--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Unknown collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 28 number: 11 published: 1925-09 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: "Unknown, “Passing Events,” *Improvement Era 28, no. 11 (September 1925)*: 1101–1104." source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera28011unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera28011unse start_page: 1101 end_page: 1104 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1925-09) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera28011unse publication_year: 1925 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1925, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Passing Events PASSING EVENTS 1103 The hottest day in the history of Utah was recorded July 16, 1925, at the Salt Lake weather bureau. The maximum was 99-7 degrees and the minimum, 80 degrees. The maximum on the 15th was a little over 100, but the minimum on the 16th was so much higher, that the mean temperature surpassed the preceding record. It was as high as the maximum of an ordi- nary warm summer day. Thus, Wednesday night, July 15, and early Thurs- day morning, July 16, formed the hottest period of sleep Salt Lakers have ever experienced — at least those who are not over 5 1 years of age, and it is doubtful if a higher temperature occurred before the taking of statistics here, which began that long ago. Albert John Weber, recent Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Utah, died August 8, 1925, at his country home in East Millcreek. He was born in Westpoint, Iowa, November 19, 1859. He graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1880, entered the newspaper business, then studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1884. In 1889 he came to Ogden, Utah, where he practiced law and was the county prosecuting attorney from 1892-1896. He removed to Salt Lake City in 1902 where he continued his law practice. He was elected Justice of the State Supreme Court in 1918, and served as Chief Justice from January 1923 to January 1925, and during his term of office rendered many important legal decisions. He was a life long Democrat and one of the oldest members of the Utah Bar Association. The evacuation of the Ruhr by the French was completed July 31, after two years of occupation. A parade of troops at Essen in the morning, the last official act of the French, amid strains of the "Marseillaise," took place when four companies of infantry with shining bayonets, some machine gun troops and a quota of bicycle troops marched past the Ruhr commander, General Guilleame and his staff of remaining French officials. The troops turned southward and disappeared down the road towards the small junction rail station, where trains soon started with them for France. When the last tricolor over French headquarters came down, the symbol that French rule was ended, the population went wild with joy. The following Sunday a "liberty flight" was held in the occupied territories, where the only planes seen heretofore have been French military planes. Big official demonstrations to celebrate the evacuation are being prepared. Gold has been discovered in Idaho together with indications of platinum, at a desolate point near the juncture of Clark, Butte and Jefferson counties, fifty miles northwest of Pocatcllo, where three rivers sink into the sands of the Snake river plains. The three streams — Big Lost river, Little Lost river and Birch creek — have in ancient times and up until the advent of irrigation in the early '80's, virtually merged their waters and disappeared in the sands on the same square mile of desert. For nearly fifty years these mysterious Idaho rivers have been the despair of geologists, engineers and old-time gold seekers, for the reason that they gave but niggardly indication of the placer values that the greatest authorities, including the late Senator Clark of Mon- tana, insisted were there. Since the first discovery on April 14, the eight original partners in the venture have busied themselves on filings and surveys. Besides placer old and indications of platinum, gems of the corundum family, of which emeralds and rubies are typical and which indicated gold, have been found in minute sizes. Brigham A. Hendricks died, July 16, on his farm near Lewiston, Cache county, as the result of a sunstroke. He was working in the field with his sons, Victor and Dunell, when he fell to the ground. He expired before a doctor could be summoned. Mr- Hendricks was 67 years of age. He had been one of the prominent men of the county since 1881. He was born in Salt Lake November 27, 1857, the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Hendricks of this city. For the last several years he had lived in Logan during the winter, where his children attended schools. Mr- Hendricks served two terms as 1104 IMPROVEMENT ERA Cache county commisisoner, from 1903 to 1906. He was a member of the state legislature in 1907 and 1908, having been elected as senator from the northern district. In addition he was president of the Lewiston state bank for four years, resigning in 1909 to become president of the South African mission of the L. D. S. Church. Mr. Hendricks was a member of the Benson stake presidency for twenty-one years. He also was a superintendent of the Sunday schools and president of the Mutual organizations, besides filling three missions, one in the southern states, one in the northwest, and one in South Africa. He was prominent in the affairs of Lewiston for several years. Joseph S. Hickman, 37 years of age, lost his life by drowning in Fish Lake, July 24, 1925. He was in a boat with three companions, when, through some cause, it capsized about 300 feet off shore- Mr. Hickman, it is said, sank immediately. The others were rescued. He was born at Mil- ford, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. D. N. Hickman. He was graduated from the grade schools of Milford, the Provo high school, the B. Y. U. and the Utah Agricultural college. After his graduation he followed the pro- fession of teaching and was instructor at one time in the public schools of Logan. About seven years ago Mr. Hickman removed to Bicknell, where he was principal of the Bicknell school, and a year later he was elected county super- intendent of schools for Wayne county, which position he occupied at the time of his death. Many of his former students thought a great deal of Joseph Hickman, and have written the Era that he "paved their way and lifted their thoughts to higher aims. He appeared to bring in sunshine where the way was filled with strife." In addition to his scholastic attainments, Mr. Hickman also was a writer of note, being a contributor to a number of magazines. He has written several descriptive articles for the Era. He was elected to the lower house of the Utah legislature at the last general election. The five children of Mr. Hickman, orphaned by the waters of Fish Lake, are: Iola, 14; Amer, 11; Blate, 9; Ineda, 5, and Dot, 2. He also is survived by two brothers, W. D. Hickman of Torrey and Don F. Hickman of Bicknell, the latter being state road agent for Wayne county. Four sisters, Mrs. J. W. Kirk of Milford, Mrs. E. P. Pecton of Torrey, Mrs. C. A. Arrington of Ogden and Mrs. R. C. Dearing of Springville also survive. Prof. John J. McClellan died at his home in Salt Lake City, Aug- 2, 1925, after a protracted illness. Nearly two years ago he was stricken while on a concert tour in San Francisco, and since then he has been ailing, until the end came. Prof. McClellan was born in Payson, Utah, April 20, 1874. At the age of 1 7 he entered the school of music of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and later he went to Berlin. At his return, in 1900, he was appointed organist for the Tabernacle. In this position he has obtained inter- national fame as a musician. Recognition of his abilities were many. He was a member of the National Association of Organists and president of the Utah state organization, and was also a member of the American Guild of Organists. As a composer, Professor McClellan also enjoyed a wide reputation. His most famous composition was the "Irrigation Ode," although he was also the composer of numerous songs and hymns, all of an inspiring and uplifting nature. When Albert, king of Belgium, toured America several years ago he bestowed the Order of the Crown on Professor McClellan as a mark of appreciation for the recital given in honor of himself and the queen. Elbert Hubbard wrote: "What Paderewski is to the piano, McClellan is to the pipe organ." Professor McClellan was married to Mary Estelle Douglass at Manti on July 15, 189 6. Be- sides his widow, Professor McClellan is survived by his mother, Mrs. E. B. McClellan, and the following children: Mrs. Genevieve M. Jennings, Mrs. Madeleine M. Clayton, Douglass J. McClellan, Dorothy and Florence McClellan. There are five grandchildren — Genevra Jennings, John D. Jennings, Marcella McClellan, Elaine McClellan and Lyndon Whitney Clayton. Jr. A brother. Alma D. McClellan, survives, and the following sisters: Mrs. J. G. McCollom. Mrs. Archie MacFarland and Mrs. F. N. Poulson, all of Salt Lake, and Mrs. P. Poulson of Driggs, Wyo. PASSING EVENTS 1105 Funeral services were held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, Aug. 6, when thou- sands paid their tribute of appreciation of the services rendered by the great musician. William Jennings Bryan, the great Commoner, passed away Sunday, July 26, at Dayton, Tenn., without any previous indication of the approach of the end. He had partaken of a hearty meal, and then he retired to take a rest. That was his last. He went to sleep, to awake no more in this life. Mr. Bryan was born at Salem, 111., in 1860, and graduated from the Illinois College, Jacksonville, in 1881, and from the Union College of Law, Chicago, 1883. In 1887 he moved to Lincoln, Neb. ,and in 1891-5 he was a member of Congress. In 1894 he became the editor of the Omaha World Herald. In 18 96 he was a delegate to the national Democratic convention at Chicago, where he made the brilliant speech on "free silver," which made him famous and secured for him the nomination for the presidency. He was, however, defeated by McKinley. In 1900 he was again nominated with the same result. After a trip around the world, 1905-6, he became interested in world disarmament. He again, in 1906, became the standard bearer of the Democratic party, but was defeated by Taft. In 1912, at Baltimore, his op- position to Champ Clark resulted in the nomination of Woodrow Wilson, and when he became president Mr. Bryan was made secretary of state. It was a stormy time. Trouble was brewing. Bryan succeeded in formulating a treaty, according to which all international disputes were to be submitted to an im- partial investigation commission a year before hostilities could begin. Thirty nations signed that treaty, and a year afterwards the world war broke out. Mr. Bryan remained in office only two years. He resigned July 9, 1915, when it became clear to him that the country was drifting into the vortex of the con- flict. Lately Mr. Bryan has devoted his time to the defense of the Bible. Nephi Bailey — All the people, Monticello in particular, were caused to mourn at the passing of Nephi Bailey on July 2, 1925- He was born in New Mill, England, November 9, 1846, learned the cobblers trade from his father and also the principles of the gospel from his father, as they worked together. He came to Amer- ica when 2 1 years of age, and secur- ed employment on the Union Pa- cific, on one of President Brigham Young's contracts. After that he followed his trade all his life, being also a farmer. He married Mary Mackleprang, of Cedar, and moved to Bluff at the time it was settled, in 1880, and in 1888, to Monticello. He is the father of 12 children, 29 grand-children and two great- grand-children, his children, except two, and his wife survive him. He filled a mission to England in 1900. After his return, he was elected mayor of Monticello for two terms. He served also as justice of the peace for a term. At the time of death he was chairman of the Pioneer party of Monticello, and head of the high priests. He served as leader of the choir for a long time, and was superintendent of the Monticello Sunday school for a number of years. The day before he died he h?.d worked nine hours in the hay field. He died in the harness, in both Church and material capacity. — Othello Hickman. Nephi Bailey "We find the Era a great help and enjoy reading every number." — Leon A. Robins, Enmore, Sydney, Australia. "We certainly appreciate the Improvement Era and read it from cover to cover. It has nothing in it that is not good, helpful and uplifting." — Harold D. White, Launceston, Tasmania. "I congratulate you on the splendid character of the Improvement Era. It is certainly a powerful good, not only in the mission field, but wherever it is circulated. With every good wish for your continued success." — Joseph W. McMurrin, President California Mission. Rabald D. McGregor, conference president Manchester, England: "The mis- sionaries give hearty thanks to the publishers of the Era for copies sent each month. Both Saints and friends are always enthusiastic over its inspiring contents. May it continue to grow and serve even mightier than now is our sincere wish." A. J. Cordery of Kohala, Hawaii, sends greetings from that district and says of the Era: "Accept our heart-felt appreciation for the Improvement Era. It has aided me greatly in my labors as a missionary in the beautiful land of Hawaii. Its well edited pages are indeed a message from Zion to all the world. We wish it continued success." IMPROVEMENT ERA, SEPTEMBER, 1925 Two Dollars per Annum Entered at the Post Office, Salt Lake City, Utah, as second class matter Heber J. Grant, \ Melvin J. Ballard, Business Mgr. Edward H. Anderson. ( ltors Moroni Snow, Assistant. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, authorized on July 2, 1918 CONTENTS First General Superintendency Y. M. M. I. A Frontispiece My Dear Old Pal. A Poem Annie D. Palmer 1015 The Wasatch Literary Association Orson F. Whitney 1017 The Clerical Sense. A Poem Joseph Longking Townsend .A 024 Caps and Gowns Elder Stephen L. Richards... 1025 October. A Poem Ivy Williams Stone 1033 Dedication of the Martin Harris Monument. Illus- trated ^ 1034 The Pioneers. A Poem Bertha A. Kleinman 103 6 Joseph Smith — and the Great West — II /. K. Russell 1037 My Dream. A Poem Estelle Webb Thomas 1045 Literature Float in the M. I. A. Jubilee Parade 1046 The Heritage and Promise — Part III John Henry Evans 1047 A Sonnet on the Station of Achievement Therma Scoville 1049 The Earth's Curvature J. W. Booth 1050 The Magic Name. A Poem Andrew K. Smith 1053 Naming of the Wasatch Lakes. Illustrated Alfred Lambourne 1055 Song of the Stars. A Poem Le Max Saxon 105 7 Judgment of the Flood. A Story Ida W. Brown 1058 Death. A Poem . Robert L. Campbell 1068 Historical Sketch of the Y. M. M. I. A. — Period I Junius F. Wells 1069 Messages from the Missions. Illustrated _v 1075 The Life of Christ, in the New Testament, as Good Reading l Dr. Adam S. Bennion 1084 Editors' Table — "Mormon" View of Evolution— First Presidency 1090 Teaching Bible Stories ,. 1091 William Jennings Bryan 1092 John J. McClellan j 1093 The Music Master is Gone. A Poem Minnie Iverson Hodapp 1094 Priesthood Quorums j 1095 Mutual Work + 1096 Passing Events .. 1 102