--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Otterstrom, F. W. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 21 number: 2 published: 1917-12 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'F. W. Otterstrom, "A Journey to the South," *Improvement Era* 21, no. 2 (December 1917): 97–111.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2102unse 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: improvementera2102unse start_page: 97 end_page: 111 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1917-12) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2102unse publication_year: 1917 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 1917, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # A Journey to the South IMPROVEMENT ERA Vol. XXI DECEMBER, 1917 No. 2 A Journey to the South Gems from President Smith's Talks to the People on the Way By F. W. Otterstrom, Official Church Reporter More than sixty-five years ago, President Brigham Young conceived the advisability of having the presiding brethren visit throughout the stakes of Zion, that they might mingle and coun- sel with the Saints. He led numerous companies of Church offi- cials traveling by team, for this purpose, to the remotest settle- ments, experiencing many discomforts and inconveniences un- known today. These early preaching and inspection tours proved so profitable that the custom was soon established; and, during the lifetime of President Young, as well as that of his successors, the Saints eagerly awaited these periodical visits of their leaders. In recent years, however, the phenomenal growth of the Church has greatly increased the cares and responsibilities of the Presidency and other leading brethren, with the result that such large official parties have rarely been organized, until the trip hereafter described was undertaken. President Joseph F. Smith headed a notable expedition of this character which left Salt Lake City, September 11, 1917, on a ten-day tour of the central and southern counties of Utah. The party traveled in five automobiles, the personnel being as follows: President and Mrs. Joseph F. Smith; President Anthon H. Lund; President and Mrs. Heber J. Grant; Elder and Mrs. Hyrum M. Smith; Elder and Mrs. Joseph F. Smith, Jr.; Elder and Mrs. Joseph W. McMurrin, and daughter; Elder and Mrs. Stephen L. Richards, and two children; Bishop and Mrs. Charles W. Nibley; Bishop and Mrs. David A. Smith; Elders Andrew Jenson and Frank W. Otterstrom; Miss Clarissa Beesley, secre- tary of the Y. L. M. I. A.; Elder and Mrs. Robert L. Judd, and two children; Messrs. Latier and Hapgood, chauffeurs. Before the time of departure it was stated that the brethren had no particular object in view, except to inspect the Church 98 IMPROVEMENT ERA organizations; but the early progress of the party disclosed other definite purposes which, in the course of various addresses, were succinctly stated by President Smith as follows: "1. We have no new principles to advocate; but we have come to preach the gospel of life and salvation, to testify to the divinity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and of the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, through whose instru- mentality the truth was restored in this dispensation. "2. We have come to ask you if you are in strict accord with the two great commandments: 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind,' and 'thy neighbor as thyself.' "3. We wish to advocate the principle of unity, the love of God and neighbor, the love of a purpose that is great, ennobling, good in itself, and calculated to exalt man and bring him nearer to the likeness of the Son of God. "4. We have come to see the condition and the spirit of the Latter-day Saints, and to present ourselves before them ; that they may judge us by what we say and by the spirit we bring, as to whether we are in fellowship with them and with the Lord: and that they may see whether we measure up to the standard that they expect in those who stand at the head of the Church. "5. We bring a message of love. We wish to show how much we love you, and to find out how much you love us in return." These aims and purposes were fully realized in the profit- able visits with the Saints; the splendid discourses of the breth- ren, so rich in instruction, counsel and admonition; and the many incidents and experiences which have increased the faith of the people, as well as that of the members of the party, and given them a deeper love for the people of God and a better comprehension of this great Latter-day work. The weather was ideal; the members of the party enjoyed excellent health; and there was no occurrence of an unpleasant nature. The roads, generally, were in good condition, and a speed of twenty-five or thirty miles per hour was not uncommon. Moving forward at this rate, a few hours often sufficed to cover a distance which would have required several days with the con- veyances used by the leading brethren on their earlier visits to the southern stakes. About forty stops were made en route, at places where the people had assembled to honor the visitors. In almost every instance the President, and others, responded with appropriate words of encouragement and counsel to old and young. Large audiences attended all the regular meetings. In some cases hundreds of people, unable to gain admittance, listened eargerly through open doors and windows. Although some meetings were held until a late hour there was everv evi- A JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH 99 dence of interest in the discourses of the brethren, and a full appreciation of the President's word of instruction and blessing upon the people, their homes, lands, flocks, and herds; and par- ticularly his prayer that the children might "grow up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, in the love of truth, above all other things, that they might be without sin unto salvation in the day when the Lord shall come to gather his jewels." While the people were reminded that there was "room for improve- ment" in certain directions, the President declared: "There never before was a time when the Church was as — strong as it is today never before a time when the people were as united as they are today." Everywhere we saw evidences of prosperity and content- ment; and were surprised to see excellent crops growing, even Cove Fort, near Beaver View from the outside; built for protection in early days without irrigation, in sections which a few years ago were con- sidered worthless, incapable of sustaining life, where now the hand of toil is so liberally compensated. These temporal and spiritual blessings were enumerated by President Smith, with this comment: "If we desire a continuation of the blessings of the Lord, we must do his will and obey the laws on which his blessings are predicated. There is no other way to obtain his blessings." Space will not permit a detailed narration of the many in- teresting features and incidents of this remarkable trip, which will live long in thememory of those who participated. The Church leaders were received, on every hand, with sentiments of love and esteem, and with the most generous hospitality. There are in the world potentates and ecclesiastical dignitaries 100 IMPROVEMENT ERA who ride in costly attire at the head of gorgeous pageants, ac- cepting the homage, if not the worship, of their fellow men, some of whom consider it an honor to kiss the hand of one of such high station. How different in the Church of Christ! What is the attitude of him who is revered and sustained as Prophet, Seer and Revelator, who presides over half a million of his fellows? — He is one of the people not apart from them; and, like the apostles of old, he mingles with them on terms of equality and fellowship. The humblest member may stand up like a man and greet him as his brother. This is but one of many points of excellence which led one of the brethren to re- mark : "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the most democratic institution in the world." It has been the writer's privilege, on several occasions, to witness and participate in demonstrations in honor of Presidents of the United States, and other noted personages, and to accom- pany one Executive on a speaking tour. The official distinction and personal attainments of these great men entitled them to the plaudits of every loyal citizen; and it was gratifying to note the manifestations of patriotic fervor in the ovations they re- ceived. These experiences were naturally called to mind by the splendid reception accorded the Church officials throughout the southern counties, and they served to emphasize at least one point of marked contrast. There was no lack of enthusiasm in the ovations President Smith received, but they were not of a noisy character; they were accompanied by a sweet spirit of — joy and peace such a spirit as moves one to tears of gratitude and thanksgiving. Among the impressive incidents were the reunions that oc- curred —the renewal of friendships and acquaintances of other days. At Centerfield, Elder Frederick Ludvigsen grasped the hand of President Anthon H. Lund and remarked: "President Lund, it is just fifty-five years since you and I traveled together to Utah." Apparently this comment was suf- ficient to flood their minds with recollections of the past; and a most impressive silence followed. Then President Lund re- sponded: "Can it be so long!" There were numerous meetings which held a deep signifi- cance to those immediately concerned, as well as those who wit- nessed them; but, on the other hand, humorous incidents were not entirely lacking. It was President Smith's custom to intro- duce the brethren in the various towns. At Fairview, Brother Lund was called forward, and the President said: "I want to introduce to you my counselor, President Anthon " A JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH 101 H. Lund, one of the best men that ever came from Sanpete. He is just as good as gold and — At this point the President was interrupted by an old gen- tleman in the crowd who said: "O, we knowed him before you did, President Smith." The excellent singing throughout the stakes of Zion was frequently discussed among members of the party. Even the choirs in the smaller settlements made a favorable impression; and the choirs at Nephi, Saint George, and various places in Sevier and Sanpete, would be a credit to more populous com- munities. At the Parowan stake conference the music was fur- — nished by the choir of the Enoch ward a ward composed of only twenty-five families. The discourses of the President and his associates covered In the court within Cove Fort a wide range, and were extremely interesting; but the predom- inant theme, and the burden of their message, may be epito- mized as follows: "Keep the commandments of the Lord." It is the purpose of this article to give only a brief survey of the main topics discussed: President Smith declared that these valleys of the mountains are capable of sustaining a large population, and advised the people to reclaim the land, develop and conserve the natural resources, and try to induce their children to locate near the place of their birth, instead of establishing homes in remote parts of the country, away from relatives and friends. "It is united effort in the communities that will bring results. There is very little strength in numbers, when there is disunion and a lack of fellowship and sympathy for each other. People who possess the Spirit of God are united. They love each other, and 102 IMPROVEMENT ERA hence will not pull one against another. The element of strength is their unity, their singleness of heart, their aim to accomplish — the same end, the same object being in view the benefit and salvation of mankind, the amelioration of the condition of man- kind, the increase of the intelligence of the people, the increase of educational facilities, and the unity of the interest that should be manifested in the pursuit of learning." In referring to the need of improvement in certain direc- tions, the President declared that it was unnecessary for him to — dwell at length upon those subjects or go into details "Because when men and women have received the gospel in their lives, all we need to do is to suggest these things, and they will govern themselves accordingly, without being urged to do it." It re- minded one of the statement of the Prophet Joseph Smith, seventy-five years ago, that he "taught the people correct princi- ples, and they governed themselves;" — this in response to the question of a visitor who marveled that the Saints were gov- erned so easily. The following are extracts from various discourses of Presi- dent Smith: "If you love the truth, if you have received the gospel in your hearts and love it, your intelligence will be added upon; your understanding of truth will be expanded, larger than in any other way. Truth is the thing, above all other things in the — world, that makes men free free from indolence and careless- ness, free from the fearful consequences of neglect, for it will be a fearful consequence, if we neglect our duty before the living God. If you will learn the truth and walk in the light of truth you shall be made free from the errors of men and of crafts; you will be above suspicion and above wrong-doing of every de- scription. God will approve of you and bless you and your in- heritances, and make you prosper and flourish like a green bay tree." "Cultivate the soil in wisdom; learn how to do it right. In- stead of raising weeds and obnoxious and useless things upon the soil that you have redeemed from the desert, make it pro- duce something that will be of use to mankind. Then, when you raise it, take care of it; do not waste it." "One of the most important duties devolving upon the Lat- ter-day Saints is the proper training and rearing of their children in the faith of the gospel. The gospel is the greatest thing in all the world. There is nothing to compare with it. The pos- sessions of this earth are of no consequence when compared with the blessings of the gospel. Naked we came into the world, and naked we will go out of the world, so far as earthly things are A JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH 103 concerned; for we must leave them behind; but the eternal pos- sessions which are ours through obedience to the gospel of Jesus — Christ do not perish the ties that God has created between me and those whom he has given to me, and the divine authority which I enjoy through the Holy Priesthood, these are mine throughout all eternity. No power but sin, the transgression of the laws of God, can take them from me. All these things are mine even after I leave this probation." "Many people are inconsistent in that they study concerning the needs of the body, and observe strictly the laws of health, yet they disregard the equally urgent needs of the spirit. For the spirit, as well as the body, needs food. Some people are either ignorant or thoughtless concerning the great blessings promised to those who observe the Word of Wisdom." The party lined for a photo after lunch in Mt. Pleasant The love of God and neighbor was a theme frequently dis- cussed. The President said we must show our love of God by keeping his commandments; then continued: "Love your neighbor as yourself? How are you to do it? If your neighbor is in danger, protect him to the utmost of your power. If you see your neighbor's property in danger of injury, protect his property as you would your own, as far as it lies in your power. If your neighbor's boy or girl is going astray, go directly to your neighbor, in the spirit of love, and help him to reclaim his child. How are we to love our neighbor as we love ourselves? It is the simplest thing in the world but too many people are selfish ; and narrow and not given to that breadth of feeling which reaches out and considers the benefit and welfare of their neigh- bors; and they narrow themselves down to their own peculiar and particular benefit and blessing and well being, and feel to say: 104 IMPROVEMENT ERA 'O, let my neighbor take care of himself.' That is not the spirit that should characterize a Latter-day Saint." "If there is one principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ that goes directly to the very foundation of justice and righteousness, it is that great and glorious and godlike principle that every man will have to render an account for that which he does, and every man will be rewarded for his works, whether they be good or evil." In one of the President's discourses he sharply differentiated between Latter-day Saints and members of the Church. He then inquired: "Are you really and truly a Latter-day Saint, or are you only a member of the Church?" Emphasizing one of the qualifications of a teacher, that of faith, he said: "Any man who will question the divinity of the mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, or who will deny the so-called miracles of the scriptures, is unfit to be a teacher of Latter-day Saint children." Man's utter dependence upon God was the subject of an ex- cellent discourse, in which the President reminded us of the manifold blessings and providences of the Lord, many of which are overlooked because we partake of them as a matter of course, — without considering from whence they came "the air we breathe, the water we drink, the fertile soil from which we derive food, the sunshine which gives life and warmth, and for our very existence." We are indebted to the Lord for the un- numbered temporal and spiritual blessings we enjoy; "for every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of Light, who is no respecter of persons and in whom there is no variableness, nor shadow of turning. To please him we must not only worship him with thanksgiving and praise but render willing obedience to his commandments. By so doing he is bound to bestow his blessings; for it is upon this principle (obedience to law) that all blessings are predicated." "The important consideration is not how long we can live but how well we can learn the lessons of life, and discharge our duties and obligations to God and to each other. One of the main purposes of our existence is that we might conform to the image and likeness of Him who sojourned in the flesh without — blemish immaculate, pure and spotless! Christ came not only to atone for the sins of the world, but to set an example before all men and to establish the standard of God's perfection, of God's law, and of obedience to the Father." "Family and secret prayers should be observed, not alone to comply with the commandment of the Lord, but because of the wonderful blessings to be gained. The Lord has said we should inquire of him." A JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH 105 "Every man should be willing to be presided over; and he is not fit to preside over others until he can submit sufficiently to the presidency of his brethren." The President prayed for the spirit of love and companion- ship to abide in the homes of the Saints; that children might love and respect their parents, the wife be true to her husband and children, and the husband discharging every responsibility devolving upon him; then declared: "If there is any man who ought to merit the curse of Almighty God it is the man who neglects the mother of his child, the wife of his bosom, the one who has made sacrifice of her very life, over and over again, for him and his children. That is, of course, assuming that the wife is a pure and faithful mother and wife." He then coun- seled the children to lighten the burdens of their parents. "Do Meeting old friends in Mt. Pleasant. President Lund caught in his usual genial mood not add to their burdens by neglect, by extravagance or by mis- conduct. Rather suffer that your right hand be cut off, or your eye plucked out than that you would bring sorrow or anguish to your parents because of your neglect of filial affection to them. So, children, remember your parents. After they have nur- tured you through the tender years of your infancy and child- hood, after they have fed and clothed and educated you, after having given you a bed to rest upon and done all in their power for your good, don't you neglect them when they become feeble 2nd are bowed down with the weight of their years. Don't you Jeave them, but settle down near them, and do all in your power to minister to their comfort and well-being." "Think what it means to hold keys of authority which if — I 106 IMPROVEMENT ERA — exercised in wisdom and in righteousness are bound to be respected by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost! Do you honor this Priesthood? Do you respect the office and honor the key of authority that you possess in the Melchizedek priest- hood, which is after the order of the Son of God? Will you, who hold this priesthood, profane the name of Deity? Would you be riotous, and eat and drink with the drunken, with the unbelieving and with the profane? Would you, holding that priesthood, forget your prayers and fail to remember the Giver of all good? — Would you holding that priesthood and possess- ing the right and authority from God to administer in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost violate — the confidence and the love of God, the hope and desire of the Father of all of us? For, in bestowing that key and blessing upon you, he desires and expects you to magnify your calling. Would you, as an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ, dishonor your wife or your children? Would you desert the mother of your children, the wife of your bosom, the gift of God to you, which is more precious than life itself? For without the woman the man is not perfect in the Lord, no more than the woman is perfect without the man. Will you honor the Sabbath day and keep it holy? Will you observe the law of tithing and all the other requirements of the gospel? Will you carry with you at all times the spirit of prayer and the desire to do good? Will you teach your children the principles of life and salvation, so that when they are eight years old they will desire baptism, of their own accord?" "If you will honor the Holy Priesthood in yourself first, you will honor it in those who preside over you and in those who administer in the various callings throughout the Church." At Cedar City the President referred to conditions surround- ing his first visit to that settlement, in 1854, then a boy of fifteen, en route to the Sandwich Islands, as a missionary. Of his feel- ings he said: "At night we slept on our blankets out of doors. I lay there and looked up at the stars, rather a home-sick youth, realizing for the first time in my life that I was just about to cut loose entirely from all the associations that I loved and hon- ored and revered in all the world; to go out into the world — knew not where, nor did I know the circumstances in which I would be placed." Yet his fortitude and courage were such that he could share the responsibility of guarding the lives and property of the small missionary party from the depredations of hostile Indians, dur- ing their journey to the coast. The ensuing years have been full of responsibilities and trying experiences; and after his active ministry of more than three score years, in an eloquent address A JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH 107 at Cedar City, he reaffirmed his allegiance to this work and asked the Lord to search his heart and the desires thereof, and then declared : "If there is any man, woman or child in all the world, living or dead, who has ever been injured by Joseph F. Smith, they will have to bring that evidence to me, for I do not know it." Surely the power of example, in connection with precept, has been exemplified in his life. Leaving Salt Lake City, in the early afternoon of September 11, the first stop was at Pay son where, at 4:30, the President ad- dressed the assembled people of Nebo stake. At Mona a num- ber of Juab stake brethren were waiting to escort the party to Nephi, which point was reached at 5:30. Here a girls' brass- band of twenty-five pieces, under the leadership of Alvin Udall, played appropriate music. After dinner, a meeting was held in Presidents Smith, Lund and Grant showered with flowers by hundreds of children in line to greet them the Stake Tabernacle, which was crowded to its capacity. As the President started for the Tabernacle, he found the street lined with children waiting to greet him on his way, and he paused to shake the hand of each. A profitable meeting was held; the addresses of the brethren and the splendid singing of the choir being well received. At 8 a. m., September 12, the journey South was resumed. Following a brief stop at Levan, we reached the Sevier River Dam at 9:30, where the Millard stake presidency and a number of people from Scipio and other places were ready to escort the party to Fillmore. Time was taken to inspect the dam which impounds water sufficient to irrigate a hundred thousand acres of land, the water being backed up for eighteen miles. Although 108 IMPROVEMENT ERA the irrigation season was over, there was one thousand acre feet of water in the reservoir, enough to irrigate seventy-thousand aeres of land. The people of Scipio greeted the company at 10:15. The President spoke briefly, directing his remarks to the children, about two hundred of whom were formed in military order; three little girls presenting a bouquet. "Children, I want you to be good to your mothers," said he. "Of course, your fathers are all right, but I want you to take especially good care of your mothers." Before reaching Holden an escort of automobiles appeared, and in the town a number of people had assembled, bearing flags and flowers; the occupants of each car receiving a beautiful bouquet. We were at Fillmore from 11:30 to 2:40, where a well at- Reception of the party on arrival at Manti tended meeting was held; after which a splendid luncheon was served by the young ladies of the local high school. A half hour later we reached Kanosh, and after a rest of fifteen minutes, continued on to Cove Fort, a fortification built in 1867, for pro- tection against hostile Indians; and were in Beaver at seven, where an evening meeting was held, at which all the visiting brethren spoke to the large audience that had assembled. At 8:40, September 13, we left Beaver; arrived at Para- goonah at ten, and were received by the town folk and a brass- band; also President Wilford Day and his associates who escort- ed the party to Parowan where the Stake conference was in session upon our arrival at 10:30. A number of the brethren addressed the Saints during the day. On the 14th the party was divided, some of the brethren A JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH 109 and sisters remaining for the final sessions of the Parowan con- ference; others going to Cedar City, where the President de- livered an interesting discourse, relating incidents connected with his first visit to Cedar, as a boy of fifteen. The next stop was at Leeds where the town folk had pre- pared baskets of the most delicious fruits. This was the first treat to Dixie fruit, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by the vis- itors. The two companies were reunited at Saint George early in the evening, in time to participate in the annual Fruit Festival. After a musical program and brief addresses by President Smith and Bishop Nibley, the assembled hundreds were directed to the basement of the building and given free access to the choice fruits which constituted their annual exhibit. On September 15 and 16, the regular conference of the Saint George stake was held. The meetings were well attended, and the inspiring dis- courses of the visiting brethren, and others, as well as the splen- did music of the choir and numerous soloists, all combined to make it a very successful conference. On Sunday, the 16th, President Grant and Sister Beesley addressed the people of Hur- ricane ward; reuniting with the main party for the return trip North, on Monday. At 7:15 a. m., September 17, the homeward journey began. A brief stop was made at Hamilton's Fort, where a glass tumbler was exhibited, which was used by the Prophet Joseph Smith when giving his last toast, said to have been a toast to the mob- ocrats. At the conclusion of which he dashed or dropped the tumbler to the floor. It was broken, but preserved by one who was present. Eleven o'clock found the party at Cedar City, and an hour later a visit to the public school, where about seven hundred children had assembled. There was a presentation of flowers, and addresses by the President and others, after which the party continued on their way to Parowan, Paragoonah, through Little Creek Canyon, and through the Upper and Lower Bear Valleys, reaching Panguitch at 6 p. m., where they were greeted by the town people and a shower of flowers from the children. A well attended meeting followed at 8 o'clock. Traveling from Panguitch, at 9:30, on the morning of the 18th, we reached Circleville at 10:30, where an audience had assembled. After brief addresses by the brethren, and luncheon, the party left at 2 o'clock, for Monroe, by way of Junction and Marysvale, reaching Monroe at 4:25. Hundreds of children and adults lined both sides of the street, waving flags and singing "America" as the cars passed. After a meeting in the new ward chapel, and partaking of refreshments, at 5:30, we continued 110 IMPROVEMENT ERA northward. From 5:45 to 6 o'clock the visitors were entertained at Elsinore, where the town folk, with a brass band, had assem- bled. President Smith spoke briefly at Elsinore and also at Central, at 6:05, where the children from Inverury and Anna- bella, and a number of adults had met. Twenty minutes later the company reached Richfield, after passing a number of children who had ridden out beyond the city limits on bicycles, some of whom were carrying flowers, but were unobserved until after the first cars had rushed by. Upon entering the city the main street was lined on both sides with hundreds of children who threw flowers into the cars as they passed. After a brief reception the President and others of the party shook hands with the children and many adults as they marched by his car. In the evening a splendid meeting was held; but, unfortunately, only about half the people who had assembled were able to gain admittance. September 19. at 8:55, the company left for Manti; but stops were made at Venice, at 9:15, and at Sigurd at 9:30. Chil- dren and adults from these towns, as well as Vermilion, received the party with flags and flowers. After brief visits and hand- shaking the party continued on to Aurora, arriving at 10 o'clock. The President and others shook hands with those assembled, and after a presentation of flowers, the President stopped to ad- minister to the sick; and the journey was continued at 10:20. After a ten-minute ride we arrived at Salina, where a meeting was held, and later an excellent luncheon served, during which music was furnished by the Petersen orchestra, and the President delivered a brief address. His remarks were mainly directed to six local recruits who had joined the United States Army. Leaving Salina at 2:25, a ten-minute spin took the party to Redmond where several hundred children and a number of adults had assembled. Following a presentation of flowers, and handshaking, the journey was resumed; and as the cars passed by, a voung ladies' chorus fang "God be with you till we meet again." A brief stop was made at Centerfield, at 3:30, to greet the town folk and view a splendid exhibit of grain, fruits and vege- tables raised by the local Boys' and Girls' Clubs. An impressive feature of this visit was the presentation of flowers, to each member of the party, by a number of little girls clothed in white. We were in Gunnkon at 3:45, and in Stirling at 4:15, and after greeting the people in these places, including the Presi- dency of the South Sanpete stake, who met the party at Stirling, we continued on to Manti, arriving at 4:30. In preparation for the County Fair and in honor of the Pr esident's party the streets had been decorated with flags and bunting, and a large "Wei- A JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH 111 come" banner across the main street, where a procession was formed, a brass band in the lead, with hundreds of children marching on each side of the automobile party, from the city limits to the main business center, where the procession halted, and the assembled host sang, "We thank thee, God, for a Prophet," the band playing the accompaniment. After which each member of the party received a bouquet of flowers. A splendid meeting was held in the evening, with a large audience in attendance. We left Manti at 8:40, September 20, arrived at Ephraim at 9 10, an escort of automobiles and a girls' brass band having met : the party at the city limits, forming an escort to the business sec- tion, where the President and others spoke briefly to the chil- dren and adults who had assembled, many of whom crowded about the cars to greet Presidents Smith and Lund and others of the party. After a brief but spirited reception in Ephraim, a twenty-five minute ride found the party in Chester, where the children had formed in lines across the street, as if to impede the progress of the party. The Sunday School children of Chester and Cedar Cliff recited a sentiment of love and respect for the President, followed by presentation of flowers, the party leaving at 10:17. Spring City was reached at 10:35, where a brief reception was held, consisting of singing, handshaking and gifts of flowers. At 10:42 the party moved on toward Mount Pleasant, arriving at 10:50. Hundreds of children and adults greeted the visitors. As the guests marched to the place of meet- ing their pathway was literally strewn with flowers. Following a well attended and very profitable meeting, the President, ac- companied by a number of the brethren, visited and dedicated the new Seminary. We left Mount Pleasant at 2:45, and arrived in Fairview at 3:08. After singing, "We thank thee O God for a Prophet," the assembled people, including a surprising number of children, crowded about the cars to greet the President and his associates. President Smith spoke briefly, commending the children and in- quiring, "Where in the world do you all come from?" and ven- turing the assertion that they have some of the best fathers and mothers in the world. Referring to the C. R. Savage picture "Utah's Best Crop" the President declared: "I see before me in reality almost a duplicate of that wonderful photograph." Twelve minutes later the party halted at Milburn, where a little girl recited a sentiment of respect and love, and presented a bouquet of flowers; the boys brought large branches of choke- cherries, bearing the inscription, "To the President of our Church. From the Boys." There were no stops north of Mil- burn, and we arrived in Salt Lake City early in the evening.