The Passing of President Woodrow Wilson

THE PASSING OF PRESIDENT WOODROW WILSON By J. M. Sjodahl "Woodrow Wilson, scholar, statesman, patriot, was called to guide the destinies of his country through the most dangerous crisis the modern world has known. "He discharged the trust reposed in him, with courage, fidelity, and honor. He pointed the way to world peace, but selfishness, ambition and greed for power blocked the way, as they had done many times before, when the path to brotherhood and peace had been plainly blazed. His death will strengthen the principles of justice and righteousness for which he strove, and they will yet triumph. — President Anthony W. Ivins. Woodrow Wilson, the World War President of the United States, passed away at his home in Washington, on Sunday, February 3. at 11:15 a. m. On the dav previous, at 10:15 p. m. Dr. Grayson announced that the distinguished patient was in a state of unconsciousness, but that his heart was still beating. From that moment his life slowly ebbed away, and he died without pain. In the room where his noble spirit successfully struggled for its release from the mortal body, only a few of those nearest and dearest to him witnessed the ebbing away of his life, but millions of his countrymen in all stations of life and of all creeds and parties were eagerly scanning the bulletins for news, and expressing sympathy. Even outside the United States, in all parts of the world, our world-war president's heroic battle with "the last enemy" was fol- lowed with intense, sombre interest, which only goes to show how near to each other continents and islands and nations and races really are in our day and age. Woodrow Wilson, the 27th president of the United States, was born at Staunton, Va., December 28, 1856 of Scotch-Irish parantage. His father, Rev. Joseph Ruggles Wilson, was a promi- nent Presbyterian minister. At Columbia, S. C, young Wilson, at the age of seventeen, entered Davidson College, and then went to Princeton and later studied law at the University of Virginia. In 1882 he began practicing law at Atlanta, Georgia. The law practice, it seems, was not extensive, but while attending Johns Hopkins University, he published a work on Congressional Government, which won for him recognition both at home and abroad. Numerous other literary productions confirmed the reputation he had earned as a writer. Much of this work was done at Princeton. In 1 9 1 0 he was nominated by the Democrats of New Jersey for governor of that state, and that was his entrance into political prominence. He was elected, and served until March 1, 1913, when he resigned in order to take up his duties iri Washington.

THE PASSING OF PRESIDENT WILSON 449 President and Mrs. Woodrow Wilson, as they appeared in Salt Lake City on the 23 rd of September, 1919 "In calm and through storm, he guided our ship of state, turning not away from his vision of union without lnt?rference and guardianship without greed." — Dr. Geo. H. Brimhall,

450 IMPROVEMENT ERA Curiously enough it was a speech by Colonel George Harvey in 1912, that first suggested the name of Woodrow Wilson for the presidency of the United States. The story of his election for this high office forms one of the dramatic chapters of American history. The Republican convention in Chicago split, and the Progressive party was formed with Mr. Roosevelt as its candidate. The Demo- cratic convention at Baltimore registered a plurality for Clark, but the convention refused to give him two-thirds majority. Then Mr. Bryan took the floor for Mr. Wilson. For two weeks the struggle continued. Wilson got the nomination and was elected the following November. When the world war broke out in 1914, President Wilson declared neutrality. This, undoubtedly, emboldened the principal Central European powers to carry on their warfare with greater ruthlessness than necessary. Diplomatic notes were treated with diplomatic contempt, and peace proposals were scorned by both sides. Gradually the popular sentiment in the United States rose to fever heat, and a declaration of war became unavoidable. War was declared April 6, 1917. The war once commenced, it was prosecuted with all the energy a hundred million Americans could put into it. Armies were con- jured up over night, as it were, and supplies and transportation facilities were created as by a miracle. But in Wilson's heart there was nothing but "charity toward all, malice toward none." He fought not to annihilate nations or governments, but tyrannical autocracy. To him, our country's part in the conflict was to make war upon war, for all time to come. And this, he conceived, could be done only by the nations of the earth forming an association for the pur- pose of maintaining peace. For this great ideal Wilson laid down his life. On September 3 he began his famous tour of the United States, in the interest of the League of Nations. His physician advised him against the trip. But he considered it his duty to make the effort. For about fifteen days he endured, but then the strain of travel, the stress of speaking, ana the anxiety of the situation caused the physical collapse which ended in death. One of the last and most powerful addresses of that tour was delivered in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, September 23, 1919, where he received a great ovation. Without military pomp, without drums and brass bands, with- out eulogy even, for so Mr. Wilson desired it to be, the mortal re- mains of the great American were laid to rest in the Bethlehem chapel, of the Cathedral on Mt. St. Albans, Washington, February 6. The Episcopal ritual was followed in the services, which were conducted by Bishop James E. Freeman, in association with the Rev. James H. Taylor, pastor of the Central Presbyterian church, and two other Presbyterian clergymen. The djy wgs observed throughout the cpun-

THE PASSING OF PRESIDENT WILSON 451 try by the cessation of public business, by the halfmasting of the flags, and in many places in the various states, including Utah, memorial services. From abroad came floral tributes. Never before was the funeral of a United States President, or ex-President, conducted with greater simplicity and dignity; never before did an occasion of that kind elicit more genuine and deeply-felt sympathy throughout the world. "Woodrow Wilson was the prophet of a world peace ideal; and he sacrificed his life in its service." "Woodrow Wilson is the greatest American -since Lincoln. He was a failure like Moses, because he was not allowed to lead Europe into the prom- ised land. But in a hundred years historians will rate his failure as peace- maker higher than the success of any other figure of the great war. "Mr. Wilson on his deathbed dwarfs his betrayers on both sides of the Atlantic. He is more than a politician; he is a seer. His blessing of peace will be the homage of history. He failed as Jesus failed. The failure of Jesus in Palestine gave the world Christiantiy ; the failure of Wilson at Versailles will give the world the peace of brotherhood. "He was crucified by politicians; but when his body, like John Brown's, lies mouldering in the grave, his soul will go marching on." — Lon- don Sunday Express. A Lone Horseman A lone horseman waits at the crest of the hill, Where the day's golden arrows depart; And he scans the dim valley of vanishing-will In quest of a dauntless heart. His face is stern, and his brow is set, But his eye holds a glint of hope, As he sees a weak pilgrim who struggles yet, Though far down the torturous slope. "Lo, courage still triumphs on Life's highway," He cries to the regions above, And gallops afar past the realms of day To the purple-hued mountains of love. He spurs his horse to the rugged trail, And grim as the soul of the night, He bears a message of Life's travail Home to the Master of Might. A lone horseman waits at the danger zone, Where you pass the crucial years, And guards the path that you tread alone O'er the desert of narrowing fears. He waits and beckons you on to the goal Where your tired heart longs to be, In the shining city of hallowed-soul, 'Mong the hills of ecstacy. Salt Lake City EZRA J. POULSEN.

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS "Behold, they have been sent to preach my gospel * * * * ; wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, thus: Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known" — Doc. and Cov. 60:13. The Gridley Conference The ninth semi-annual conference of the Sacramento-Gridley conference was held December 7-9, 1923, the interesting feature being that the meetings were held in the newly erected chapel in Sacramento. Ten meetings were held in all, at which President Jos. W. McMurrin and heads of the various auxiliary organizations of the California mission were present. Besides, there were a number of visiting missionaries attending. Conference opened with two spirited Relief Society and Primary sessions. A report was given that $750 had been received from parties and bazaars and had been turned over to the building committee for the erection of the branch chapel in which they were able to hold this conference. Five general sessions were held, and at each, vital and interesting subjects were discussed, some of them being: The free agency and fall of man, The divine mission and the God- head, Redemption of man through the atonement of Christ, The restoration of the gospel in the latter days through the prophet Joseph Smith, The principle and power of faith as a gift of God, Divine mission and power of the Holy Ghost, Tithing, Mutual work, Bee-Hive work, and many others, besides, a number of reports of the various branches of the mission. Great hospitality was shown the visiting brethren by the Saints, and the out- pouring of the Spirit of the Lord was a most remarkable feature of the entire conference. — Elder Forrest L. Packard, conference clerk. Liege, the French Speaking Conference If for any reason the Era does not arrive, there is a vacancy which is immediately noted. We find the Era indispensable to the accumulation of new spiritual thoughts, and wish that it were translated into French so that it's upbuilding character and contents might be more forcibly given to the Saints. During the past year the progress made in the Liege conference has been remarkable. In spite of the fact that the missionary forces have not been as large as one could desire, two new branches have been opened up during the last four months, one in Brussels, Belgium, and the other in Lille, France. With the Seraing branch which has also been reopened this last year, there are now four branches in the conference. In the two larger branches, Liege and Seraing, thirty persons have been baptized during the past year, and many friends have made a more thorough acquaintance with the true Church of Jesus Christ and its doc- trines. It is gratifying to note the increase of attendance at meetings, especially that of strangers. This people's knowledge of the Lord and his gospel is indeed meagre and limited; but a great change is coming about slowly, and one cannot help but notice its effect in that the Gospel is accepted and its requirements satisfied by more people more readily than ever before. As has been the custom the last three years, a big fete for the two branches, Liege and Seraing, was given in the Liege hall Christmas evening. The hall was well decorated and a large tree lighted with candles added to the Christmas spirit. A well rendered program by saints and friends, finished by an "Imitation Symphony" act given by the elders, and a one

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 453 act comedy of the young people, "L'Anglais tel qui-on le parle," well repaid the two hundred and sixty-five people who came out. This attendance is just 100 per cent more than what it was last year on the same occasion; and when it was discovered that so many had already found a seat, no little anxiety was felt by the missionaries that all might not be served. How- ever the night's entertainment proved to be an occasion of advertisement for the cause of truth. And as a conference in the French Mission which we hope will soon be organized, we look forward for another banner year in proclaiming glad tidings of great jqy — Grant J. Wright, Secretary Liege Conference, Netherlands-Belgian Mission, Jan. 8, 1924. Twenty-two Baptisms in Nurnberg Elder Willis P. White, Stuttgart conference, Germany, writes, under date of January 9, 1924, that the elders are in excellent health and are having good success. In Bavaria the American missionaries are not allowed the same privileges as elsewhere in Germany, and some have been expelled from the state; but notwithstanding this, " a wonderful harvest is being reaped. The people are ready for the gospel and the missionaries have so many invitations to visit investigators that it is becoming impossible to accept them all. Meetings are over crowded and many are getting a testimony of the divinity of this work. "On December 23 a conference was held in Nurnberg at which President Fred Tadje attended. The spirit that attended him did much to induce our friends of this branch to join the Church, for twenty-two were baptized a week later. Another baptismal service in this same branch will be held this month and several have already asked for the privilege of baptism. Other branches in the conference are also having wonderful success. We look to the Era as a great help for us with its messages of inspiration and cheer and certainly appreciate it. Missionaries Nurnberg branch, left to right: Carl Nestman, Chemnitz, Germany; Cecil Cunningham, Grace, Idaho; John Schugk, Berlin, Germany; Henry Miller, branch president. Salt Lake City; Willis P. White, conference president, Willard, Utah. Semi-Annual Conference, San Diego On December 22, 1923, the semi-annual conference of the San Diego conference, California mission, commenced with a stirring Priesthood meeting. Following this, a special meeting of the missionaries was held, then a Primary and Relief Society session, at which an excellent paper on, "Why I am a Latter-day Saint" was given by Zella Hatch, and splendid instructions and encouragement by President Joseph W. McMurrin and Sister Charlotte

454 IMPROVEMENT ERA Stahr. At the close of this meeting a much appreciated banquet was served. The conference included an M. I. A. session wherein Scouting, the Mutual Slogan, and Value and Scope of M. I. A. Activities, were discussed. Music was furnished by the Boy Scouts and Bee-Hive girls. Three general sessions were held, Sunday, December 23. At each, pertinent discourses were given on vital doctrinal subjects, interspersed with choice musical numbers of soloists and the choir. The Christmas spirit pervaded through- out the conference and the meaning of Christmas, together with the an- niversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith, December 23, were the themes of the sermons given. — Keith Murdoch, conference president. Front row: Lydia E. Ekins. president Mission Y. L. M. I. A.. Tira Butter- field, Alice Hulbert, Phoebe McConnel, Lucie Gundlack, Leda Peterson. Selma Peterson. Second row: Wm. J. Remington, President Jos. W. McMurrin, Kieth Murdock, A. W. Bowman, Wm. A. Tenney, branch president. Back row: Louis S. Iverson, Ellis M. Orme, Herbert E. Midgley, Authur F. Peterson. Wonderful Growth in the California Mission A tour of the California mission has just been completed by members of the mission office. The party making the Arizona trip, in November, included Prcs. Joseph \V. McMurrin; J. Dewey Solomon, mission secretary: Charlotte Stahr, Pres. of Relief Societies; Lydia A. Ekins, Pres. Y .L. M. I. A. and Primaries; Grace Cheever, corresponding secretary; Sharp W. Daynes, Calimis Editor; Pres. A. F. Schriener, and Supt. Gustive O. Larson of the Sunday Schools and Y._ M. M. I. A. Two conferences were held, one at Tucson and one at Douglas, Arizona, and a special program presented in every branch in the state. This included a Relief Society meeting, Sunday School, M. I. A. and Primary officers and teachers meetings, an illustrated lecture on "Ancient American Civilization," presented by Elder

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 455 Larson, and a comic playlet gi'ven by the missionaries. In addition to visiting the mission branches the party lesponded to an invitation to give the lecture and playlet in the Maricopa stake auditorium, and in the new Pheonix ward amusement hall. Here audiences of two thousand and five hundred, respectively, were entertained. After completing the tour at Jerome the party took advantage of their opportunity to make a brief visit to the Grand Canyon. In two weeks over 2,400 miles were covered, fifty meetings were held, and over 6,800 people heard the message of the missionaries. On November 22, after the San Bernardino conference had been held, the presidents of the auxiliary organizations in the mission began a five weeks northern trip. In addition to Sisters Stahr, Ekins, Cheever, Elder Cleon L. Memmott, and Supt. Larson, who made the trip, President McMurrin spent the week ends in attendance at the conferences. Conferences were held in Fresno, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Sparks, Nevada, fol- lowed by one at San Diego in the southern part of the state. Th: Members and Missionaries, Winterton, Nevada, party traveled over 2,800 miles holding fifty-two meetings and presenting the illustrated lecture in several of the citises. At all the conferences each auxiliary organization held at least one session devoted to its particular work under the direction of the president of that auxiliary, in addition to special officers and teachers' meetings. There are at present in the California mission fifty-four Sunday schools, twenty- one Primaries, twenty-nine Mutual Improvement organizations, and thirty- five Relief Societies. Of these, twelve Sunday schools, seven Relief Societies, eight Primaries, and seven Mutuals have been organized in 1923. This shows a remarkable growth when it is remembered that a new stake of Zion has been taken out of the mission with 13 wards and several additional Sunday schools. The mission organizations are doing well and every effort is being made to keep them up to the standards maintained in the stakes. — Gustive O. Larson, Supt. Calif. Mission S.S. and M. I. A. Nineteen Baptisms in Berne, Switzerland L. A. Ripplinger, conference president, Berne conference, Switzerland. January 10, 1924, writes: "The work of the Lord has been rapidly progressing in the Berne conference. President Charles W. Nibley III reports the number of baptisms for the six branches at fifty. As an example of the splendid success we have had, there were nineteen baptisms in the

456 IMPROVEMENT ERA city of Berne for the year. Heretofore, in the last twenty years, the greatest number who have been baptized in any of the previous years was twelve. Other branches report equal success. The tithing for the past year exceeds former years by over 3,000 francs. As a special offering to the poor and suffering in Germany, on December 2, 1923, 369.65 francs were freely given, which means a great deal for the Saints in this country. The Lord is accepting the offering and rewarding the faithful for their efforts in this respect. In general, the spirit of work, interest and cooperation, is mani- fested between the elders and Saints, and with the cooperation of President Tadje, we hope to make the year 1924 a banner year in every way." Missionaries laboring in the Bern conference and the French part of Switzer- land, upper row, left to right: Wallace Trowbridge. Salt Lake City; L. Ballif, Ogden; C. Elmer Forsberg, Salt Lake City; Curtis J. Bushman, Snowflake, Arizona; Clyde A. Davies, Salt Lake City; Walter Bentler, Logan; Roland B. Smith, Clearfield; Harvey Woodbury, Salt Lake City; John L. Anderegg, Rexburg, Idaho; Steven Durrant, Salt Lake City; Hugh J. Ford, Farmington. Lower row: Walter H. Butikofer, Idaho Falls, Idaho; Reed D. Shupe, Phoenix, Arizona;' W. Roscoe Hess, Logan; Albert Frederick, Providence; Mary Frederick, Providence; Fred Tadje, president of the Swiss-German mission. Salt Lake City; Lorraine H. Ripplinger. Burley, Idaho; Lawrence A. Ripplinger, president of Berne conference, Driggs, Idaho; Ernest Blasser, Montpelier, Idaho; Bertie W. Winward, Jr., Whitney, Idaho. Playing Ball Melvin G. Wagstaff, secretary of the Samoan mission, reports under date of January 4 from Apia, that during the latter part of the month of December all the elders laboring in the Savaii and Upolu conferences met in Pesega, mission headquarters, for an elders' "get-together" to enjoy the spirit of Christmas. "Our elders' meeting December 21 was a spiritual feast Every elder departed from the meeting inspired by the discussion, and with a new resolution to increase his efforts in behalf of the gospel message during

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 457 the coming year. We are handicapped at present by a shortage of missionaries, but the work is progressing rapidly and every day finds the true light of salvation just a little firmer ensconsed in the hearts of our brothers. We missionaries demonstrate our ability to play as well as to work. We met a mixed team of experienced baseball players from American and British Samoa in the grand old game. New Year's day found us playing against this picked team which, a few days before, had taken advantage of our lack of practice and experience and 'trimmed' us to the tune of ten to one. But we beat them on New Year's day. Our games were marked by good sportsmanship and clean playing, and they have been the means of disposing of much of that lack of understanding which formerly existed between us and our good neighbors. We hope that this play may be the means of more friendly relations and better understanding between us Mormon' missionaries and the local people in charge here. A large and curious audience witnessed our performances, and were pleased and interested with the novelty and newness of our American pastime over the usual English cricket matches." Doing Well in Tracting Elder Donald T. Berrett, New Orleans, Louisiana, reports that the elders are enjoying their missionary work very much in New Orleans. However, "We meet many people who want little to do with us, but we are doing fairly well in our tracting and street meetings. We have a large field to labor in as the population here is 400,000. We hold street meetings most every night, besides cottage meetings. We enjoy the blessings of the Lord and anticipate some results from our labors. We appreciate the Era and find it a great help in our work." Elders left to right standing, Rulon J. Carroll, conference president, Orderville; Leo J. Hanson, Roosevelt; sitting. Donald T. Berrett, North Ogden; and Kenneth N. Durrant, Morgan, Utah. The Arizona Conference At the semi-annual conference of the Arizona conference October 26, 27 and 28, President Joseph W. McMurrin attended, and President R.

458 IMPROVEMENT ERA Clarence White conducted the meetings. Present also were Gustive O. Larson, superintendent of the mission Sunday schools and Y. M. M. I. A.; Charlotte Stahr, acting president of the mission Relief Societies; Lydia A. Ekins of the Y. L. M. I. A. and Primaries; and Grace Cheever, corresponding secretary; J. Dewey Solomon, mission secretary; Sharp W. Daynes, editor of the Mission Bulletin; Alex F. Schreiner, president of the Los Angeles conference; also the missionaries of the Arizona conference. A Priesthood meeting was held on Friday afternoon at which President McMurrin commended the elders on their splendid record in disposing of books. The Relief Society of the Douglas branch tendered a banquet at which Heber J. Webb acted as toastmaster. Elder Larson presented the illustrative lecture, "Ancient American Civilization," after the banquet. Immediately after the lecture, a playlet in two acts entitled, "Blundering Bill" was presented by a number of the visitors. Also a number of musical selections were given during the lecture and playlet by President Alex. F. Schreiner. On Saturday morning the first session of the general conference began, and at 2 p. m. continued with valuable instructions in behalf of the Relief Society, and Young Men's and Young Women's organizations. At 10 and 2 o'clock Sunday conference was continued. At 6 in the evening the final session was held, President Joseph W. McMurrin being the principal speaker. Several musical numbers were rendered during the conference by members residing in the Arizona conference, also by the visitors present, all of which were very much appreciated. The average attendance was about 150. The work of the Lord is growing in Arizona and the missionaries and Saints feel greatly encouraged. Missionaries of the Douglas, Arizona, Conference, front row, left to right: Joseph L. Stewart, of the Mexican mission; Grace Cheever, Charlotte Stahr, Lydia A. Ekins, Myron B. Child. Second row: Gustive O. Larson, R. Clarence White, President Joseph W. McMurrin, J. Frank Robinson, Alex. F. Schreiner. Third row: Heber J. Webb, James M. Harvey, Roy Saline, Royal Spratting of the Mexican mission. Roy Blackburn, Joseph P. Lewis, president of the Douglas branch.

MESSAGES FROM THE MISSIONS 459 BBBB BBB BE Frankfurter — - CanFerence Swiss and German Mission July 1923 Missionaries top row, left to right: LeRoi B. Gardner, president Frankfurter conference, Lehi ; David O. McKay, president European mission; Fred Tadje, president Swiss-German mission; Raymond L. Margetts, Salt Lake City.. Second row: Eugen Maier, conference secretary, Mannheim, Germany; Arthur A. Felsted, Garland; Thomas Biesinger, Salt Lake City; James C. Sharp, St. Anthony, Idaho; Welby W. Bigelow, Panguitch, Utah. Third row: Wallace E. Broberg, Harold L. Snow, Salt Lake City; Cecil A. Cunningham, Grace, Idaho; Warren Averill Larsen, Ephraim, Utah; Grant V. Pugmire, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Fourth row: George Hammond

460 IMPROVEMENT ERA Hansen, Providence; Llewelyn R. McKay, Ogden; Scott B. Hillam, Brigham City; Carl Trost, Arthur Bohn, Salt Lake City. Bottom row: E. DeMar Anderson, Fairview; Rowland H. Merrill, Salt Lake City; Richard i3. Mollinet, Montpelier, Idaho. Building Fund for a Church in Africa Elder Horace J. Nelson, conference president, Johannesburg, South Africa, writes: "Messages from the Missions are always eagerly read by the elders in this far-off land, 13,000 miles from headquarters. It is really news. The elders here are meeting with success and enjoying the blessings of ser- vice for the Master. Twenty-four converts have been baptized, and fourteen children blessed during the past nine months. The Transvaal inhabitants ate largely made up of seekers after fortune. The gold mines of the Rand are justly famous. Over half the world's gold production is mined around Johannesburg. Over one-third of the white population are Jews. The Dutch and English are the legal languages and these nationalities predom- inate. While many are indifferent to our message, the hospitality and en- tertainment extended to the elders is simply wonderful. We are almost daily receiving invitations to dine with our friends and the Saints. "This branch is fully organized with local brethren in charge. Two Sunday Schools, Dutch and English; a live Mutual Improvement Association and a Relief Society all being organized during the past year. We are handi- capped in not owning our own hall, and have been forced to move our meet- ings from place to place several times during the past eighteen months. We are meeting the problem by the inauguration of a building fund which is being generously subscribed to by Saints and friends, and it is hoped that soon the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will have a chapel of its own in the largest city of Africa. We plan on opening the Pretoria branch of this conference soon. Love and prayers from all in sunny Souih Africa, for all who are making the Era such a valuable Church publication." Elders laboring in Transvaal Conference, Johannesburg, left to right, front row: Kenneth C. Bailey, Draper; Wendell C. Sevy, Panguitch; L. Clare Okerlund, Loa, Utah. Back row: Conference President Horace J. Nelson, LaGrande, Oregon; Gordon H. Sears, Salt Lake City.