Editors’ Table

fLLUMitr Ninetieth Anniversary of Prest. Charles W. Penrose President Charles W- Penrose, missionary, editor, author, legislator, and Church executive, was born February 4, 1832, in London, England. He was baptized May 14, 1850; shortly thereafter ordained a deacon; on January 6, 1851, an elder, and immediately sent on a mission to preach the Gospel, in which work he spent ten years in his native land- Emigrating to Utah he settled in Farmington. Here he was ordained a seventy and one of the presidents of the 56th quorum. In the fall of 1864 the family moved to Logan, and President Penrose was called on a mission to England the following spring. His well-known poem, "O, ye mountains high," was written (1854) before his ar- rival in Utah, in 1861, and on this, his second mission, having seen America and learned the circumstances of the people "where the clear blue sky arches over the vales of the free," he was enabled to compare to some extent, as in the following poem, "Oh, England! My Country!" the conditions then prevailing in England and in America. While laboring in Lancashire, in 1866, as an ordinary missionary, he wrote the poem to the tune of "Erin Go Bragh." It is a comparison favorable to the land of the Saints, which thousands throughout western America will enjoy reading today, after the lapse of more than half a century since it was first published: OH, ENGLAND! MY COUNTRY! Tune — "Erin go Bragh" Oh, England! my country, I thought thee the fairest And happiest land on this life-teeming earth, I gazed with delight on thy world-famed old banner, And hailed thee with pride as the land of my birth. But that was in youth, when the chords of my spirit Were tuned to thy praise by no hand but thine own, But the voice of past years, with the scenes they have painted Have broken the spell that around me was thrown. Oh, England! I view thee with eyes disenchanted; The spots on the face of thy beauty I see, And I hear, far above the shrill noise of thy boasting, The cry of oppressed ones who pant to be free. The wail of the starving, who beg but for labor, Comes loudly and mournfully, pleading in vain, And the pestilent holes where the poor herd together, Their million-voiced murmurs unite in the strain.

PRESIDENT CHARLES W. PENROSE, WHO CELEBRATES HIS 90th ANNIVERSARY THIS MONTH He was born February 4, 1832, in London, England; joined the Church, May 14, 1850; served as a missionary in England for ten yews% and came to Utah in 1861. Oh, England! thy glory and might are departing, The world feels no fear at the sound of thy name, Thy rulers and statesmen are smitten with folly, And scheme but to cover each other with shame. The beauties and spirit of faith and devotion, That hallowed thy worship and softened thy pride, Are perished and gone, with the value of virtue, And naught but their names in thy churches abide.

356 IMPROVEMENT ERA I turn with disgust from the breath of corruption, That covers thee o'er, like the fog of thy shores, And my heart reaches out to my home in the mountains, To Utah, the land which my spirit adores!- Where virtue doth flourish, and purity blossom, The odors of Paradise shedding around, Where poverty lives not, and bondage is banished, And toilers are rich with the fruits of the ground. Where all men are brothers, in unity striving To conquer the evils that fetter the soul; To live for mankind, to enlighten their darkness, And free the whole world from oppression's control. Where righteous men govern, where Zion is rising, To spread forth her glory to every shore. 'Tis the rest of the Saints, and my home of adoption, Oh, England! I'll call thee my country no more! Notwithstanding his ten years of former missionary experi- ence in that mission, he was sent into the field, but was soon called to preside over the Essex conference, then over the Lon- don conference, in both of which places he succeeded in con- verting many people to the gospel. He was later called by President Franklin D. Richards to labor on the Millennial Star, still in circulation — the oldest living publication in the Church, whose pages have been adorned for more than eighty years with the thoughts and ideas of the leading writers of the Church from Parley P. Pratt to Orson F- Whitney. Needless to say that during his incumbency, at this time and later, his writings persistently pointed the way to salvation through the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Prophet Joseph Smith. After three and one-half years absence he returned home, and was appointed a home missionary and a member of the High Council in Cache Valley. When President Franklin D. Richards established the Ogden Junction, in January, 1870, Pres- ident Penrose was called to aid in the work, and became the editor of this lively, semi-weekly paper, which soon afterwards became an influential daily, in the Weber stake of Zion. He was ordained a high counselor, acted as home missionary, was elected to the legislature from Weber county, and served seven years as a member of the City Council, during all of which time his voice and pen were among the leading influences directing the development of the city and county. President Brigham Young called him to assist in the edi- torial department of the Deseret News, in 1877, and three years thereafter, September 4, 1880, he was appointed editor-in-chief, making the paper a wonderful power in the affairs of the state. He became a member of the legislature of Salt Lake county, in 1879, and was re-elected in 1882. He labored as a home mis- sionary in the Salt Lake stake, and on August 2, 1884, was chosen 2nd counselor in the stake presidency. In January,

EDITORS' TABLE 357 1885, he went on a brief mission to the states, and from there was called on his second mission to Europe. He labored dur- ing that mission in nearly every part of the British Isles, pre- siding over the London conference, and, in company with Presi- dent Daniel H. Wells, visited the continent, calling at Den- mark, Sweden, Norway, Germany and Switzerland. Again his pungent pen enlivened the Millennial Star, and many persons were led into the Church through his missionary efforts. On arriving home he took up his work again on the Deseret News to which he had contributed many articles during his absence, and continued actively as an editor, writer, a home missionary, and a staunch defender of the faith for years. On October 1, 1892, he had become connected with the Salt Lake Herald; and became its editor-in-chief in 1893, serving un- til the fall of 1895, when he was appointed to labor in the Church Historian's Office. He became assistant Church His- torian in April, 1896, continuing until July, 1904, and it was while laboring here that he wrote Rays of Living Light, since circulated by the hundred thousands. On January 1, 1899, he again became editor of the Deseret News, continuing until De- cember, 1906. On June 30, 1904, he became a member of the Church Board of Education, filling the vacancy caused through the demise of Honorable James Sharp; and on the 7th day of July, he was unanimously chosen to fill the vacancy in the council of the apostles, occasioned by the death of Abraham O. Woodruff, and was set apart as one of the Twelve under the hands of the First Presidency and the apostles present, Presi- dent Joseph F. Smith officiating. His calling to this position was accepted by the people as a recognition of ability, faith, and undeviating devotion to the Church — a well merited reward that met with hearty approval of the Saints the world over. In 1906, he was called on another mission to Europe to suc- ceed President Heber J. Grant in the presidency of the European mission. He took charge of the mission, December 1, 1906, and from that time until his arrival in Salt Lake City, June 11, 1910, was actively engaged in writing, preaching, teaching, and travel- ing, in nearly all the countries of Europe. Space will not permit us to enter into the details of his masterful missionary labors; his popular and clear-cut writings on the first principles of the gospel; his visit to the East when he took a leading part in Washington, during the administration of Grover Cleveland, for the admission of Utah to Statehood; not to mention a list of his many doctrinal writings and editori- als; nor his labors in the legislature of the state, where he was always at the front with ideas and progressive thoughts for the welfare of the people, economically, politically and otherwise.

358 IMPROVEMENT ERA He took special and active part in advocating the franchise for the women of the state. He was chosen by President Joseph F. Smith, in 1911, an his second counselor, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of President John Henry Smith; and again to act as second counse- lor to President Heber J. Grant, in 1918; and on March 10, 1921, as first counselor to President Heber J. Grant, on the death of President Anthon H. Lund, in which position his influence has been strongly felt for the advancement and blessing of the people. He is one of the truly great men of this day and generation — one of the few leaders in the realm of genius and intelligence, of whom men and women yet unborn will say, in years to come : "There were giants in the earth in those days." As a poet his songs have been an inspiration to the Saints to courage in the presence of foes; to endurance in the midst of trials, and to devotion and praise in the worship of God. As a public speaker he stands among the foremost expounders of the doctrines of the gospel. As a writer for newspapers and magazines, his mighty pen has proved a bulwark of defense and a tower of strength to the Church. In the councils of his brethren he has always been, as he still is, a wise counselor, a beloved guide, a faithful leader. As a Latter-day Saint, he stands, in the language of the Apostle Paul — an adornment of "the doctrine of Qod our Savior in all things" (Titus 2:10). One who has had the privilege of somewhat close association with him in newspaper work in years gone by said recently: "He is barely twenty years ahead of me in age, but centuries in achievement." Innumerable Latter-day Saints and friends will heartily join with the editors of the Improvement Era, and all connected with them, on this his 90th anniversary, in wishing him joy, happi- ness, health, and prosperity, and as many more years of useful ness as his big, warm heart, may desire, with each succeeding year brimful and overflowing with the rich blessings of the Lord. — A. A Deserved Honor In the early part of December, 1921, Dr. John A. Widtsoe was officially informed of his election as a member of the Vic- toria Institute, known as the Philosphical Society of Great Britain. This is an additional and well deserved honor con- ferred upon Dr. Widtsoe, former President of the University of Utah. That learned body of international fame and influence is unique in certain conditions attaching to membership. Among

EDITORS' TABLE 359 them, as appears from their constitution is the restriction that "only such as are professedly Christians are entitled to become members." Of course, high and recognized ability in science, philosophy and letters is required of those who are chosen as members of this learned body. But all these scholastic at- tainments are insufficient if the applicant is not a thorough Christian in belief, profession and practice. This appears from one of its objects as specified in its official pulication: "To in- vestigate fully and impartially the most important questions of philosophy and science, but more especially those that bear upon the great truths revealed in Holy Scripture; with the view of reconciling any apparent discrepancies between Christianity and science." Furthermore, it appears that other objects are: "To examine and discuss all supposed scientific results with reference to final causes, and the more comprehensive and fun- damental principles of philosophy proper, based upon faith in the existence of one Eternal God, who, in His wisdom, created all things very good-" Dr. James E. Talmage was the first life member of the Institute from Utah, and his membership dates from 1899. He has participated in the proceedings of the Institute in past years at its headquarters in London, and Dr. Widtsoe is now the second Utah scientist to be honored with membership in this august body. The Lord Chancellor of England is the President of the Victoria Institute, and the reigning sovereign of Great Britain has been for many years its patron and honorary president. It may here be remarked that while some very thoughtless people have shown their ignorance by declaring that the Latter- day Saints are not Christians, this great Victoria Institute has welcomed to its rank these two men of prominence among our people, and let it be understood that all, save those of Christian belief, are debarred. It thus happens that two apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ have received place in this august body of specifically Christian profession and character, and we feel that in honoring such men the great Victoria Institute or Philosophi- cal Society of Great Britain is reaping honor for itself. We congratulate Dr. Widtsoe upon his new appointment. Support the Law There are a great many men, we should judge from casual observance in mingling with the community, who have not yet learned to obey the law against smoking in public places. These same men would feel very much hurt, some of them, if they were told that they were breakers of the law and instigators of dis- order and anarchy. They seem to think that a law which inter-

360 IMPROVEMENT ERA feres with their actions is not as valid as any other law which interferes with the illegal actions of other men. They scarcely stop to consider how very dangerous such an attitude becomes for the welfare of the community. All others who break any law take the same liberty, from their example, and argue that if a business man can break the law without being punished for it, all may do so. The result is that there is a great contempt for law and order which is a menace to the stability and well- being of the community. If it is illegal to smoke in public places, no man having at heart the welfare of the youth of the land and the community in general will smoke there, for if he does, he will show publicly that he has a contempt for the law — a very dangerous example ! A loyal citizen will recognize that law and order are the pillars of good citizenship. If men were at liberty to break any law they did not like there would be chaos, disorder and anarchy as a result. Why then should not citizens who have the welfare of the community at heart, obey the law? In Current Opinion for December 19, there appears under the title, "Sowing Dragon's Teeth" a selection from a splendid declaration unanimously adopted by the Judicial Section of the American Bar Association which bears very strongly upon pro- hibition, and by inference upon smoking in public places, and il- legally selling cigarettes. We learn that there are actually lead- ing citizens who would be insulted in case one should call them disloyal, but who break the prohibition law as well as the anti- cigarette law. They appear not to have strength enough to obey the law, or if they have, do not show will enough to do so ; and apparent- ly do not contemplate the serious results following their illegal actions, thus setting an example to the community, young and old, of breaking the law. We commend the resolution of the Judicial Section of the American Bar Association to the careful study of just such business men, citizens, and social leaders, and to all others who smoke and drink, and barter tobacco and liquor illegally. The report reads as follows: Sowing Dragon's Teeth "The Judicial Section of the American Bar Association, venturing to speak for all the judges, wishes to express this warning to the American people; Reverence for law and en- forcement of law depend mainly upon the ideals and customs of those who occupy the vantage ground of life in business and society. The people of the United States, by solemn constitu- tional and statutory enactment, have undertaken to suppress the age-long evil of the liquor traffic. When, for the gratifi- cation of their appetites or the promotion of their interests, law-

EDITORS' TABLE 361 yers, bankers, great merchants and manufacturers, and social leaders, both men and women, disobey and scoff at this law, or any other law, they are aiding the cause of anarchy and promot- ing mob violence, robbery and homicide, they are sowing drag- ons' teeth, and they need not be surprised when they find that no judicial or police authority can save our country or humanity from reaping the harvest." Read the above resolution once more, and pass it on to your neighbor. — A Books Essentials in Church History is the self-explaining title of a splendid volume just off the Deseret News press, and published by the Church. The author is Joseph Fielding Smith, of the Council of the Twelve, and Church Historian. It is written with special view to the needs of priest- hood quorums and students of Church history in our schools and auxiliary organizations, but is also well adapted to the requirements of investigators and Church members whose reading is necessarily limited to the es- sentials. In this treatise the author shows that the gospel plan of salva- tion, as declared by our Lord in the meridian of time, is eternal; that there was a falling away after the day of the apostles, and that the Church was then taken from among men. He discusses the Protestant reforma- tion and the mission of Columbus as preparatory to the restoration of the Church. He then gives an account of the ancestry of the prophet Joseph Smith and relates the wonderful story of his call to the office of a mes- senger of the Lord in these latter days. The author then relates the his- tory of the Church up to and including the administration of President Heber J. Grant. Interwoven with the narrative are numerous brief and clear statements of the doctrines of the Church, as embodied in the revela- tions received from time to time. In an appendix an explanation of the accomplishments and aims of the auxiliary organizations is given; also a list of the names of the Church authorities since the day of the prophet Joseph Smith, a list of stakes of Zion, Church publications, etc. A very useful index completes the work. The subject of Church History is sec- ond in importance only to Church doctrine. For this reasoo this book is a welcome addition to our Church literature. It is concise, clear, fluent in style, and full of information on every page. It is a book that no mis- sionary, no Latter-day Saint, no student of Church history can very well afford not to include in his, or her, reading course. Dorian, a new story by Nephi Anderson, is a neatly printed volume of 223 pages. Dorian Trent, the hero, is introduced in the first chapter, as a young man who starts out to buy himself a pair of shoes. The son of a widowed mother the incidents of his ordinary life are traced through a number of years until he finally discovers his life companion. Various temptations, sorrows, and ups and down, in his career, are related in a way to hold the interest throughout. As in all of Nephi Anderson s stories, there is a splendid underlying current of religious sentiment in the pages of the book. "Mormon" philosophy of earth-life and the hereafter is set forth in the teachings of a venerable character whom they call Uncle Zed. The girl heroine is Carlia and her rescue, and final setting straight is one of the attractive themes of the story. The lives of both DoMan and Carlia teem with exciting, youthful episodes and sentiment that will attract young people The book, as a whole, is of special interest to boys and girls, and

362 IMPROVEMENT ERA furnishes a class of reading which aims to teach the way of righteousness in attractive story form. The Mai ad Stake Messenger has come to hand, six numbers of volume 1, which have been printed at Malad City, Idaho, L. D. Jones, editor; Dr. Thomas W. Richards associate editor. The little four-page paper is full of interesting religious news and instruction, gotten out especially for the people of Malad, though applying to all interested in religious thoughts and ideas. Local notices of meetings, priesthood, and organization work, are freely given. It ought to be a welcome help to people who keep in line with the progress in religious work of that stake. Messages from the Missions From Far Off Queensland Elder Gerald O. Billings, Brisbane, Australia, October 28, reports gath- erings held in the Queensland conference of the Australian mission, which were attended by Elder David O. McKay of the Council of the Twelve, and President Hugh J. Cannon, at which several inspirational talks were given in which religious problems were treated by the visiting brethren. Large congregations, consisting of both Church members and others, were pres- ent at all the meetings. The visit of the elders proved of great value in allaying prejudices, and the advice and encouragement given to the Saints and elders was far-reaching. Missionaries and local priesthood, left to right, standing: James D. Howard, Thomas Dean, William J. Eyre, Laurus Anderson, John W. Orth, Charles C. Bell, William E. Waters, Conrad D. Trost, Vincent Gilbert. Sit- ting: William Laing, Ira J. Page, William E. Coleman, President Don C. Rushton, Elder David 0. McKay, of the Council of the Twelve, Confer- ence President Niels W. Oldroyd, Gerald 0. Billings, John Gilbert, and Archibald Campbell. Front: Robert C. Water, and Allan Campbell. Lady Missionaries Doing Fine Work in Massachusetts Elder G. Stanley McAllister of the Massachusetts Conference writes from Dorchester under date of December 28: "Everyone is well and happy in this mission field. I am enjoying my

EDITORS' TABLE 363 work immensely. At present there are five lady missionaries laboring in this conference located at Providence, Rhode Island, New Bedford and Boston, Massachusetts. They are doing an excellent work and many friends are being secured. Under their able direction the Relief Society and Mutual organization are thriving in this conference. The Improve- ment Era is a most valuable Church publication. It proves a wonderful asset to us in our work. Left to right, top row: Delia Braithwaite, Manti; Cleo Nichols, Poca- tello, Idaho; Norma Cummings, Salt Lake City; Lilieth N. Smith, Salt Lake City, and the Joseph Smith Memorial Farm in Vermont doing spe- cial missionary work in Boston during the winter months; Edith Williams, Logan, Utah. From the Land of the Southern Cross It was recently the happy lot of the Australian Mission of the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," to enjoy a visit from the authorities of the Church in the persons of Elder David 0. McKay of the council of the Twelve, and President Hugh J. Cannon. People of Australia, who have been members of the Church for years have long looked forward to the time when they would have the opporturnty of seeing some of the general authorities of the Church, and as the visit of the above mentioned brethren was the first time that this and was ever visited by aTapostle of the Lord, the event was of no small consequence. Samts from nePar and far with their friends came to the several con- ference headquarters to meet the distinguished guests D?""J J^ g in the land of the "Southern Cross" all the conf "™™?»™ s ion wUh the exception of West Australia, were visited. Ths necessitated some Sur thousand miles of travel. They -re accompanied thr0^hou^ the. journeys by President Don C. Rushton, who, with his _good wife » now filling his fourth mission, the second to Australia. The visit and asso

364 IMPROVEMENT ERA ciation of the brethren from Zion was very much enjoyed and appreciated by the elders and Saints of the Australian mission, and was the means of instilling renewed life and enthusiasm for the work of the Lord into the people of this land. Their words of advice and instruction will long be remembered and cherished by all who came in contact with them. In Sydney, which is the headquarters of the mission, the New South Wales con- ference held conference, and a large body of Saints and investigators were in attendance. The discourses, by Elders McKay, Rushton, and Cannon, were highly inspirational, and the power of the Lord was keenly felt by every one. The accompanying print is a picture of the elders who were in the New South Wales conference at the time: They are, left to right, sitting: William L. Jones; Mission President Don C. Rush on; Mrs. Don C. Rushton; Elder David O. McKay; Presi- dent Hugh J. Cannon: William W. Home; standing: Conference President Marion G. Romney; Charles Eowen; late Conference President Rob- ert K. Bischoff; Sterling Johnson; Robert H. Andrus; Raymond P. Nelson; and Lorenzo F. Hansen. The S. S. Ventura, which arrived in Sydney on the 29th of November brought to us from Zion the following elders, Terah L. Black; David M. Paskett; W. D. Frances; Byron Collett, and Paul B. Cragun. This places more elders in the Australian mission than there have been for some time; and, with the assurance that in the near future we will receive more from home, the work in this end of the world is taking on a more encouraging outlook, and many friends are being won and some few are applying for baptism. In conclusion let me say that, judging from the attitude of the Saints and elders in the Australian mission, some big things are forth- coming during the year of 1922, under the able direction of Mission Presi- dent Don C. Rushton. — Marion G. Romney, Mission Secretary. Several Sunday Schools and Branches in Mississippi Conference Elder Victor A. Olsen, president of the Mississippi conference, writing from Meridian, January 8, says: "We have had added to our ranks Sister Hattie M. Bitter of Salt Lake City, the first lady missionary who has ever labored in this conference. The Meridian Saints appreciate her very much, and her enthusiastic labors are producing good results. We have fourteen elders traveling in the country districts of this conference, and their fi- delity and integrity in the work is well illustrated in the fact that we have several well established Sunday schools and branches, and have dis- tributed many Books of Mormon and much other literature. Many meet- ings are being held and are well attended, notwithstanding the wave of indifference sweeping over the country regarding things spiritual."