Editors’ Table

The Ninety-Second Annual Conference The 92nd general annual Conference of the Church, held in Salt Lake City. April 6, to 10, was among the most inspira- tional and valuable that has ever been held in the Church. On the first day the building was filled to capacity, and this was the case at all the meetings in the Tabernacle. Two crowded sessions were held on Sunday in the Assembly Hall, the weather being too stormy for an overflow meeting at the Bureau of In- formation. The leading feature of the Conference was the opening ad- dress by President Heber J. Grant, who appeared to be at his very best in health, and vigor of thought. His address was replete with practical suggestions, counsel and advice. The addresses of Presidents Penrose and Ivins, which fol- lowed, were of great interest and value, the former speaking on doctrines, and the latter on practical observance of law and order and the need of individual discipline and dependability. All the general authorities of the Church were present, except Elder Reed Smoot, who was absent at his duties as United States Senator in Washington; and Elder Orson F. Whitney, presiding over the European mission. An unusual feature of the Conference was the presence, at the first meeting, of Dr. Thomas Nixon Carver, Harvard University, who had spoken the day before at the inaugural ceremony of Dr. George Thomas as president of the University of Utah; Dr. Walter Ernest Clark, president of the University of Nevada; and Dr. Charles A. Lory, president of the Colorado Agricultural College, each of whom made a short speech, following President Grant's opening ad- dress, each commended the good work of the Latter-day Saints. Dr. Carver, among other remarks, stated: "Some things we can get out of books, but it seems to me that here is the one place in the world where we can see in operation, in the field itself, the processes going on under which a great nation is built. 'By their fruits ye shall know them,' and in the small com- munities, as well as in the large, I have seen in operation the science and the art of community-building, and of nation-build- ing; and everywhere it has my unbounded admiration." Dr. Clark, in his remarks, said, "My impress from the hours I have had in your city is that this people are holding their souls

642 IMPROVEMENT ERA open, and the great Giver of life and power will answer their prayers." Dr. Lory, said, "Those of us who are charged with the work of education and with the work of bringing forward our civilization cannot help but admire the work that you are doing. * * * We are privileged to work with the 'Mormon' settlers of southern and southwestern Colorado. We know their worth, and we always go to that section with a great deal of enthusi- asm, because we know what is being done. * * * I count it a privilege to tell you that your people in Colorado are doing their part well. They are good neighbors." The weather was pleasant on Thursday and Friday, but quite unfavorable, with snow and sleet during all day of Sunday, but this did not apparently affect the attendance. Without doubt, the instructions that were given by the gen- eral authorities, some of whose sermons will appear in the Era, from time to time, met the approval of the vast congregation. The Spirit of the Lord was richly poured out, not only upon the speakers, but upon all who attended. The tone of the congre- gation bespoke growth and satisfaction, and a deep desire to serve God and keep his commandments. A wonderful auxiliary feature of the Conference was the great gathering of the greatest auxiliary in the Church, the Sun- day Schools, at the evening session on Sunday, April 9, when an inspiring group of representatives of the following countries and peoples were presented in a picturesque pageant, the rep- resentatives of these many nations being dressed in native cos- tumes, and reciting in their own language the Articles of Faith: Shoshone Indians, descendants of the ancient Lamanites; Eng- land, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Hawaii, Palestine, France Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, The Netherlands, Austria, Mexico, Armenia, and Japan. The pageant proved that ancient and modern prophecy has been fulfilled, and that the gospel had been preached to many nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples in all the world. The whole was a fitting recep- tion to General Superintendent David 0. McKay, celebrating his recent return from a tour around the world on a visit to the nations, bringing with him messages from the various Latter- day Sunday Schools in the world to the headquarters in Zion. Another feature of the Conference was the splendid musical production, the oratorio, "The Restoration," by B. Cecil Gates, given in the Tabernacle on Thursday evening, to a very large house, by the Tabernacle choir and directed by the author. The oratorio was well received and has in it some wonderful music. "The Restoration" was introduced by Elder Joseph Fielding

EDITORS' TABLE 643 Smith, of the Council of the Twelve, who justly said that what- ever the congregation was to hear that evening, would be of the very best that could be produced, and it was so. The authorities were presented and unanimously approved, and the closing remarks of President Grant were replete with timely admonitions and powerful testimonies. An inspira- tional feature in addition to the two priesthood meetings, was he special meeting of the presidents of stakes and their coun- selors with the Presidency of the Church, the Council of the Twelve, and the First Council of Seventy, held on Monday, in which heart-to-heart talks were given to the stake authorities by the Presidency of the Church. The great Conference was a real spiritual feast — greatly en- joyed by all who participated, and which will be felt for good in every division of the Church. Altogether, the 92nd annual Conference will long be remembered as the beginning of an im- portant period pointing to greater spirituality and more earnest and determined work among the officers and members of the Church throughout the world. — A. A Tempest in England That anyone should have the power to mislead so many people, and that any intelligent person should be able to induce the press of a country to print what the English papers have recently circulated regarding the Latter-day Saints, seems in- credible in these supposed-to-be enlightened times. One can only explain the matter by surmising that the English papers are trying to divert the mob spirit in that country from pernicious activities by directing their attention to the "Mor- mons." The Millennial Star has recently made mention of some of the campaign matter that the English press is circulating, and to which many of the ministers of the Church of England are giving pulpit aid. Recently the windows were smashed in the L. D. S. headquarters in London as a result of the scandalous press and pulpit emanations. This is supposed to be a strong argument, proving "beyond a shadow of a doubt that the 'Mor- mons' are guilty of all the crimes charged against them," ex- claims President Orson F. Whitney in an editorial in the Mil- lennial Star. The woman novel writer, Winifred Graham, who will be remembered as having visited Pennsylvania a year or two ago in this country, and palming off some of her sensa- tions before the people of the United States, appears to be at the head of the campaign. The ministers and the press seem

644 IMPROVEMENT ERA to have joined her. Their great war cry is that the mission- aries are luring British girls to Utah, "thousands and thousands of them," though the first case is yet to be reported to the patiently waiting Home Government Office. As an evidence that the missionaries are luring British girls to Utah, the following sentence taken from our Articles cf Faith is cited in one paper: "If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praise-worthy, we seek after these things." "These things," of course, are the British girls, accord- ing to the preverted ideas of the editor. A London pulpiteer, who claims to have lived many years in western America, de- liberately uses language which is almost an incitement to mur- der. He says : "In Texas and Arizona it is not a crime to shoot a 'Mormon' missionary. Here, we give them protection." In Utah, among the "Mormons" we have yet to learn of a "Mormon" missionary ever being shot in Texas or Arizona. On the contrary the Senator from Arizona months ago defended the "Mormons" in an unsolicited laudatory speech in the Sen- ate of the United States, pointing out their virtues and splen- did characteristics in a sincere and eloquent eulogy printed in the Congressional Record, and frequently reprinted. (See Im- provement Era, Jan., 1920, pp. 196-213, for this and other speeches in full.) Thousands of "Mormons" who live in Ari- zona are highly esteemed by their non-"Mormon" neighbors, who, as pointed out by Elder Whitney, are actually helping them to build a "Mormon" temple at Mesa, one of the flourish- ing towns of that liberal and growing commonwealth. This same reverend gentleman dealt out from his London pulpit such criminal libels as this: "I have seen with my own 'eyes the blood-stained boulder at the back of Smith's house, freshly stained with the blood of rebellious girl converts." Here is an- other sample of the sensational stories of Winifred Graham, Miss Agnes C. Lister, the latest edition of the "Escaped Nun," and the awful tales told by she-wolves in Shepherd's clothing. A Rev. Cave-Browne-Cave is also suggesting murderous ideas which are servilly echoed by various papers in England. Here is such an echo: The Mormon Menace To the Editor, Bath and Wills Chronicle. Sir — Almost daily one sees accounts of the activity of Mormon Mis- sionaries right here in England. Mormonism is justly likened to a huge viper reaching after and encircling its victims, innocent young women and girls, in its poisonous and deadly embrace. To curtail these activities why not, as in Arizona, declare "open season" on all Mormon Missionaries in these fair islands and shoot them on sight, instead of giving them police protection? Yours for effective and world-wide action against this terrible menace, A CANADIAN

EDITORS' TABLE 643 The spirit of mobism which appears to be rampant in England, with these characters, joined by the press and rev- erend ministers, who seemingly have always fought the restored gospel truth, are very anxious to impress the populace with the idea that "Mormonism" is a very serious menace, and to this end, they are encouraging mobocracy. Elder Orson F. Whit- ney in the Millennial Star of March 2, says: "And this tree of mobocracy will bear bitter fruit, if it be not uprooted, whether in Europe, America or elsewhere. Nations will go down before it, if it be permitted to flourish. It is of the Devil's planting, he who was a liar and a foe to law and order from the beginning. I repeat that it ought to be a crime, in law as it is in fact, for any person or combination of persons to start a religious persecution. And some day, when the world shall have advanced that far, such acts will be considered criminal, and will be punished accordingly. Meanwhile the mob spirit must be put down and kept down. Either this, or the destruction of all government, with the certainty that night follows day, is the decreed destiny of the nations." Notwithstanding the wild storms of the press, the sensa- tional lecturers and ministers, President Orson F. Whitney and his corps of missionaries are calm, persistent and unmoved in their righteous labors, and are finding the favor of the Lord and many unlooked-for opportunities among thinking people, to impress the people with the actual facts and the living truth concerning the Latter-day Saints, their faith and practices. The total membership of the Church in the British mission is 6,981, and during 1921, there were 243 baptisms. There are about 150 missionaries in the field= — A. Where to Find Authority on Doctrine A correspondent has written asking whether or not articles appearing in the Improvement Era, the Liahona, the Young Ladies Journal, the Relief Society Magazine, and other publi- cations of the Church, may be quoted as authority on doctrine; and wishes us to answer how far these publications may be quoted, and just to what extent they can be taken as authority. He cites, for example, an article by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith in the January number, 1916, of the Improvement Era, on the second death, entitled, "Is Man Immortal?" Replying, we will say that all writings, sermons, instructions and admonitions by the authorities of the Church are to be taken as authority as far as they agree with the printed word of revelation, as contained in the standard books of the Church, namely, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Cove-

646 IMPROVEMENT ERA nants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Whatever any writer or speaker may express on doctrine should be considered as per- sonal instructions, for which the person who speaks or writes is responsible, and not the Church. Such instruction may be, and is, of great advantage and benefit to those who may listen or read, in aiding them to come to conclusions and to under- stand the word of the Lord, but as far as its being taken as authority, no instruction may be so taken in the way of doc- rine except it shall be in strict conformity with the revealed word of the Lord, and in harmony with the teachings of the living prophet of the Lord. We believe that the arguments set forth in the article referred to, "Is Man Immortal?" will stand this test. This should be remembered: The Latter-day Saints be- lieve in continuous revelation, and that the general authorities of the Church so designated and sustained, are in very deed prophets, seers and revelators to the people. Also that whatever, under authorized conditions, the leaders of the Church, in their appointed places and positions, expound unitedly to the com- munity, is the word of the Lord to the Latter-day Saints; and, as is stated in the Doctrine and Covenants, "Whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be Scrip- ture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation." These instruc- tions we may look for continuously, because we believe in con- tinuous revelation, and it is just as much an obligation upon the Latter-day Saints to conform to the instructions of the living oracles, as it is to believe and practice the principles of life and salvation, as explained in the standard works of the Church, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. All officers are subject to and should act in unison with the prophet, who, in turn, is subject to the inspiration and revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. — A. Messages from the Missions The elders and local priesthood of the Tongan Mission at the time of the visit of Elder David 0. McKay. June 22— July 4, 1921. Front Row: Clermont A. Oborn, Harvey G. Sorenson, Reuben L. Han- sen, George W. Robinson, Clarence Henderson, Walter J. Phillips, Reuben Clark, Reuben M. Wiberg, Lewis B. Parkin, Emile C. Dunn, Pres. Tagatabu conference; S. Ibey May, Pres. Vavau conference; Francis L. Clark, Pres. Haapai conference. 2nd Row: Afemui, Nafetalai, Efalame "Wolf gramme, Tevita Tuliakiono, Josifa Naeata, Jone Tuikologahau, Elder David 0 McKay; M. Vernon

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648 IMPROVEMENT ERA Coombs, mission president; Paula Filipo, Metui Tuaone, Kitione Maile, Pauliasi Fua, Umu Buaka. 3rd Row: Viliame Tupou, Mafi Maake, Paula Lagi, Sunia Pasi, Vili Tuiono, Talanoa, Jiosifa Falepapalagi, Manisela, Simote Fusitua, Jone Ika. 4th Row: Jone Tui';a Ba, with President Coombs' younger son Melburn, Paula Mslapo, Samuela Uga, Fetuu Aho, Malakai Lavulo Jr., Isikeli Tuione, Bita, Nebote Falepapalagi, Simote Lagi, Jone Ma'u, Fifita Maumau, Taufa Hema, Lui Wolfgramme, Isileli Fehoko, Militone Fonua. Top Row: Lolohea Bubugatea, Tevita Fauese, Sovea Kioa Ilaija Mautofu. The Saints and priesthood were all desirous of being present on this memorable occasion. Mothers with four months old babes thought nothing of making the trip from Vavau to Togatabu, a distance of nearly 200 miles, in small open sail boats. They were ready to put up with any incon- venience; their one object was to hear and shake by the hand an apostle of the Lord. We could scarcely blame some of the priesthood for com- plaining when they were asked to remain in their branches to care for tho9e who were unable to make the trip to Nukualofa. Hence, the above photo- graph does not show all our native priesthood. At the end of the fiscal year 1921, we had 65 brethren so honored; of these five are elders. Since the picture was taken, Elders May and Clark have returned to Zion and their positions are now ably filled by Elders Wiberg and Oborn respectively. We are also gHd to report the arrival of Elders Althan Rasmussen and Oliver W. Olsen. All missionaries who have labored in the Tongan mis- sion will regret to learn of the death of one of our most ambitious native brethren, Jone Tuikologahau who passed away on the morning of January 11, 1922. Jone was one of the first of Tongans to accept the gospel and ever since his baptism he has been an energetic worker. He has filled three missions in the various islands of the Tongan Group, and was held in high esteem wherever he had labored. A college graduate, and a mu- sician of no mean ability, his departure will be mourned by all. Perhaps no other native has done more in helping the new elders than has Brother Tuikologahau. — M. Vernon Coombs, Mission President. California "Mormon" Choir Presents "The Martyrs" Gains Prominence by Singing Before 6,000 People Six thousand people were entertained by the Southern California "Mormon" choir, Sunday, March 12, in Long Beach. Every seat in the immense auditorium was filled, and over a thousand people stood in the isles and back of the balcony seats. The choir of 135 voices, under di- rection of Wm. C. Salt, rendered the sacred cantata by Evan Stephens, "The Martyrs". The singers were picked from the Los Angeles, Ocean Park, and Long Beach branch choirs. President Joseph W. McMurrin of- fered the opening prayer, after which the choir sang "True to the Faith"; then Pres. Axel A. Madsen, of the Los Angeles conference was introduced to give a preview to "The Martyrs". He gave a masterly address upon the life and labors of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum, in commemoration of whose testimony, sealed with their blood, the cantata was about to be given. When the name of the Prophet Joseph Smith was first mentioned a hiss from various parts of the building was the only re- sponse, but before President Madsen had finished, it had changed to ap- plause. Three thousand pamphlets, The Prophet's Own Story were dis- tributed. The ladies in the choir were dressed in white and the men in dark, everything was expectantly quiet when they arose to sing, and good at- tention was given throughout. Rounds of applause showed that the audi-

650 IMPROVEMENT ERA ence were appreciative of the excellence of the production. Mrs. Vira Hirst Fitches, and Miss Kate Robison, were at the pianos, and Miss Louise Smith was at the organ, Robert Siddoway, of Santa Ana, formerly of Salt Lake, and Elder Valoran Russel were the soloists. President Heber J. Grant was present for the rendition, and after it was finished he spoke briefly thanking those who had made the use of the city auditorium possible and expressed his pleasure that such a large audi- ence were present. Last year the choir, though less than 100 voices, sang "The Vision" in the same auditorium. About 3,000 appreciative listeners were in attendance and the remembrance brought them back this year, and their friends accompanied them. The quality at that time was responsible for the invitation to sing again in the building. Other invitations to repro- duce either "The Vision" or "The Martyrs" have been received from Ocean Park and San Diego, one to be given in the Ocean Park Auditorium and the other in the Balboa Park open air theatre, accompanied by the largest open air organ in the world. — Rulon H. Cheney. Many Copies of Book of Mormon Distributed Conference President Clayton Y. Nelson, of the middle Tennessee con- ference, writes under date of March 17: "These elders have labored in Nashville and in the country districts during the past winter. Through integrity and faithful efforts, many homes have been opened and many friends made, resulting in the distributing of many Books of Mormon and other Church literature." Elders left to right. Z. Evans, Peter Gurr, G. M. Nielson, R. A. Hall; fron:: Charles Morrison, M. D. Hayes, C. O. Anderson, George D. Mason. Dr. J arnes E. Talmage in Massachusetts Leland B. Anderson, writing from Lynn, Massachusetts, under date of March 16, repors that the elders and Saints at that place enjoyed some very spirited meetings on Sunday and Monday, March 12 and 13. Elder James E." Talrnage",""5f "the" Council of the Twelve, was the principal speaker. Two meetings were held on Sunday, and in the evening Elder Talmage ad- dressed the "New Thought"' congregation in Boston. He gave them a

EDITORS' TABLE 651 splendid talk, which was discussed by the congregation afterwards. Sev- eral of the members, however, did not accept the Bible, and one was an Atheist. On Monday we held a six-hour priesthood meeting, at which we received some valuable information from Dr. Talmage and President George W. McCune; and in the evening, held a meeting in Lynn, at which Presi- dent McCune and Elder Talmage spoke. A number of changes have been made in the missionaries. President Webster, who has labored in the field now for thirty months, was released, and Franklin D. Richards was appointed to take his place. The missionaries have been moved from Salem, so that Brother Keyte and myself will look after the two branches instead of the one in Lynn, holding meetings in each town every Sunday. The weather here now is fine, and it is making it possible for us to hold quite a number of street meetings. Elders, Left to right: L. B. Anderson, Salt Lake City; E. Eldridge, Woods Cross; P. O. Otterson, Lehi; President L. G. Webster, Kaysville; F. Gile,s Plain City; F. C. Keyte, Provo. "The work is progressing satisfactorily here. We are holding many well-attended and successful cottage and open air meetings. Our friends and investigators show great interest in the gospel message, and we ex- pect added membership this season. The Era is greatly appreciated by its many readers, Saints, friends and missionaries; and through its influence much good is being accomplished in the mission field." South African Mission News The South African Mission is now sending elders into fields that have been without "emissaries" from Zion for several years. President J. Wyley Sessions, Elder John R. Howard, and Mission Secretary Golden W. Harris have been holding conferences at Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Kimberly, and Johannesburg. President Sessions will remain for two weeks in Johannesburg to organize the work, and find suitable quarters for the elders, and a larger hall. Forty-two attended the first conference meeting in spite of the fact that the Saints are scattered and the street-cars are tied up on account of the strike. Brother Brummer, who has been in charge of the branch for the past four years, has been very successful in keeping the Saints united. Temporary headquarters have been at the home of Brother L. G. Muir. Brother Muir has two fine sons from whom much is expected. After meet- ing him, Elders Howard and Harris have felt more eager than ever to be- gin Mutual work.

Elders, left to right: Gordon H. Sears, Clare Okerlund, Horace J. Nelson, Kenneth C. Bailey, Ozias H. Harward, and Clarence W. Jones. Since the taking of the picture Elders Harwood and Nelson have left for Johannes- burg where Elder Nelson will be president of the Transvaal conference. New Meeting House in Thames, N. Z. These two pictures, represent, in a very incomplete way, the excel- lent work which has been performed by the elders who have been laboring at Thames, New Zealand. About the 1st of October, 1921, work was com- menced on the actual construction of the chapel, under the direction of the conference president, Elder Ben Brown. The elders worked faithfully and energetically to erect this chapel, and their efforts have been well re- warded, as can be seen by the picture. The building, of reinforced con- crete, stands as a forerunner of that type of church construction in Thames. It is 24 x 47 feet. The interior gives the same beautifully simple im- pression, as does the exterior, and is the envy and admiration of the town- folk. The opening and dedicatory services were well attended by uW Saints and friends. President Taylor gave an inspired dedicatory prayer on Sunday afternoon, February 12, immediately after the completion of the work. The group picture shows the elders who participated in the work, together with President and Sister Taylor and some of the visiting elders and sisters. The foundation stone reads as follows: This stone was laid by Geo. S. Taylor, Feb. 13, 1922, and the building erected by the following elders: Ben Brown, J. A.

EDITORS' TABLE 653 Thornton, W. J. Wanner, E. R. Nelson, A. T. Maughan, E. A. Ottley, G. A. Jorgensen, Thos. Carless. We send best wishes from the "Home of the Maori," for continued success in putting out an ever better Era to help us in the promulgation of the gospel. — Graham H. Doxey, Mission Secretary. Opposition Causing Many to Investigate Elder Arthur Erickson of the Northern Indiana conference, writing from Peru, March 16, says: "We held conference in Peru on the 4th and 5th of March, at which all the missionaries bore strong testimonies of the divinity of the gospel, at a priesthood meeting held on the 4th. Reports from the different fields show progress in the work. We held three pub- lic sessions wi:h a large attendance at each, at which President Winslow Farr Smith was the principal speaker. Some time ago Mrs. Lulu Loveland Shepherd delivered a series of lectures on 'Mormonism' in Indiana. She disproved her own statements, because she did not tell the same story twice alike. Her efforts are causing many to investigate and learn for themselves what 'Mormonism' really is. President Charles C. Haight has been hon- orably released, and Elder Arthur Erickson has been chosen to succeed him. We have missionaries in Muncie, Marion, Kokomo, Logansport, and South Bench, and we regret that we haven't more laborers for other places. Names of missionaries of Northern Indiana conference, back row, left to right: Smith A. Kunz, Bern, Idaho; Carl S. Anderson, Pleasant Grove, Utah; Hardison R. Bryner, Raymond, Canada; J. Elgie Payne, Glenwood, Utah; Horace Hale, Blackfoot, Idaho; Elam Olsen, Safford Arizona; James Shaw, Liberty, Utah; Harry Stevens, local member of Muncie, Indiana; Glen M. Hortin, Oakley, Utah. Middle row: Marquis A. McCarty, local elder of Anderson, Indiana; August E. Rasmussen, Burley, Idaho; Arthur Erickson, incoming conference president, Union, Utah; Winslow Farr Smith, president of Northern States mission; Charles A. Haight, retiring confer- ence president, Oakley, Idaho; Randall Olson, Lovell, Wyoming; August E. Schmidt, local elder of Peru, Indiana. Front row: Claudius N. Peter- son, Fielding, Utah; Le Grande Mangelson, Levan, Utah; William T. Watts, Ogden, Utah."