The Contributor

The Contributor By JUNIUS F. WELLS Of the Y. M. M.I. A. General Board rHE CONTRIBUTOR, the first authorised gen- eral organ of the Mutual Improvement Associations, was established in 1879 — the first monthly number appearing in October of that year. It ran through seven- teen volumes, the first thirteen (1879- 1892), of which I was nominal editor. Its origin and purpose are set out in a corres- pondence with Presi- dent John Taylor, President of the Quo- rum of the Twelve, the presiding author- ity in the Church af- ter the death of Pres- ident Brigham Young in 1877; and in the Salutatory of the first number. THE beginning of the Y. M. M. I. A., it will be remem- bered, was in the or- ganization of an association in the Thirteenth ward, with eighteen members, June 10, 1875. By the end of 1876, there were over a hundred asso- ciations with 2300 members. On December 8, 1876, a Central Committee was organized to take general overcharge of the Associa- tions. This Committee met with many difficulties and discourage- ments until April 6, 1880, when a General Superintendency was nominated by the First Presidency of the Church and took charge. Following are extracts from my letter respecting the above, of June 4, 1879. This letter in full will be found in Volume 28 of the Improvement Era, September, 1925, pages 1069-1070: "June 4th, 1879. "To President John Taylor and Coun- cil of Apostles: "Since the commencement of our or- ganization, four years ago, associations have been formed very extensively. Our last report shows twenty stake organiza- tions, two hundred and thirty-nine asso- ciations, with a membership of more than nine thousand two hundred. * * * Junius F. Wells "The object of this extensive organiza- tion is, to introduce to our young men an order of religious and intellectual exer- cises that will secure to them a knowledge of the Truth, and put them in possession of the evidences to advocate and defend it. * * * "Realizing that thoughts gain solidity and volume from the effort to express them concisely, we have been encouraged to put them upon paper in the form of essays, compositions and contributions to manuscript and printed papers. * * * That the ability and disposition to write is growing and becoming more confident, is evidenced in the efforts made in several counties to publish periodicals, and their literary success has been acknowledged; notably with the Amateur, published in Weber County. They, however, have been unsuccessful financially owing to the limited circulation of a single county. * * "The encouragement I have received from those most interested in mutual im- provement supports me in asking your sanction and approval of the following propositions: "First. — I propose during the summer to visit the associations and canvass for contributors and subscribers to a mag- azine published in the interest of the young people of the Territory. "Secondly. — If sufficient encourage- ment is given by the class to be bene- fited, I will publish a magazine, octavo size of either twenty-four or thir- ty-two pages, once a month, beginning October 1st, at a price securing its financial success. This magazine will be dis- tinctly a young people's periodical, of such liter- ary merit as their talent can make it, and whose general tone will be pure, refined; tending to im- provement and elevation in thought and in all our intercourse; devoted to the culture of the youth, and the cultivation of char- acter and sound doctrine among them. "I believe we have a distinct and legitimate field in which to operate, do- ing good to ourselves without infringing on the rights of any one. * * * "Hoping this will re- ceive your favorable and early consideration, I am yours respectfully in the Gospel of peace. "Junius F. Wells." J" N reply I received the follow- ■*• ing extract from the Record of the Apostles: "Letter of Elder Junius F. Wells read, in which he proposed to establish a monthly magazine, as the organ of the young people's Mutual Improvement As- sociations. "On motion, the proposition made by Brother Wells in the above-mentioned let- ter was unanimously approved of." PERMISSION thus being given by the authorities, I became active during the summer and autumn, soliciting subscriptions and advertisements; deciding upon the name, size and style of the mag- azine and arranging for its publi- cation with the Deseret News Company. In the first number I did my first proof-reading. Salutation "The need for a general representative publication designed expressly in the in- terests of the Young Men's and Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations has been for a long time a growing one. All who are interested in the welfare of

56 The Improvement Era For November, 1929 Vol. II. our organizations realize this fact. * * * "That the thoughts and expressions of the young people of the Territory will be interesting to their companions, and that in writing for the press their thoughts will gain volume and solidity seems rea- sonable, and cause sufficient for a publi- cation devoted to them. It is for this rea- son and because the growth and prosperity of our organizations require it that we have undertaken to publish a periodical that will represent the associations, and that will foster and encourage the literary talent of their members. "This is the mission of The Contribu- tor, the name of which has been chosen that it might say to every young man and every young lady among our people, hav- ing literary taste and ability, write. * * * V/f Y effort to make The Con- ■■ ■• tributor a magazine of good literary quality was also to have the contents of every number supple- ment and support the order of ex- ercises prescribed for the meetings of the Associations; hence there was required a doctrinal, scientific, historical, biographical article, and one, at least, of superior literary value, in each issue. A brief review of the index of each volume would indicate how remarkably successful we were. In Volume One, 1879- 80: "Confidence," by Moses Thatcher, ran through eight numbers; "Character Sketches," by Karl G. Maeser, four; "Eminent Women," by Emmeline B. Wells (Am- ethyst) and "Felicia He- mans," by Maria M. Miller, two each ; "Home," by John T. Caine, Jr., five; "Lesser Lights of the Book of Mormon," by George Reynolds, nine; "Educa- tional," by O. H. Riggs, five; "Scientific," by J. B. Toronto (Quebec) , nine: "Bits of Travel," by the Editor (De Valjibus) . twelve; "Musical," "The Nauvoo Brass Band" and "Dominico Ballo," by H. G. Whitney; "The Warfare Then and Now," by B. H. Roberts (his first contribution in printer's ink) ; the mar- tyrdom of Elder Joseph Standing and erection of a monument by the As- sociations in his honor occupied editorial space; "Mahomet and his Re- ligion" and three other capital papers by Richard W. Young. Besides se- lected poetry, there were poems by Emmeline B. Wells, O. F. Whit- ney, Eliza R. Snow, George Man- waring, Augusta Joyce Crocheron, H. W. Naisbitt, L. M. Hewlings, J. L. Townsend, and B. Goddard. "History of the General Organiza- tion," by M. H. Hardy, ran through three numbers; and under the standing head "Association In- telligence," appeared reports of quarterly and semi-annual confer- ences; suggestions of the Apostles; address of the General Superinten- dency; statistical report, notes and notices. HTHE editorials supplemented As- -- sociation Intelligence, with matter concerning conduct of meet- ings, missionary labors, Scripture readings, libraries, etc. There were no manuals nor handbooks, in those days, and the Associations dation of the manuals was laid in this service, chiefly by the devoted, intelligent labors of Elders M. H. Hardy and George H. Brimhall, who prepared the Scripture and Historical Analyses and lessons, and the outline programs. The second volume, 1880-81, was increased by the addition of ninety-six pages (there were but 288 in the first volume) and the page was somewhat enlarged, add- ing practically a hundred pages of reading matter. With the fourth volume a further enlargement to 480 pages was made, at which it remained until Volume 13, which contained 568 pages. HTHE principal serials of Volume ■■ 2 follow: "Mexico and the Mexicans," by Moses Thatcher, who also wrote a series of five on 'Historical Evidences of Divine were instructed mainly through Origin of the Book of Mormon;" these departments, which continued to be the especial feature of the magazine, as an administrative officer of the Associations, for at least twelve volumes. The foun- OCTOBER. 1880. The Glory of Cod is fittclligcnrp. No THE CONTRIBUTOR. A MONTHLY MAGAZINE REPRESENTING THE YOUNG MEN'S AND YOUNG LADIES' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION'S OF THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS. EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY JUNIUS F. WECLS. SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH OFFICE: 15 EAST TEMPLE STREET, FIBST DOOR NORTH OF Z C. M. I. TERMS —Two DOLLARS A Ykar, in Advance. Single Copies, Tui-.mv CfsIS Clum Rates: — Associations getting'up clubs of TEN will receive an extra copy. ruKl- for .1 chili of FIFTEEN, Volume One, handsomely bound, will be given; and for a club of TWF-NTY-FlVfc, Volume O.NK and Volume Two, in uniform bindings will be given. These rates are for the benefit of Associations, and the officers are requested 10 immediately form clubs, according to their mem- bership, and secure for their Association Libraries, the first two volumes of the CONTRIUUTOR, in an elegant form, that can always be preserved. Bound copies of VOLUME One, for sale pric<: 32.50. Address: Junius F. Wells, I* O. Box 305, Salt Lake City, Utah. Remittances ik,inll be mjdl by P O. Monty Order >r Registered Letter "Chronicles of Utah," by Prof. Joseph L. Barfoot (Beta) , which were continued in two numbers of Volume 3. This invaluable series was the forerunner of a series en- titled "Historical Rec- ord," in Volume 6, 1884-85, by Andrew Jenson, before he began the publication of his magazine bearing that title. Elder C. W. Pen- rose wrote for this vol- ume "Leaves from the Tree of Life," twelve numbers. This series be- came the celebrated tract of which many thousand copies have been printed. "Nephite Apostles" and "N e p h i t e s under the Judges," George Rey- nolds; "Travels in It- aly," twelve numbers, De Vallibus; "The Uni- versity of Utah," R. W. Sloan; "The Brigham Young Academy-" J. E. Talmage. AMONG new contrib- utors Volume 2 con- tained the names of Ed- ward H. Anderson with his beautiful poem, "A River's Love," and oth- ers; N. Tanner, Jr., Joseph A. Smith (Bep- po) with "Devotional Literature," and some scholarly translations; Talula Young (Viva) with "Studies of Bacon,

The Improvement Era For November, 1929 57 Chaucer, Spencer;" John Q. Can- non, (Jaquce) "Spouting Well at Kane;" Susa Young Gates in "Homespun Talk;" Z. Ballantyne, "Spartan Discipline;" Thos. Y. Stanford, "The First Crusade;" J. B. Keeler, "The Silent Recorder;" Wm, W. Taylor, "The Scientific Test." Beautiful poems were con- tributed by Emily Hill Woodman- see, Henry W. Naisbitt, R. All- dridge; and selections from Bryant, Leigh Hunt and Longfellow. Bishop Edward Hunter had ad- monished me to embellish the magazine with choice selections from the great poets. J. B. Toronto (Quebec) was as regular as the months in three volumes with his scientific articles so re- liable and plainly told. T\7ITH Volume 3, 1881-82, ** appeared the first of the series of "Sermons and Writings of the Prophets," including a biograph- ical sketch of Joseph Smith, and steel engraved portraits of himself and Hyrum. These sermons were carefully selected from the "Times and Seasons," and certain ones from the journals of Elder Wilford Woodruff which had not previ- ously been published. I had oc- casion to consult President John Taylor about the authorship of certain of them. He was highly interested in their republication. He told me he read every number of the magazine. I recall also a com- plimentary note about this time from Professor Barfoot, whose praise was praise indeed. He said: "The Contributor is the Addison- ian publication of Zion. I am highly delighted with it." 'T'HERE were three serials. "The •■ Ancient Government Chronol- ogy and Laws of the Hindoos" and papers on "Impure Castes" and "Brahmins of India," by Wm. Fotheringham; "A Trip to Den- mark," by De Vallibus and "The Echo Canyon War," by the Editor (Vaux) ran in twelve numbers and was supplemented in Volume 4 by "Lot Smith's Narrative;" "Mormon Polygamy and Christian Monogamy," by Moses Thatcher. C PACE here will not permit pur- ^ suance of The Contributor's contents in this manner through the succeeding volumes, gratifying as it would be to its old editor; nor is there room for the bare mention of scores of beloved names of writers for its columns. There were seri- al biographies of George A. Smith J UNIUS F. WELLS has traveled extensively in America and Europe and has met many men of national and international prominence. In all his travels he has always been a missionary, a worthy representa- tive of the Church. The greatest honor that ever came to him was when President Brigham Young appointed him to organize the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associ- ation. From that time to the pres- ent he has been closely associated with M. I. A. activities and is still a member of the General Board. A genial, courteous, well informed man, an original thinker, he "goes about doing good." and Jedediah M. Grant, with fine steel-engraved portraits. A large steel engraving of President Brig- ham Young was given as a premi- um one year and a splendid lith- ograph of Joseph Smith as Lieutenant General of the Nauvoo Legion, mounted on his celebrated war horse, "Joe Duncan." Premi- ums of books for libraries, run- ning from a single volume up to hundreds of volumes — in the ag- gregate laying the foundation of over a hundred libraries in Associ- ations competing for them. Having begun in the third volume to pro- vide illustrations, the following ten volumes contained 24 full-page steel and 16 photo-engraved por- traits, 48 photo-engravings of his- toric scenes, temples, public build- ings and residences, and 269 cuts in the text, besides 12 ornamental initials from drawings by Har- wood for the Nauvoo Legion series. THE CONTRIBUTOR spon- "■ sored musical and oratorical contests in the Tabernacle, giving money prizes of hundreds of dol- lars to the winners. Nearly twenty bands were entered in one of these primitive contests; and vocal solos, duets, quartettes and choruses up to a hundred voices. Prof. Evan Stephens introduced me humor- ously to Dr. Joseph Davies, the Welch Adjudicator, as the "Father of the Utah Eisteddfod." Money prizes and valuable gold medals were given for Christmas stories and poems, bringing out in the contests some splendid compo- sitions in prose and poetry. I regarded sending Elder B. H. Roberts, with a camera, on the back track of the Church's travels as equal in journalistic enterprise to that of The Century sending George Kennan to Siberia, though minute of course in extent and ex- pense. Elder Roberts' travels pro- duced serially, "Missouri Persecu- tions," "Rise and Fall of Nauvoo," with incomparable photo-engrav- ings of scenes and places, together with "A New Witness for God," which were republished in large editions as bound books. T\ O you wonder that indulging ^ in such extravagance of ex- pense, with only a local subscrip- tion list and meagre advertising to depend upon, that my father should one day have said to me: "It looks to me that you are swing- ing a cat by the tail and the cat keeps getting bigger and the tail slimmer. I believe, if I were you, I would let go." "But Father," I replied, "It's my cat and, if I do, I'm afraid it will kill the cat." Well the time came when I had to let go; but I thought provision was made against disaster. And it was, had not the accumulated burden of multifarious duties and labors been too heavy for the stalwart shoul- ders of the beloved, lamented Eider Abraham H. Cannon, upon whose decease The Contributor, having continued four years, to the end of Volume 17, 1896, at length suc- cumbed. T T was remarked to me one day ■■ not so long ago, by the late Elder J. M. Tanner, a voluminous writer for the magazine, that he believed my memory would survive longer and be more highly esteemed for the encouragement and help I had given to local writers in the promotion of a meritorious home literature than for any other service of my life. I felt complimented by this observation from him and much surprised. It is indeed a pleasant reflection, as I review the twelve volumes that I edited — thirteen nominally, to find the names of over 300 writers, nearly all known by me personally and with whom I had mutually en- couraging correspondence. At least half of these made their first ap- pearance in print in The Contrib- utor. Others have written for the Millennial Star and the Juvenile Instructor. A few could not be called local writers; but, with this exception, the contributions of all gave the magazine its name and character as a magazine of original home literature, published for the encouragement of the talent and culture of the young men and women of Zion.