--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Lambert, George C. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 16 number: 5 published: 1913-03 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Lambert, George C., "Tribute to Orson P. Arnold," *Improvement Era* 16, no. 5 (March 1913): 491–497.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1605unse 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: improvementera1605unse start_page: 491 end_page: 497 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1913-03) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1605unse publication_year: 1913 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 1913, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Tribute to Orson P. Arnold Tribute to Orson P. Arnold BY GEORGE C. LAMBERT In the death of Orson P. Arnold, I am deprived of the association of a friend whose companionship I dearly prized. I have reason, too, for the belief that the friendship and love I entertained for him were fully reciprocated. He was my David, and I his Jonathan. I was reconciled to his death by the extended illness that he endured, and I am now consoled by the hope that our association will be renewed in a future existence, when he will be freed from the bodily ailments from which he suffered in mortality. In him was personified my ideal of many manly virtues. A truer or more loyal friend probably never lived. He was neither demonstrative nor effusive. He gushed not in verbal expressions of friendship, but expressed himself in acts, rather than words, none the less effectively. One could not mistake his friendship, or loyalty, for flattery or sycophancy. He was generous, sympathetic, considerate, and ready to serve his living friends and to defend their memories when dead. 0RS0N p Arnold - His honesty was of that sterling kind that knew no compromise. He despised trickery, pretense, and shams of every kind, and never would profit by the ignorance of a person with whom he had dealings. He was a truthful man. Some good men have the habit of enlarging (perhaps unconsciously) upon things they relate from memory, especially when they repeat the narrative many times, and more especially when the narrative relates to their own exploits,and is favorable to them. Not so with Orson P. Arnold. — Whatever he said could be relied upon as unalloyed truth though possibly not the whole truth when it favorably related to himself. 492 IMPROVEMENT ERA His disposition was over-modest and he was inclined to minimize his own credits by suppressing any part that would show favorably to himself. So far from being a braggart, he was even overmodest. Though reserved, he was frank, direct and emphatic, in speech, and powerful in rebuke, when occasion required. — He was a most punctual man never late in keeping an appointment or in meeting an obligation, very orderly and methodical in all that he did. His tastes were simple, his thoughts were clean, and his language choice and respectful. He had wonderful self-restraint, and seldom exhibited anger, however great the provocation. He had an excellent memory, was a keen observer, and was a veritable encyclopedia of knowledge relating to things that had come under his observation, even as far back as his childhood. He more than made up by attentive listening for whatever he lacked in volubility as a speaker. There was virtue in his taciturnity. He never bored anybody by talking, and seldom if ever had reason to regret anything that he said. There are occasions when silence serves better than speech, and he never missed any of these that came his way. His reticence afforded ample time for thought, and when he spoke he was usually laconic to a marked degree, and displayed wisdom in what he said. He had a high sense of honor, that led him to perform every duty well. He gave his best service to whatever task he undertook. He was determined and persistent, and hesitated at no selfsacrifice that duty or his generous impulses demanded. His courage was not of the transient or intermittent kind, but constant as time, and unyielding as adamant. No one ever knew him to quail. His nerve never forsook him in face of the most appalling danger. Scores, possibly hundreds, of persons who have seen him in the most perilous positions would, if asked, unhesitatingly declare, as Captain Lot Smith did, that they never knew a braver man. No Spartan ever bore pain more stoically than he did, and It is endurance was equally marvelous. When, in 1857, the bullet from a comrade's gun, accidentally discharged, shattered his thigh bone, the wounded limb crumpled under him as he fell to the ground. His companions raised him up, straightened his limb, and staunched the flow of blood by use of a tourniquet. They hastily improvised a stretcher, placed him on it, and hurriedly resumed their journey, carrying him as best they could, for they were in great danger. They told of the agony he endured, as evidenced by the perspiration that covered his face and saturated his clothing while he was thus carried for thirty miles ! The torture of thirst was added to his bodily pain, during that awful journey. It was a wonder he did not lose his reason. The sub- TRIBUTE TO ORSON P. ARNOLD 493 sequent jolting, as the journey homeward was continued by wagon for a distance of over two hundred miles, was a change, but no relief, to his suffering, heroically and uncomplainingly endured. The crude surgery then available failing to afford other relief than the removal from the wound of the shattered portion of the main thigh bone, five inches in length, the suffering he endured the ensuing few years while by slow process the cartilage was forming to take the place of the lost bone must be imagined he never described it ! His ambitious and independent nature impelled him to action, and he served as gate keeper at President Young's while still hobbling about on crutches. From childhood, he had been passionately fond of horses, and previous to being shot was an expert horseman. He was scarcely able to bear any weight on the wounded limb when he again began practicing riding, notwithstanding the fact that disuse for so long a period had rendered the knee of the wounded limb rigid, and the exercise must have caused him excruciating pain. He persevered, and in time was able to maintain his seat in the saddle with equanimity, and, as his friends fondly hoped, with ease. When, in the spring of 1866, the atrocities committed by Indians in Sanpete and Sevier counties became frequent and unbearable, he, with others, volunteered to go to the relief of the settlers, under command of Colonel Heber P. Kimball. It was a very strenuous campaign, extending over three months. Not only did he bear his full share of all the duties involved therein, but he performed special service by leading a small detachment on an extra hazardous and tiresome expedition, and all without his comrades knowing that he was not free from suffering as they were. Not until within two weeks of his death did I, who have enjoyed his confidence perhaps more than any one outside of his own family, even suspect the extent of his suffering. While calling upon him, as I did almost daily during his illness, I asked him, one morning, almost casually, how long it took for his wound to heal up after he was shot. He hesitated some time before replying, and then said in a whisper, as if fearful of admitting it "It never did heal up !" Amazed, I responded "You : : must have been in agony, then, every dav while you served on the Indian expedition, in 1866." He simply nodded assent. On being pressed further to know if the exertion of ridinof horseback didn't cause the wound to suppurate, he reluctantly admitted that the discharge from the wound ran down into his boot every day. Was human suffering or endurance ever less obtrusive? Did sympathy for one's fellows ever find more sincere expression ? The fact that all who served on those Indian expeditions did so without hope of earthly reward, is not worth mentioning in 494 IMPROVEMENT ERA comparison with the infinite sacrifice that he made to serve! Some men are so eager for sympathy that they want their friends to know of every ailment they have. Orson P. Arnold was so self-contained and reserved that he didn't want his friends to know that he ever had an ailment. I am sure from his manner that he never intended to reveal that family skeleton to anyone. But how a knowledge of it glorifies acts and habits of his life that otherwise would seem commonplace ! How remarkable that he kept full abreast of his stalwart fellows in the activities of life with such a physical handicap! The fact that it was his daily habit to arise at daybreak, pursue his tasks diligently throughout the day, frequently with great bodily exertion, and often maintain sleepless vigils at night, for friendship's sake, now becomes a marvel Soon after he was wounded a number of doctors examined the wound and united in urging that the limb be amputated. This President Brigham Young objected to, saying that he would yet be able to walk without crutches. He did, but probably never — without suffering more or less pain which latter fact, however, he was careful to conceal from his friends. It is doubtful whether President Young, whom he served for about twenty years in different capacities, ever even suspected it. How the great leader ever became attracted to or interested in Orson P. Arnold is probably not known. Possibly because he seemed to know intuitively who were entitled to an audience with the president, and had the faculty of turning the others away without offending them, he was employed as gate or door keeper. Perhaps his skill in the management of horses led to his selection as coachman. Very likely his habitual silence and absolute fidelity recommended him for confidential service added to his coolness : and undoubted courage, for extra hazardous undertakings. His self-reliance, his untiring persistency and scrupulous honesty, may have secured for him positions of trust and responsibility but ; they all came to him without his seeking. He never refused to do anything required he never quibbled ; about the hours he served, or the compensation allowed. Fatigue, fasting, exposure to the elements, had no terrors for him, and he never allowed them to interfere with his success. He could serve without servility, bear responsibility without conceit, and exercise power without arrogance. And so it happened, in the course of time, that his occupation in Brigham Young's emplov ranged all the way from gate-keeper, or body-guard, to financial agent, or builder and superintendent of a street railway. He loved and revered his employer, and that great man treated him, not as a servant, not as an ordinary employee, but as a friend, a companion, a confidant, a man upon whom he could rely, and who was deserving of the highest trust. And vet, upon TRIBUTE TO ORSON P. ARNOLD 495 more than one occasion, that great and good man suspected or blamed Orson P. Arnold for a time for occurrences that displeased him, and that without just cause. Orson at such times knew who was to blame, and could have established his own innocence by the utterance of a sentence, but he maintained silence. He would neither be a tale-bearer, nor seek favor at the expense of others. He could afford to be misjudged, but he could not afford to do anything mean or petty. He could not show by even so much as a look or act that he was aware of being suspected. He could only maintain his habitual composure, do his duty as ever, and leave it to time to vindicate him, as it always did. But how hard it is to bear the displeasure of one we love more than life ! , Perhaps the recollection of Orson's invariable habit of frankly acknowledging every mistake he made, and assuming responsibility for every act that did not result as hoped for, convinced President Young of the innocence of his suspected servant. Possibly the conviction came from inspiration (which he most assuredly enjoyed) but come it always did, in time. And then — would follow the assurance not in words, but in the kindly look, in the warm hand-clasp, or in the confidential commission, that faith in his integrity was restored, that the bond of trust was as strong as ever! How complete that trust was, President Young probably never expressed in words, but it was indicated, occasionally, when his personal safety seemed to be menaced, by the quiet direction, as he was about to retire for the night "Orson, : the door of the house may be left open. I shall sleep all right, if you will make your bed just within, across the doorway." After the death of Brigham Young, how comforting to Orson must have been the consciousness that the trust reposed in him by that great man was never misplaced ! What a cordial meeting between the two must have occurred when Orson P. Arnold passed from this life !* After President Young's death, Orson P. Arnold was intimately associated with, and equally loyal to, his successors, and was trusted by them to the fullest extent. His service during what is known as the "Crusade" may never be fully recorded on earth, but I feel sure that it is in heaven, and that it will stand to his eternal credit. In some respects that was the most trying time of his life. The Church leaders were made special targets. It was the greatest ambition of Orson's life, though a sufferer with them, to be of service to them. He would have died rather than betray them as he was solicited to do. * * * * * * During O. P. Arnold's connection with the street railway system of Salt Lake City, which extended from its inception to thirty years later, he bore great responsibility, and always with *See Jan., 1913, Era, p. 276. 496 IMPROVEMENT ERA becoming modesty. He employed many thousands of men during that time, treated them humanely, and fairly, and had the reputation of getting the utmost amount of work out of them, and withal retained their respect. If any man failed to understand what was required of him, he was capable of and not above showing him. When mules were the motive power, if any of the animals displayed a fractious spirit, and the drivers could not manage them, he had a habit of jumping on the car himself and bringing the mules into subjection. In all the circles in which — he moved, he was a man among men calm, dignified, reserved, self-respecting and respected. He was a domestic man, enjoyed the society of his family; provided well for them; was thrifty and frugal, and did his full duty in the matter of securing those dependent upon him against future want. During the last ten years of his life, since retiring from active business pursuits, he devoted much time and attention to the welfare of his comrades of the Indian wars. If any were sick, he visited and sought to comfort them and when one died, he mani- ; fested sympathy for the family and respect for the dead, by attending the funeral and seeing that flowers were provided. He perhaps never heard of the axiom which Bishop Hunter used to relate, as having been impressed upon him by his father — always so to conduct himself that people would invite him up, and never — order him down but he exemplified it in his life. In attending funerals with his comrades, he never even presumed to occupy voluntarily a conspicuous seat, and wouldn't think of proffering to take part in the ceremonies. I was personally gratified at the respect and sympathy manifested by the Indian War Veterans on the occasion of his funeral. Seventy-five of them were in attendance. Their commander will be greatly missed by them. My friend viewed his approaching death with the same sedate self-possession that had characterized him through life. He said he was not conscious of having injured any one in life, and had no dread of a coming judgment. He was thoroughly appreciative of all that was done for his comfort, and received everv care and attention from his family that love and sympathy could prompt. I fully sympathize with them in the great bereavement which has befallen them. I congratulate them on having had such a husband, such a sire, and mvself on having had such a friend. I hope his numerous posterity will emulate the noble qualities possessed by their sire (some of which are herein mentioned V, and that Orson P. Arnold will always have representatives to bear his name in honor in the cause to which he devoted his life. This is the earnest desire I have concerning the family, to whom I dedicate this sketch which so feebly expresses the esteem I had for my dear departed friend. The Gospel to the Lamanites BY REY L. PRATT, PRESIDENT OF THE MEXICAN MISSION / Introduction The subject at hand is so intimately connected with the great Latter-day work known as "Mormonism," and forms such a prominent part of the Book of Mormon teachings that one would think that most of the members of the Church would be perfectly familiar with, and enthusiastic over, it. And such is the case, in a general way, but, I fear, and that, too, basing my belief on observations I made while on a recent trip through some of the stakes and wards of Zion, that far too many of our young folks, and, for that matter, of the older members of the Church, are not as familiar with, and as interested in, this great subject as it is their privilege to be. I hope in this article to show that the work of carrying the gospel to the Lamanites is one of great importance, and one that is worth while to us, as well as to them one rather to be desired ; than avoided, and one that must be performed by us, because the Lord has promised this people, through their forefathers, that the gospel, and their redemption through it, would come to them through us— through the Church of Christ. 77 Who are the Lamanites, and How Came They to Be Such? In I Nephi 1 :4, Book of Mormon, we read For it came to pass in the commencement of the first year of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah, (my father Lehi having dwelt at Jerusalem in all his days;) and in thatsame year there came many prophets, prophesying unto the people that they must repent, or the great city of Jerusalem must be destroyed. We learn from I Nephi 5:14, that Lehi was a descendant of Jacob, through his son Joseph, who was sold into Egypt. Lehi lifted up his heart in mighty prayer in behalf of his people as a ; result of his prayer, he received a wonderful and mighty vision from the Lord, in which he foresaw the destruction of Jerusalem, and her people carried away into captivity. After he had received this vision he went forth among the people and testified unto them of their wickedness and abominations, and also of the things that he had seen and heard but he was only mocked and persecuted ;