Editor’s Table: The Mexican Colonists Released

Editor's Table The Mexican Colonists Released At the general semi-annual conference of the Church, President Joseph F. Smith, in his opening address, which will later be published in full in the Era, dwelt largely upon the condition of the Saints of the Mexican colonies. He spoke in strong terms against the bandits who had driven them from their homes, and in telling language recounted the suffering and loss which the Saints had endured in their exile, also of the anxiety that the authorities of the Church had undergone owing to the troubles which had come upon them. He also expressed thanks to the executive officers of our own country for the help rendered by our government to the exiled people, and also to all who had aided, particularly to the people of El Paso and others along the border, and to private persons who had given means, sympathy and care. Under present conditions, he thought it unwise that our people should return to the troubled land ; and inasmuch as the colonies had been founded under the call, sanction and direction of the authorities, he thought it wise now to release the settlers from any obligation to stay longer, and he did so release them from all further duty in the matter. On October 11, the First Presidency issued the following advice to the Saints of Mexico : "To Our Brethren and Sisters of Mexico, Greeting: — After a conference with Elders A. W. Ivins, President Junius Romney, Bishop. Allen D. Thurber of Dublan, Bishop Joseph C. Bentley, of Juarez, and his counselor, Thomas Romney, and others, at which members of the Quorum of the Twelve were present, including President Francis M. Lyman, which conference was convened for the purpose of considering the conditions now confronting our Mexican colonists, as a result of the revolution still being caried on in Mexico, we have concluded to advise: "First: That the Juarez Stake and Ward officers and members, one and all, may consider themselves honorably released from any further sense of duty to return to or remain in Mexico. But the right