Editor’s Table

Editors (Table The Spirit of Thrift and Saving It is said that many people can make money, but few can save it. Thrift and economy, therefore, become subjects of great interest and importance, especially to young people. We trust that our readers will pay special and particular attention to the article in this number of the Era by Prest. C. W. Nibley, in which he gives counsel to the people to keep out of wild-cat schemes, and to cultivate the spirit of thrift and saving. Young married people are particularly vitally interested in these subjects, especially such young people as> are residing in cities, for it touches their financial welfare, and lays the foundation now to build upon. It determines whether that shall be permanent and safe. Whether it shall be of the kind that is built upon sand, will depend greatly upon the action of the young married people, and their willing- ness to sacrifice now in order that later they may enjoy. The subject is vital to their financial welfare, and centers about whether or not they shall build, rent or buy a home, and what kind of a house it shall be? A condition exists at present which indicates that many older residences are being abandoned in certain parts of the city because they are not up-to-date, and the people are moving out into new and costly homes! provided with the very latest accommodations and advantages. The population appears to be moving to new quarters. We are not arguing against ov/ning the best there is, but whether it is wise, without adequate prospects ahead, to go into debt for it. Having a home should be the ambition of every young man; those who own homes are the safe and staunch people of the community. But the great question is, how much can a young, couple afford to invest in a home to start with? Cottages are being built, and some of them very poorly, at a icost of from four to seven thousand dollars each. These are sold on time; and if the purchaser will take occasion to figure it out, he will find that, when paid for, if ever they are, these cottages will each cost the purchaser, including interest, taxes and re- pairs, from eight to fourteen thousand dollars. We may well consider how difficult it is going to be for any young man, earning from $125 to $150 a month, and at the same time rearing and educating a family, to emerge safe from such a burden. Our contention is this: Would it not be better for a young couple to get a cheaper place, if not quite so comfortable, to begin with, and get along for a time with less costly furniture and accom- modations? Wisdom, good common sense, should be used. At the present time, the cost of building and furnishing is so high that people could well put off for a time the comfort and advantages of

EDITORS' TABLE 381 these new and costly homes and accoutrements, and wait until condi- tions shall be more favorable. Of course, it would not be as com- fortable; the young wife would perhaps not have the comforts that her parents had, or that her neighbor or schoolmate has; but in the inter- est of thrift and economy, would it not be better to sacrifice a little now, than to land on the rocks a few years hence? We think the cost of homes should be a public consideration, too. The burden of taxes which appears! now to be so heavy upon the homes, should be lifted from them, as far as possible, and placed upon property from which money returns are made, or on idle property, owned by capitalists or by people who hold it for gain. This would encourage home-owning, which is fundamental in a good, solid, loyal community. Building costs, also, are too high, for some reason; the property offered is not worth the price. Today, there are scores of good old houses in Salt Lake City, more substantially built than the newer ones erected in modern form with catchy and attractive accommodations. Why not bargain for them? They can be bought for half the price of the new ones. The present financial prospect for the young man of moderate salary who is contemplating marriage is not encouraging; he wishes to provide well for his partner; that means get the best. And it is so easy to get credit, run into debt, and for a few months or weeks enjoy the comforts held out to place men in bondage! The man, however, figuring ahead, counts the cost, so is discouraged from marrying. Hence the tendency, so prevalent among young men, to put off mar- riage. Young men and women who arrive at the age of manhood and womanhood should be encouraged in every way to settle down and rear families; thus entering a condition that will ensure them happiness all through life. If the young man and the young woman will marry, work together, and sacrifice a little, there is no reason, if wisely they look ahead, why they cannot get along and insure their happiness. But that cannot be done by beginning at the top, nor without sacrifice, economy, thrift and work. As President Nibley says, "All it needs is work, application, and saving. Just five words spell prosperity, suc- cess and happiness; five words only, and they are these: Spend less than you get." We might add again, do not be afraid of work, and a little sacrifice to start with. In early married life is the time to use economy, to keep up interest in the Church, and to remember one's obligations to the Lord. — A. Choir Leaders, Attention! Please notice the very excellent new hymn by Prof. Evan Steph- ens, entitled, "Testimony," and found in the January number of the Improvement Era, pages 238 and 239. It is very appropriate in the present work of the Mutual Improvement Associations. Two or three errors crept into the printing of the song, to which attention is called,

382 IMPROVEMENT ERA as follows: Bar five, last note of tenor, should be "b," instead of "a;" tenor at word voices, "high g," in place of "e;" second bar, page 239, and soprano of the last line, at the words "Jesus, the Savior," should read: c£iz$ff?. — N— a and the word "retard" after pause. Music Mother Dear, is the title of one of the most recent of our sentimental songs, to which we are glad to call the attention of Era readers. Both words and music were written by George Woodruff, Salt Lake City, who is totally blind. The song is published by the Daynes-Beebe Music Company; for sale at all music stores; price 40c. I Thank Thee For the promise of the morning, For the golden sunset ray, For the peace and calm of evening, For the labors of the day, For my joy and for my sorrow. For the sunshine and the rain, For my health and strength of body, For my suffering and my pain, For my hopes and disappointments, For ambitions crushed and dead, For the thorns and for the roses, For the chance that lies ahead, For the trees that point to heaven, For the fragrance of the flower, For the birds' sweet song and plumage,, For the grass in dell and bower, For my mother, gift from heaven, For my father, proved and true, For the love of sister, brother, For my friends, both old and new, For the touch of baby fingers, For the joy of childish song, For youth's guileless hope and courage, For the power of manhood strong. For the Truth in all its beauty, For this gift of God to man, For the Priesthood and its power, For the Gospel's perfect plan, For the promise of the future, For the love of God divine, For the joy that blesses service, For the peace of soul that's mine, Father in heaven, I thank Thee. Laie, Oahu. WM. M. WADDOUPS