Editors’ Table

Integrity and Industry In the practical religion of the Latter-day Saints we find not only spirituality, but integrity; not only faith, but works; not only thrift, but industry ; not only cooperation, but unselfish service. In a community where these characteristics predom- inate, the consequence must necessarily result in a God-fearing, clean, loyal, prosperous and dependable people. As an illustration of these remarks we cite the wisdom dis- played in the saving of the sugar industry of Utah and Idaho from the recent threatened disaster. The founding of the sugar beet industry was one of the grandest happenings that could come to the West, and is an illustration of the wisdom, faith and integrity of those who stood and who stand at its head. Had this great industry, which was seriously threatened, not been sustained and protected, the disastrous effects would indeed have been far-reaching, and the loss most dreadful, not only to business, but to individual producers as well. In view of these facts, and considering the benefits to be derived from this accomplishment, the following statement, from one who is well-informed on the subject, must prove of great interest both to manufacturers and farmers, as well as to the people in general: "For the various sugar companies of Utah and Idaho, dur- ing the season of 1921, there were approximately 160,000 acres of sugar beets grown by approximately 16,000 farmers. About half of this amount was raised for the Utah-Idaho Sugar Com- pany. The 16,000 farmers delivered from the 160,000 acres to the various companies in the two states approximately 1,600,000 tons of beets, from which upwards of 4,000,000 bags of sugar have been manufactured, which, if sold at the present price of about $4.50 per bag, would amount to approximately $18,000,- 000, this being distributed, about one-half to the farmer, and the other half to the workmen and manufacturers for material, etc. While the manufacturers of this sugar will undoubtedly sustain a loss, unless the price of sugar increases, yet the bene- fits to be derived by the circulation of this vast sum of money, during this period of financial distress, is of inestimable value. It furnishes the very life's blood of our industrial pursuits, and

552 IMPROVEMENT ERA will assist in tiding this section of the country over, in some of its financial difficulties. Had this financing not been ac- complished, business concerns throughout this section would have been shaken to their very foundations and would have suf- fered great losses. "To produce the $18,000,000 resulting from the 160,000 acres of beets and the sugar manufactured therefrom, it would take 1,000,000 acres of grain or 1,500,000 acres of alfalfa at the present prices. Therefore, the sugar beet crop manufactured into sugar has produced, in the gross, five or six times^ at least, as much per acre as that of the other standard crops of this section. It also furnishes thousands of people with employ- ment both in and out of the factories which the other crops do not furnish. "Besides, the by-products of the beet crop, such as tops, pulp and syrup have fed thousands of head of cattle, sheep and dairy cows, thus producing abundance of beef, mutton and dairy products, for home consumption and shipment abroad, the returns for which has been brought back to the two states above mentioned. Further, the feeding of livestock on the farms helps to keep up the fertility of the soil while the raising of grain reduces the fertility. It has been thoroughly demon- strated that the growing of sugar beets raises the standard of farming and increases the yields of other crops to follow. The countries of the old world, as well as the new, where sugar beets have been grown for a long period of years, have proved that where 25% of the land has been used for beet culture, the remaining 75% has raised as much in cereals as the 100% produced before sugar beets were grown. The deep plowing required for this crop, the intense cultivation of the soil, and the small, fine rootlets of the beets, that penetrate deeply into the soil and are left there to pass off into the soil, are all bene- ficial to other crops in the rotation system which many of the farmers have learned to follow." Both business and agriculture have indeed cause to be thankful that the policy pursued in the beginning of the sugar industry in Utah, about thirty years ago, is still to be con- tinued.— A. Messages from the Missions What Fifteen Missionaries Did in Eight Months Oswald L. Pearson, president of the Chicago conference, reports un- der date of March 10, that a very successful conference was held in Chi- cago on February 5 and 6. "Sessions were held in three branches, in ad-

EDITORS' TABLE 553 dition to a splendid missionary meeting, Saturday, February 5, at 2 o'clock p. m., in commemoration of the ninetieth anniversary of President Charles W. Penrose. The sessions were all made to deal with important events in the history of the Church, and with the labors of its leaders, thus form- ing a fine back-ground for the special Penrose service which was the last and crowning event of one of the best conferences ever held here. Presi- dent Winslow Farr Smith spoke on vhe labors and life of President Pen- rose, and how he had been molded in the crucibles of affliction, in the great task assigned to him in the work of the Master. The people of Chicago and vicinity seem to be softening their hearts toward the gospel message, for the year 1921 was one of the best in our history. During the last eight months of the year the fifteen laboring missionaries in the con- ference placed in the homes a total of 2,724 copies of! the Book of Mormon, 578 of them being sold. Twenty-eight baptisms were performed, and Priesthood and Book of Mormon classes were organized in each branch. We have a very fine conference Mutual Improvement Association. Our deepest regret is that the laborers are all too few for the colossal task be- fore us of taking the olive branch of peace to the teeming millions of Chicago and vicinity. We enjoy the Improvement Era very much, and I take this opportunity of expressing our thanks to you for sending it." Back row: left to right: R. Stanford Pugmire, Campbell Garrick, Wal- lace Anderson, Hilda Knudsen, Francis A. Cox, Rulon S. Hacking, Arthur E. Stromness. Middle row: Syvil J. Scoff ield, Orson P. Davis, Sister Vera Thomson, Milton Mangum, Bertha Thurgood, Lloyd Randall, Virdin R. Johnson, Albert C. Welch. Front row: H. Harries Lloyd; Moroni J. Urie, mission secretary; Oswald L. Pearson, president of the Chicago conference; Winslow F. Smith, president of the Northern States mission; Sister Emily W. Smith; Werner Kiepe, president of the Northern Illinois conference; Burnes T. Barney. Mary Stephens was unable to be present due to illness. — M. J. Urie. (See picture p. 554.) Fair Number of Investigators Elder Arthur W. Gudmunson, writing from Manaia, Taranaki, New Zealand, February 4, says: "We are progressing nicely here. We have a fair number of investigating friends and quite a few Saints. The work of the Lord is advancing slowly but surely, and we feel that we are blessed beyond measure." Elder David O. McKay in Pesega, Samoa Although nearly a year has elapsed since Elders McKay and Cannon were with us in Samoa, the trail of love and inspiration left by them still lives as plainly as ever in memories which were brightened by the splendid association we had with them here for a solid month. In every way were those golden days ones which we shall all cherish in our heart of hearts, and not only we of the mission force, but strangers are strangers no more through catching the spirit of the occasion which carried the conviction to their souls undeniably that these men were in most ways extraordinary— especially in intelligence and spirituality. They were both veritable sponges for absorbing every loose vestige of information, and let a bird chirp melodiously in the midst of an animated conversation, and Brother McKay instantly was on the Qui Wive as to its name and characteristics; and down all such items went in the plethoric memoranda. Between Brother Cannon's shorthand and Brother McKay's long intuition, nothing in all Samoa es- caped.— John Q. Adams, Mission President.

556 IMPROVEMENT ERA Although the building was not dedicated until in the afternoon the morning meeting was distinctly a part of the service, the first and last song were by the congregation but all other musical numbers were specially prepared. Elder Geo. C. Peterson, presiding elder in San Bernardino, ex- tended a welcome to all, and expressed his great pleasure and satisfaction in having leaders of the Church present. President Jos. W. McMurrin was the first speaker. Brother Tibbets, Superintendent of the Sunday school, explained the remarkable manner in which the building and grounds were procured from the school district, the property having been advertised for a month for bids but apparently escaping the attention of all but those of the Church, who placed the minimum bid of $3,500 which was the only bid received, and was finally accepted by the board. He ex- plained that the day after negotiations were closed six hundred dollars was offered for the option. Elder William G. Brown, Secretary of the Mission, Dr. John A. Widtsoe and President Heber J. Grant each spoke briefly during the service. After the meeting was dismissed all who were in at- tendance gathered in front of the Chapel and were photographed. The dedicatory service commenced at 2:00 p. m., the congregation joined in singing, "Come, listen to a prophet's voice," Elder William, B. Hawkins offered the opening prayer, a local double mixed quartette sang, "This house we dedicate to thee" and then President Heber J. Grant dedi- cated the Chapel for the use of the Saints as a house of worship. < President Axel A. Madsen, of the Los Angeles conference was the first speaker and was followed by President Joseph W. McMurrin. Elder John A. Widtsoe, of the Council of the Twelve, next spoke. After reviewing the found- ing of San Bernardino, by the "Mormons" under the direction of President Brigham Young, he said: "I believe we are fulfilling prophecy today." Referring to the dedication of the Chapel, he said: "In dedicating a house to God we are also dedicating ourselves to the service of God." Dr. Widtsoe explained some of the scientific truths taught by the Church with the com- ment that, "it isn't a question of whether it is popular, but is it true?" and ended by saying, " 'Mormonism' is alive with doctrines that clarify life." President Heber J. Grant was the last speaker in both the morning and afternoon services, he spoke of the prophecies which had been ful- filled, bore inspiring testimony that the spiritual gifts were to be found in this Church, commended the Latter-day Saints generally for their great love of other people and used the missionary work as an example. He closed by saying: "If there is one thing more than any other which I have tried to impress upon my hearers, it is to live the gospel so that others seeing our good works will be led to investigate." The new, commodious chapel stands about fifty feet from the side- walk on a corner, with well paved streets on either side. The building was entirely remodeled; white stucco walls now face the street where red brick walls formerly did. It is plainly but handsomely furnished on the inside, from the appearance, one would judge that it was new throughout. Rooms are prepared in the chapel so that the elders live in the building. The dedication of the San Bernardino Chapel marks another step in the growth of the California mission. According to Dr. John A. Widtsoe it is the fulfilment of prophecy as well. The historic relation of the Church to San Bernardino adds much to the interest of this event. Usually where there are Saints an early under- taking is the erection of a building in which to meet and worship, but in this place seventy-one years after the city was founded by "Mormon" pio- neers their first permanent Chapel was dedicated. The story is told that President Brigham Young directed the Saints who were coming to California to travel until an arrowhead appeared on the mountain, and there they were to build a city; an odd formation on the

EDITORS' TABLE 557 mountain above San Bernardino forms an almost perfect arrowhead. Later the Saints were needed in" Utah, and President Young advised the pioneers to return. Most of those who disobeyed or ignored the advice later apostatized, and for years San Bernardino and her people were perhaps more opposed to the Church than any other city in the state of California. Now, however, the people living there are beginning to appreciate the service of those early settlers, they appreciate the broad, straight streets laid off after the plan of Salt Lake City, and they acknowledge that much credit is due to the "Mormon" Pioneers. One of the San Bernardino newspapers devoted two columns on the front page to the "coming dedication," printing a large photo of Presi- dent Heber J. Grant who was to be in attendance. The following is copied from the report: "In 1851, led by Capt. Jefferson Hunt, 100 wagons came from Utah to Southern California. They first stopped at Sycamore Grove, Cajon Pass, and later bought the San Bernardino Ranch from the Luge Family for $77,500. Apostles Amasa Lyman and Charles C. Rich were the 'Mormon' missionaries accompanying the pioneers into this valley." — Rulon H. Cheney. From Arnhem, Holland Elder Samuel R. Carpenter, writing from Arnhem, Holland, February 18, reports that he and another elder have been placed in charge of the Arnhem conference, and have been kept very busy in getting things work- ing to their desires. The Church work in Holland is making rapid strides. The elders are having much success in trading, and many people are friendly towards them. The conference is much handicapped because of lack of missionaries, but plans are now making to open several new branches, closed during the war, as soon as elders are available. Thirty- five elders are at present in the field. Elder Carpenter considers it a wonderful opportunity to be a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He describes a meeting of the Salvation Army at which General Booth was the principal speaker. Other leading men from the Army were present, the director of the South African work, also officers from England and India. He says concerning this meeting: "I was deeply impressed with the contrast of their methods and those used by the mis- sionaries from home. They preached and sang for about an hour and a half of the wonderful work they were doing among the heathens of India and Africa, and after getting the people worked up to a high pitch they called for all sinners to come to the altar of repentance. They did not utter a word about their beliefs, their faith or anything regarding the principles of the gospel. In this manner of revival meeting they had seventeen converts. If I could not believe that these people were sincere in their beliefs, I would call it a farce of the first class, as it resembled an auction meeting more than a religious service. Personally, I do not see how they can remain sincere in their belief that they are following Christ, unless it is an exaggerated case of 'the blind leading the blind.' am like the man who said, 'The more I see of foreign lands, the more I think of my own;' and I want to say, 'The more I see of other religious systems the more I think of 'Mormonism.'" Elder Carpenter adds further: "To be a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a wonderful experience. At times it seems strange to know that 'Mormonism' is true, but when I analyze that feeling I come to realize that I know it is true above all other things. How that testimony has come to me, I do not know, but I have obtained it here in the mission field, and I thank my Father in heaven for it. It is a wonderful joy." . -

558 IMPROVEMENT ERA Eight New Members Added Elder John H. Jorgensen of Huntsville, writing from Aalborg, Den- mark, under date of February 25, reports that three elders are now labor- ing in that conference; himself, Elder Thorlief Jacobsen, Weston, Idaho; and Elder Owen Poulsen, Levan, Utah. The latter is called to labor in the Copenhagen conference, but had not yet gone to Copenhagen on ac- count of the ice blocking the waterways. Eight new members have been added to the conference since last April, and the meetings are generally well attended. Quite a number of strangers are investigating the gospel. The elders enjoy their labors, and are delighted to receive the Era each month. On the Islands of the Sea Elder Lorenzo E. Peterson, writing from Manua, Samoa, January 20, says: "Manua is the name of a group of three small islands located about seventy miles east of the United States Naval Station in Pago Pago. These islands belong to the Samoan group and are under the control of the United States Navy department. There are about 2,000 natives, and be- sides myself, the only white men are two navy doctors, and two wireless operators. For at least 75 years there has been but one religious denomina- tion in Manua, owing to a law made by their old king who has been dead for years. But the people have adhered so closely to the old rule, that until now, no other church has been able to get a footrhold. Our elders have made many attempts in the past, but never with any success. They received much bitter persecution, and were so forced to give up all at- tempts. When the terrific hurricane of 1915 swept over the islands, de- stroying almost everything except the lives of the people, and not a single house was left standing, the people were humbled considerably. In June, 1921, I was appointed to go with two native missionaries, Pili, and Telatelaga, to make another attempt to start the work in Manua, and the Lord has certainly blessed our humble efforts. The people were bitter at first, and had no use for the 'Mamona,' but the Lord raised up friends for us, and we have been permitted to stay. About the third week we bap- tized one woman. Then we began school, which is an effective means of spreading the gospel in the Island, and in our case, it proved more ef- fective in making friends than preaching. The school soon grew from 14 to 35, and is still progressing nicely. As a result many people who were bitter at first are now our warm friends, and are sending their children to school. Many are also investigating the gospel. Shortly after starting the school, four or six were baptized, and in December last, two chiefs or heads of families were added to the number. I am happy and contented in my labors here, although it is five months since I saw another white mission- ary. I love to labor among these warm-hearted, brown islanders; and I have two faithful native elders who are good, cheerful companions and workers. We are happy with our success, and know that it is only through the help and mercies of the Lord that we have been able to do what we have done. We pray that the Spirit of the Lord will soften the hearts of these people, that they may realize the beautiful truths of the gospel and obey its call, for there are many good, honest souls here who really want the truth, and the Samoan people are beyond a doubt descendants of Is- rael. "The Era is a most welcome visitor, and its inspired contents are surely a soothing balm to the humble elder laboring in the mission field. It is to me the best magazine written, for it not only contains the choicest of literature, but a large variety of other good reading matter, and ought, therefore, to be interesting and valuable to the people in all walks of life."