--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 15 number: 2 published: 1911-12 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, "Passing Events," *Improvement Era* 15, no. 2 (December 1911): 188–192.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1502unse 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: improvementera1502unse start_page: 188 end_page: 192 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1911-12) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1502unse publication_year: 1911 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 1911, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Passing Events Passing Events. Elder Ernest J. Wright. "A cablegram, August 21,1911, fromPresi- dent Thomas E. McKay, of the Swiss-German Mission, announced the release from this earthly life of Elder Ernest J. Wright, a martyr to the cause of truth and righteousness," writes Elder Alonzo West, of Ogden, to the Era. under date of October 12. "Elder Wright was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward H. Wright, of Ogden, and was about twenty-three years of age. Quiet and unassuming in demeanor possessing an unspotted character, reg- ular in his habits, and strict in his appli- cation to duty, he won the love and respect of all associated with him. The news of his death came as a severe shock to his many relatives and friends. 'Ern,' as he was familiarly known' among his intimates, was of a cheerful disposition. His droll humor, always ready, and which was a most enjoyable feature of his letters, made him a most congenial companion. The deep love he bore for his mother, father, sisters and brothers, shown in his every act, was, however, the most beautiful part of his nature. Elder Wright began his labors November 26, 1910. The letters received by his parents from President Thomas E. McKay, and Elders Frank Williams, Robert M. Campbell, Harold C. Kimball and Grant Young, one and all, bear a sincere testimony of the conscientious manner in which he performed his work. "After a journey of about three weeks, his remains arrived in Ogden, September 10, and on the day following were laid to final rest in the city cemetery. The funeral service was held in the Third Ward chapel, Bishop Wm. Van Dyke, Jr. officiating. Numer- ous and beautiful floral pieces, mute testimonies of love and respect, al- most hid from view the speaker's stand and the casket, and the many rela- tives and friends filled the building to its utmost capacity. Both in eulo- gies and in the beautiful songs which were sung, the services were ideal. Elder E. Ray Berrett, of North Ogden, accompanied the body on its long journey from Karlsruhe to Ogden. He bore testimony of the good work performed by his co-worker, and told of the services held for Elder Wright in Germany and Switzerland. He also stated that, although the task had been a hard one, he was proud to have been chosen to accompany the re- mains home. He testified that Elder Wright had gloriously won his crown, and the privilege of rising in the first resurrection. Other speakers were Counsellor'Myron B. Richards, Bishop Wm. D. Van Dyke, Jr., President PASSING EVENTS 189 James Wotherspoon and Apostle David O. McKay. Elder McKay- stated that there had been four similar cases in Weber County during the year, and continued: "When I was first asked to speak at one of the services, I could think of nothing to say which would comfort the bereaved family in such a case. But after I had thought of the condition of so many young men whose lives were and are being utterly wasted through sin and wrong-doing, and then of these young elders who have given their all for the uplifting of mankind, their lives stand out in comparison as the sun to a star." The grave was dedicated by Bishop Brigham Wright. The Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir has made a very successful trip on their eastern tour. They gave a concert in Ogden, October 23, and con- tinued their journey, holding concerts on the way in many of the leading cities. They visited Florence, Nebraska, where they sang under the great Cottonwood tree planted by President Brigham Young, receiving words of welcome from representatives of the city. On October 29, they visited Kirtland, were hospitably received, and sang in the temple there in a way seldom if ever more effective the familiar hymns, "Joseph Smith's First Prayer," and "We Thank thee, O God, for a Prophet." The occasion brought many tears of joy to the eyes of the listeners. The following day the whole company visited Niagara Falls where they enjoyed themselves immensely. Thence on the next day, the 30th, they enjoyed a glorious pilgrimage to Cumorah where they sang, "An Angel from on High," and "The Spirit of God," and were photographed on the crest of the summit. They also visited Palmyra where they had a good time. In Syracuse, New York, they sang before a very interesting audi- ence which was at first as cold as ice, but later warmed up and demanded encore after encore. In New York at the American Land and Irrigation Exposition, November 3—12, the choir in their various appearances, at 2 :30 and 8:15 daily, made a fine impression, and were treated royally, and with great respect and appreciation. This was the case also in Phila- delphia, Baltimore, and other cities visited. On Wednesday night, the 15th, the choir, on invitation of the President had the great honor to sing before President and Mrs. Wm. H. Taft, at the White House. While the audiences have been enthusiastic and the listeners greatly pleased, the choir has made more friends than money. In some places the people came to the concerts with looks of curiosity and almost contempt, but left with bowed heads and praise, after hearing the songs. As a rule the papers treated the choir well, though some were loth to recognize the superiority of the singing because it was executed by "Mormons." One paper praised the singing, and said, "if we could esteem the choir as Christians, we would like to invite them to return." The criticisms received from competent and unprejudiced musical authorities, however, were very satisfactory and full of praise. Changes in Wards, Bishop, etc.,for the month of October, 1911. as reported by the Presiding Bishop's office: Roscoe) W. Eardley was appointed to be President of the Netherlands'Mission, to succeedJBrigham Guy Thatcher; Evert Neuteboom was appointed to be the stake clerk of 190 IMPROVEMENT ERA the Weber stake, to succeed John W. Shurtliff ; A new ward was organ- ized in the Pioneer stake, by the name of Garfield ward, with Alfred C. Reid as bishop; Edward M. Ashton was sustained as bishop of the 31st ward, Liberty stake, to succeed Lewis A. Merrill; John Clayton was sus- tained as bishop of the 3rd ward, Liberty stake, to succeed Roscoe W. Eardley; Edward Blaser was appointed to act as bishop of the Pine Grove ward, Union stake, in place of Hyrum Weech; James L. Adams was sustained bishop of the Parowan ward, Parowan stake, to succeed Walter C. Mitchell; Alexander G. Matheson, as bishop of the Cedar West ward, Parowan stake, to succeed Lehi W. Jones; Silas S. Rowley was appointed to be the Presiding Elder in the Spring Glen ward, Car- bon stake, to succeed Robert B. Morrison; Samuel E. Holt was sustain- ed as bishop of the South Jordan ward, to succeed Thomas Blake; Bishop Elias S. Woodruff requests all his mail to be sent to P. O. Box 1508, Salt Lake City, Utah, Bishop O. J. P. Widstoe has moved to 382 Wall Street, Salt Lake City; Daniel R. Lamb was appointed to be ward clerk of the Wales ward, North Sanpete stake, to succeed Thomas Edmunds; C. W. Hardy, to be ward clerk of the 12th— 13th ward, Ensign stake, to succeed Hyrum M. Christensen; George Gottlieb Ronnenkamp, to be ward clerk of Herbert ward, Fremont stake, to succeed Robert A. Leatham; W. Smith Hoge, to be ward clerk of the Paris 2nd ward, Bear Lake stake, to succeed Thomas Minson; Jesse L. Hiett, to be ward clerk of the Vernal 2nd ward, Uintah stake, to succeed Edward J. Young, Jr. ; Wm. M. Miller, to be ward clerk of the Penrose ward, Bear River stake; Sarah M. Jones, to be ward clerk of the Marion ward, Summit stake, to succeed Elias Lemon. The exile of some elders from Sweden was mentioned in the last number of the Era. This reactionary incident, under an old and obso- lete law, brought about by the self-sufficient Swedish-American pastor Alsev, who has thus humorously sprung a joke on the "grave and reverend Swedes," has roused the liberal press of Sweden to sharp opposition. They see in it danger to religious liberty, and from the complaints printed, it is clear that unless the policy of the reactionaries is changed, the gov- ernment will soon see trouble enough in other lines, and from other people, to make them willing to let the inoffensive and law-abiding "Mormon" missionaries alone in peace. Here is a characteristic selection from Arbetarbladet, Gefle, September 23, 1911: "It is which and t'other with religious freedom here in the land. This is shown, in part, by the recent exile of the 'Mormon' missionaries. It was believed that this action was taken because of 'the agitation carried on by the missionaries in encouraging emigration to Utah, but this seems not to be the case. The exile, according to the testimony of the, actors themselves, is meant as a direct blow at the 'Mormon' propaganda as such. We have therefore to deal with blows against religious freedom itself, and against this and like things the liberal press must turn with all energy. It isn't a question here as to whether one favors or disfavors the 'Mormons.' We may just as well say that we consider this so-called religion especially distasteful, if not infinitely worse than Waldenstromism and other spiritual epidemics. But the question at issue is the right to religious freedom, even for thoselwho may happen to be imbued with the teachings "of Joseph Smith. It is a question also of opposing the officers PASSING EVENTS 191 ^?^h^-e taken Up°n themselves the task to carry into effect the driving of the Mormons from the land, for these same authorities may at another time turn themselves against the members of other religious organizations 11 the right against 'Mormonism' really is so necessary as it has been I fi"u g^nted, then it must at least be definitely demanded that it shall be carried on by legal means. The adoption of an unprejudiced and honorable educational campaign is the only method that can be unquali- fiedly recommended. But this educational campaign must not be handled or directed by the official coterie of religious intolerants in this our land for in such case it will be immediately subject to question. It is just because of this situation that one can scarcely rejoice over the an ti-' Mor- mon' propaganda which is at present developing in Sweden, through the efforts of the imported American pastor Aslev. It has always been con- sidered a questionable tactic to drive out the devil with Beelzebub." Honorable John T. Caine, prominent in early theatrical, political and business circles of Utah, died in Salt Lake City, September 20, 1911. He was born on the Isle of Man, parish of Kirk Patrick, January 8, 1829, He came +~ TT+ah in September, 1S52. He filled a mission to Hawaii, in 1854, returning from the coast by horseback to Utah, via San Bernardino, in 1856. He served that year as assistant clerk of the Legislative council at Fillmore, which office he later held, and also clerk, for many sessions. He was pri- vate clerk to President Young. He became dentified with theatrical amusements in the So- cial Hall, and later with the Salt Lake Theatre, erected in 1862. In 1870, he went to Wash- ington, carrying the protest of the people of Utah against the Cullom bill, and returning be- came interested in the Salt Lake Herald. Many political and ecclesiastical offices and business, positions were held by him, and on March, 4, 1883, he suc- ceeded Hon. George Q. Cannon, by appointment, as Delegate to Con- gress from Utah, Mr. Cannon's seat having been declared vacant. Later, November 7, 1883, Mr. Caine was elected a regular delegate, in which capacity he served with honor until the adjournment of the 52nd Congress. He identified himself actively with the Democratic party, at the time of the division of the people of Utah on party lines. In every position, he was true to his trusts, and religiously, politically, as a man of business capacity and character, elicited the respect of all who knew him. The Battleship "Utah," turned over to the government by the builders, the New York Ship-building Company, on August 30, was placed in commission at the Philadelphia Navy yard on August 31, with Captain W. S. Benson in command. It joined the Atlantic fleet soon as supplies were put on board. "Utah" is the fifth of the all-big-gun type to be launched, is 551^ feet long, and has a displacement of 21,825 tons. It developed 21.63 knots on the speed test. It has ten 12-inch guns mounted in five turrets. The silver service for the ship, provided largely by the children of the state, was on display at Ley son's in Salt Lake City until 192 IMPROVEMENT ERA the middle of October, and there was no objection by the Navy Depart- ment to receiving it. On Monday, November 6, the service was formally presented on board the vessel by Governor William Spry, at the Brook- lyn Navy Yard. There were some five hundred Utah people present, including the Tabernacle choir of two hundred voices. Captain Benson, in accepting the service said: "We appreciate the honor shown us by the people of Utah, and we hope they will feel as proud of our ship as we are of this silver service. The service represents the state of Utah, and we mean to defend to our utmost the honor and good name of that state." The choir sang "The Star Spangled Banner," and "Utah we Love Thee." The City Elections in Utah were held Nov. 7, under the new non- partisan law. The result was quite satisfactory, the new law being generally pronounced good. In Salt Lake City, a non-partisan Commis- sion, with Samuel C. Park, as mayor, was elected, and the "American" party domination was overthrown by a substantial vote, which ranged from 4,146 majority for Park over Bransford, the "American" candidate, to 6,459 majority for W. H. Shearman, non-partizan candidate for Auditor, over Kimball, the "American" candidate. The motto of the non-partizan candidates is "Peace, progress and reform," which, being greatly needed, let us hope we may get. The Italian Army in Tripoli made a merciless slaughter of Arabs on the outside of the city, October 26. The Arabs had attacked the city on October 23, in an attempt to support a general movement by the Turks to retake the city. In order to overawe the Arabs and prevent a repeti- tion of this attack, the Italians began and executed what the correspond- ents of the daily papers describe, as a merciless massacre. Tripoli, the gateway to the Sahara, and one of the oldest cities in the world, will doubtless remain in the hands of the Italians. Owing to Turkeys' lack of naval strength, over fifty Italian transports crossed the Mediterranean arid landed an army of occupation of over 50,000 men. Sixteen Cardinals were named by the Pope, November 27, three of them being Americans: Archbishop Farley of New York, Archbishop O'Conneil of Boston, and Archbishop Falconio apostolic delegated at Washington, who was born an Italian but came to America in 1865. Archbishop O'Conneil was born in Lowell, Mass., in 1858; and Archbishop Farley was born in Ireland, in 1842, and became Archbishop of New York, in 1903. A Strike of Shopmen on the Harriman and Illinois Central railway systems was called on Saturday, September 30, at 10 o'clock a. m. It involved some 35,000 laborers, and locally affected about 650 men in Ogden and 200 in Salt Lake City, and many others in different western cities on the Union Pacific and Oregon Short Line roads. Up to the middle of November little inconvenience had been experienced by the railroads, and new men were rapidly being imported from the East to fill the places of the strikers. The men in these parts had no grievance, but were ordered out to help get recognition for a federation of shop- employes who desired to be dealt with in the same manner as the indi- vidual unions comprised in the federation are dealt with.