A Glimpse into the Secret Diplomacy of the Confederate States

IMPROVEMENT ERA Vol. XXVI NOVEMBER, 1922 No. 1 A Glimpse into the Secret Diplomacy of the Confederate States By Dr. A. L. Curtis Probably the most interesting and instructive subject for religious investigation is the fulfilment of prophecy either ancient or modern. "He that prophesieth, speaketh unto men for edification and exhortation and comfort." This holds true in our day as well as in the days of the Apostle Paul. The proph- ecy on war given through Joseph Smith, contained in the 87th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants, is of especial interest at this time, since with the close of the late World War we have closed another important chapter in the fulfilment of this prophecy. If the reader is not familiar with or wishes to re- fresh his mind on this prophecy he can find it as stated above. Space will allow only a resume of the important or outstanding points contained in it. These after giving date are: 1. The prophecy is given in the name of the Lord, "Verily thus saith the Lord." 2. It predicts a series of wars: 3. The first, or the Civil War: (a) The first war as well as the series of wars should begin with the rebellion of South Carolina. (b) The Southern States should be divided against the Northern States. (c) The Southern States should call on other nations, including Great Britain. 4. The second war or the World's War. (a) The nations called upon by the Southern States would either individually or collectively call upon other nations. (b) This call would be for defense against other nations (na- tions other than those called upon by the South). (c) At this time war should be poured out upon all nations. 5. The Third War or the Race War. Entered at the Post Office, Salt Lake City, Utah, as second class matter. Ac- ceptance for' mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, authorized on July 2, 1918, $2 per annum. Address Room 406 Church Office Building, Salt Lake City, Utah.

4 IMPROVEMENT ERA (a) After a considerable time. (b) Slaves (i. e. tbe negroes) will rise against their masters, i. e. — the whites). 6. The Fourth War. (a) The remnants (i. e., the Indians) who are left in the land will marshal themselves. (b). They shall vex the Gentiles with a sore vexation. 7. Miscellaneous Chastisements of the Lord. And with the sword and by blood-shed the inhabitants of the earth shall mourn; and with famine and plagues and earthquakes, and the thunder of heaven and the fierce and vivid lightning also, the inhabit- ants of tha earth shall be made to feel the wrath and indignation and chastening hand of an Almighty God. 8. Time. This series of wars, famines and plagues, etc., should begin with the first act of the first war or the rebellion of South Carolina, and they should continue "until the consumption decreed hath made an end of all nations" or until the coming of Christ. 9. Purpose. The purpose is a general punishment and chastisement by the Al- mighty upon the nations for rejecting him, for slaying the prophets and for persecuting his followers. 10. Exortation and Comfort. "Stand ye in holy places and be not moved until the day of the Lord come, for behold it cometh quickly, saith the Lord, Amen!" It seems to me that we stand mid-way in the accomplish- ment of this prediction. The first two wars with their blood- shed and horrors are now history. We can look with fear and trembling to the fulfilment of the prediction concerning the last two wars. The future we see dimly but the pasti is an open book and "He who nins may read." Interesting and in- structive though the whole prophecy is and although various phases of it have been treated in a masterly way by many, ne- cessity will permit us but a limited consideration of a limited portion of the prophecy. This portion is: "And the Southern States will call upon other nations, even the nation of Great Britain as it is called; and, they shall also call upon other na- tions in order to defend themselves against other nations, and then war will be poured out upon all nations." This statement seems so clear that further explanation seems unnecessary but to avoid misunderstanding we will state the propositions sep- arately that are put forth: First — The Southern States will officially call upon foreign nations, among them Great Britain. Second — These nations thus called upon in turn will call upon other nations for the purpose of individual and common defense — not for offensive action but in "order to defend themselves." Third — (From inference the offending nations will not be called upon by the Southern States). Fourth — From the greatness and extent of the resulting conflict, war will be poured out upon all nations.

SECRET DIPLOMACY OF CONFEDERATE STATES 5 As soon as the Southern States had seceded and estab- lished a separate government with Jefferson Davis as its Pres- ident and Congress had assembled, one of the first and impor- tant steps was to delegate men— prominlent and influential men —to represent this Confederate Goverment at foreign courts. With the memory of the late World War so vividly fixed in our minds, and with this prediction before us, to read the secret diplomatic correspondence of the South is both startling and amazing. I quote a notification of appointment by Mr. Toombs, Confederate Secretary of State: Department of State, Montgomery, March 16, 1861. William L. Yancey; Pierre A Rost; A Dudley Mann, Esquires. Gentlemen: — You have been appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of Congress, Special Commissioners to Europe. Herewith you will receive your commissions as such to Great Britaini, France, Russia and Belgium. * * * The Confederate States therefore present themselves (through you) for admission into the family of independent nations and ask for that acknowledgment and friendly recognition. * * * It is the confident expectation of the President and people of the Confederate State3 that the enlightened Government of Great Britain will speedily acknowledge our independence and welcome us among the nations of the world. * * * The arguments (heretofore given but not copied) which you will use with Great Britain to induce her to establish friendly relations with the Confederate States may be employed with France and the other nations to which you are accredited. With each of these countries you will pro- pose to negotiate treaties of friendship, commerce, and navigation simi- lar to that which you will propose to Great Britain. (Signed) R. Toombs. Is it not a remarkable fact that the principal allied nations are mentioned in this which is probably the first diplomatic document of the Confederate States? Yes — indeed it is, but he who knows the end from the beginning said, "The Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Brit- ain as it is called; and, they shall also call upon other nations in order to defend themselves against other nations." Great Britain is Called Upon In due time this Commission, consisting of Messers. Yancey, Rost, and Mann, with Mr. Fearn, as Secretary of the Commis- sion, reached London and began active work. Their energies consisted in laying the cause of the South before the people of Great Britain, through newspapers and any other means of pub- licity. They talked informally with members of Parliament and awaited a psychological time to present their credentials to her Majesty's Government. At last this opportunity came. This consisted of the brilliant success of the Southern troops

6 IMPROVEMENT ERA at Bull Run, and when they received this official word from the Secretary of State: "It affords me extreme pleasure to announce to you * * * the glorious victory achieved by our army over the forces of the United States. * * * At Manassas," or Bull Run, they acted. Forthwith the following official communication was sent to Earl Russel who is styled Her Britannic Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for For- eign Affairs: London, 15 Half Moon Street, August 14, 1861. Earl Russel: — The undersigned, as your Lordship has already on two occasions been verbally and unofficially informed, were appointed on the 16th of March last a Commission to Her Britannic Majesty's Government by the President of the Confederate States of America. The undersigned were instructed to represent to your Lordship that seven of the Soverign States * * * had thrown off the Union and formed a Confederacy which they had styled the Confederate States of America. They were instructed to ask Her Majesty's Government to recognize the fact of the existence of this new power in the world. * * * (Signed) W . L. Yancey, P. A. Rost, A. D. Mann. This Commission- visited, besides Great Britain, the Gov- ernments of Belgium and France. This will be considered in its appropriate place. The Confederate Congress decided to pursue a different policy with the Commission. It was dis- united, and separate Commissioners were to be sent the prin- cipal Governments of the Continent. Mr. Yancey was to re- main in Great Britain, Mr. Mann was sent to Belgium, and Mr. Rost was to represent the Confederacy in France and later in Spain. Two new Commissioners, James M. Mason and John Slidell were sent to Great Britain and France respectively. The last two named, while enroute to London on the British steamer "Trent", were captured by the U. S. Man-of-War "Jacinto?' and delivered as prisoners of war to a northern port. The interna- tional crisis to which this gave rise and the subsequent delivery of these two men are too well known, for further comment ex- cept to be mentioned a little later. Other Commissioners were later sent and will be mentioned hereafter. A volume can be written on the diplomatic relations of the South with Great Britain, if occasion demanded or time permitted. Suffice it to say every envoy sent to the Old World, as far as I can learn, visited Great Britain. We need not go into detail as to the aid given the Southern cause by this nation, which was great. It is enough to state that Great Britain was officially "called upon," and asked for the greatest thing she could give, i. e., recognition of the Confederacy of the Southern States as a fred and independent nation.

SECRET DIPLOMACY OF CONFEDERATE STATES 7 France is Called Upon The people of Great Britain unmistakably favored the cause of the North, but the officials, or some of them, would have rejoiced to see the Union severed. This would have weak- ened America as a nation. In France many of the people and practically all of the officials wanted the South to win. So the Commission in France were warmly received. They held informal chats with high Government officials and the Emperor Napoleon III was induced indirectly through them to communicate with Great Britain as to the advisability of joint action of the two Governments in recognition of the South. From one of the Commission's secret and guarded messages sent from Paris to the Secretary of State we find: We are also reliably informed that Great Britain, which through its Minister here has been urging the French Government to take the lead in recognizing the independence of the Confederacy, declaring its inten- tion to follow in the same line of policy. But that the Emperor's Cabinet at present declines to do so, while at the same time it would be willing to enter into a joint act of recognition. * * * We learn that a majority of the Cabinet and the Emperor are favorably disposed to our cause. * * * We have asked for an unofficial interview with the Emperor. * * * Things seemed to go well with the Commission and they presented the following official request: Paris, 9 Rue MerineSnil, October 24, 1861. His Excellency, Monsieur Thouvenal, etc. Sir: — The undersigned beg leave to inform your Excellency that they together with Mr. A. Dudley Mann have been commissioned by the Pres- ident of the Confederate States of America to represent the Government of those States near the Government of His Imperial Majesty, the Em- peror of the French, for the purpose of forming friendly! relations, and of negotiating a treaty of commerce and navigation. They respectfully request the honor of an official interview with your Excellency for the purpose of conferring upon the subject of those rela- tions. (Signed) W. L. Yancey, P. A. Rost, While the Commission was thus knocking at the door of France something happened which threw all Europe in com- motion and sent these men hurrying to London, leaving France unofficially called upon. This incident was the seizure of James S. Mason and John Slidell as referred to. The Com- mission at this time found its chief duty in Great Britain, to further inflame the minds of the British people and aggravate the hostile feeling this unfortunate occurrence produced. By the time the Northern States had humbled themselves before the people of Great Britain and had released these men as prisoners of war, and the Trent affair had been closed, time

8 IMPROVEMENT ERA had elapsed and the minds of some of the principal men of France had changed. When the Commission returned to France they were advised not to request recognition until affairs had taken a change and assumed a more favorable aspect for the Confederacy. This advice they concluded to heed. In the meantime John S. Slidell, the newly commissioned envoy to France, had arrived. From the fact that his capture and re- lease had given rise to international controversy, he was hailed somewhat as a hero. He was received in the highest society and conferred with members of the Court. He even hobnobbed with the Emperor himself. The following is taken from a memorandum, secretly sent to the Secretary of State, of a con- fidential interview with the Emperor by Slidell: The Emperor received me in a most friendly manner. *> * * He had no scruples in declaring his sympathies were with the South. That his only desire was to know how to give them effect. * * * The Em- peror asked, "What do you think of the joint mediation of France, England and Russia? Would it if proposed be accepted by the two parties?" I replied that some months since I would have said that the North would unhesitatingly reject it, but that now it would probably accept it; that I could not venture to say how it would be received at Richmond. I could only give him my own individual opinion. I had no faith in England and believed that Russia would lean strongly to the Northern side, that the mediation of the three powers when France could be outvoted, would not be acceptable; that we might with certain assurances consent to the joint mediation of France and England; but know- ing as I did the Emperor's sentiments I would gladly submit to his um- pirage. The Emperor said, "My own preference is for a proposition of an armistice of six months, with the Southern ports open to the commerce of the world. This would put a stop to the effusion of blood and hostil- ities would probably never be resumed. We can urge it on the high grounds of humanity and the interest of the civilized world. If it be refused by the North it will afford good reason for recognition and perhaps for more active intervention." I said that such a course would be judicious and acceptable, indeed it was one I had suggested to Mr. Thouvenal when I first saw him in Febru- ary last. That I feared, however, he would findl it as difficult to obtain the co-operation of England for it as for recognition. He said that he had reason to suppose the contrary, that he had a letter from the King of the Belgians that he would show me. He did so. It was an autograph letter from King Leopold to the Emperor, dated Brussels, 15 October. The date is important as Queen Victoria was then at Brussels. The King urges in the warmest manner, for the cause of humanity and in th« inter- ests of the suffering populations of Europe, that prompt and strenuous ef- fort should be made by France, Russia and England to put an end to the bloody war that now desolates America. He expresses his earnest conviction that all attempts to reconstruct the Union are hopeless, that final separation is an accomplished fact, and that it is the duty of the Great powers so to treat it that recognition, or any other course that might be thought best calculated to bring about a peace, should at once be adopted. The appeal is made with great earnestness to the Emperor to bring the whole weight of his great name and authority to bear on the most

SECRET DIPLOMACY OF CONFEDERATE STATES 9 important question of his day. It is universally believed that King Leo> pold's counsels have more influence with Queen Victoria than those of any other living man. The Emperor asked why we had not created a navy. He said that we ought to have one. * * * * I replied * * * "Wie had built two vessels in England and were now building others, two of which would be powerful iron-clad steamers, that the great difficulty was not to build but to man and arm themi, under the existing regulations of neutrality, that if the Emperor would give only some kind of verbal assurance that his police would not observe too closely when we wished to put on guns and men we would gladly avail ourselves of it." He said, "Why could you not have them built as for the Italian Gov- ernment? I do not think it would be difficult, but will consult the Min- ister of Marine about it." I forgot to mention that King Leopold, in his letter, spoke of his wishes for the success of the French arms in Mexico. July 21, 1862, Mr. Slidell presented in writing an official request that the Government of His Imperial Majesty recognize the Confederate States of America and to this application he attached a memorandum, offering in exchange one-hundred million francs worth of cotton, free importation of all French goods, that 500,000 bales of cotton would be shipped to France and also "alliances defensive and offensive for Mexican affairs." The pet dream of Louis Napoleon to found an Empire in Mexico and place Maximilian, Archduke of Austria, on the throne, forced itself into diplomatic consideration. The plans for this had been worked out and were ready to be put into ef- fect. On a pretense of collecting bad debts the French army had been sent to Mexico and invaded that republic. Maximil- ian had left Austria and was paying a visit to the King of Bel- gium. During this time negotiation between the Archduke and the court of the Emperor were actively going on. When matters were understood and definite arrangements reached Maximilian visited Paris. Of this Slidell transmitted the following: The archduke Maxmilian is expected here this evening. I have good reason to believe that his prolonged stay at Brussels was caused by his determination not to commit himself definitely to the acceptance of the Mexican crown until he should have received from the Emperor positive assurance of support, in the event of difficulties with the Government at Washington, and that the assurance had been given. I shall ask an inter- view with the Archduke. * * * France was formally and officially "called upon." Belgium is Called Upon Belgium, Jan. 5, 1 863. M. Rogier, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Sir: — In the communications which the undersigned has hitherto ad- dressed to His Excellency, Mr. Rogier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, he has refrained from asking for the formal recognition of the independence of the Confederate States of America by the Government of Belgium, as ample as were his justifications for proceeding to make such request. The

10 IMPROVEMENT ERA time, however, has at length arrived when, without a disregard of the trusts which were confided to him, he can no longer delay signifying his solicitude that such recognition shall occur. In performing this duty it is proper that the undersigned should inform His Excellency, Mr. Rogier, that when the Confederate States immediately after the adoption of the Constitution determined to send Commissioners to Europe to establish relations with the most influential nations thereof, they primarily associated Belgium with Great Britain, France and Russia, contracted as were her dimensions relatively and small as was her popu- lation. * * * (Signed) A. Dudley Mann. In the King of the Belgians the South found a true and enduring friend. Mann's next communications contain : "I have now satisfactory reasons for believing King Leopold renewed his exertions with increased energy to procure European rec- ognition of the Confederate States." Had King Leopold stood at the head of a great and powerful nation, the Southern States would have been recognized. It is sufficient to say Belgium was officially "called upon." (To be concluded) Payson, Utah Good-bye Goodbye, old pal, we have come at last To the parting of the ways; Though bosom companions we have been Through stormy and sunshiny days. Your slave I have, been since the time of youth And I crave you in every .vein; But I'd rather die than be fettered by The slaver's galling chain. Goodbye, old pal, we are friends no more, Though together we've been for years. You have known my love; you have known my hate, You have been with me in my tears. We have faced the wrath of the blizzard's blast; We have sweltered in heat on the plain, But I loathe you now and have taken a vow That we'll never be friends again. Goodbye, old pal, I can not declare I appreciate what you have wrought. For I was your slave, andj only could rave, When you held me from good that I sought. Goodbye, old pal, you have dragged me down, Till I'm not what I ought to be. And I owe no debt to you, vile cigarette, For the things you have done for me. Goodbye, old pal, you have clouded my brain, And hollowed my chest — and yet I know that I can show that I'm still a man, Then, goodbye to you — vile cigarette. Glenwoodville, Alberta Willard Greene Richards.

^f/earts andfjolfyhocks c/7 Story of Love, Struggle and Society JluthMoenchBelt Chapter I "I wonder if Judy's gone to bed yet," Edna cried happily, "I want her to see it to-night." And she held up her new dia- mond that sparkled in the moon-light. "She's up," John Shirley smiled, as he peered through the porch vines, over to the next house across the lawn. "Phil's car is still tied up there; and it isn't even champing on the bit or pawing the ground to be off. I shouldn't be surprised if Judith is up just- about as long as you are to-night, young lady," John added. "Phil was planning to give her hers to-night, too." "Her engagement ring?" Edna exclaimed, lifting her face irom its new resting place on John's shoulder. "That's his plan if his courage holds and her heart agrees." "Oh, won't it be lovely? Judith will run over to show me hers and then I'll say, 'Your's is not the only one, if yoii please.* And then she'll grab my hand and we'll both hold up our rings to the light." John's face clouded. "Do you always show each other everything and tell each other everything?" "Always," Edna declared fervently. "There's never been anything but this little patch of lawn between us. We always brush and braid our hair together at night, and Judith even runs across the lawn sometimes in her — her — negligee to tell me something else before she can sleep. We both — " "Yes, you both — ■" John prompted, as Edna's face grew sud- denly rather pink. "We both prayed on our knees last night that Phil and yoa would — " "Would — " John encouraged eager for the girlish confession. "Would — well just what happened to-night," Edna admitted frankly. "It has been a terrible suspense. Judith was almost sure that you cared for me. And I was confident that Phil loved her. But I was not sure about you and Judith could not believe about Phil. Oh, I hope he tells her. It would be cruel if she had to wait any longer for her happiness. We've always been to- gether in everything." John did not reply. He was looking intently at the tiny diamond on Edna's slim finger. "You are not jealous of Judith, John?" Edna murmured.

12 IMPROVEMENT ERA "Jealous, sweetheart? Not a bit of it! I was only wonder- ing how girls took things. You know everything gains or loses by comparison. And this small stone — well, we both bought our girl's rings today. Phil merely selected thei finest stone in the latest platinum setting and/ wrote out a check; while I had been saving for a year to get the tiniest, perfect stone for the girl I love." Something seemed to clutch her heart as Edna kissed the stone. Almost in tears she breathed: "John, it is a thousand times more precious. And to think that you cared for me for a whole year ! And thought of me every time you put by something for this token of your love." That evening, after John and Phil had gone, the two girls ran to each other's arms with their happy confidences. Edna held up proudly the small diamond John had saved so desper- ately to buy. She remembered that Phil's father owned the mills at which John would be glad to be only the book-keeper. She felt proud of John that he had worked up to that for she knew he had done it all himself, unaided, and she felt confident that big things were ahead of him. Judith glanced at Edna's stone and tried to hide hers out of Rvmpathy for Edna. It was not the contrast between the great, blue, full karat diamond in it's luxurious, plantinum setting, and the small, but perfect stone. It was Judith's unconscious action and the suggestion of pity, that pained Edna. She felt hurt just a little, the next day, too, when the girls exclaimed over Judith's glorious stone and then tried to be equally enthusiastic; over hers. Edna almost made up her mind to wear her ring only in her own room and when John was with her, out of loyalty to John. After all it was just a sweet secret between them. In her room the little stone sparkled out so bravely to her from its velvet case, so bravely because it seemed to say: "John loves you. John, with the odds all against him, is ready to brave the world and the future for you. With no inher- itance and only a business education, and a meager one at that, John courageously looks ahead to his own fireside and family and is ready to face the storms and the stress of circumstances for you." And so it happened that Edna did not have her ring on when John dropped in unexpectedly that next evening. It was not that she loved John or his ring less; but she did not intend, out of loyalty, that John or his ring should suffer in any way by comparison with Philip Curwood and his ring. "By the way, where's your ring?" John wondered, as he squeezed Edna's hand playfully. "Was it so new you forgot to put it on?"

HEARTS AND HOLLYHOCKS 13 How could she tell him that was not the reason? How could she tell him that a dozen times that day she had run up stairs to take another peep at the precious symbol of their love? The moment slipped by and the full confession was not made. "It is little confidences that draw hearts close together into a true lover's knot," Edna's grandmother had often said. Edna thought of it then as she wondered what she should do. Before Edna could decide to talk it all over with John, she was too late to say anything. John was saying, earnestly: "By the way, Edna, let's run our home, as I hope I can per- suade Phil to run the business, when he comes to be its manager. I mean with complete understanding, the books open, you know. I want you to know the exiact size of our income. We can make out our budget and allow so much for rent, a certain sum for living expenses. Then there are our personal expenses. I don't want you to have to beg for pin-money. Something should be saved, too, every month. I found it was best to put it in the bank the first thing so I would not be tempted to spend it." "I think that is the best way," Edna agreed. "I know I should just die if I had to ask you for every penny. I've always had to coax father for a new frock or hat. And sometimes I suppose he let me have things he could not afford just because I coaxed." "I know many a wife spends more than her husband's in- come will allow. And many a workman demands more than the business will stand because neither knows what the actual con- ditions are." "Yes, and I suppose some women skimp along miserably when they might have more if things were talked over more between husband and wife." "And some workmen get too little while the employer prows wealthy. That's what I'm trying to get at — understanding bctwen husband and wife ; understanding between workmen and employer. Misunderstanding is like an undercurrent running in the opposite direction from the surface. It is the undertow that catches the little matrimonial barque and sucks it under," John exclaimed eloomently "I have only two fears for our fu- ture. That is one of them. The other — oh, well, I'll be on my guard against that." "Oh, please, aren't you going to tell me?" Edna coaxed. "I'm a thousand times more interested in it." "Not tonight." John evaded. "We've been serious enough for one evening. I promise to tell you if I see any danger of its wrecking our happiness." Neither realized that the confidence they did not share was

14 IMPROVEMENT ERA the confidences of all confidences which would have made them a unit against the impending calamity which threatened them and which John alone recognized. "There is one secret I shall tell you," he smiled, "but mum is the word. The public generally will not know for some time. And even Judith must not be told unless Phil tells her." "You seem to think me a tattle-tale," Edna pouted prettily not one whit annoyed. "Well, not exactly," John laughed, "but you must remember you once pleaded guilty to a charge of telling a certain young lady everything." "Oh, Judith," Edna laughed merrily. "I vow I shall not even tell Judith. Though Fd better leave town tonight so I won't be tempted." "Maybe Phil will tell her. Phil's father is going to Europe, soon after Phil's honeymoon, to be gone for at least two years. And Phil and I are to run the business. I'm to be book-keeper, auditor and consulting adviser. Isn't it splendid of Phil's father to have so much confidence in me? If I have my way, we'll take the men into our confidence and) give them a genuine interest in the business. Then, in time, we could put it on the profit sharing plan so each man would work for the business as if it were his own." "What does Phil think about the plan?" "He doesn't favor it as yet. His father did not favor it. Yet they have had strike after strike to settle. And some of those strikes have happened when the mills were operating at a daily loss. Then Phil and his father feel angry at the men and their unions. If they had known what the actual ronditions were, every man would have gladly worked longer hours and taken less pay. On the other hand, the mills are only operating nine months in the year. Hence, what seems a high wage is not high when one considers that a workman must save enough in those nine months to carry him over the other three and still leave him a balance for the proverbial rainy day." "I should think Phil would see it that way even if his father can't." "I can get Phil to see it if I can get him in closer touch with his men and their families. I want him to see how unelastic a definite wage is for the up-keep af a family and meet the exigen- cies of sickness, accident, education and old age. That is where the profit sharing plan comes in. A man would work with greater hope and interest if he knew that his work would help him to a margin, however small, over his wage. Every man would save to invest in the business instead of turning his earnings

HEARTS AND HOLLYHOCKS 15 to some smooth tongued promoter for some wildcat scheme for sudden wealth." John broke off suddenly, "I'm not boring you?" he smiled. "Boring me? I feel so pleased that you are confiding in me. And so proud that you can think things out like this." "Well, I feel this way: God gives one a certain experience that he may fill a definite need in the world. That's why I think I was made for this purpose. Phil has never gone hungry; neither has his father nor his father's father. They've never worked for a definite amount. They've never wondered what would happen if the wage-earner met with an accident or was taken ill or lost his life. Expenses and no income, old age with no prospects of a saving account to keep one and bury him decently, are some things Phil's family have never known. For that reason to them a workman is a stupid, greedy, selfish, un- grateful wretch." They were silent for a time dreaming of their future. Then John reached over and pressed Edna's hand. "But it all means," he cried happily, "that we may be married at once, if you are willing." "Oh, lovely," Edna smiled. "We'll have a double wedding. Judith says she and Phil are to be married at once." Then Edna's face clouded. Judith's wedding would probably be a very grand affair while her's must be quiet and humble. "Yes, a double wedding," John repeated. And his face, too, was clouded. "I wish you'd tell me what that other thing was that might spoil our happiness," Edna begged. "I was perilously near, sweetheart," John confessed. "But it wouldn't be right now. I promise to see that our barque sails smoothly. It is the set of the sail that counts after all: "One ship goes east, another west, By the selfsame winds that blow; "Tis the set of the sail, and not the gale, That determines the way they go. Like the winds of the sea are the ways of fate, As we voyage along through life; 'Tis the set of the soul that decides the goal, And not the calm nor the strife." John looked so big and manly as he stood there, his brow bared and lifted to the breeze, his arms folded across his chest, his soul poised for its flight with his soul mate, it was on Edna's lips to say: "John, I wish there were only we two in all the world, our world, only we two in the boat, nothing to divert us from keeping our sails set right." But the words went unsaid. John clasped his arms about

16 IMPROVEMENT ERA her and kissed her good-night. She watched him out of sight, her heart aching with the weight of its love for him and the fear that she might in some way fail him to whom she meant so much. Chapter II "A double wedding," Judith sang out happily, grasping Edna about the waist and swinging her around. ,"0h, but I can't afford a magnificent wedding like you can," Edna sighed. "We'll have it at my house," Judith declared. "A double wedding won't cost one cent more and it will be so romantic. We both have the same friends so we wouldn't even have to make a larger wedding cake. Two wedding bells! Two brides! Oh, won't it be lovely? Eight bridesmaids, four behind me and four be- hind you! And best men and two little flower girls. Ida Mae and little chubby Dix for ring bearer. Won't it be grand?" "We'd have to have two ring bearers," Edna corrected. "It would be a dream of a wedding. I'll see what John says." "Then if we could go away for our honeymoon together!" "We might set out together," Edna smiled, "but I want John all to myself for two whole weeks." "And I want Phil. But it would be fun if we could see each other, too, so we could have someone who would listen while we reccount the wonderful characteristics of our heroes." "Shall you be married in the temple?" Edna asked. "I think I'd rather have the bishop or some fine man per- form the ceremony at the wedding." "Oh, but it isn't the same thing," Edna protested, "it isn't the same even if a bishop does perform the ceremony." "I suppose we'd better talk it over with the boys," Judith laughed, "maybe the boys will have somthing to say about it." "No, what they say doesn't count till after the ceremony, if that's what you two are discussing," John grinned as he swung himself up onto Edna's porch where the two girls were sitting. "Have it your own way this time, young lady," he laughed, as he perched himself on the arm of Edna's rocker. "Have it your own wav for a while ; then, I'll step in and take the oars." "I'll rock the boat if you do," Edna threatened. "And spill us both out. If that isn't just like a woman. By the way, we couldn't see you two behind these vines, so Phil is probably poking about across the lawn wondering where his lady love lurks." "If that isn't just the clumsiest way of getting rid of a third," Judith laughed. At that moment a chirping call which she recog-

HEARTS AND HOLLYHOCKS 17 nized as Phil's caught her ear. "I wouldn't stay here for the world," she rippled promptly following the sound. "We've made some wonderful plans, John," Edna began, "a double wedding, the finest ever seen in Winthrop, wedding bells, bridesmaids, flower girls, ring-bearers, best men — " "Any bridegrooms?" John inquired. "I believe you men are jealous." "No, we're not jealous exactly; but I did read an account of a fashionable wedding in which the name of the bridegroom was not even mentioned. But seriously I think it ill-advised. We are just beginning to feel the after effects of the war. Every war is followed by this re-adjustment period. First come the high prices, profiteering. We've had both of these. Then come the decline to normal, bank failures, business failures, men out of work, anxiety on the part of the employers, bitterness on the part of the unemployed. And when the employers feast and revel, those whose toil helped build the business feel injured and morose." 'But Judith is not in the business yet. She is only going to marry into the business." "But the price of that wedding would feed hundreds who will go hungry this winter." "Then you do not approve of the double wedding?" Edna cried in deepest disappointment. John took her two hands and looked into her eyes for his answer. "Can't we, just you and I," he pleaded earnestly, "live our lives in our own way, dear? I haven't Phil's wealth. You haven't Judith's." "A bride is only a bride once," Edna urged much softened. "And where could she appear more lovely or angelic than in the temple? I have always pictured my bride in the temple, passing through the marriage ceremony so holy!" "Could we be married in the temple and then have the recep- tion with Judith afterwards, as she wanted to?" "I suppose so, if you two can arrange it." "Judith was hoping we might take our honeymoons togeth- er," Edna spoke with some hesitation, wondering whether John could afford a vacation even, to say nothing of a honeymoon. "Would you want to be with them or me?" John asked with a smile. "I'd rather be with you, alone," Edna answered, nestling in his arms. "Then will you trust the honeymoon to me. And we will keep it a secret till we get back." "A secret even from me?"

18 IMPROVEMENT ERA "A delightful surprise for you, I hope it will be, but a secret from the rest." "All right," Edna agreed, glad in her heart that there was to be a trip of some kind with John. "I'll give you your way about the wedding ceremony. You will give me mine about the wedding reception. I give you your way about the honeymoon. Then I have my innings on the next decision." "Artful lassie, I suppose that will be fair," John laughed. "And that is probably what a happy marriage means, a yielding to each other. Only promise me that whatever happens you will always tell me all, everything that is in your heart, so our little boat will sail smoothly along to a snug harbor." Edna said, "Yes," and meant it with her goodnight kiss. And John squared his shoulders and trudged happily homeward. * * * The double wedding was a brilliant social affair. After the beautiful temple service, Edna felt as if she would prefer to slip away somewhere with John, out under the sky with only the grass and trees and birds. She wanted to be alone to think it all out and talk it all over with John. It was all so wonderful that out of the world of women he should have chosen her. And that now, for better or for worse, they were to influence each other's lives and the lives of those around them. Most of all, each must be to the other a joy, a com- fort, an inspiration. She wanted to have time to think of all the beautiful things men had said about women, their wives or sweethearts, or mother or sister. "I must be all these to John," she thought, "since he has no mother or sister. My love must be sweeter and stronger and truer because I must supply the place of mother, sister, sweet- heart and wife." There was no time then for thoughts. Edna must dress hur- riedly, amidst all sorts of joyous excitement. John was hustled away, also, to be properly attired. The two brides were lovely in their bridal finery. They were a charming contrast, Judith so tall and dignified, a handsome brunette, Edna, small and dainty and golden-haired. Phil walked with the easy assurance of the man who is confident of the future, knowing he can provide handsomely for brunette; Edna, small and dainty and golden-haired. John came with a spiritual faith and confidence. His eyes, as he looked at Edna, were beaming with love for her, trust in God and belief in himself. He looked as if he felt that what- ever the odds pitted against him, with the grace of God and the support of his wife, his courage and hope would carry him through.

HEARTS AND HOLLYHOCKS 19 The eyes of all were on the two fine couples ; but they linger- ed on John. Many noted and remembered, long afterwards, the sincerity of purpose in his eyes, the tender regard for Edna and the spiritual trust in God. Perhaps because he had no mother, every mother there yearned for him, as if he had been her son. Every father there longed to be in the young man's counsels, longed to father him through the early years of his manhood. Every girl envied Edna. There was a look in his eyes that said he would be good to her whatever happened. There were tears and congratulations and laughter, music and merrymaking. Then the bridal bouquets were dropped from the stairs into the arms of two expectant bridesmaids and Edna and Judith ran to their rooms to dress for their departure. "Where to?" Edna cried as she clasped her friend before she was hurried away. 'To Florida," Judith laughed. "And where are you off to? Hasn't he told you yet?" "Not a word," Edna murmured. And then the two were whisked away from each other. Amid showers of rice and old shoes, Judith and Phil were escorted to their car, and from the home to the station. Edna and John were to go on a, later train. However, in the midst of preparations for Judith and Phil's departure, while no one was thinking of anyone but the depart- ing couple, Edna felt an arm suddenly close about her, and she was quietly whisked out the back door and into a waiting auto that threaded its way through the drive usually reserved for coal wagons and grocer's carts. Before the crowd was aware that John had any idea of out- witting them, Edna and John were on their way to their honey- moon somewhere. /rr , „. ,, (lo be continued) Boy Scouts and Friends Building a Swimming Pool at Raymond, Alberta, Canada. The Pool is now Complete