--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 21 number: 12 published: 1918-10 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations, \"How to Lessen Contributions to Crime,\" *Improvement Era* 21, no. 12 (October 1918): 1087–1092." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera21012unse 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: improvementera21012unse start_page: 1087 end_page: 1092 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1918-10) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera21012unse publication_year: 1918 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 1918, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # How to Lessen Contributions to Crime How to Lessen Contributions to Crime A Study for the M. I. A. Advanced Senior Classes Lesson IV —Societies and Social Cliques — Secret Societies. From the earliest history of the world secret societies have existed. (See Pearl of Great Price, chap. 5;25-31; Book of Mormon, Helaman, chap. 6:18-35.) Many are of such a nature as to be a menace to all organized government. Some encourage anarchy, rebellion, treason, murder, and indeed all forms of wickedness. Others may be only of a fraternal nature, and are beneficial to those who have nothing better, but a man cannot serve two masters. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers, to its faithful members when needed, fraternal advantages equaling and even snrpassing ir>. value the financial benefits of the fraternal societies, and in addition it gives the perfect plan for correct living here and exaltation hereafter. The Church stands firmly opposed to its members affiliating with secrei organizations. "The Four Hundred." —In almost every city from the metropolis down to the suburban village in our own and other countries may be found social sets or cliques that try to create an atmosphere of exclusiveness. It would be taking an extreme view perhaps to say they contribute largely to crime, yet when we consider the shallowness formed in much of what is termed the best society, the extravagance and show, the excesses, late hours, and the general tendency toward laxity in some of the important essentials, must they not be considered inimical to the standard of life required by the gospel of Jesus Christ? It is an established fact that Latter-day Saints who become affiliated — with these sets or cliques become neglectful of Church duties and soon begin to condone such things as card playing, partaking of coffee or tea, smoking, or taking a little wine, etc., and thus in an insidious and indirect manner are led on to evil. — The Town Group. It is natural in all communities and under all cir- cumstances for congenial spirits to gravitate towards each other, and we are told that the object of these various associations is to promote good fellowship, comradeship, and social enjoyment, but in the working out of the proposition they often defeat their own object, for it is the popular girls and boys —those who have no need of added enjoyment who are chosen, while the lonely, unpopular ones are left out. Even among the Latter-day Saints a spirit of snobbishness is found in some communities that eliminates from these social sets, the girls who give along the lines of household work while welcoming girls efficient service who happen to choose stenography, clerking, or teaching as a means of obtaining a living. One's position and not character is made the test of entrance. — Fraternities and Sororities. This spirit of exclusiveness is found to some extent in the sororities and fraternities of our schools. The argument is advanced that in these school societies a certain standard of excellence must be attained and maintained. While this may be true and is all right in itself this excellence does not depend at all on membership in one of these societies. There are students of just as high scholastic attainments 1088 IMPROVEMENT ERA and who are just as popular, who from choice remain out of them, as they prefer to encourage the spirit of democracy in the school and feel that the added duties would rather detract from than add to their efficiency. When we consider all that our young people have provided for them in their amusements and recreations, in their home duties, their school duties, and their Church duties, it would seem superfluous to add more. The expense attached is another important item. The young people must have their dues and their contributions whether their parents can atlord it or not. Not the least to be considered are the habits likely to be formed by these associations. With the boys it leads to a little smoking, card playing, etc., if not to graver faults. The girls hardly ever meet socially that they do not have tea or coffee served and perhaps cards, and it is embrrassing to some of our girls not to join in all these things, while those who have strength of character sufficient to stand by their principles feel rather conspicuous. The argument is advanced that by forming these little selective groups of congenial companions we derive intellectual improvement in hearing good lectures, or taking up special courses of study along attractive bines. If this be true for the few, why deprive those outside the charmed circle, who may be just as worthy and just as anxious for improvement? The advanced senior class in the M. I. A. was instituted for just this object that every need or desire along these lines might be met. It is de- sirable that the M. I. A. should be the social center of the community as far as possible, encouraging home parties at which literary topics are taken up, etc. Those who are especially endowed intellectually, instead of banding together for their own enjoyment or benefit, to the exclusion of others, should exercise that broad altruism that is willing to share with all, and to help all. And in all questions let the teachings of our religion be the deciding factor. Problems for Discussion. Show how social cliques tend towards class distinction. Towards ex- clusiveness. Towards laxity in some of the essentials underlying the teach- ings of the M. I. A. and the Church. Do the extra activities required in these cliques add to or detract from our efficiency as M. I. A. or Church members? Consider Societies and Social Cliques from an economical viewpoint; from a democratic viewpoint; from an altruistic viewpoint. Lesson V —Card Playing As an introduction to this lesson, it may be interesting to note that the origin of playing cards seems to date back to very remote times and is closely connected with the idolatrous practices of the Egyptians, Baby- lonians, and other ancient peoples. It is believed that in the beginning cards were the loose leaves of a book containing the mystic rites of the worship of one of the heathen gods (Mercury). Later they fell into the hands of "soothsayers or unscrupulous fortune tellers;" and still later, "be- came the tools of gamblers." They have always been associated with secrecies, mysterious cults, and with games of chance. (Gathered from Prophetical, Educational, and Playing Cards, by Jacobs.) — Card Playing. "Life is a bank account with so much divine energy at your disposal. What are you going to do with it?" Elbert Hubbard. — Wasting of Time. Do devotees of this game ever count the number of hours consumed in this pastime or consider the useful, upbuilding things which might be accomplished in the time spent? HOW TO LESSEN CONTRIBUTIONS TO CRIME 1089 "I think it very wonderful to see persons of the best sense passing away a dozen hours together in shuffling and dividing a pack of cards, with no other conversation than what is made up of a few game- phrases, and no other ideas but those of black or red spots ranged to- gether in different figures. Would not a man laugh to have one of this species complaining that life is short?" (Spectator, No. 93. Taken from Festivals, Games, and Amusements, by Smith.) "The celebrated Mr. Locke is reported to have been once in com- pany who proposed cards, when Mr. Locke declined playing, saying he would amuse himself by looking on. During the time these noblemen were at play, he was observed to busy himself by writing in his table book. At the conclusion of their play, Lord Anglesea's curiosity prompted him to ask Locke what he had been writing. His answer was, 'In order that none of the advantages of your conversation might be lost, I have taken notes of it;' and producing his note book, it was found to be the fact. The inanity of such a collection of dis- jointed jargon, it is said had the desired effect on the three noble philosophers; . cards were never again attempted to be sub- . . stituted for rational conversation, at least in the presence of Mr. Locke." (From Festivals, Games, and Amusements, by Smith.) President Joseph F. Smith has written a vigorous article in relation to this subject of Card Playing which every Latter-day Saint would do well to read. (See Improvement Era, August, 1913.) In relation to wasting of time he says: "It is no uncommon thing for women, young and middle aged, to spend whole afternoons, and many of them, evenings as well, in playing cards, thus wasting hours and days of precious time in this useless and unprofitable way. Yet those same people when ap- proached, declare they have no time to attend either Sunday schools or meetings. Their church duties are neglected for lack of time, yet they spend hours, day after day, at cards. They have thereby en- couraged and become possessed of a spirit of indolence, and their minds are filled with vile drunkenness, hallucination, charm, and fascination, that take possession of the habitual card player to the exclusion of all spiritual and religious feeling. Such a spirit detracts from all sacred thought and sentiment." Excesses. —Not only is the card player guilty of the wasting of precious time but so strong the fascination which this game holds for him that is his better judgment becomes warped and he is led to many extremes. Women often neglect their home duties, and their children, and rather than spoil the "set" at a card party, will attend when the condition of their health should keep them at home. Like the "first glass" the first game of cards seems a very simple and innocent affair, but the second and third are apt to follow and soon the playing of cards becomes such a habit that it overcome it. is difficult to Quoting again from President Smith: "While a simple game of cards in itself may be harmless, it is a fact that by immoderate repetition, it ends in an infatuation for chance schemes, in habits of excess, ... in a dulling and stupor of the mind, and incomplete destruction of religious feeling. "Behold the instances that are common where women leave their children uncared for to go off to play cards; of men spending their — earnings at the gaming table behold the spirit of gambling, chance, of wanting something for nothing, and the dodging of honest work, and the waiting for luck and lottery to bring easy returns; this spirit 1090 IMPROVEMENT ERA is encouraged by, if not born of, card playing, and the mania to gamble leads to ruin, poverty, spiritual death and destruction. It is wrong for Latter-day Saints to encourage it, or to unduly indulge in any game that fosters it." — The Spirit accompanying card playing. When asked her impression of card playing, one young girl answered, "I remember that when my father and his friend played cards they always remained at the game until a quarrel ensued." The spirit of contention seems to hover over the card table; the temptation to cheat is often there; the taint of the gambling house clings to a pack of cards. — Other forces assisting this evil. President Smith tells this incident: "I have in mind a man whose life is now ruined, who was wrecked — by cards. The habit began innocently, too it started from a simple game persistently repeated, just to see who could win. But the in- terest soon waned, and it was found necessary to stimulate it with a little glass of beer, then beer was too weak. Wine was next; and you know the old Hebrew saying: 'When Satan cannot come himself, he sends wine as a messenger.' But it became compulsory to go still further, and at last to keep up the interest with whisky. Then the stimulus for the game was not strong enough in his own home, and he went out for the needed excitement. A drunkard, a gambler, a man without means or property, an outcast, a culprit picked up from — the gutter by the police is the remainder of the story. It all began from the innocent game of cards!" The forces to be marshaled against this evil. — Having recognized the evil which lurks in this dangerous game, the influence of all lovers of purity and righteousness should be brought to bear against it. In some of the towns where the Latter-day Saints dwell, this game has become extremely popular, and in such cases it will require the united and forceful effort of the Church officials and the strong men and women of the community to eradicate this form of amusement. Realizing to what evils it may lead, those who see no harm in it for themselves should be willing to sacrifice their pleasure for the good of the whole community and especially the youth. There are so many innocent, wholesome kinds of recreation, such as checkers, chess and other games of entertainment and instruction, that no one need play cards for lack of something better to play. The recognition of the Counsel of the Church as a deciding factor. — The sentiments of President Joseph F. Smith as quoted in this lesson indi- cate plainly the attitude of the Church authorities in relation to this sub- ject. This should be enough for any loyal Latter-day Saint, believing as he does in the divine authenticity of the work and the divine calling of the leaders of the Church. "As we value our own salvation and the good of our children, let us leave card playing alone. It is wrong and dangerous for the Latter- day Saints, and would better be entirely abolished both in family, public, semi-public, and private gatherings." The plan of attack is in the home, in public sentiment, and in the or- ganizations. Problems for Discussion. 1. How will you meet the argument that time is wasted in the playing of other games than cards? 2. Relate instances where card playing has caused an excessive waste of time. HOW TO LESSEN CONTRIBUTIONS TO CRIME 1091 3. Relate instances where the playing of this game has led to other extremes. 4. Discuss these statements of Elbert Hubbard: "The man who can play cards at night and do business in the day time, hasn't yet been born." — — "No individual in my employ or anybody else's who plays cards for money, can eve' hope for promotion." - 5. Does this evil of card playing exist in your community? How can you help to eliminate it? 6. Discuss evils of any games of chance. 7. Discuss, Place of attack against evil is in the home and in the organizations. 8. How may public sentiment be aroused against card playing? 9. What benefits will come to the man or woman who obeys the counsel of the Church in the matter of abstaining from card playing? Lesson VI —Public Dancing So early in the world's history was dancing introduced that it is con- ceded to be the most ancient art known. Early dances embraced the great events in savage life, the drama of courtship, the funeral dance, consecration of labor, celebration of the har- vest, etc. It was also associated with the religious rites of the people Every nation had its interpretative dance of the day. America's lack of a national dance and the proper fostering of this art is probably due to the attitude of the pilgrim fathers which absolutely prohibited dancing. Since the early nineties dancing has become part of the public school svstem and has long been recognized as an educating factor in the life of the child. It adds a suppleness, lightness and ease to the body which gives it greater power of expression. Ball room dancing, although pleasing, does not give expression to the emotions as does interpretative and folk dancing. It is also easily per- verted as we have seen in the dances of the past few years when all sorts of grotesque and rediculous dances have been introducd into the ball room. — Public Dancing a Contribution to Crime. A prominent social worker in Salt Lake City says: "I consider the public dance hall one of the greatest factors in the ruination of young men and women." Some of the objectionable features of dancing are: 1. The promiscuous association of the sexes. 2. The almighty dollar is the certain badge of respectability; the dancer who has the price is welcome, although he may be the vilest wretch in the land. Money is placed ahead of character or reputation. 3. The dancer takes liberties with the dance and with his partner he would not take among acquaintances. License is taken from the actions of others and also from the attitude of the management. It is a strange but true saying: "When in Rome, do as Rome does." 4. Conventionality and social custom are usually laid aside because the dancer is not known. How often this is taken advantage of, over the telephone, in the railway coach. Away from home people often present another side of their nature entirely foreign to the one they show to their family and friends. So, at these public dances people do evil things under the cloak of not being known. 5. Detention homes, reformatories, and prisons have their proportion of those who began their downward career at the dance. Oh! the pity of — the cry which comes from many of these unfortunates they began visiting such places in innocence, totally ignorant of how soon they would be caught in the toils of vice. — Forces marshaled by this evil. Music, painting, dancing are all arts which lend themselves to the highest emotional enjoyment; they are elevat- 1092 IMPROVEMENT ERA ing and refining; they fill the soul with exquisite pleasure. But these arts are often perverted, for they lend themselves quite as readily to gratifying •he baser nature in man. Bad music, suggestive and vulgar movements of the body, close position, improper clothing, unlighted rooms, late hours, use of tobacco, and the use of liquor, all debase and demoralize the art. And these evils are frequently the accompaniment of the public dance hall. — Forces to be marshaled against this evil. Our pioneer fathers set the fashion for dancing; almost daily their long, tedious journey was ended with an hour or so of dancing. President Young said: "Those who cannot serve God with a pure heart in a dance, should not dance.If you wish to dance, dance, and you are just as much prepared for a prayer meeting after dancing as you ever were, if you are Saints. If you desire to ask God for anything, you are as well prepared to do so in a dance as in any other place, if you are Saints." This standard which our pioneer leader set is the one the Latter-day Saints recognize and strive to conform to. A clean, well-lighted, tastefully decorated hall, supervisors of dances, good music, opening and closing with prayer, presence of older people are among the necessities of a well conducted dance. Cleanliness adds comfort and a good spirit. Bright light makes one more careful of his deportment and bearing. How many sins are committed under cover of darkness. Decoration adds comfort, charm, and tone. Prayer reminds one that the pleasure of the evening must be clean and uplifting, that the good spirit will be in the dance if it is properly con- ducted. Presence of older people helps the young to be more courteous to others and watchful of their own behavior. The fact that amusement halls have become a ward necessity shows that communities realize the need of a place for dancing and other amusements. This, however, is only the first step in supplying the need. Let there be a ward committee in every ward; let every ward member support that com- mittee and feel he is personally responsible, to a degree, for the social activities in his ward. There is a disposition of the faithful ward member to uphold the bishop in every religious activity of the ward, but to leave severely alone ths amusements and social welfare of the ward, either being satisfied without social intercourse or seeking it elsewhere. If a bishop attended to his -eligious duties plone, how long could a ward be held together? The bishop and the ward officers are the pivots around which all religious, social, and temporal activities rotate. They are necessarily interested in all three K"tivilies; if they are not, the ward is not balanced. So with each indi- vidual member; it is part cf his ward duty to participate in the amusements and give his best efforts to the developing of highest ideals in dancing and ill other legitimate forms of amusement. Questions and Discussion 1. Discuss; "The test of a nation's civilization is measured by the use of its leisure." 2. How can dancing be improved in your community? 3. Discuss remedies for untimely automobile rides, and for patronizing refreshment booths after the dance. 4. What should be the attitude of the individual towards stake and ward amusements? 5. Point out the remedy for promiscuous dancing. 6. What can be done to keep unchaperoned girls from the public dance?