Events and Comments

EVENTS AND COMMENTS. BY EDWARD H. ANDERSON. Reorganization of Uintah Stake.—At the quarterly conference of the Uintah Stake, held at Vernal, on the 2nd and 3rd of June, at which President Francis M. Lyman, Elders Hyrum M, and Geo. Albert Smith were present, the presidency of the Uintah stake, viz., Samuel R. Bennion, Reuben S. Collett, and James Hacking, and the High Council, were honorably released from their labors; and Wm. H. Smart, who has been president of the Wasatch stake for the past five years, was presented and unanimously sustained as president of the Uintah 3take which, at this conference, was materially enlarged by the addition of a part of the country embraced in the Uintah Reservation, and which formerly belonged to the Wasatch stake. The retiring stake presidency have labored for nineteen years, and its members have the love and good wishes of the people; the new officers are well known men, President Smart being favorably known on account of his excellent work in the Wasatch stake, and in the Eastern States mission. In connection with this conference, another was held at Myton, composed mostly of Latter-day Saint settlers from the Reservation. A Reservation branch of the Church was here organized, with Elder Jos. W. Musser president, and Elders R. S. Collett and Silas D. Smith counselors. The line of division between the Wasatch and the Uintah stakes will be decided by the presidents of the two stakes. Ecclesiastical Changes.—On May 25 a branch of the Church was organized at Toombstone, Arizona, with Elder Levi Nelson as presiding elder. The Tombstone branch is under the jurisdiction of the Bishopric of the San Pedro Ward, in the St. Joseph Stake of Zion. At the quarterly conference of the Uintah Stake, held June 2, and 3, the borders of the stake were enlarged to embrace the reservation section of the Wasatch stake. Elder William H. Smart was chosen to preside over the new stake. The members of the High Council of the enlarged Uintah stake are as follows: Orson D. Allen, James Hacking, George D. Merkley, Harden Bennion, R. S. Collett, Borace W. Woolley, John H. Hardy, Don B. Colton, William H. Siddoway, Silas D. Smith, Joseph W. Musser and Ephraim Lambert. On Sunday, June 10, at the regular quarterly conference of the Bear Lake Stake of Zion, at which President Francis M. Lyman and Elders Charles W. Pen-

826 IMPROVEMENT ERA. rose and Seymour B. Young were present, the Presidency of the stake was reorganized with Elder-Joseph K. Shepherd president and William L. Rich and Wilford W. Richards counselors. This action became necessary since President William Budge, who has presided over that stake for many years, has been called to the responsible position of presiding over the Logan Temple. The calling of Elder Richards to this position disorganized the bishopric of the Georgetown ward, which was reorganized with the following officers: Elder Alma Hayes, bishop; Charles H. Clark, first, and Henry H. Luff second counselor. On Sunday, July 15, at a conference of the South and North Morgan wards, attended by Elders C. W. Penrose and David 0. McKay, the two Morgan wards were combined into one, and Bishop Charles Turner of South Morgan and Bishop George W. Bramwell of North Morgan were honorably released. Alonzo Francis was sustained as Bishop of the new Morgan ward with Herbert B. Crouch and Henry Heiner counselors. Former Bishop Charles Turner was ordained a patriarch, on nomination of President Smith and the Council of Apostles. Daughters of the Pioneers at Calder's.—On June 25, the Daughters of the pioneers, celebrated at Calder's Park, with an old time Utah festival. Old fashioned things were the order of the day, including songs, costumes, ox-team travel, stories of suffering on the plains, old time hymns, a talk on early Utah theatricals by Mrs. Asenath Adams Kiskadden, a well known actress, and the mother of Maude Adams, songs by the pioneer choir under Prof. C. J. Thomas, speeches by Governor John C. Cutler, Elder Orson F. Whitney, President Jos. F. ■ Smith, and others. There were also songs by Emma Lucy Gates, John D. Spencer, the Whitney-Pyper-Spencer-Ensign quartette, and others. Mrs. Susa Young Gates, president of the Daughters of the Pioneers, presided, and announced that these celebrations would become permanent and annual features of Utah life. Old Folks' Reception.—On the 26th of June, the old people of Salt Lake and Weber counties celebrated at Glenwood Park, Ogden. It was the annual old folks' outing, and 1,100 aged people from Salt Lake met with the Weber County old people, and rejoiced in a day of music, comfort, refreshments, and royal reception. C. R. Savage and other members of the Old folks' committee were on hand to make things comfortable for the guests of honor. Presidents Joseph F. Smith, Jno. R. Winder, Anthon H. Lund and Francis M. Lyman, with Elders C. W. Penrose, and Geo. F. Richards were present to cheer the guests, and the Ogden Committee, headed by Bishop E. T. Woolley, assisted in regally entertaining them. A New Book on Self-Culture.—In these times of the doctrine of the strenuous life, it is not surprising that some of our home writers should be inspired with the thought of self-culture and self-help, and with the value of the force and power that lie behind individuality and individual effort. Such a book is Self- Culture, An Essay on Individuality, written by Olive Durfee, formerly connected with the Latter-day Saints University. The message which the little book bears to the public is the author's experience in overcoming difficulties. The underlying idea of the book is that one may achieve by working and believing, keeping a cool judgment, clear thought, and leading out in self-effort. The book, consisting of

EVENTS AND COMMENTS. 827 interesting and inspiring arguments covering 122 pages, is especially suited for the timid, those who have little confidence in themselves, and also those who are weakly in body. In all these, it would inspire strength, power, health, and determination to overcome. Price $1.00. Address the author, Salt Lake City. The Largest Ship Afloat.—"There was launched, June 7," writes David L. Murdoch to the Era, ' 'at Clydebank, a few miles from Glasgow, the largest ship afloat named Lusitania. She is of 68,000 H. P. Tonnage 32,500. Seven hundred and eighty five feet long, 83 feet wide, and 63^ feet deep. She has accommodation for 3,150; has nine decks, and is expected to make the time between Queenstown and Sandyhook in four and one-half days. She is built for the Cunard Line, with Government aid, and can be converted into an armed cruiser with little difficulty, and be the fastest cruiser afloat." Massacre of Jews.—On the 14th of June, at Bialystok, in Russian Poland, mobs attacked the Jews, and during the rioting, which continued at intervals for three days, the Jewish quarter was pillaged, and 80 or 100 Jews were killed, being hunted down by ferocious pursuers who killed and tore their victims to pieces, like wild animals. The trdops stood idly by, or fired into the houses and shops where Jews were concealed, under the pretext that they believed them to be revolutionists, but really to make way for the murderers and plunderers. It was at first reported that the Jews provoked the attack by throwing bombs into a religious procession, but this report was an invention, and the massacre appears to have been incited by placards, and circulars distributed some time previous. It is one of the fearful incidents that go to make up the terror of the present revolution in Russia. The commissioners of the Duma sent to Bialystok state that 82 Jews and 6 Christians were killed, and assert that they have evidence to prove the following charges: "First—That no religious race prejudice existed to warrant tne measure. Second—That the rioting was deliberately prepared by accusing the Jews of being revolutionists. Third—That the day of the riot was announced in advance by the authorities. Fourth—That the Administration and the troops acted lawlessly in permitting the systematic killing of peaceful Jews, including women and children, under the guise of suppressing a revolution, and that six of the military and civil authorities not only assisted, but participated in murders, tortures and robbery." James W. Bush Dead.—Writing from Hawaii, April 28, to the Deseret News, Elder Lorenzo Taylor says: The Elders who have labored in the Hawaiian Mission, and who were acquainted with James W. Bush, will be grieved to learn of his death, which occurred April 24, 1906, at his home at this place, from an attack of heart failure. Elder Bush was born in Honolulu in October, 1844, and embraced the Gospel in 1887, being ordained an elder two years later, since which time he has taken an active part in the missionary work, doing much good among his fellow men. He has also been very kind to the elders, and his doors were always open to them. He was greatly beloved and respected by all who knew him. His life was a noble example of faithful and untiring devotion to the Gospel.

828 IMPROVEMENT ERA. Died.—In Morgan, Saturday, May 26, Hon. Samuel Francis, one of the fore most citizens of Northern Utah, prominent in business, political and religious affairs, a member of the Morgan stake presidency twenty-four years, member of the territorial legislature four sessions, and a member of the state constitutional convention. He filled with success every county and city office, and kept the implicit confidence of the people. He was born in Trowbridge, England, July 9, 1830, accepted the Gospel when fourteen years of age, and spent eleven years in the mission field, coming to Utah in 1855.—In Salt Sake City, Saturday, June 2, John A. Evans, cashier of the Deseret News, and first counselor of the Bishopric of the 18th ward, born Cedar City, Utah, March 23, 1865.—In Pleasant Grove, Tuesday, June 12, Olivia Pratt Driggs, eldest daughter of Farley P. Pratt and Miriam Frost, and wife of W. P. Driggs, born England, June 1, 1841, crossed the plains to Utah in 1852, was the mother of twelve children and a home-maker in the best sense of the word.—In Brigham, Friday, June 22, Margrethe Grunstrup Hansen, born Denmark, 1844, baptized April, 1865, and came to Utah the same year, married to James Hansen in 1870.—In Lakepoint, Tooele county, Utah, June 23, Margaret Price Griffith, born Cheshire, England, 73 years and six months ago. She came to Salt Lake in early days, and lived in Lakepoint for over forty-three years. Her husband, Joseph Griffith, age 76, and seven children survive her.—In Salt Lake City, June 24, Clements R. Horsley, private barber to President Erastus Snow, former head usher in Salt Lake Theatre, and an active member in the volunteer Fire Department from 1873 until the regular paid department was organized; born December 1, 1847, in England, came to America in 1855, and to Utah September 16, '1861.—In Salt Lake City, June 26, Caroline Graham Hill, born Alabama, March 15, 1841, came to Utah in 1852, and became the wife of the late Patriarch Archibald N. Hill.—In Brigham City, Tuesday, July 3, Ruthinda Emma Stewart Yearsley, pioneer of Ogden, born near the Missouri in a wagon, in 1845.—In Spanish Fork, Friday, July 6, Niel Gardner, one of the foremost citizens in the development of the country, brother of State Senator Henry Gardner, born Canada, 1841, and came with his parents to Utah in 1847—In Hooper, Monday, July 9, Mary Ann Fowles, a faithful Church worker, wife of Joseph Fowles, 60 years of age, joined the Church in Wales in 1846. Korea in Process of Absorption.—That Korea is in process of absorption by Japan is very evident from the trend of affairs in the hermit kingdom. The last move on the part of the Japanese is to dismiss all the native palace guards at Seoul and replace them by Japanese police. The Japanese Times explains the necessity for this action. That Korea is of supreme importance to Japan is attested by the fact that the latter country has delegated Marquis Ito, one of her oldest and ablest statesmen, to deal with the complicated affairs of the Korean empire. 11 appears that the Marquis recently visited the Emperor and persuaded him to accept the wishes of Japan in expelling from the emperor's court a horde of attend, ants and court officials whose intrigues were constantly interrupting the work of the Japanese in reforming Korea. The word "persuade" is used in a diplomatic sense. In plain English it means compel. For some time news has been sent out from Seoul with the evident purpose of enlisting the sympathies of foreign coun-

EVENTS AND COMMENTS. 829 tries by making it appear that Japan was violating the terms of the treaty of Portsmouth with respect to Korea; that as a matter of fact the Japanese were making the emperor of that country a prisoner in his own palace. There seems to be no doubt that the Korean court is one of the most corrupt in the world, and most subject to the intrigues which prevail in oriental lands. The superstition and ignorance of the emperor made him a prey to soothsayers and fortune tellers whose machinations thwart the efforts of Japan to reform the country. In a recent despatch from our consul-general at Seoul, to the department of state at Washington, it is learned that the conditions in Seoul make the action of Japan a necessity. It is quite generally believed that the Japanese are extremely anxious to forestall any efforts of Russia to regain the influence which that country once exercised at the capital of Korea. The Russians are experts in manipulating oriental courts.—Dr. Joseph M. Tanner. The President's Visit to Panama.—President Roosevelt is planning a visit to Panama next November. He will, of course, return in time for the opening of Congress the first Monday in December. This visit will give rise to some nice speculations about presidents leaving the jurisdiction of the United States and especially about setting foot on foreign soil during the term of their office. It has from the earliest period of our federal existence been the practice of Presidents to remain within the jurisdiction of the United States and thus avoid the jurisdiction of a foreign country. When President Harrison visited El Paso, in April, 1891, the Governor of the State of Chihuahua called on Mr. Harrison and invited him to cross the Rio Grande river and visit Ciudad, Juarez, and thus put his foot on Mexican soil. President Harrison, following the precedent of his predecessors, respectfully declined. Again President McKinley, on his way to California, in 1901, stopped over Sunday in El Paso. He likewise declined to cross the river into a foreign country, although all the male members of his party at the time paid a visit to Ciudad Juarez. There is no constitutional or statutory requirement that the President shall not visit a foreign country during the term of his office. For various reasons, however, the practice has obtained among the Presidents of keeping within the jurisdiction of the United States during that time. The question in President Roosevelt's case will naturally arise, Is the President of the United States outside the jurisdiction of the United States, even though he is beyond the three mile limit when he is on board a United States war ship? When visiting the canal zone, he will be, at least technically, within our federal jurisdiction. President Cleveland, once during the term of his office, went beyond the three mile limit in a private yacht, as did also President Roosevelt on his voyage from New Orleans to Hampton Roads go beyond the three mile limit. Now that we are becoming a world power, it is easy to imagine circumstances which may take the President to foreign countries, though it is not likely he will leave the jurisdiction of the United States and set foot on foreign territory without some urgent necessity. Now that Congress has settled finally the question that we are to have a lock canal across the isthmus, the President, who is clothed with great responsibility in

830 IMPROVEMENT ERA. the accomplishment of such a colossal undertaking, naturally desires all the information as to technicalities and details that he can obtain. It is, therefore, quite reasonable that he should wish to visit the canal zone in person and get, if possible, expert knowledge of the work and the situation there. This proposed trip to Panama will, of course, compel him to change his program by which it was his intention to visit California, in October, to be present at the laying of the corner stone of the federal building in San Francisco, and to encourage by his visit the rebuilding of the city.—Dr. Joseph M. Tanner. Mr. Bryan's Faith in Publicity.—The recent action of a number of State Democratic Conventions, in declaring in favor of Mr. Bryan as the presidential nominee of the Democratic party in 1908, again makes him one of the most conspicuous citizens of the United States. He is just closing a globe trotting tour by visiting London, where, on the 4th of July, he made an address which foreshadowed some of the foreign questions which relate to the policy of the United States. Instead of the arbitration of the Hague tribunal, he would establish an impartial court of inquiry, the purpose of whose decisions would be simply to set forth the facts of the case and the rights of the parties, and then leave its findings to the conscience of the parties in dispute. Mr. Bryan believes that public opinion is so strong that nations would not venture to disregard it by refusing to accept what such a court of inquiry found to be equitable and just. The methods of inquiry which he would employ in dealing with international questions have been a favorite theory of his in dealing with the great disputes between employers and employees. Mr. Bryan advocated, during his great compaigns, the recognition by law of a court of inquiry fully authorized to examine the conditions which gave rise to dispute, and publish the facts and findings thereon to the world, and trust to the acquiescence of them between the parties concerned, through the force of public opinion. There is no doubt that great corporations, through their managers, are yielding more than ever to the force of public opinion, perhaps not altogether because the managers of these great corporations have any particular dread of social ostracism, but because they fear the crystalization of public sentiment into law. The compelling force of public opinion has been very greatly enlarged since Jay Gould gave out his famous reply: "The public be d ". Mr. Bryan's theory is certainly preferable to that of those who would compel employers and employees to submit to the decision of a court of arbitration. —Dr. Joseph M. Tanner. The Hawaiian Band.—For two weeks in early July the Royal Hawaiian Band, under Captain Berger, visited Utah, and discoursed with imperial efficiency sweet and dreamy melodies in Salt Lake City, and at Saltair, to the great delight of those who went to hear them. On the 10th of July President Joseph F. Smith tendered the Band a private organ recital, the only guests invited besides Captain Berger and his men, being the Hawaiian missionary society living in Salt Lake City. In the absence of Prof. J. J. McClellan, Walter J. Poulton officiated at the Tabernacle organ. There was a quartette by the Pyper-Whitney-Ensign-Spencer Quartette club; and Miss Emma Luey Gates sang, 0 My Father in the Hawaiian

EVENTS AND COMMENTS. 831 language, for which she received an ovation from the members of the Band, responding with her peerless rendition of the Pearl of Brazil. The Hawaiians were so delighted that they insisted upon a response, when she sang the Hawaiian National hymn, which drew the tears from the eyes of her native listeners, who feelingly joined in the chorus. America concluded the recital, when Captain Berger and many of his men exchanged greetings with President Smith who received their warmest thanks for the rare treat enjoyed. Nine of the members of tlu, Band belong to the "Mormon" Church, and President Smith was personally acquainted with some of the members. Oklahoma, The New State.—This new state, added to the Union June 16, has an area of 70,430 square miles, more than the combined area of the New England States, but about 14,000 square miles smaller than Utah. According to the last census it has a population of 790,391 which will entitle it to four representatives in Congress. The Indian population of the old Indian Territory, included in the new state, was 56,033, iu 1900. The tribes include the Cherokees> Creeks. Seminoles, Choctaws, andChickasaws, all of whom have made considerable advances in civilization, having schools, churches, newspapers, etc. Congress Adjourns.—On the 30th of June the first session of the fifty-ninth Congress adjourned for the summer vacation. It is generally conceded that this Congress has done substantial work for the liberation of the general public from the power of trusts. The impetus given Congress by the strenuous efforts of President Roosevelt has enabled it to pass more important measures than any sim" ilar body since the days of Lincoln and Grant. On its closing night President Roosevelt issued the following statement concerning its work: In the session that has just closed Congress has done more substantial work for good than any congress has done at any session since 1 become familiar with public affairs. The legislation has been along the lines of real statesmanship of the most practical and efficient type, and bill after bill has been enacted into law which was of an importance so great that it is fair to say that the enactment of any one of them alone would have made the session memorable. Such, for instance, as the railroad bill, the meat-inspection measure, the pure food bill, the bill for free achohol in the arts, the consular reform bill, the Panama canal legislation, the joint statehood bill and the naturalization bill. I certainly have no disposition to blink at what there is of evil in our social, industrial or political life of today, but it seems to me that the man of genuine patriotism who genuinely wishes well to his country has the right to feel a profound satisfaction in the entire course of this Congress. I would not be afraid to compare its record with that of any other congress in our history, not alone for the wisdom, but for the disinterested high-mindedness that has controlled its actions. It is noteworthy that not a single measure that the closest scrutiny could warrant us in calling of doubtful propriety has been enacted; and, on the other hand, no influence of any kind has availed to prevent the enactment of the law most vitally necessary to the nation at this time. Congress and New York.—The Congress which has just adjourned, undoubtedly accomplished more in the way of important legislation than any recent Congress. As the laws which were passed begin to take effect in the nation, the immense importance of them, and the great value of the change for the better among the people that will be accomplished by them, will gradually dawn upon the

832 IMPROVEMENT ERA. public. The rate, and meat inspection, bills, the pure food bill, and other very important measures were practically helped through Congress by President Roosevelt who undoubtedly used the power of his mighty office to pass the measures through,—more power, perhaps, than it is well that the president should use under ordinary conditions; but in this case, the people are behind him, and it was necessary to use unusual measures in order to free people from the bondage of the trusts. It is worthy of note that New York, the Empire state of the nation, and the home of 8,000,000 of the most industrious people on the continent, were without representation in many of the important contests of this important Congress. Senator Chauncey M. Depew is said to be in a sanitarium broken down in health from disgrace. Thomas C. Piatt, of Roscoe Conkiing "me too" fame, is feeble, old, and childish, and cannot stay more than a few hours a week in his seat. When the rate bill was up for passage, the seats of both New York senators were empty, and that was practically the case when all the important measures of the present Congress were up for consideration. New York has had to content herself with this kind of representation, and it is high time that the people of that state awaken to the necessity of having men in the senate, who are not there for the sole purpose of boosting corporations, but who will have some regard for the rights of the people. Senator Depew is one of those champions to Eastern sentiment against the Latter-day Saints, who has missed no opportunity to say mean things about the "Mormons," a people who, in integrity, honesty, loyalty to truth, the people, and the government, are so far the superiors of Senator Chauncey M. Depew that he is not worthy to unloose the latchets of their shoes. Captain Dreyfus Reinstated.—On the 14th of July Captain Dreyfus was reinstated and promoted and his name inscribed on the list of chevaliers of the Legion of Honor, and later he received his sword and uniform, and was assigned to a regiment. This closes one of the most remarkable cases in history. No novel could be more thrilling than the story of the life of Dreyfus. Coronation of the King of Norway.—On June 22, King Haakon VII and Queen Maud were crowned at Trondhjem, the ancient capital of Norway. The ceremonies were very elaborate, and were conducted by the bishop of Christiania whose text for his sermon was Joel 2- 21:' 'Fear not, O land, and be glad and rejoice; for the Lord will do great things." The bishop of Trondhjem anointed the king and assisted the prime minister Michelsen to place the crown on the king's head. The king was then handed the orb and the sword of state. The queen was crowned in like manner, the ceremony throughout being very impressive. This is the first time in over six hundred years that a purely Norwegian king has been crowned there, the last being King Haakon V, in 1299: The town, which has thirtyfive thousand inhabitants, was gaily decorated and filled with distinguished guests from all lands. Among the Americans present were Mr. and Mrs. Wm. J. Bryan, Mrs. Marshall Field, and Mrs. Eddy of Chicago. It was very appropriate for Premier Michelsen to place the crown upon the king's head, because it was he who prevented Norway from becoming a republic, when the country was separated from Sweden. Fitting that he should give the daughter of King Edward of England a throne, and so secure England's goodwill.