an operator, responding to the beck and call of the person who desires to be accommodated; he need only touch a button to be taken up or down at pleasure. The doors respond only when the passenger is present, and can only be closed when the, persons riding are safely in the carriage. The laundry is complete in every detail, with electric power, and every modern appliance for the rapid and perfect handling and cleansing of the wash goods of the institution. There is a reception room, a dining room, a kitchen, supplied with modern ranges, closets for fruit, storage of supplies, refrigerators, cold storage, and every other needed equipment for the perfect preparation and care of food. The three operating rooms, in the upper story, finished in white tile and white enamel paint, are supplied with doctor's closets for instruments and clothing, and every known improvement for perfect water supply, sanitation and sterilization of materials and instruments. The doors are furnished with glass knobs, and the water faucets are provided with devices that enable them to be operated with the knee. Arrangements have been made so that the roof of the building, overlooking the beautiful valley,may be used by the convalescent who may thus have the benefit and additional advantage of inhaling the ozone of the mountain breezes, or of lounging in the refreshing rays of the sun, drinking in the pure, light air of the mountains. The building completed, aside from the donations for the furnishing of the various rooms, has cost in the neighborhood of $175,000. The balance, outside of the Groves bequest, and the