The Call

YOU FOLKS AT HOME 159

of Israel, the Lord of hosts and he will protect me," (or words to that effect). If we continue to have that faith we cannot fall. Our greatest hope while we are away is that we will be able to keep ourselves pure, and clean, and return to our homes, honorable men. It is much harder to fight against the immorality which is always about us than to overcome our enemies. We ask for the faith and prayers of our loved ones at home and of the Saints, that we might keep morally clean while we are away. We thank God for our religion, for the hope that it gives us, and for the confidence we have in our heavenly Father. We pray that we might be worthy of his blessings. Your "Mormon" Soldier Boy in the Service.

The Call

By Dr. M. C. Merrill, Horticulturist, Utah Agricultural College

Loud and clear the tones of the bugle rang out on the frosty air. It was the early morning call to the boys in khaki, en- camped on the public square. A momentous day was dawning upon their lives. For the last time they were being called to- gether on the square, their recent drilling-ground, in order to make preparations for their departure to the cantonment. Per- haps it was the last time forever that some of the boys would gather in their native town. What matter? Every man of them was resolute and faced the future with courage. While relatives and loved ones thronged the streets and waved tear-stained hand- kerchiefs to them, the new soldier boys, with determined tread, and every man in step, proudly marched along in military col- umns to the railroad station. The call had come; the youth of the valley had responded gloriously. Their lives might be lost, but freedom must never perish from the earth. With outstretched arms Uncle Sam was majestically appeal- ing to the nation's young manhood to disarm the murderous foe. All up and down and across the country's vast expanse the bu- gles were sounding forth their thrilling notes. The plow was left in the furrow, the harvester in the field, and bounteous crops were still ungathered, while from every hamlet Uncle Sam's boys were answering his call. The spirit of unified service swept over the country. Loud and clear the school bells all over free America are ringing forth their appealing chimes. 'Tis a call, an earnest call from the civilization that is, and the civilization that is to be, to the children of this generation. All ye that have ears to hear let them hear. All ye that are far-sighted, let them be- hold the vision of the future. If ever there was a time when the schools should be filled,

160 IMPROVEMENT ERA

it is now. Let us profit by the experience of the European coun- tries which now realize their mistake in emptying the schools to fill the armies. The latter soon become inefficient unless the former are maintained. In the world's great distress she is calling for young men and women who are trained. Nations are bleeding and peoples are perishing from the earth. 'Tis a time for service, loyal, lov- ing, and effective. Yet back of all need for service is the greater need for training and preparation for service. Without knowl- edge our best efforts become dissipated energy; with knowledge, they are unerring and effective. Young men of Utah and the West, the call is to you you that are near and you that are afar off. The world needs you, — must have you, but it wants you trained. What are your plans for today? For tomorrow? The long winter is soon at hand. How are you going to spend it? In this critical time of the world's history when thrilling pages are being written every day, are you going to loiter away your time on the street corner in idleness? While your brothers at the front toil and suffer, are you going to loaf in comfort? Or, are you going to spend your time in usefulness? One of the best ways to do so is to register for the winter course at one of Utah's many splendid educational institutions. The winter work will soon begin. Send for a catalogue at once. The call is to you and the opportunity is today. Logan, Utah

Short Stories Wanted

Writers of stories will please notice that the Era will select two of the best stories submitted to the editors each month be- ginning with January 5, and for five months, to May 5, 1918. For the first place story- we will pay $25, for the second $12.50. If any of the other stories are available, prices will be arranged with the authors.The field is open to all. Stories should ran^e from about two to five thousand words. For further informa- tion write the associate editor.