Messages from the Missions

260 IMPROVEMENT ERA

A great majority of our young people desire that class of recreation, and are entitled to it. A few who are of the other mind should not be left to have their way, thus contaminating, not to say dominating, those who desire clean, decent recreation. Afew of this class, it is true, are insistent that the Church authorities have no right to suggest to them how they should dress or dance or conduct themselves in society. Some even go so far as to publicly ask, "What business has the Church authorities to interfere in our amusements or other personal affairs? What is that to them? Whyshould they be constantly talking about and meddling in these personal affairs? In answer to these questions it may be truthfully stated that in reality it is nothing to the Church or its authorities, only as it is their duty to warn against all evil. But what these young people do themselves, and the attitude which they assume, relating to these and other moral questions, matters very greatly to them personally. It means in the end either success or failure to them morally, and for that reason is of very great consequence to them. They must choose for themselves, and they must choose right, if they desire to make men and women of themselves who shall be honored and respected, and if they expect to keep themselves uncontaminated from the vices and abominations of the world. We trust that our organizations and the efforts that are now put forth through them may succeed in creating standards for our amusements that shall be worthy of the Latter-day Saints. And in this respect the young people have a responsibility resting upon them which, if they accept, will result in the end in their own welfare and blessing, as it will to all others who render service to the cause of the people. With united action, individually first, then collectively as families, quorums and auxiliary organizations, any needed improvement in conduct, suggested by the united officers, may be made under our present splendid institutions and without further organization or ado. Let us set to work and do the thing, and so make this a happy and morally prosperous New Year, which I wish you one and all. Joseph F. Smith.

We Stand for State- and Nation- Wide Prohibition Through the efforts of the Y. M. M. I. A. much interest was created in the matter of obtaining prohibition for Utah, and the promise is that Utah will go dry next summer. There are only two states in the Union now that are entirely wet. They are Nevada and Pennsylvania. The others are either dry or are counted damp. Utah is classed among the latter, but we hope

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soon to be made dry. The prohibition states are now: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Iowa, Michigan, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. Most of the other states are either local option, with less than fifty per cent without saloons, in which Utah is classed; or local oplion, with more than fifty per cent without saloons. In view of all these facts, the time has come when the United States government should make haste to order nation-wide prohibition. Many of the papers are beginning to urge this upon Congress; ond, as stated elsewhere in the Era, it is noted that the House judiciary committee favor the passage of the bill providing for nation-wide prohibition of the manufacture and sale of liquor. In this connection the following editorial from Collier s Weekly 1or December 2, under the heading, "Uncle Sam Making Money Out of It" is appropos: From an editorial in Clark Howell's Atlanta Constitution we take this brief account of an infamous crime: "Down in Ben Hill County Willis Walker is dead and his brother Jim Walker is in jail, charged with having killed him, after the two had sat around a couple of bottles of liquor which they had just secured from the express office. It is just another of those cases of which almost daily record is made in the news dispatches, proceeding from the same cause: Two quarts of liquor for which the order was solicited by mail, which — was ordered by mail, and shipped by express all by authority of the Federal government, and in spite of the state law."

The United government cannot bring Willis Walker back to States life, it cannot cleanse Jim Walker's hands of his brother's blood, but it can and should dissolve the criminal partnership which now exists between Uncle Sam and certain law-defying, murder-breeding booze venders. A bill to forbid these whisky pirates the use of the mails for entering the dry states was introduced during the late session of Congress by Senator Hoke Smith of Georgia. This bill should be brought up and passed without delay at this winter's session of Congress. National self-respect makes it imperative.

We suggest that the people of Utah, and also in the surrounding states, urge their senators and representatives in Congress to stand for nation-wide prohibition, and to work for it, as this would seem to be the only just and proper method of dealing effectively with the saloon and the liquor evil. The people of the individual states are fast driving the national government to take this action.

Stories Wanted

The Improvement Era offers $25 for the best story to be submitted to the editors monthly during the four months begin-

262 IMPROVEMENT ERA

ning February 5 and ending May 5, 1917. On the fifth of each month, two stories will be selected from those submitted, and the author of the first best will be given $25, and of the second best $12.50. If any other stories submitted are available, a price will be offered for them. We urge writers of stories to send in their manuscripts which will have careful and prompt attention.

New Books Whitney's Popular History of Utah in one volume, illustrated, has just been issued from the press of the Deseret News. The well known and popular author, Orson F. Whitney, has prepared three histories of Utah. This third one represents the realization of a desire which he has had to produce a history complete in a single volume that could be sold for a price within the reach of all. The book covers the history of Utah from the earliest explorations, in 1540, up to the persent day, and particularly and ill detail up to 1890. It is divided into headed paragraphs, making it especially admirable for study, and is richly illustrated. It contains not only the political history of the state but is written from a "Mormon" standpoint and contains, therefore, also very much reliable Church history, and piesents the attitude of the Church held during the various critical periods of the growth and development of the territory and state. The final chapters are replete with much valuable information touching the material resources and financial developments of Utah. The history, a book of nearly 600 large pages, copiously illustrated with photographs of the governors, leading men of church and state, and great institutions, is carefully written, and condensed to contain the gist of historical fact. The author's careful research has made it a handy repository that can be relied upon for important reference. It should be found in every library of the state, and in order that our young people may be thoroughly informed upon the history of Utah it should be found in every home among the people. The author is noted for his careful labors as a historian, and this book shows his clear and good judgment in the selection of matter. Deseret News Book Store, price $2.00.

Wild Roses, a Tale of the Rockies, Howard R. Driggs, University Publishing Co., Chicago and Lincoln. This book was adopted as one of the M. I. A. Reading Course, for 1916-17, while it was still in manuscript. It is now printed and being sold. W ild Roses is a live story. The object of the author has not been to preach, but to simply tell an incident symbolic of the early pioneer days of the West. In Wild Roses we have a virile story that carries the reader's attention throughout. The characters are natural, forceful and interesting, and the text grips the reader from the beginning, One does not agree with all that is said and done by the characters, but they said and did it. Their acts though often crude and unpolished, were true to life. The book treats of that fascinating period of transition, in one of the western valleys, from the complete Indian, trapper, and hunter domination of the ranchman, cow boy and early "Mormon" setrule, to the tier.The old conditions were passing, and the new were dawning over the wild mountains. This fascinating book contains a striking replica of one thiilling scene in the passing panorama. Of course, a love story is interwoven. It is really a new kind of story by a home writer who has led out into a new field, until now untrodden. All booksellers, price $1.25.

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A Trio of Sketches, by Alfred Lambourne, is a beautifully bound and printed book just issued from the press of the Deseret News containing three sketches that bring back the memories of the past days in the Salt lake Theatre. It is composed of three charming romances, universal in tlieir appeal. The first in the trio is a Christmas story, sad and yet bright with Christmas cheer and joy. The second, "Beauty and the Beast," is a delightful love story, with a highly moral sentiment running through it. The third is a thrilling ghost story told in a modern psychological manner. These highly romantic sketches are reminiscent of actual occurrences, condensed and published in the author's usual gem-like style and finish. For sale at the Deseret Sunday School Union, and the Deseret News book stores, price $1.00.

The Young Man and His Vocation is the title of a new book just issued from the press of Richard G. Badger, Boston; and of Clark Co., Limited, Toronto, written by Franklin Stewart Harris, Ph. D., professor of agronomy and director of the school of agricultural engineering and mechanic arts, Utah Agricultural College; and director of the Utah Agricultural College experiment station. It is dedicated to "the young men of today who will be the workers of tomorrow," with a conviction that educating and training the present rising generation will result in bettering the industrial conditions of the future. The first part consists of a treatment of vocations, including their need, and the classification of man's activities, with a discussion of agriculture, the trades, business, branches of commerce, manufacturing, engineering, architecture, medicine, law, politics, teaching, art, mining, research and invention, journalism and authorship. The second part treats of the relation of the young man to his work, and includes chapters on choosing a vocation, training for a life's work, the glory of work, the habit of industry, devotion to a calling, enthusiasm in work, efficiency, qualities of good work, need of avocations and recreation, co-operative work and success in life's work. The book consists of two hundred pages of matter that will help young men to get the most out of life and to find a place in the world of work. "The industrial demands of modern life are explained, and the reader is shown how he can meet these demands." The book shows the young man how he may receive aid in selecting his life's work, and in preparing himself for this work, and as such it will be found of great value and merit. It contains many pointers for M. I. A. vocation counselors and supervisors. Price $1.25 net, all book stores.

Messages from the Missions

Change in Presidents From a report by Enos L. Jones, president of the Maine Conference, Augusta, Me., we learn that on the 25th of June three conference meetings were held at which President Walter P. Monson of the Eastern States Mission and the elders and lady missionaries of the conference were present. Three sessions were held and a splendid spirit prevailed in the meetings. President Lorenzo Standifird was released to return home and was succeeded by E. L. Jones from the West Virginia conference. President Standifird has made many friends during his mission and gained the love and respect of all whom he met. Missionaries laboring in the Maine Conference: Left to right, back row: Wilbur S. Johnson, E. M. Ririe, Milton A. Allen, Wade H. Joyce, and Jos. C. Robinson; middle row: Sister Allie retiring Conference President, Lorenzo Standifird; PresiRassmussen;

26-1 IMPROVEMENT ERA

Walter P. Monson of the Eastern States Mission; succeeding Conference President Enos L. Jones, and Fred Wall: front row: Elder L. W. Stillman, and Sister Zetta Grace.

A Word from Montana The work of the Lord is progressing satisfactorily in the Montana conference. The elders are enthusiastic in their work and are energetically proclaiming the gospel. Elder W. Leo Isgreen writes that the elders are delighted to receive the Era each month, for it brings the spirit of the gospel

to those who receive it. They are placing as many numbers as possible :n .he homes of the people. The elders laboring in the conference are:

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A. W. Hellstrom, Salt Lake City; George L. Egbert, Preston, Idaho; Arnold O. Renstrom, Huntsville, Utah; J. Howard Hall, J. Leo Keller, Preston, Idaho; front row: Joseph Johansen, Mt. Pleasant, Conference President W. Leo Isgreen, Tooele, Utah; Ezra G. Lewis, Preston, Idaho; Arthur W. Crane, Herriman, Utah.

As Diligent as Tall

President J. N. Lambert of the New Zealand mission writes from Auckland, October 18: "We have in the New Zealand mission three elders from the Bonneville ward, Provo, Utah, all laboring in the Auckland conference, whose combined length measures nineteen feet. They are as diligent as they are tall. The tallest, A. E. Cox, left, measures six feet six inches; the next, Glen J. Thurman, six and the shortest, feet four inches; Arthur M. Broadbant, six feet two inches. A portrait is herewith enclosed. You have our assurance that the Era is appreciated by all the Saints and elders of the New Zealand mission.

Friends on All Sides

Elder A. P. Skinner of Kennedy, Alabama, writes, November 18: "The efforts of the energetic elders here are being crowned with success. There have been quite a number of baptisms so far this season, and friends and investigators are increasing on all sides. Elders, left to right, standing: H. L. Mower, conference president, Fairview, Utah; J. A. Cooper, Iona, Idaho; sitting, W. J. Carver, Mink Creek, Idaho; A. P. Skinner, Provo, Utah."

Conditions in Denmark

Elder Moroni P. Stark, Aalborg, Denmark, November 18: "The following elders were in attendance at our November conference, 1916, left to right: Grover E. Christensen, Hyrum; Christian P. Sorensen, Salt Lake City; front: Moroni P. Stark, conference president and secretary, Spanish Fork; Hans J. Christiansen, mission president, Salt Lake City, Utah; Christian Sorensen, presiAarhus conference, Georgetown, Idaho. Weare making slow progress at present, on account of the scarcity of missionaries and the unsettled conditions caused by the world war. We are grateful to our heavenly Father that

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he has permitted us to continue here in his cause, and we enjoy our labors. We are doing what we can to keep the work alive by trading and visiting." New Latter-day Saints House of Worship Located in St. Louis, Mo., the building was dedicated by prayer, by Elder James E. Talmage of the Council of the Twelve, November 26, 191 0. He also delivered a dedicatory sermon, in which he dwelt upon the sacrednets of holy things and places, and the respect due to them. He pointed

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out that it is a great privilege to make a gift of a house of worship to the Lord. Those who make such gifts must themselves be fit, as well as the place which they offer, before they and their offering shall be acceptable to the Lord.