Editors’ Table

#i iUll |V Enforce the Cigarette Law Violators of the anti-cigarette law in Salt Lake City are reported to have received, recently, a warning from the Chief of Police that the illegal sale of cigarettes must cease. Many such violations have been called to the attention of the author- ities by various organizations. The local Social Welfare League, with Dean Milton Bennion, of the University of Utah, as president, has instituted an active educational campaign to counteract the tendency to show contempt for law, which has arisen from the violation of the anti-cigarette act. The growing tendency to disregard law is a vital question. All loyal citizens have a duty to perform, in adding their influence to put a stop to the leaning in this direction. The peace officers often voice the sentiment that the public is not behind the law. This is not true, if we take for evidence the expression of the public before the law was passed. We believe the great majority of Utah citi- zens are against the cigarette, and for the law. Let us show how we stand by expressing our sentiments through petitions to the officers and by resolutions in public gatherings, speeches, and in public and private declarations asking to have the law enforced. Some organizations have already done so. Tell them you are with them, and give them your aid for the enforcement of the law. The General Board Y. M. M. I. A. have unitedly declared themselves as follows, let the M. I. A. organizations throughout the state pass similar resolutions: At the June convention, 1920, the M. I. Associations adopted as their slogan, "We stand for the non-use and non-sale of to- bacco." The Fourteenth Session of the Legislature of the State of Utah placed upon our statute books the anti-cigarette law. This law in many places is being flagrantly violated, and the big question now before us, with reference to it, is, "What are we going to do about it?" One of our articles of faith contains this provision, "We believe in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." Our slogan for this year is, "We stand for loyal citizenship." The principle involved in the article of faith and the slogan are sufficiently broad to form a suitable platform upon which all

EDITORS' TABLE 165 loyal citizens can stand. With such a splendid platform, should we falter for one moment in doing everything in reason, with- in our power, to give effect to such a law? The law is now the law of every citizen of the state, and is entitled to the support of every citizen of the state, irrespec- tive of what his personal views may be with reference to it. It is the bounden duty of every officer of the state, county, city, and town, to see that the law is obeyed and enforced. We recommend that the officers of our associations im- mediately take up the matter of the enforcement of this law, and work out ways and means of bringing about its enforcement. To accomplish this purpose better, we suggest that a committee be appointed in each stake and ward to follow up the matter, during this season, that they enlist the support of the other auxiliary organizations of the Church as well as other organiza- tions that may be interested, and that they take that matter up with city commissioners, mayors of towns and cities, city and county attorneys, police officers, and sheriffs, with a view of interesting them in, and assisting them with, the enforcement of the law. If the officers, whose duty it is to enforce the law, show no, or little, interest, stir up a strong public sentiment in favor of the enforcement of the law by means of public meetings, petitions, publicity in the press, and the use of large delega- tions to the proper authorities, and such other definite methods as may be deemed wise by the association. Chairmen of all stake committees will please forward their names at once to John F. Bowman, care of Y. M. M. I. A., 47 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah. President Heber J. Grant stated recently before a public assembly in Ogden, "I have seen men of high standing in this state smoking in places where this practice is prohibited by law, and yet these men would be indignant if they were called lawbreakers." — A. The Influence of Reading Matter In much of the printed matter which is largely read by our young people, there appears to be a subtle influence which men- aces their faith in God's great Latter-day work. It is undoubted- ly true that what young people read goes far toward forming their character, for on their plastic young minds are indelibly stamped, for good or for ill, the impressions from the printed

166 IMPROVEMENT ERA page. It is a duty, therefore, of all who have young people in charge, to see to it that, as far as possible, nothing but the best books and reading matter that can be procured shall be placed in the hands of the young. Of course, the standard Church works should be read; but the fact is that many of the young people confine their reading largely to works of fiction. It seems natural that the story should attract more than the didactic forms of literature. But what are these fiction books, seeking admission into the homes of the Latter-day Saints? The best of them often have suggestions and ideals not in harmony with the faith and conceptions of Latter- day Saints; and through subtle influence these false suggestions and ideals leave their imprint on the reader. For example, here is a story, artistic in the delineation of character, generally high in moral tone, but literally steeped in tobacco. The charming heroine sits on the knee of the brave hero, and lovingly lights his pipe for him. Another story, by one of our best American writers, tells of the central figure, a good, kind, noble old man who, every evening after supper, complacently smokes his pipe and occasionally takes a thimble- ful of whiskey. In many a modern novel the sin of unchastity is mildly called the "sowing of wild oats," especially if the man is guilty of the "indiscretion." Frequently wilful, persistent breakers of the moral law are eventually glorified by the do- ing of some noble deed. In these stories so-called love, which is mostly a perversion of real love, overrides the barriers of faith which the Latter-day Saints are taught to believe as real, and the believer and the unbeliever are yoked together to the satisfaction and happiness of all concerned. Even in the stories furnished to our primary school children, we have pictured the first men living in trees, and later in the caves of the earth. In our high schools and universities it is no uncommon thing to find the texts teaching that man has come up from the slime of the ocean bed ! All this is doubly dangerous because it is classed as good literature, and as such, finds its way into our schools and homes. What can be done to avert, or at least lessen, the danger? First, a careful supervision should be given to the selection of books placed in the hands of our children. Certainly, books and magazines published outside of the Church can not be barred, but the best only should be permitted in the home, and in the hands of the children. Then, and this we think is the vitally importat thing — our home literature should be more freely pa- tronized and read. Thousands of our homes are without any of our Church magazines. Five of the auxiliaries publish maga- zines which contain carefully selected stories and other articles

EDITORS' TABLE 167 of interest. At least, these should have the first chance with our young people, to implant the lessons of truth in their minds. The literature of the Latter-day Saints may not have the polish of the world, but it carries with it a spirit and influence for chastity, virtue, and righteous living, which is of more worth than mere polish. It may be crude at times, but it is distinc- tive, and ofttimes rugged, in strength of the everlasting gospel restored in these days for the salvation of the human race. Let us give it a fair chance to fulfil its mission. — Let us provide it for our reading tables. — A. Evidence of a Name Editor Improvement Era: Dear Brother: In the November number of The Para- dise of the Pacific, a monthly magazine published in Honolulu, Hawaii, there appears the statement that "The ancient name for Diamond Head was Leahi." It will be recognized readily that the English pronuncia- tion of the word "Leahi" would naturally be Lehi. A word spelled "Leahi" would be pronounced by a Hawaiian as if it where written Lay-ah-he. Anyway, it seems to me that this ancient name, for the prominent volcanic mountain that is close to the city of Hono- lulu, might well be considered another link in the increasing chain of evidence that the Hawaiians are descendants of the Patriarch Lehi who, with his family, came from Jerusalem to the American continent, as related in the Book of Mormon. Incidentally, also, the designation by the name "Leahi" of such a conspicuous mountain in Hawaii, thus named by descend- ants of the progenitor of the Hawaiian race, constitutes an addition to the innumerable evidences of the authenticity of that record of the ancient inhabitants of the Western hemis- phere.* Yours very truly, D. M. McAllister. President Grant's Conference Sermon This was promised to appear in the December number of the Era, but owing to unavoidable conditions its publication has been delayed, and it will appear in full in the next number of the Era. *For the origin and meaning of the name Lehi (Hebrew, Lechi), see Judges 15:9-20.

168 IMPROVEMENT ERA Books Essentials in Church History, by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, a one-volume history of the Church, including essential doctrines to which the Priesthood quorums' attention is respectfully called. This book will be used for the study of the Mel- chizedek priesthood and the priests. It contains such information on history and doctrine as should be understood by every Latter-day Saint — condensed in one volume for convenient use and reference, and containing the essentials in history, priesthood, authority, and the development of the leading doctrines of this dispensation, temple work, etc. Ready by Janu- ary 1. Price $1.50 postpaid. "Wee Rhymes for Wee Kiddies," is the title of the Child's book published by the Child Lore Publishing Company of Salt Lake City. The book is entirely a home-made production and contains many of the little child nursery rhymes that will please the "kiddies," and yet is free from the exaggeration and tragedies so freely used in some of the old time nursery stories. Here is one for example: SPOTTY Spotty, Spotty, he's my pig Never will grow very big. Yesterday he ate my hat And seemed to feel quite well at that. His tail it is a weather vane, And curls up when it's going to rain. Another : PUSSY-CAT Pussy-cat, Pussy-cat, where are you going? Down by the river where cat-tails are growing: Will they be black, or will they be brown? All soft and silky and covered with down. The whole book is Utah made, in beautifully colored illustrations, texts, printing, and general make-up. The verses are by Leona Taylor and the illustrations by Edna Taylor, two Utah Girls. Messages from the Missions Progress of the Church in Sheffield, England Elder Dan C. Smedley reports from Sheffield, England, August 15: "This picture is of the missionaries of the Sheffield Conference, along with several of the local brethren, all of whom are working earnestly for the spread of the gospel in this part of the Lord's vineyard. "Since the beginning of the war, in 1914, until August, 1920, this Con- ference suffered from the lack of elders, but through the able efforts of the local brethren, it has been kept intact and in fair condition for the in- coming elders now arriving from Zion. The first elder from Utah, after the war, arrived August 17, 1920. Today we have eight elders from Zion. During this year of reconstruction much time has been spent in locating lost Saints and investigators, and to this work we have added a regular amount of missionary labor; 2,420 hours of trading has been done; 78,657 tracts have been delivered to 39,328 homes; and a large number of books have been sold, and meetings held. But figures cannot show the real work which has been done, nor the large amount of prejudice that has been allayed. The work is not lagging here, and the future looks very prom-

EDITORS' TABLE 169 ising. Persecution has become practically a thing of the past. The reason is that there is a broader experience and contact, due to the war con- ditions, and the rise of a new system of free thought, carrying with it the tendency on the part of the individual to assert his rights and privileges which have long been oppressed. Many other features have aided in bring- ing about the passing of the persecution. We anticipate a future of suc- cess, when the knowledge of our message will make friends of all men." Top row, left to right: Clarence L. Giles, Salt Lake City; "William L. Wyatt, Wellsville; Homer Taylor, Marysvale; Alvin G. Lovell, Oak City. Second row, Harry Smith, Sheffield; Samuel Gratton, Woodhouse; William S. Erickson; Louisville; Herbert Stagg, Sheffield; Ervin Rawlings, Preston, Idaho. Bottom row, Oliver Shaw, Sheffield; Leigh W. Clark, Mesa, Arizona; President Dan C. Smedley, Bountiful; Joseph Hamstead, Rawmarch; George Bailey, Sheffield; Joseph F. Quinney, Rotherham. The Young Life Campaign. We are pleased to enclose a snap shot of the elders of the Nottingham conference, England. Recently our working force has been increased from six to ten missionaries, and seeing there are upwards to three million of souls in this conference it is none too many for the work;* in fact, more could well be employed in teaching the gospel. We find lamentable ig- norance so far as religion is concerned — no thought and no hope for the future, with a majority of those to whom we speak. A great effort is now in full swing in the city of Nottingham at reviving religion in the hearts and lives of the young, by a united effort of all the churches (except the Roman Catholics) at a revival called, "The Young Life Campaign," conducted by two young Irishmen, the Brothers Wood. In one of these meetings we visited there were three thousand present. The meeting started at 6:45 p. m. and lasted two hours and a half; two hours were occupied in singing hymns, solos, duets, and choruses; an address of twenty minutes following, on "Nothing." As far as one was able to judge, it could

170 IMPROVEMENT ERA but mean nothing to those who heard it. No principles or ordinances of the gospel, no doctrine, and no guidance either for this life or the next state was mentioned. These two young men are fully booked up, for a long time to come, in the various cities and towns of England, Scotland and Ireland. Our work in this conference is progressing slowly but satisfacto- rily; nine have recently been baptized, and there are more to follow. In some of the branches there are a greater number attending than at any time in their history, many investigators being in regular attendance. We regret that one of our elders, J. Howard Valentine, was ill at the time our snap was taken. "Elders left to right: John W. Robinson, Beaver City; John M. Toolson, Smithfield; President Harold E. Brough, Randolph; A. Walter Stevenson, Ogden; William Hunt, Plain City; Chas. Hy. Last, Lewiston; Abraham Noble, Clerk, Ogden; Julia T. Noble, Ogden; Annie E. Noble, Ogden, Utah. — Harold E. Brough, President. Baptisms at the Joseph Smith Farm. General Superintendent George Albert Smith, of the Y. M. M. I. "A., has recently received from Heber C. Smith, a letter in which it is stated that the most successful fair ever held in Wayne county was held in the latter part of September at Palmyra, New York. The Joseph Smith Farm carried off 38 premiums, divided as follows: poultry, 23; sheep' 2; fruit, 5; the balance, corn and other products. At the fair there were 23,000 paid admissions on Saturday, September 24. The Joseph Smith Farm had a wonderful selection of poultry, which took 16 first and 7 second prizes in an exhibit numbering 24 birds. At the farm there have been 3 baptisms recently, and 5 were ready for baptism on the first of October.

EDITORS' TABLE A Book of Real Merit. 171 Elders laboring in the Auckland conference and mission office of the New Zealand mission are as follows: Cut B: (back row): H. Dean Hall; W. Lowell Castleton (office) ; Graham H. Doxey (incoming mission secre- tary); F. "W. Schwendiman (outgoing mission secretary); F. L. Crockett; I. S. Merrill (office) Front: A. M. McFarland; Joseph Anderson, con- ference president. "We have a fully organized Sunday School, Mutual Top, Cut B; bottom, Cut C. Improvement Association, and Relief Society. By taking up ' Joseph Smith as Scientist, as the course of study in Mutual, we have had a number of investigators out to our meetings who have become very much interested, and very excellent meetings are held. This book has been pronounced by some of our severest critics as an exceptionally well written book, and one of real merit. As for the, Erd we appreciate this wonderful publication more than any others, I believe. With us it is invaluable; and it is with great eagerness and satisfaction that we devour its contents each month, and then pass it and its truths and beautiful stories on to our

172 IMPROVEMENT ERA friends, both investigators and Saints." — Graham H. Doxey, Mission Secre- tary, Sept. 30, 1921. Wellington Conference Recently Opened. "Elders laboring in the Wellington conference of the New Zealand mission, Cut C: left to right — back row: Ralph V. Baird; Gerald F. Hea- ton; James A. Rawson. Front row: Warren Tonks; Graham. H. Doxey; Carlos W. Clark. The Wellington conference has just recently been opened up. There has been no work in Wellington for some years. Although it is the capital city of New Zealand with a population of about 90,000, it has been in a general way unfruitful, in the past, as far as converts to the Church are concerned. We are pressing, the trading work, and encouraging the few Saints here, and bearing our testimony to every one that will listen to us. Wellington has a rather noted harbor, con- sidered among the best. But the city itself, due to physical conditions, is poorly arranged, the streets following the trails made by sheep around the hills which rose up from the bay in pre-city days. The people generally are running madly in pursuit of pleasure, and have little time for serious thought. Many are now in such a position that they even profess a disbelief in God. We are very glad to receive the Era, and get a great deal of encouragement and enlightenment from reading it." Fortytfive Baptisms in West Pennsylvania. Back row — left to right — Jos. H. Monson, Myron 0. Boyer, Edward R. Partridge, Frank J. Lundell, William E. Sainsbury. Second row — William J. Brookbush, Alva C. Doney, Leon W. Reynolds, J Golden Snow, D. Ross Pugmire, Sidney Wright. Front row — Sisters Josephine Johnson and Barbara Steiner; Philip W. Bott, president of the West Pennsylvania Conference; George W. McCune, president of the Eastern States Mission; Sisters Rhoda C. Rasmussen and Grace Roberts. The work is progress- ing nicely. We are pleased to report forty-five baptisms thus far this Missionaries of the West Pennsylvania Conference — Eastern States Mission.

EDITORS' TABLE 173 year. More are expected in the near future. Prest. Philip W. Bott and Elder J. Golden Snow, after a tour of the conference, found it in good condition. We have met with much success during the summer in our street meetings. We feel that the gospel has in this way reached a great many who would not have heard it otherwise. — Philip W. Bott, Oct. 15, 1921. g$| T £ julfe? Br ' Uj HVjII L, I, W|g& > gj • JtLf WfgJjf te< Top: — Victorious Team, M. I. A. Girls from Korongata, Hawkes Bay District, New Zealand, Below: — M. I. A. Girls of D^ennevirke, New Zealand. Beautiful in Defeat as in Victory. Elder David O. McKay, on board the steamship Marcella, September 8, 1921, sends the Era these two groups of M. I. A. Maori maidens who tried conclusions at hockey on the Maori Agricultural College campus, during his visit to the Hawkes Bay district. "They are a vivacious crowd of girls, who exemplify in their games, as well as in their labors, the true spirit of the M. I. A. Some of these girls are married women, each of whom is the happy mother of several children,"