Events of the Month

EVENTS OF THE MONTH, BY JOSEPH F. SMITH, JR. Local, December, 1904. Died.—Friday, 2nd, in Ogden, Elder Henry Teeples, a pioneer, aged ■65 years.—The same day in St. George, Isaac Hunt, one of the earliest pioneers of southern Utah. He was born Jan. 9, 1829, in Cambridge, England.—Sunday, 4th, in Ephraim, Amelia Sorenson, a pioneer resident of at place.—Sunday, 11th, in Cedar City, John M. Higbee, a pioneer of 1847, and a veteran of Kirtland and Nauvoo days. He was born May 6, 1827, and was an active Church worker all his life.—On the same day, in American Fork, Ellen Wright Jackson, born June 30, 1835. In 1852 she walked across the plains, and shortly afterwards removed to American Fork.—Wednesday, 14th, in Coalville, Elder Thomas Gilchrist, aged 48 years,an active Church worker in the Summit Stake.—Thursday, 15th, in Salt Lake City, shortly after midnight, Heber S. Goddard, the popular singer, after an attack of pneumonia. He was born September 25, 1863, in Salt Lake City, and was the son of Elder George Goddard, late assistant superintendent of the Sunday schools. In 1884-86 Heber S, Goddard filled a mission in Great Britain. After his return he took up the study of music in which he was most successful.—Saturday, 17th, in Salt Lake City, Florence G. Seddon, wife of Bishop Samuel M. T. Seddon of the Fifth Ward, Pioneer Stake. At the time of her death she was president of the ward Relief Society.—Sunday, 18th, in Salt Lake City, Judge C. F. Loofborough, a prominent member of the bar.—The same da}', in Monroe, Dora Nielson, an active worker in the Primary association of that place; born May 22, 1875.—Tuesday, 20th, in Provo, George Elliot an aged citizen of Utah county.—Wednesday, 21st, in Mt. Pleasant, Olaf Lofgren, an aged pioneer of Sanpete.—The same day, in Provo^ Mary A. Cable, a pioneer of 1848.—The same day, in Salt Lake City, James T. Clasbey, a prominent business man who came to Utah in 1870.

314 IMPROVEMENT ERA. —The same day, in Ogden, Rasmus Dahl, an aged and respected citizen., of that place.—In Pleasant Grove, the same day, John S. Gleason one of the original 143 pioneers who entered the valley July 24,1847. He was born January 13, 1819, and joined the church June 21,1839. During the 40's he spent a great deal of time in missionary labor. He was a member of the Nauvoo Legion, and after the exodus assisted the immigrating saints in their journey to the valley.—Monday, 26th, in Sugar House Ward, Elder George F. Newlands, Jr., who returned from a mission about one week before.—Tuesday, 27th, in Sandy, James C. Brown, one of the oldest residents of that place.—The same day, in Coalville, Samuel Robinson, of Hoytsville.—Tuesday, 27th, in Salt Lake City, Charles Ellis, the noted writer and fearless defender of the "Mormon" people was accidentilly burned to death in his home. Mr. Ellis came to Utah about 1890. In his youth he prepared himself for the ministry, having graduated from a leading theological school; but seeing the many inconsistencies in the doctrines of the so-called Christian world, he held aloof from all churches, and was classed, but unjustly, as an agnostic. Mr. Ellis wrote several pamphlets in defense of the "Mormon" people, and was ever ready to defend them by word or with pen.—Wednesday, 28th, in Salt Lake City, Edward Rushton who came to Utah in 1850. He was a native of Leeds, England; joined the Church in 1839, and became an active Church worker.—Sunday, 31st, in Salt Lake City, Maria L. Nebeker, wife of the late George Nebeker. She was born January 15, 1833. Patriarch Stewart Dead.—On Monday, 12th, in Mesa, Arizona, Patriarch Alvin F. Stewart, died. He was born in Georgetown, N. Y., April 18, 1819, and was a faithful friend of the Prophet Joseph Smith at Nauvoo and a Utah pioneer of 1852. Princess Gates' Death.—On Saturday, 24th, in Lehi, Miss Luleen Gates, a native princess of Samoa and a devout member of the Church, died from an attack of Pneumonia. She came from her Samoan home in August, 1904, with Elder George A. Goates for the purpose of receiving a religious training and to attend school. She was but fifteen years of age at the time of her death, had learned the English language, and was rapidly progressing at the district school. New Meetinghouse in Australia—On Sunday, December 4th, a meetinghouse, built by members of the Church, was dedicated in Brisbane, New South Wales, Australia. The services were conducted by President James Duckworth of that mission. Christmas and the Prophet's Birth.—Impressive services in honor-

EVENTS OF THE MONTH. 31& of our Savior, and of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith, were held throughout tke various Stakes and wards of the Church, on Sunday, 25th. Friday, 23rd, was the 99th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Utah's Assessment for 1904.—The total assessment in Utah for the year 1904 was as follows: <» Real Estate $ 48,761,787.00 Improvements 27,336,031.00 Personal Property 35,219,108.00 Railway Car and Depot Companies 20,440,820.00 Telegraph Companies 160,565.00 Telephone Companies 612,633.00 Total Assessment $132,530,944.00 Salt Lake and Ogden Fire Department Reports.—The report of the Salt Lake fire department for the year 1904 shows that 202 alarms were given; the department traveled 387 miles; stretched 31,150 feet of hose; spent 168 hours and thirteen minutes in this service, and the total loss by fire was $41,170.74 which was $357,437.72 less than in 1908. The total loss by fire in Salt Lake during the past fourteen years was $1,882,205.89, or an average of $184,443.28 each year. In Ogden there were 112 fire calls, in 1904; the loss by fire was $13,146 of which $9,- 706.16 was returned in insurance. Utah's Prosperity in 1904.—The year 1904 was a prosperous one in the various industries in Utah. While the people, in some of the farming districts, principally in the south, suffered somewhat from drouth and the grasshopper pest, yet generally they were abundantly blessed throughout the State. The fruit crop of Box Elder and other parts was most profitable, many car loads of Utah fruit finding a ready market in the Central and Eastern States. Especially in the beet sugar and miring industries were all previous records broken. The sugar factories of Utah had a most exceptional run, and it is estimated that 252,800 tons of beets were raised from some 22,700 acres of land. From these beets over 56,200,000 pounds of sugar were produced. In the production of this amount the Lehi factory, aided by the auxiliary plants, stood first with 25,000,000 pounds, produced from 111,000 tons of beets, the factories at Garland, Ogden and Logan, supplying the remainder. At the Lehi factory over 1,145 tons of beets were handled each day and for every twenty-four hours 257 bags of sugar (100 lbs. each) were sacked. From the mines, a total in the neighborhood of $25,821,073 worth

316 IMPRO VEMENT ERA of metal was produced estimated as follows: gold, $6,337,248; silver, $7,763,103; copper, $6,668,891; lead, $5,020,330; and quick silver, $31,500. The total mineral production of 1903 was $23,328,314, the increase for the year 1904 is therefore about $2,492,759. The dividends from the mines amounted to about $4,156,000. Surveys in Utah.—From the report of Surveyor-General Edward H. Anderson, it appears that the total number of acres so far surveyed in Utah, amounts to 20,617,134. During 1904, surveys have been approved covering an area of 1,045,253 acres, not including the Uintah Indian Reservation. In the Uintah reservation, 7,008 miles of surveys were made in 17 contracts, embracing an area of 2,087,497 acres. Previous to this, 360,861 acres had been surveyed, so that it would appear that the total area of the reservation is about 2,448,358 acres, not including about 4,000 acres belonging to the Fort Duchesne Military reservation. The plats are now in Washington. During the year, 418 mineral locations were ordered surveyed, while 635 locations were approved, in the mineral division of the office. During most of the year 33 clerks, including draughtsmen, engineers, computers, typewriters, etc., were employed. There are 58 deputy mineral surveyors holding commissions. January. 1905. Died.—Sunday, 1st, in Moab, Andrew Sommerville, a veteran of Nauvoo.—Sunday, 1st, in West Weber. Eliza Cox, aged 60 years, an old resident of Weber county.—Monday, 2nd, in Beaver, Caleb C. Baldwin, a High Priest in the Beaver stake, and one of the oldest members of the Church. He was born June 3, 1817, in Ohio, and was baptized January 7, 1831.—The same day, in Ogden, Esther Read Reeve, born in Norwich, England, Nov. 25, 1833, and came to Ogden in 1869.—In Park City, on the same day. Col. William Montague Ferry, a prominent citizen and mining man, who was the "American" party candidate for Governor in the late campaign. He was born in Michigan, July 8,1824; came to Utah about twenty-eight years ago, and became one of the most active and enthusiastic Liberals.—In Springville, the same day, Helen S. Maycock, a pioneer of 1852.—In East Jordan, the same day, George R. Moser, pioneer stage driver, and a faithful member of the Church.— Tuesday, 3rd, in Ogden, John M. Marshall, one of the pioneers of Weber county, aged 83 years.—The same day in Logan, C. C. Lee a pioneer of Hyde Park.—Wednesday, 4th, in Ophir, Tooele, Elijah Larkin, a pioneer of Utah, aged 75 years.—The same day in Grantsville, Patriarch John W. Clark, a pioneer of Tooele county, and a Nauvoo veteran. He was born in Herefordshire, England, in 1826.—Thursday, 5th. in Salt Lake

EVENTS OF THE MONTH. 317 City, Mary Scott, a pioneer of 1847. She was born in England, Nov. 16, 1821.—Friday, 6th, in Ogden, Jennette Evans McKay, wife of State Senator David McKay, and president of the Y. L. M. I. A. of the Huntsville ward.—In Ogden, Saturday, 7th, Ann Bickington, a pioneer resident of Weber county, born in England, Nov. 1, 1816; joined the Church and emigrated in 1853. From 1855 until June 2nd, 1904, she was president of the Relief Society of the Marriott ward.—The same day in Plain City, Elizgbeth M. Moyes, a Utah pioneer, born Dec. 24, 1814.—Sunday, 8th, in Salt Lake City, Catherine Thome, aged 77 years.—The same day in Parowan, Mary C. Mattheson, born July 30, 1826.—On Tuesday 10th, in Payson, Clarissa J. Drollinger Moore, a Nauvoo veteran, aged 80 years.—On Wednesday, 11th, in West Weber, Hans D. Peterson, a pioneer of Weber county, born Nov. 26, 1832.—Friday 13th, in Salt Lake City, Buelah W. Beatie, daughter of President Wilford Woodruff, bom July 19, 1851. Inauguration of State Officers.—At noon, on Monday, 2nd, the new State officers were inaugurated. The ceremonies were held in the Senate chamber in the City and County building. The room was appropriately decorated, and State Republican Chairman William Spry, was master of ceremonies. Many prominent citizens were present, and the chamber was crowded. Prayer was offered by Rev. Elmer I. Goshen, and after the inaugural address of Governor John C. Cutler which followed. Chief Justice Robert N. Baskin, administered the oath to the various officers. In all the counties, the new officers were sworn, and took control of the county governments. Salt Lake Bond Election.—The bond election, held in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, 3rd, for the purpose of raising $1,000,000 to increase the water supply of the city, was carried in the affirmative by a vote of 1,204 against 1,037 in opposition to the scheme. The vote cast was about one fourth of the total registration of qualified voters. The issue involves the use of Cottonwood Canyon water for the city in exchange for Utah lake water to be given to the farmers. The New Latter-day Saints Hospital—The Groves Latter-day Saints Hospital was dedicated Wednesday, January 4th. The opening remarks were made by Hon. Franklin S. Richards and Bishop Robert T. Burton, and the dedicatory prayer was offered by President Joseph F. Smith. The new hospital, which is one of the best in the world, was opened for the reception of patients Monday, January 9th. (See Era for January). The Utah Legislature.—On Monday, 9th, the sixth session of the-

318 IMPROVEMENT ERA. Utah Legislature convened in the City and County building in Salt Lake City. The meeting was a short one, both branches adjourning after the election of officers. Hon. Stephen H. Love was chosen President of the Senate, and Hon. Thomas Hull, Speaker of the House. The Governor's message was read, on the 10th, and contained many suggestions pertaining to needed legislation, and synopses of the reports of the various departments of the state government. Among the recommendations the Governor mentions the necessity of laws to control and direct the following: Auditing of the public accounts once a year; handling of State lands; that appointive offices should be limited to the term of office of the appointing officer; examination of private banks; in regard to the fish and game law; the practice of medicine; dairy and food products; horticulture; arid lands and irrigation, and the needs of the various State schools. It was a liberal paper, full of practical suggestions,which, barring the opposition to the overlapping of appointments in boards, and the limiting of appointive offices to the term of the appointing officer, most people will heartily commend. The legislature was cautioned not to expend two millions,where the income of the state for two years is little over a million and a half. Senator Reed Smoot.—The prosecution in the case of Senator Reed Smoot closed their case on the 20th of December, and on the 11th of January, the defense began the examination of witnesses. A large number of conservative and influential citizens, mostly non-"Mormons," of Utah and Idaho, were called to testify. Domestic—December, 1904. Impeachment of Judge Swayne.—On Tuesday, 13th, the House of Representatives, sitting as a grand jury, by a vote of 198 to 61, passed a resolution to impeach Judge Charles Swayne, of the Northern District of Florida, on the charge of committing high crimes and misdemeanors while in office; ' The Senate adopted a resolution, on the 14th,providing *fof the consideration of the charges, and appointed a committee to investigate them. .A vote of two-thirds of the senate is necessary to con- . victin such a tase,and the punishment is removal from office and disqualification from holding any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States 'government. This will be the first trial of a federal judge, and the'firsf trial of the kiiid since that of Secretary W. W. Belknap, ♦ w^p was secretary.of war in President U. S. Grant's cabinet. Philippine Islands Bill.—A bill relating to the development of

EVENTS OF THE MONTH. 319 the Philippine Islands was passed by the Senate on Friday, 16th. The bill, which had previously passed through the House, authorized the goverment in the islands to promote the construction of railroads by guaranteeing four per cent interest on a company's bonds for thirty years; but the government expenditures for this purpose are not to exceed $1,- 500,000 in any one year. It also exempts all Philippine bonds from taxation,authorizes municipalities in the islands to incur a bonded indebtedness not to exceed five per cent of the assessed valuation; empowers the Philippine government to borrow $5,000,000 for public improvements; establishes the metric system, and provides for the locating and patenting of mineral claims. "Whitecappers" Punished.—On Tuesday, 20th, Judge Wilkinson, at Brookhaven, Miss., sentenced a number of farmers, recently convicted for "whitecapping" and killing a number of negroes. The punishment, although not so severe, perhaps, as the crimes would warrant, is expected to have a wholesome effect on mob law in that state. The sentences imposed range from a term of twenty years, to life imprisonment. During the last two years the negro laborers, in parts of Mississippi, have been persecuted, and even murdered by bands of "whitecappers" whose methods were like those of the Ku Klux Klan. These marauders drove the negroes from their homes, prohibited them from cultivating the soil, from holding property, and killed some who did not promptly obey. Their attacks were made in the night when they felt secure. Governor Yardman employed private detectives who became members of this lawless league, and obtained possession of all their secrets, and were thus instrumental in the conviction. James Bridger's Last Resting Place.—On December 5, the bones of James Bridger, famous scout and the discoverer of Salt Lake, were brought from a farm ten miles south of Kansas City, Mo., and buried in a cemetery of that city, Granville M. Dodge, pioneer engineer of the Union Pacific, whom Bridger assisted to find a path. through the Eocky mountains, now traversed by the famous highway, bore the expense of a granite monument seven feet high and three and a half feet thick, with a life-size bust of Bridger, which will njark the final, resting place of the famous pioneer. , , The Farmers and the Cotton Crop.—'The cotto'n crop pf 1904 was the largest ever known, reaching a total of, some 12,162,700-bales, an increase of about two million bales. This immense crop of co.tto* has brought consternation to the people of the South, because of the reeduction in the price. The Nashville Banner declared that this prosper-

320 . IMPROVEMENT ERA. ous condition is "a more deplorable circumstance to the South thaa thedefeat of the Democratic party, and means a loss to this section of $20,- 000,000, or at least, it cuts what seemed promised, at the beginning of the season, by that sum." Filled with fear, caused by this false reasoning, the farmers of Clay county, Ga., according to a press dispatch, met at Fort Gaines, on the 28th, and decided to burn their share of the cotton in the streets, the object of this awful destruction being to show that they are willing to sacrifice a few bales of cotton for the benefit of the masses,by forcing up the price. There was little burning done, but it gave economic writers and the newspapers a subject for much discussion. Punishment at the Whippingpost.—On the 30th, the grand jury,. in the District of Columbia, recommended the establishment of the whipping post for wife-beaters and persons guilty of petty larceny. Foreign.—December, 1904. Queen Draga's Jewels.—In the city of London, on Thursday, 8th, the jewels and costumes of Draga, the murdered Queen of Serria, were sold at auction. Canada's New Governor.—On Saturday, 10th, Earl Grey, who had previously been appointed by the British government, took the oath, of oflice as Governor-General of Canada. The Nobel Prize Awards.—The annual prizes established by Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor of dynamite, for discoveries in science, for the promotion of peace, and for literature, were awarded, for the year 1904, as follows: In chemistry, to Sir William Ramsey; in medicine, to Professor Pavloff, of the St. Petersburg Military Academy of medicine; in literature, the prize was divided between Frederic Mistral, of France, and Jose Echegeray, of Spain. The peace prize was awarded to the institute of international law. No distinction is made as to nationality in the award of the prizes, but no American has yet shared in the honors. The prizes have been established four years, and during that time three awards have gone to Great Britain, three to Germany and three to France. Holland, Sweden, Norway, Rassia, Denmark, Switzerland and Spain have been the other winners. January, 1905. Foreign.—On Monday, 2nd, after a determined resistance of eleven months, General Stoessel, in defense of Port Arthur, was forced to surrender to the Japanese.