--- 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: 24 number: 4 published: 1921-02 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, "Editors’ Table," *Improvement Era* 24, no. 4 (February 1921): 351–362.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2404unse 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: improvementera2404unse start_page: 351 end_page: 362 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1921-02) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera2404unse publication_year: 1921 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 1921, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Editors’ Table EDITORS' TABLE 351 whose life-achievements read like a thrilling romance. He was the engineer who built the wonderful trestle work over the — Great Salt Lake some years ago the widely heralded twentyseven-and-one-half-mile bridge across the lake, which has been pronounced one of the most difficult and interesting feats of railroad engineering ever accomplished. The people of Utah and the West well remember that in spots "the bottom was so fluky that pile after pile had to be driven before a solid base could be found. Thirty-eight thousand two hundred fifty-six trees — — the equivalent of a forest two miles square were transplanted into the waters of Great Salt Lake in the guise of piles which, if placed end to end, would have reached from Chicago to Buffalo." All will recall that a mountain of stone and earth was dumped into the Lake, and with what apprehension everybody, except, perhaps, Harriman, the head of the railway system, viewed the enterprise, but also how perfect the road bed was completed and the great engineering project put into useful operation. This same engineer, William Hood, one of the greatest railroad engineers the world has ever known, according to the article from which we quote in the American Magazine, for January, "seventeen years ago, after a prolonged period of over-work, found himself physically below par: 'You need to get more exercise, to keep your mind off your work, at least one day a — week and to give up smoking,' his physician advisel." He had been an inveterate smoker from the time he was nine years old. "Hood tossed his cigar away and has never smoked since. Then he began his practice of Sunday mountain climbs, packing a large camera with which to keep his mind occupied." He is now nearly seventy-five, but as active as ever. Now, is there a thinking young man v/ith a will who cannot say, "I will quit using tobacco," after such an example? A. Quit the Use and Sale of Tobacco Lorenzo Toulson, manager of the Union Mercantile Co., Smithfield, Utah, in response to a request as to whether or not he had discontinued the sale of tobacco in his mercantile establishment at Smithfield, replies: "In January, 1920, after hearing Brother Newel K. Young deliver a speech here, I decided to buy no more tobacco to offer for sale, and I can truthfully say that it has not hurt my business in the least, and I have had many tell me that they wish that they could not buy it anywhere, they would then quit using it." We are confident that all proprietors of stores who follow 352 IMPROVEMENT ERA the example of institutions throughout the state and Church, which have abandoned the sale of tobacco (and there are many others have done so), will receive like results, as far as their financial interests are concerned, besides a thousand-fold morally. The Z. C. M. I. drug store in Salt Lake City has quit the sale of tobacco, and there is no doubt that many other stores throughout the Church, now selling the useless and poisonous product, will follow the splendid and far-reaching example. The M. 0. Funk grocery, South Seventh Ea6t Street, Salt Lake City, reports having quit selling tobacco, and that their trade is as brisk as ever. Mrs. E. Barnhart, 1964, 5th East; and the Wells Ward Grocery, 1961 So. 6th East, have also quit carrying tobacco. Jesse M. Smith, President of the Snowflake stake, Arizona, writes as follows under the date of January 8: "With reference to the M. I. slogan in this stake, we are rather proud to report that since December first, the sale of tobacco has stopped in all towns of this stake, with the excep- — tion of three, two of these have only a very small population of our people, and the merchants of the other towns have quit selling to the townspeople and sell only to large buyers at wholesale. Weexpect to be able to eliminate the selling of tobacco in this the Holbrook ward." We believe that no institution or individual will be injured in the least by discontinuing the sale of tobacco, and it is clearly evident, that all persons would be benefited, in every way, if they quit its use. There is no advantage, financial, moral, religious, or physical, in the use of tobacco. "We stand for the non-use and the non-sale of tobacco," is the slogan of the auxiliary organizations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, numbering over 300,000 people. A. New Issue of the Book of Mormon Official Announcement of the First Presidency We are pleased to announce a new issue of the Book of Mormon. From the time of its first publication, in 1830, to the present, the demand for this volume of Scripture has been constantly increasing. So many imprints have been taken from the several sets of old plates that all of these have become defectively worn, and the preparation of a new set of electrotypes was deemed imperative. EDITORS' TABLE 353 The necessary^ re-setting of type afforded an opportunity of making several improvements in book-making details. Among these improvements the following are worthy of special mention: 1. Instead of the small type heretofore used, the text of the new issue is printed from 8-point Bible-type, which produces a large bold-faced letter, particularly clear and easy to read. 2. The text is set in two columns to the page, Bible style, thus presenting short lines, which are easily followed, instead of the long lines of full-page width hitherto used. 3. Each chapter is preceded by a concise heading, embodying its principal contents. 4. The designation of book and chapter at the top of each page has been simplified and made much more serviceable than the old style. 5. The foot-note references have been carefully revised, and in some instances amplified. 6. At the bottom of each page, excepting only the Book of Ether, the chronology of principal events is given, as such a time "B. C." or "A. D." The years are distinguished as exact or approximate specifications, according to the information furnished by the Book of Mormon itself. 7. Preceding the text is a "Brief Analysis of the Book of Mormon," which will greatly assist the reader in comprehending the relations of the several divisions or "books" to each other. 8. Also preceding the text, appears a comprehensive account of the "Origin of the Book of Mormon," which is couched, almost entirely, in the words of the inspired translator, Joseph Smith, the Prophet. 9. Following the text is a "Synopsis of Chapters" and other helps. 10. A "Pronouncing Vocabulary" gives a simple and consistent pronunciation of practically every proper name, and of some other words, of Book of Mormon origin. 11. What promises to be one of the most helpful features of the new issue is the comprehensive "Index," comprising sixty-eight columns of reference data, grouped both according to subjects and to important passages. The need of an index to the Book of Mormon has long been yearningly felt and strongly expresssed. We doubt not that this addendum to the volume will be greatly appreciated. The first edition from the new plates is printed on paper of superior quality, and is supplied in a variety of better-class bindings. We trust the publication of the Book of Mormon in this improved form will result in a more devoted study of this dis- tinctive volume of Holy Scripture, and in a fuller application 354 IMPROVEMENT ERA of its saving precepts and principles in the lives of our people and amongst all who read it. lleber J. Grant, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W Penrose, . First Presidency. Salt Lake City, Utah, Dec. 24, 1920. For the Relief of the Suffering in Asia and Europe Early in January, the First Presidency issued the following call to Church members to observe a Special Fast Day, the collections to be dvoted to the relief of the hungry children of Asia and Europe: Special Fast Meeting, January 23 directed that in all the stakes and wards of the It is hereby Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to which this notice shall come, a Special Fast Meeting be held on Sunday, January 23, at 2 p. m. on which occasion collections will be made and contributions received for the "Near East" Relief Fund which is dealing with the distress prevailing in Armenia and in other oppressed sections of Asia, and also for the European Relief Council which is planning to provide food for three and a half million hungry children in mid-Europe. Bishops are requested to invoke the services of their ward teachers and all other available agencies in making a thorough canvass of their wards, between now and the date named, in order that every family shall be invited and encouraged to contribute the equivalent of at least the two meals contemplated by the fast, for the feeding of those who are confronted bv long months of semi-starvation. We should like to feel that every man, woman and child in all our communities had done this much in responding to this most piteous appeal to their humanity; while of course those who feel so inclined may contribute as much more as they choose. All funds thus collected should be forwarded without delay to the office of the Presiding Bishopric. The condition of these millions of under-nourished little ones in Europe, as described by those who have visited the countries of central and southeastern Europe, is tragic in the extreme. Whatever may have been the causes of the present woe, the children are not responsible. They must not be allowed to perish if an outstretched hand offering sustenance and nourishment can save them. Let every parent in our land of peace and plenty — and let every child also bestow a sympathetic thought upon a situation of such suffering as happily they have never known EDITORS' TABLE 355 and the response, we feel sure, will be spontaneous and liberal. It is an extraordinary emergency, calling for unusual measures, and must be met promptly. As followers of the Master who drew the little children to him and blessed them, our immediate duty is to see that no hungry child cries in vain for bread. Heber J. Grant, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W Penrose, . First Presidency. Messages from the Missions Success in Maine Elder Vernon L. Israelsen, president of the Maine conference, writing from Portland, Maine, January 4, says: ""We are happy to report the success realized from the work here the past year. The branch at Portland is in a thriving condition. The Sunday school is an active one with an increasing membership and new faces appear frequently at our hall meetings. The elders are laboring here to present "Mormonism" in its true form, since owing to the misrepresentations, the conception of "Mormonism" is frequently very distorted. One of our most effective missionaries is the Era and in behalf of my co-workers, I express sincere appreciation for the magazine which is always a welcome visitor and an invaluable asset in missionary life. Missionaries of Maine Conference, Eastern States Back row: Ashby Stringham, Woods Cross, Utah; Melvin M. Keller, Mink Creek, Idaho; Clair Lovell, Wyoming; Reed S. Eldridge, Cutler, Woolford, Alberta, Canada; I. A. Johnson, Cannonville, Utah; Virgil L. Monson, Shelley, Idaho; middle row: Lester J. Holland, Shelley, Idaho; Geo. W. McCune, mission president; Vernon L. Israelsen, conference presient, Hyrum; David C. Watkins, Brigham, Utah; Clarence Randall, Burley; Charles O'Neal Rich, Paris, Idaho; front row: Wm. V. Tueller, Paris, Idaho; Naomi Lasley, Rockland, Idaho; Romania Hunsaker, Ogden; Hattie G. Randall, Burley, Idaho; Master Grant Randall, Burley, Idaho. ", «> a *^ |£ § '-1 .5 ffl ° •§ *S Oj m* . 5 ^ — fct "C B v ~2 P* ^' •— « >."5_ g_j o S S S » 4) t» _ o to cjj •* *0 go «- — w i— Ow P5 2 Jg s °.S «!§ p.c.SpJa'S J M 9 c 5 .5 •- 2 dQ8 3 |g3i3 * a.S ^ ° u ca o 3 c -£ j •n AS. .i w « « -2 c £ E*-3 -C "5 ,5 S« § c EDITORS' TABLE 357 Encouraging Success in East Washington President W. D. Morril, writing from Spokane, Washington, August 5, states that Washington conference of the Northwestern states the East mission held a conference May 15 and 16. At this conference reports from the elders showed encouraging success in their labors. They all bore strong testimonies of the truthfulness of the gospel and feel that the work in that part of the vineyard is gaining steadily. New branches are springing up as a result erf fruitful labors. Elders standing left to right: W. H. Holt, A. R. Varson, L. S Pexton. H. M. McBride, President W. D. Morrill, V. S. Tanner, L. C. Hamy, Eva Osborn, E. G. Whitaker, Emma Larson, E. G. Despain, W. S. Nelson, R. O. Whitehead. Front row: L. S. Kirk, D. S. Bennion; Mission President H. C. Iverson. V. V. Vanburen, F. S. Starkey, E. G. Luke. Salt Lake City a Pattern Through the courtesy of Elder James Gunn McKay, president of the London conference, England, the Era is in receipt of the September number of London, an illustrated magazine published in the great metropolis of Great Britain. The issue received contains special articles on a variety of subjects, a liberal amount of high class fiction, and a comic section, all enclosed in a very handsome cover. Among the special articles we notice one on Salt Lake City, by Harold J. Shepstone, F. R. G. S., under the somewhat striking caption, "The City of Mystery." It is a well written description, profusely illustrated, and will, no doubt, prove an eye-opener to many of the readers of the magazine. The writer dwells particularly on the world-famous Church edifices, the wide, parked streets, with cooling streams and sparkling fountains, and the beautiful, comfortable homes of the people. He gives, to the people here, the flattering information that "the Inter-Allied Housing and Town Planning Congress, which has considered plans and photographs supplied by corporations from all over the world are unanimous in their praise 358 IMPROVEMENT ERA of Salt Lake City's residences." French architects, he says, have asked to be supplied with full and complete plans of the dwellings, and have announced their intention of incorporating many of these desirable features in their new houses. It is a splendid article that will be productive of good wherever it goes. Many Strangers Hear Elder Orson F. Whitney "The work in the East Iowa Conference is prospering. Many who heretofore accepted us with indifference are now becoming interested in our message. We feel that as an organized body of workers we are greatly favored of the Lord. Wednesday night, Nov. 17, Elder Orson F. Whitney, of the Council of the Twelve, and President Winslow Farr Smith, of the Northern States mission, met with us in public meeting at Davenport. Many strangers were present who manifested much interest in the powerful discourses delivered. We find that circulating the Era among our friends produces much good and helps us greatly in creating interest." Fred Openshaw, President East Iowa Conference. Top row: Owen Romney, Darius M. Syme, Hyrum T. Brown, James H. Steel, Wilford W. Jones. Third row: Donald Schmuts, Orson P. Davis, Ianthus Wright, Milton E. Steed, Orien Schow. Second row: Horace N. Lee, Fred Openshaw, Elizabeth Berg, Winslow F. Smith Carlos D. Miller, Frank Hicks. Front row: Delmar D. Dean, Ernest M. Brown, Aaron B. Dial, Richard Morrison, Raymond Parkin. An Answer to Prayer "Ask and ye shall receive." This promise has aided many a missionary in time of need, and such was the case recently when a humble prayer was miraculously answered. The writer had made friends with J. R. Ritchie, publicity manager for Avery and Company, a large scale manufacturing concern. In company with Mr. Ritchie, I attended a meeting of the debating society held in the Grand Hotel, Birmingham. It was what is termed a "sharp-practice" night, when each gentleman is called upon to speak on a certain subject drawn EDITORS' TABLE 359 from a hat. I was impressed to write as my subject, "What do you think of the 'Mormons'?" At the same time I offered up a silent prayer that Mr. Ritchie might get this topic to speak on. The session began with the chairman mixing up the names of the speakers in one hat, and the subjects in another. My name was drawn first and the subject was a blank, which meant I would not be expected to speak, unless someone else gave me his time. Luckily or unluckily, as the case may be, a gentleman was asked to talk on, "Should enemy countries be admitted to the League of Nations?" He was puzzled and threw the speech on my shoulders. Praying silently for assistance, I took the floor. A silence fell as the next subject, "What do you think of the 'Mormons'?" was drawn from the hat. Mr. Ritchie's name was drawn from the hat, and this gentleman, who had made a truthful study of the question, rose to answer it. An eloquent address was given, short but to the point, with facts and sound arguments. "I want to tell you," he said, "we have done these people a grave injustice. Till a short time ago I believed as you do concerning this sect. Why? Because I believed all I read or heard, and this taught me a lesson, 'judge not lest ye be judged.' The fruits of 'Mormonism' speak for themselves." The applause was tremendous, and at the close of the meeting everyone shook hands with the "Mormon," who was invited to come again. But the greatest testimony had come to Mr. Ritchie himself, who before this time had professed to be an atheist. He had heard my prayer and turning to me he said, "Well, old chap, if there's a God, he was certainly with you tonight, and hereafter I am going to be careful how I speak, for seeing is believing."— Harold H. Jenson, Dec. 25, 1920, Birmingham, England. "A Weeping Meet" Elder R. H. Manning, laboring in Gisborne, New Zealand, sends this picture of the elders laboring on the east coast of New Zealand: Front row, left to right: J. I. Smith, E. A. Ottley, who are laboring among the natives. Back row, left to right: H. J. Hymas and R. H. Manning, who are laboring among the Europeans in the city of Gisborne. He writes: "Recently we attended a 'Tangi' or weeping 'meet,' some 20 miles from Gisborne, held over the remains of one of the Saints from that place. These 'Tangis' continue for weeks, during which time, the rel- 360 IMPROVEMENT ERA atives and friends come from far and near to weep for the departed. These gatherings, therefore, afford an excellent opportunity for us to hold meetings and explain the principles of the gospel. We stayed two days at Muriwai and hebl six meetings and had many good conversations. Th<» people there treated us very well. The elders and saints in Gishorne are working hard to raise funds for the erection of a chapel which has heen a long-felt need. Every issue of the Era is looked forward to with great expectation as a source of great help and encouragement to us all." f %. ? Hi % '" t A % r | *^ .%; # -«^ Missionaries of New South Wales, Australia ElJers in photo, left to right, standing: H. C. DeWitt, J. N. Hansen. Leslie Wither, John Woodford, Hilton Reid, A. G. B. Denton. Sitting: Geo. Nancarrow, John Wither; Conference President, A. N. Tolman; mission secretary, L. W. Budge; Wm. G. Perigo, Sidney Denton, in front, Freddie Orrock. The following brethren were unable to meet with us when the photo was taken: Peter Brady, Bernt Jacobsen, Wm. H. Orrick, Alfred E. Bundy, and Charlie Bundie. In Front with Subscriptions The agent of the Improvement Era of Cardston, second ward, Alberta. Canada has made a splendid showing in that ward for the Improvement Era. Thirty-two subscriptions is the allotted number to obtain, as five percent of the ward population. Yet, up to December 29, Robert Savage, the agent for the Era in that ward, had obtained and sent in from that ward sixty-nine subscriptions all paid. Wecongratulate Brother Savage and trust that the labors he has performed will result in good to those who have subscribed as well as to the cause in general. Montpelier Subscriptions The Second ward, Montpelier, Idaho, have a live agent for the Era — Ernest Sommers. He succeeded in obtaining 47 subscribers for the Era which was five per cent of the Church population of his ward, and then easily added enough to make one hundred and four subscribers, eighty-six out of which number have paid in advance. We congratulate the agent and commend him as an excellent example to others, in wards particularly where the Era has had very little, if any, attention. Teacher-Training Guides The following circular was sent to the stake superintendents of the Y. M. M. I. A. of each stake, in October, by the General Secretary, rccompanying the pamphlets nsmed, which were sent under separate cover. If any presidents of the ward organizations have failed to receive them, stake superintendents should be notified of the fact: Dear Brother: Your attention is called to a package of "Teacher- Training Guides" to the proceedings of each auxiliary organization, giving the nature of the teacher-training work in each of the four weekly meetings that are held monthly in the wards of your stake where teacher-training classes are organized. It is expected that there shall be held regularly, in every ward, a series of weekly meetings devoted to teacher-tiaining. The information in the "Guide" will enable you to grasp the importance of having a teacher-training class in every ward of your stake, and we urge you to aid the bishop in seeing that each ward has such a class, and that the officers and class-leaders of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations are regular and enthusiastic in their attendance at such teacher-training classes. The circular contains instructions in detail regarding the nature of the work in each meeting, and the order of exercises to be followed. Kindly distribute the circulars four to each ward in your stake, and one each to the officers of your stake board. Emphasizing the importance of this movement, we trust that your enthusiastic co-operation will be given in the matter. Text for Teacher-Training The following circular was sent out by General Secretary Moroni Snow, by order of the General Board Y. M. M. I. A. in December last: Stake Superintendents and Ward Presidents, Y. M. M. I. A. Dear Brethren: Your attention is called to the new textbook for the teacher-training course, entitled Fundamental Problems in Teaching Religion. This book is now ready for delivery, and may be obtained at the Deseret Book Company, at 50c per copy, paper bound. You have received a pamphlet on teacher-training, containing the scheme of meeting weeklv for each auxiliary organization of the Church, teachers including the Y. M. M. I. A. You are urged to see that all the 362 IMPROVEMENT ERA and officers of our organization shall become weekly attendants at the ward teacher-training classes, under the scheme suggested in the pamphlet referred to, and which has heretofore been distributed to our officers. The teacher-training class is under tutelage of a chosen teacher-trainer who has been selected under the direction of the bishop of the ward, and the class is one in which not only the priesthood, but the teachers and officers of our auxiliary organizations are interested. Your teachers, leaders,and officers are urged to attend these meetings so that they may be prepared efficiently to present the lessons of our manuals to the members of our organization. For a review of the new textbook, Fundamental Problems in Teaching Religion, you are referred to page 265 of the Improvement Era for January, 1921, in which you will find the chapter headings which will give you an idea of the contents of this splendid work. I trust that you will do your part, not only in seeing that a teachertraining class is made a success in each ward, but that all the officers, as well as the teachers of the various departments of the Y. M. M. I. A. are in attendance. List of Y. M. M. I. A. Manuals 1891 "Theology— The Gospel." "History—The Old Testament." — "Church History The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times." "Book of Mormon — Nephitic Dispensation." "Civil Government." Part Two on these subjects was continued until 1897. 1897-8 "The Life of Jesus." 1898-9 "The Apostolic Age." 1899-1900 "The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times." Part 1. 1805- 1839. 1900-1 "The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times," Part 1, 1805- 1838-1846. 1901-2 "Principles of the GospeL" Part 1. 1902-3 "Principles of the Gospel," Part 2. 1903-4 "New Witnesses for God— Book of Mormon," Part 1. 1904-5 "The Book of Mormon," Part 2. 1905-6 "The Book of Mormon " Part 3. 1906-7 — "Modern Revelation The History and Mission of the Doc- trine and Covenants." 1907-8 — "Spiritual Growth Lessons on Practical Religion." 1908-9 — "Science and the Gospel Joseph Smith as Scientist." 1909-10 "The Making of the Man." 1910-11 "The Making of a Citizen," Part 1, Lessons on Economics. 1911-12 "The Making of a Citizen," Part 2, Problems in Economics, Agriculture and Public Finance. 1912-13 "The Individual and Society." 1913-14 "Man in Relation to his Work." 1914-15 "Vocations of Man." 1915-16 "Conditions of Success." 1916-17 "The Church as an Organization for Social Service." 1917-18 "Life and Work under Spiritual Guidance." 1918-19-20 "Some Epoch-making Events in Church History." 1920-21 — "Science and the Gospel Joseph Smith as Scientist." There were also Junior manuals which included, "Life of Christ," — "The Apostolic Age," "Ancient Prophets A Study of the Old Testament," "Characters from Ancient History," "Lessons in Church History Stated in