---
title: Improvement Era
description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930.
authors:
  - Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations
collections:
  - periodicals
tags:
  - magazine
  - improvement-era
periodical: Improvement Era
volume: 33
number: 2
published: 1929-12
publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations
publisher_place: Salt Lake City
language: en
type: magazine
reference: "Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations, “Mutual Work,” *Improvement Era* 33, no. 2 (December 1929): 141–155."
source:
  url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera3302unse
  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: improvementera3302unse
start_page: 141
end_page: 155
rights:
  status: public-domain
  basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1929-12)
  source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera3302unse
  publication_year: 1929
  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 1929, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright.
---

# Mutual Work

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MUTUAL WORK General Superintendency Y. M. M. I. A. George Albert Smith, Richard R. Lyman, Melvin J. Ballard. Executive Secretary : Oscar A. Kirkham, General Presidency Y. L. M. I. A. Ruth May Fox, Lucy Grant Cannon, Clarissa A. Beesley. Problems of Administration WE will greatly appreciate it if our Executive Officers will kindly check on the following items : 1 . Have you assigned the work of the M. I. A. program to the Ex- ecutive Officers in stakes and wards as suggested in our Hand Book Supplement, in which one of the counselors supervises the class work of the different de- partments, and one counselor supervises the Activity Program of the departments, while the President or Superintendent takes charge of and assumes re- sponsibility for the other ex- ecutive problems of the associ- ation? 2. Are you holding in stakes and wards your monthly Adminis- trative meeting at which all of- ficers, class leaders and com- mittee members are in attend- ance? The following plan is recom- mended for this meeting: 1. Opening exercises; the pres- idents of the two associa- tions presiding. 2. Separation into two divi- sions. a. The class leaders of all departments. Two coun- selors (one Y. M. and one Y. L.) take charge and all matters pertaining to courses of study, the various pro- jects and the reading course are considered. Opportunity is thus pro- vided for each class leader to understand the entire study-project- reading program of the association and thereby work more intelligently A Joyous Christmas to our Mutual Improvement Work- ers! May good will abound. May the Spirit of. him whose birth we commemo- rate bring peace, courage and faith to all who are carrying forward so valiantly the glo- rious Cause of Youth! in his or her own depart- ment. At times it may be found profitable for two or more depart- ments to cooperate on certain lessons or pro- jects. It may be enter- taining also, occasion- ally, for two groups to join for a brief period of community singing or for younger groups to present brief exercises before the Adults. Such modifica- tions as these should be discussed at this meet- ing. Care, however, must be taken to com- plete each month all out- lined work in each de- partment so that it may be checked off on the M. I. A. monthly report. b. The activity leaders of all departments and the community activity com- mittee. Two counselors (one Y. M. and one Y. L.) take charge and all of the special recreational activities for the month both those to be pre- sented on the general program (see Hand Book Supplement, p. 21) and those to be given in the departments during the activity period are con- sidered. It is always well to plan several months ahead so that the special events may be completed and checked off on the M. I. A. Monthly Report. The project — Home Recreation — is to receive attention from this com- bined group each month. 3. A joint session of both di- visions. The presidents pre- side and all matters pertain- ing to the general adminis- tration of the association are considered. (See list of problems assigned to the presidents, (Hand Book, page 5.) Chairmen of Finance and Publication Committees may also have valuable ma- terial to present at this meeting, particularly as per- taining to the Magazine. YJ[7E feel that these matters should receive serious con- sideration at once where they haven't been perfected in either a stake or ward capacity. This will make possible an excellent division of our work for supervision at Union Meetings and for check and general supervision when stake of- ficers are visiting wards. Stake secretaries should be in- formed at once to check on the new monthly report form and see that our General Office is furnished

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142 The Improvement Era for December, 1929 with a monthly report. These should reach us by the 5th of each month. If the report cannot be made 100%, please instruct your secretary to forward us as nearly a perfect report as possible. The monthly Administration meeting furnishes the secretary an oppor- tunity for getting the information necessary to prepare the report. The Y. L. M. I. A. General Fund TTHE General Fund is based on the actual membership in the Y. L. M. I. A. for the current year. — To be 100% it should check with the enrollment as given on the Monthly Report for No- vember. George H. Brimhall and Emma Goddard, Chairmen N. G. Morgan Junius F. Wells Hyrum G- Smith Hugh J. Cannon J. Reuben Clark February Sunday Evening Joint Meeting, SUGGESTIONS and material for the program of the Monthly Joint Session Sunday evening, February 2, 1930: 1. Singing: "Zion Stands With Hills Surrounded," one of Presi- dent Lorenzo Snow's favorite hymns. In introducing the hymn read the words to the congregation and see that they have song books that they all may join in the sing- ing. 2. Invocation, preferably by some one who was personally ac- quainted with President Lorenzo Snow. 3. Music, a solo or quartet, "O My Father," by Eliza R. Snow. 4. Announcements. Introduction to the Slogan : "No law can possibly meet the convenience of everyone. We must be satisfied if it be beneficial on the whole and to the majority." "What is a law, if those who make it become the foremost to break it." — Livy. "He who holds no law in awe He must perish by the law." ■ — Byron- "The law — it has honored us, may we honor it." — Daniel Web- ster. Lorenzo Snow I. Some of His Outstanding Characteristics 1. Reverential Etiquette Lorenzo Snow was a frequent visitor in Joseph Smith's home. One time on entering the Prophet's room Brother Snow found him in p r a y e r — evidently conversing aloud with the Lord. Fearing that his ears might overhear something that did not belong to him Brother Snow quickly and quietly with- drew to a distance beyond hearing. 2. Naturally a Student This from his journal: "Edu- cation, the leading star of my youth, had so entirely engrossed my ambition that, until the Gos- pel of the Lord Jesus Christ took possession of my mind, it was the genii before which everything else had to bow." As a boy, when he could not be found, the explana- tion would always follow, "He is hidden away with his books." He completed his scholastic training in Oberlin College, continued the study of Hebrew under private in- struction and was recognized as a scholar throughout his long life. 3. A polished gentleman of intel- lectual and spiritual strength In addition to his scholarly at- tainments Lorenzo Snow possessed all the qualities of a perfect gen- tleman. He was refined, dignified, courteous and kind. Still, withal, there was no semblance of pride or haughtiness. He bore his princely appearance and manners with the greatest sincerity and humility. Rev. Dr. Prentis, a noted physiog- nomist, says: "When I was introduced to President Lorenzo Snow, for a second I was startled to see the holiest face but one I had ever been privileged to look upon. His face was a power of peace; his presence a benediction of peace. The tranquil depths of his eyes were not only the 'home of silent prayer,' but the abode of spiritual strength. As he talked of the 'more sure word of prophecy' and the certainty of the hope which was his, and the abiding faith which had conquered the trials and difficulties of tragic life, I watched the play of emotions and studied with fas- cinated attention the subtle shades of expression which spoke so plainly the workings of his soul; and the strangest feeling stole over me, that I 'stood on holy ground;' that this man did not act from the commonplace motives of policy, interest, or expediency, but he 'acted from a far off center.' I am accustomed to study men's faces, analyze every line and feature, dissect each expression, and note every emotion, but I could not here. What would be the use of my recording the earnestness of the brow, the sweet- ness of the mouth, and all my common- place descriptive terms. The man is not reducible to ordinary description. If the Mormon Church can produce such wit- nesses, it will need but little the pen of the ready writer or the eloquence of the great preacher." 4. Interest in the Social and Recre- ational Welfare of the People The Improvement Era of Au- gust, 1899, says: "The most successful organization was the 'Polysophical Society,' under the pa- tronage and in the mansion of President Lorenzo Snow, in the winter of 1852; this was the first nucleus of a varied in- tellectual character in the Church, and drew the lion's share of the latent talent in Salt Lake City. Its programs in- cluded productions in many modern lan- guages. The Presidency and Twelve, honorary members, were generally there. A large orchestra furnished part of the music. Essays, poems, recitations, music, song, anecdote, experience and comment made a veritable feast for the soul. Pub- lic interest and. enjoyment crowded weekly the spacious hall and adjoining rooms. President Snow, himself a collegian, en- joyed this success. A veritable boom followed, and similar organizations sprang up in the wards until dancing, which had been the leading recreation, became nearly obsolete. This was the basis upon which all the Mutual Improvement As- sociations have been built, providing rec- reation for both sexes, and the study of art, literature, science, religion, politics and amusement, refining, purifying, en- larging, under the control of the Priest- hood all mental and intellectual forces." After President Snow was ap- pointed to colonize Boxelder Coun- ty, in 1853, founding Brigham City, he continued this social and recreational activity, organizing there a dramatic association and a polysophical society and building a theatre and also a social hall. 5. Spirituality No characteristic in President

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The Improvement Era for December, 1929 143 Snow's nature was more outstand- ing than his spirituality. All who knew him were deeply impressed with his unquestionable faith in God, his certainty of a future exist- ence, his clear conception of the glory and happiness of heaven — truly the veil between him and his Father was very thin. 6. Devotion to a Principle From the time in his youth when God revealed to him this couplet: — "As man now is, God once was; as God now is, man may be" — this great truth was his constant guide on this "pathway •of God and man;" it had been that "still small voice" which had ever warned him of sin and evil and whose promptings he always obeyed and followed. 7 . Full Reliance Upon God When President Snow became President of the Church he said: "My administration will not be known as Lorenzo Snow's admin- istration, but as God's administra- tion through Lorenzo Snow." He depended upon his Father for guidance and instruction which al- ways came in vision, revelation, actual visitation or inspiration. The Almighty commanded, Lo- renzo Snow obeyed. The plan to get the Church out of debt by the payment of tithing was the Lord's plan, not Lorenzo Snow's. 8. Testimony of Joseph Smith's Divine Mission President Snow said: "Perhaps there are very few men now living who were so well acquainted with Joseph Smith the Prophet as I was. I was with him oftentimes. I visited him in his family, sat at his table, associated with him under various circumstances, and had private interviews with him for counsel. I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God; I know that he was an honorable man, a moral man, and that he had the respect of those who were acquainted with him. The Lord has shown me most clearly and completely that he was a Prophet of God, and that he held the holy Priesthood and the au- thority to baptize people for the remission of their sins and to lay hands upon them for the reception of the Holy Ghost, that they might receive a knowledge them- selves in relation to these things. I am one who has received from the Lord the strongest revelation concerning the truth of this work. That manifestation was with me powerfully for hours and hours, and wha|ever circumstances may occur in my life, as long as memory lasts this perfect knowledge will remain with me." II. Some of His Contributions 1. Founded Brigham City, Utah, naming it for President Brigham Young. President Snow lived here for forty years and exer- cised a great influence for the de- velopment, happiness and prosper- ity of the community. 2. Established perhaps the most successful test of the United Order in the Church. Beginning in 1867 and covering a period of twelve years, the 2,000 people in Brigham City, through this united coopera- tive movement were becoming in- dependent and self-supporting. Between thirty and forty indus- tries were established, producing and manufacturing their own breadstuffs, meat, vegetables, cloth- ing, boots and shoes, building ma- terial such as lumber, shingles, lath, lime, adobes, brick, etc., leather and leather goods, wool and woolen goods, a dairy and all dairy products, fur, wool and straw hats, tinware, pottery, brooms and brushes, molasses, iron ware, turn- ing, planing and moulding mills, a cotton farm in southern Utah, and all cotton goods, etc. All trades were taught and every one was given employment. Edward Bellamy was so impressed with this work that he came to Utah and spent many hours with President Snow learning all he could about the theory and practice of the United Order before publishing his book Looking Backward. 3. Gave to the world the coup- let: As man now is, God once was; As God now is, man may be. This is one of the greatest keys to eternal progress ever given to man. 4. Opened the Italian mission and translated the Book of Mor- mon into the Italian language. 5. Served in the Utah Legis- lature for 29 years. 6. For more than 52 years was one of the General Authorities of the Church, during which time he was an Apostle, President of the Council of Twelve and President of the Church. While President, through direct revelation from God, he formulated plans which resulted in relieving the Church of its greatest burden of debt and which led to its later financial pros- perity. III. Characteristic Sayings of President Lorenzo Snow The reward for righteousness is ex- altation. Godliness cannot be conferred, but must be acquired. We approach godliness as fast as we approach perfection. Before I die I hope to see the Church cleared of debt and in a commanding position financially. If we are faithful, we shall at some time do our own work, but now we are doing the work of our Father. The Lord has shown me most clearly and completely that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Greater work was never done by man since the days of Adam than is being done here in the temple. We have all the possibilities of God himself, and we should so act that every faculty shall be developed to the utmost. The glorious opportunity of becoming truly great_ belongs to every faithful elder in Israel; it is his by right divine. IV. Chronology April 3, 1814, Born in Mantua, Ohio. June, 183 6, Baptized in Kirtland by Jno. F. Boynton. July, 1836, First Vision and testimony. 1837, Ordained an Elder, began first mission. February 14, 1841, First President of London Conference. 1842, Presented Book of Mormon to Queen Victoria. September 20, 1848, Arrived in Salt Lake Valley. February 12, 1849, Ordained an Apos- tle by Heber C. Kimball. 1851, Translated Book of Mormon in- to Italian. O-tober 6, 1843, Called to locate in Boxelder county. March 31. 1864, Miraculous restora- tion from drowning. 1872 and 1873, Palestine mission. May 7-9. 1884, Three-day family re- union at Brigham City. 1886 and 1887, In penitentiary for Gospel's sake. May 21, 1888, Dedicated Manti tem- ple. April 7, 1889, President of the Twelve \postles. May 23, 1893, President of the Salt Lake temple. September 13, 1898, President of the Church. December 15, 1898, Issued Church bonds. May 17, 1899, Received Tithing reve- lation. October 6, 1901, Last public address. October 10, 1901, Died at Beehive House, Salt Lake City. October 13. 1901. Buried in family cemetery, Brigham City. References : Biography of Lorenzo Snow by his sister Eliza R. Snow Smith. All Church histories. Jenson's Biographical Encyclopedia. The Improvement Era: June and Aug. 1899; June, 1919; Sep., Oct., 1929.

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144 The Improvement Era for December, 1929 FINANCE*** PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Geo. Q. Morris and Rachel Grant Taylor, Chairmen; Hugh J. Cannon, J. D. Giles, S. A. Stevens, L. W. Smith, E. H. Higgs. E. T. Brandley A NEW departure in the M. I. Two stakes have the Era in every ^*- A. Organization in stakes and Latter-day Saint home. Three others are in very close proximity — and the activity has in no way subsided. wards was the formation of the committees of Finance and Publi- cations. It was felt that this work was of sufficient importance to justify the organization of com- mittees to supervise the distribu- tion of our new combination mag- azine, The Improvement Era. This splendid organization, practically completed throughout all the stakes and wards, is largely responsible for the gratifying rec- ord made in the Era campaign. The Era in Every H ome "C IFTY thousand copies, five ■*■ million pages, which if put in one stack would be more than twice as high as the highest point of the Temple — that is the story of the first issue of our new combination magazine, The Improvement Era. October 17 thirty-seven stakes were over 1 00 % on the Era Drive; November 14 seventy-one are over. sss Graphic illustration showing the magnitude of the first issue of the new Improvement Era. The Salt Lake Temple is 228 feet high — all the copies of the first edition of the Era, if placed one upon the other, would be 521 feet high. The issue required approximately one car-load of paper. There were 350,000 press impressions, and a total of 5,000,000 pages, also 265 pounds of ink. "Cassia Second ward has Era in every home," wires Stephen H. Paskett of the Cassia stake. "Our Uintah ward has thirty- four families and sent your thirty- four subscrip- tions. The Slo- gan 'The Era in every home' was followed 100% here. Our stake is over. We are still working," writes Nellie Hendricks of the Mt. Ogden stake. Henry Wilson, superintendent of Raft River stake, supplies this in- formation: "The quota of Sublett ward is seven Eras, based on the last census. Since then they have lost five families through removal. They have eleven Church families now in the ward, and they have sent in twelve subscriptions." This comment from Monroe H. Clark, Chairman of Finance and Publications of St. Joseph stake, reflects the real spirit of the Era campaign. He writes: "Person- ally, the contest idea does not in- terest me much — I mean this Era competition. The ideal of 'An Era in every home,' (and then to get the people to read it) — is the greatest motivating thing in my estimation." "Credit us one hundred per cent. Subscriptions in mail," wires S. R. Wilkinson of Rigby stake. • "The great satisfaction is to see that reaching the 7J4 % quota does not diminish the enthusiasm — the people realize the big idea behind it all — the value the new Era will be to those who have ac- cess to it," writes Magdalen Ses- sions of Pocatello stake. "Credit Teton stake 144 more subscriptions. Letter follows. Era in every Latter-day Saint home," wires William A. Strong. "Our Stake Board members have canvassed the wards after the local officers felt they had secured all they could in their canvass. One Stake Board member has secured fifty subscriptions. We traveled fifty-six miles to get six subscrip- tions and solicited a saw-mill town thirty-five miles up in the hills and obtained four subscriptions there. We do not intend to stop selling Eras when the drive closes, but are planning to still work for an 'Era in every home,' Church member or not," write Walter A. Bean and Annie Black of Union stake. Superintendent Virgil Smith of Liberty ward, Liberty stake, re- ported that the people of his ward were eager for the Era. Out of sixty calls he secured sixty sub- scriptions, with no refusals in the entire canvass. J. M. Hopkins of Pioneer stake tells us that Bishop McPhie of the Twenty-fifth ward took a list of fifty ward prospects, and from that list secured fifty subscriptions. April 6 will be the Centennial Anniversary of our Church. The aim is to have the Era in every Lat- ter-day Saint home by that time. Figures are submitted showing the per cent of subscriptions, based on stake quota, received up to No- vember 1 4. This work is directed in the stakes by the following chairmen: ALBERTA 1 1 3 % Heber Jenson — Alma Coombs Hansen ALPINE _ 1 1 2 % J. Bartle Parker — Mary Abel BANNOCK _1 00% J. J. Skinner — Mrs. Elmer Smith BEAR LAKE 106% Lynn Hayward — Lizzie H. Welker BEAR RIVER 95% Ralph J. Stayner — Nina Stayner BEAVER __5 9 % John C. Carlyle — Ethel B. Hatchings BENSON 1 1 7 % Casper W. Merrill — Anna Orchard

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The Improvement Era for December, 1929 145 BIG HORN 116% Frank Brown — Mrs. Zelpha Tippetts BLACKFOOT 1 04% Jos. E. Williams — Mrs. Maude Robbins BLAINE 69 % Robert E. Adamson — Maria Prescott BOISE 8 0 % Lorenzo Jensen — Rose Cordon BOX ELDER 105% James Jensen — Louise Skidmore BURLE Y 1 0 3 % Elmer R. Parish — Angie Simmons CACHE 1 3 5 % Alma Sonne — Bessie T. Pack CARBON 9 3 % Bruce Taggert — Mrs. Ida Barnes CASSIA ._ 1 3 1 % Stephen H. Paskett — Mrs. Lena B. Price. COTTONWOOD 8 6 % E. C. Tame — Mrs. Ruby P. Nichols CURLEW 1 3 9 % Geo. R. Burton — Anna Eliason DESERET 74% W. B. Hilton — D. Sanderson, E. Dutson DUCHESNE 6 7 % Birch F. Bennion — Mrs. Lovina Murphy EAST JORDAN 100% Jos. D. Millerburg — Mrs. Laura Pearson EMERY 1 0 0 % Jesse S. Tuttle — Mrs. Mazie Moffitt ENSIGN 9 1 % Albert Merrill — Louise Clawson FRANKLIN 1 1 3 0 % Ezra T. Benson — Mrs. Anna G. Palmer FREMONT 1 9 0 % Fred Schwendiman — Mabel P. Warner GARFIELD 1 0 0 % Ward F. Savage — Mrs. Blanche S. Spencer GRANITE 6 9 % Eugene Whitaker — Miriam Lillywhite GRANT 1 4 7 % Leo J. Bird — Alice Burton GUNNISON 1 85 % Sydney J. Felsted — Dorothea C. Anderson HOLLYWOOD 69% Basil T. Kerr — Olla Lester HYRUM 1 4 2 % Oscar J. Hendry — Irene Hutton IDAHO 1 0 3 % Paul T. Lechtenberg — Leslie Stewart IDAHO FALLS 110% Milton H. Brinton — Edna Brinton JUAB . 1 1 8 % Harry Beagley — Mabel Sperry JUAREZ 1 0 3 % Velan Call — Ida Turley KANAB 1 1 3 % Chas. C. Heaton — Elva Mace KOLOB 1 0 2 % Geo. A. Simkins — Josie O. H. Alleman LETHBRIDGE 1 2 6 % Horace C. Singer — Elizabeth Wilcox LEHI 1 0 8 % Howard C. Evans — Mary F. Smith LIBERTY 57% Charles F. Solomon — Blanche Bowers LOGAN 1 1 8 % N. D. Salisbury — Esther Olson LOST RIVER 89% Aaron L. Quest — Agnes Noble LOS ANGELES 90% David J. Smith — Vida E. Savage LYMAN 1 1 9 % Willard Mauritzen — Patty Scott MALAD 1 1 2 % Leroy Horsley — Blanche Woodland MARICOPA 1 4 9 % Geo. N. Goodman — Naomi M. Brimhall MILLARD 1 0 8 % Edgar Turner — Itha Stevens MINIDOKA 1 1 7 % L. G. Poulsen — Mrs. Myrtle Freeman MOAPA 150% Tesse Whipple — Mrs. Norman W. Shurtliff MONTPELIER 1 3 1 % Charles Lindsay — Blanche Keenz MORONI 5 6 % Vernile Jensen — Myrum D. Lund MORGAN 1 2 0 % Glen Dickson — Evelyn Burton MT. OGDEN 100% T. F. Williams — Nellie Hendricks NEBO 81% Sidney Corey — Elsie Johnson NEVADA 8 0 % Owen Mannering — Mrs. Lucile Horton NORTH DAVIS 113% L. E. Ellison — Katie A. Ellison NORTH SANPETE 106% Paul Monson — Mrs. A. E. Jones NORTH WEBER 115% Gailord L. Taylor — Mable Thomas NORTH SEVIER 82% Sidney J. Ottley — Mrs. Ezra S. Thompson OGDEN 1 1 0 % Mrs. Lulu Childs 111% David R. Forsha ONEIDA M. W. Hendricks — Harriet E. Davis OQUIRRH 1 1 0 % James H. Day — Viola B. Jones PALMYRA .122% M. R. Taylor 8 A. Williams — L. Creer PANGUITCH 1 0 0 % Clarence I. Foy — Iletta D. Reid PARO WAN 1 2 9 % Glenwood Froyd — -Evelyn P. Webster PIONEER 1 00 % J. M. Hopkins — Helen Westling POCATELLO 140% C. Christensen — Magdalen Sessions PORTNEUF 1 0 5 % Heber Olson — Mary Christensen RAFT RIVER 127% Samuel H. Shaw — Mrs. R. N. Kelsey RIG BY 1 0 1 % S. R. Wilkinson — Ella M. Lemon ROOSEVELT 115% J. E. Lister — Effie Jacobs SALT LAKE 75% Scott Taggart — Margaret Sorenson SAN FRANCISCO 93% D. F. Wright- — Helen Ingham ST. GEORGE 105% Pratt Smith — Evadean Crosby ST. JOHNS 110% W. S. Hamblin — Louise Udall ST. JOSEPH 106% Monroe H. Clark — Geneva Green SAN JUAN 1 1 1 % Guy R. Hurst — Cornelia A. Perkins SAN LUIS 83% Oscar Ray — Irene Mclntyre SEVIER 1 1 9 % Alfred J. Bird — Ruth S. Peterson SHELLEY . 1 4 3 % Benj. B. Stringham — Olafine Nielson SNOWFLAKE 131% Amon Hunt — Jennie M. Butler SOUTH DAVIS 107% Alton S. Cleveland — Lila Smith SOUTH SANPETE 82% Le Roy Peterson — Virginia Lund SOUTH SEVIER 102% H. Roland Tietjen — Mrs. Mary Ahlstrom STAR VALLEY 93% Ona A. Harrison — Rachel Burton SUMMIT 90% Henry A. Pace — Eva Smith TETON 242% -Florence Parkinson ! 190% W. A. Strong- TAYLOR Chas. Rodolph Wing — Velma Meldrum TIMPANOGAS 106% A. P. Warnick — Estelle Fenton TINTIC 6 8 % H. C. Sylvester — Mrs. Florence Higginson TOOELE 1 0 0 % Richard Palmer — Eva Arbon TWIN FALLS 108% George Ward — Mrs. Geo. W. Hammond UINTAH 79 % Jessie A. Hawes — Jean Merkley UNION 24 1 % Samuel F. Andrew — Mrs. Annie Black UTAH 9 3 % Elmer A. Jacobs — Fern Cluff WASATCH 1 1 9 % Paul Kuhni — Annie L. Clyde WAYNE 7 1 % Erban Hanks — Mrs. Neta Ellott WEBER 3 2 % Paul J. Bingham — Mae Bramwell WEST JORDAN 87% Conrad S. Dahl Nona Jensen WOODRUFF 9 6 % L. B. Johnson — Mrs. Elise Norris YELLOWSTONE 1 3 6 % W. R. Humphreys — Rella Birch White YOUNG 1 0 0 % Icem Braidy — Edith Burnham A^nes S. Campbell Released Seven years as president of the Fourteenth Ward; three years as president in the Twentieth, nearly forty years a member of the Gen- eral Board — this in brief is the rec- ord in years of the work of Agnes S. Campbell in the Y. L. M. I. A. But it can in no sense give a con- ception of the activity, loyalty, faith, and many kindred virtues displayed during this long period of service. Her sterling traits of character, and deep devotion to the M. I. A. cause were early manifest and she was entrusted from time to time with various duties, chief of which was that of Business Manager of the Young Woman's Journal, which position she has held until the uniting of the Jour- nal with the Improvement Era. Energetic, faithful, entirely de- pendable and honest in the ex- treme, she has put her whole life's interest into building up the mag- azine. Throughout all the years she has enjoyed the unlimited con- fidence of President Tingey, Presi- dent Fox and all her associate workers. On her own request she has now been released from membership on the General Board, but we doubt not that she will still be active in some capacity or other, for inac- tivity with her would be impos- sible. As has been said of her: "The beauty of her life lies, like her charity, far below the surface, and her shrinking refusal to allow mention of her good works but signifies the true simplicity of her genuine, loving heart."

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146 The Improvement Era for December, 1929 E. E. Ericksen, Emily C. Adams, Chairmen; H. C. Iverson, J. H. Tay- lor, W. O. Robinson, D. Wood, J. F. Smith, J. S. Cornwall, Charlotte Stewart, E. T. Brandley, K. C. Jensen, E. T. Beesley, E. S. Anderson Course of Study Dancing For December 3 I. Objectives in dancing. These are based upon the social and rhythmic urges. Study the material on this subject contained in the M. I. A. Hand Book, pages 241-46; 233; 432; 369. a. Immediate objectives: 1. To develop grace and refinement in manner. 2. To develop graceful movements and emo- tional poise. 3. To create sociability and mutual helpful- ness. 4. To extend acquaint- anceship. 5. To provide whole- some entertainment. II. Local problems. a. Discuss thoroughly the reasons for including dancing in a church rec- reational program. b. Are you prepared to con- duct successful dancing parties? Before deciding, consider the following points: 1. Building facilities: a. Physical condi- tions (floor, lights, dressing rooms, check rooms, lava- tories, outside con- ditions.) b. Can you do any- thing to better these in your com- munity? 2. Has a dance director been appointed? If not, is there a reason for the omission? See duties of dance direc- tor (pages 369-376, Hand Book.) Discuss. If you have not already appoint- ed such a person, consider the de- sirable qualifications and try to find a man who measures up. Present the names to the executive officers, and be sure the duties and respon- sibilities of this office are well un- derstood by the man chosen to fill it. 3. Review the dancing parties you held last year, and up to date this year. Which were successful? Why? Which the opposite? Why? In what class would you be placed as a ward if a chart were made ac- cording to dancing standards? Are you distinguished for your high class, cultural dancing parties, or do you consider them mediocre, or worse? Are you satisfied with your dances, in every particular? How do you stand regarding quality of dancing, ease, grace, maintenance of good position, conduct of young people in and out of the hall, mu- sic, etc.? Are you satisfied to let these matters stand as they now are, or do you prefer to put forth effort to improve them? Only de- termination and energy are neces- sary to make dancing a distinctive and outstanding activity in any ward. 4. Are you doing anything to- ward providing instruction to your members along the line of ballroom etiquette, and social requirements? (On page 609 of the Journal for November, 1924, is an article on ballroom etiquette which would be very helpful in this discussion.) Are you looking around in your community for a competent in- structor who would be willing to give some instruction to the young people of the ward in fundamental dance steps, position, etc.? One ward engaged such an instructor for one hour after Mutual every Tuesday night, and by making a charge of ten cents, the instructor's fee was paid. The evenings thus spent were most beneficial and ac- complished splendid results. Would such a policy be desir- able in your ward? 5. Do you as a committee know the following steps which are in- cluded in our contest dance this year: Waltz, canter, trot, hesita- tion (forward and backward) ? Fox-trot, two-step, clog (Flap) , pivot, walk, scissors? Practice these steps during the week, and come prepared to explain and demon- strate to your committee next Tuesday. "All true dancing develops poise, grace, agility, strength, endurance and health. It aids digestion, invigorates circulation, soothes the nerves and brings joy to the participants as well as prolonging youth many years. "To desire to dance is the most natural of all human desires, but to dance well is left to the higher types of the race, and is the truest index of civilized people. A proper imparting of dancing knowledge and skill builds in the recipient a moral complex which thereafter ever reacts against that which is gross in the bodily movements sometimes labeled 'dancing'. "Glorify the body and sublimate the mind. Dancing is not a thing which stands alone. It is just as subtle as the air we breathe. Whenever you see the quality of the dancing low, you will see ethics and morals low as well. If you wish to raise the standards, you must edu- cate movements. Without this every other effort at betterment fails, more or less. When one has learned to move gracefully a desire to be gracious in manner will almost assuredly follow. "There are two outstanding things which bring about a conflict between youth and adults. Youth as a rule, can- not waltz; their elders cannot fox-trot. Each condemns the other. Bring about amiable cooperation by teaching these rhythms and steps, so that each can do them equally well." — L. P. Christensen. III. Method. 1. Secure a competent dance-di- rector. 2. Maintain proper conditions around the dance hall. 3. Make the hall a place of beauty and refinement. 4. Provide instruction in danc- ing and in social behavior. 5. Make use of group cohesion in setting standards and loyalties. Lesson 2 I. Further consideration of prob- lems. 1. Study of orchestra problems. a. Cost. b. Kind of music played. (See Hand Book, page 374.) It is important that the best type of dance-music be used, for the spirit of the music is very ef- fective in producing an atmosphere

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The Improvement Era for December, 1929 147 of culture or careless rowdyism. The orchestra should know before hand of any mixers or special dances to be danced, that they might have time to prepare the se- lections and be able to render them satisfactorily. c. Intermission. Do you find questionable con- duct on the part of boys and girls during intermissions? Have you tried to convert the orchestra to the idea of having one man at a time take a rest? This keeps something going all the time for the dancers, and gives no invita- tion for joy riding during the course of the dance. Have you ever featured special attractions, demonstrations and novel stunts during intermission periods? Make a list of possible features of this kind. d. Conduct of musicians. As a general rule does the con- duct of the musicians add culture and dignity to the evening, or not? What do you think of the idea of members of the orchestra singing as they play? e. Can you encourage and support a ward orchestra? f. Have you ever approached orchestra managers on the subject of playing on a percentage basis, rather than a flat amount? When they do this, the orchestra takes a more personal interest, and some wards have found that it has added much to the success of their parties. II. The Social Situation. Has any consideration been given in your community to the following points: 1. Escort and chaperonage; tak- ing a girl to the dance as a prere- quisite of taking her home. 2. Hosts and hostesses; patrons and reception committee. Do you consider this just an un- necessary flourish, or do you think it would pay? 3. General mingling of the group through the use of dance- mixers and other means. III. For a few moments try out the steps of the contest dance as assigned last week. IV. Consideration of a plan for making a co-operative pro- gram for stake and ward dances. 1. Be sure that a ward is not conflicting with a stake event in their plans. 2. If it is found that one ward is holding successful dances to the detriment of other wards surround- ing try to work out some plan of alternating dates for dances, or of uniting several wards in putting on exceptionally fine affairs. An idea of this kind would of necessity be taken up for considera- tion at a Union meeting, for one ward alone could not arrange for such a plan. V. Consider the social groups in your community. 1. Every community is made up of various age groups — married people, young and older, adults (not married) and youth. How can you organize your dance eve- nings that all age-groups may be brought into interested participa- tion? Would inter-group enter- taining help to socialize the cliques? 2. Do you have many wall- flowers? Have you found any methods of eliminating such a con- dition? Have you tried appoint- ing a large introduction commit- tee among the young people, giv- ing them the responsibility of in- troducing timid and backward guests to others? If a few of the leaders of a group dance with these neglected ones, others will follow suit, and a spirit of friendliness be developed which will last longer than the mere pleasure of the dance. 3. The young married set in any ward is a distinct asset in any dancing party, and this group should be drawn into participa- tion as much as possible. What condition exists in your ward in this regard? Are you doing any- thing to interest these young peo- ple, or do you turn your dancing parties over to the exuberant adolescents who perhaps do not need it as much as the others? VI. Gold and Green Ball. This event is the most popular of all social events in the M. I. A. Reports sent to the general office have proved the fact that much thoughtful interest has been put into this matter, and much variety and beauty have been introduced. Dignity without restraint; pleasure without rowdyism; success with- out limit have been the results real- ized. If you have not begun to plan for the event in your locality, start now. Go over back issues of the Journal, and read what other groups have done. Make the Gold and Green Ball a social event which will embody all the fine and beau- tiful hopes that the M. I. A. could possibly have for a party; and after it is over, send in a report, and tell the rest of the Church what you have accomplished. Lesson 3 I. Discuss the review of Have- lock Ellis' Dance of Life, page 126, December Era. II. Practice contest dance steps. In January review objectives, Drama and Dancing. Adult Department COMMITTEE A. L. Beeley; Lucy W. Smith, Chairmen J. F. Merrill F. S. Harris L. T. Cannon L. L. Daines R. W. Bennett M. C. Kimball A. M. Cannon Project on Citizenship What is a project? Most edu- cational work — including much of our M. I. A. class-work — is, of necessity, passive; requir- ing the individual merely to follow and participate in a dis- cussion. A project, on the other hand, is an active scheme or plan requiring group thinking and concerted action; it is a de- vice for converting knowledge into action. 2. Why these particular projects? Because: a. They are in the nature of a new experiment, calculated to enhance the vitality of M. I. A. work. b. While there are many insti- tutions and influences — oth- er than the home — which are molding the character of youth today, parents are nevertheless being held just

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148 The Improvement Era for December, 1929 as accountable for the suc- cess and failure of their chil- dren as were the parents of an earlier generation when society was simple and the family was the all-inclu- sive institution of control. Adults will therefore do well to interest themselves in the problems of their community for this reason alone. c. A crying need of our time is an intelligent, active cit- izenry. d. Our slogan this year has to do with law observance — a phase of citizenship. Details of the Project Note: (The nature of these projects is fully outlined on page 224 of 1928 Hand Book. Board Members will do well to read these instructions carefully.) a. It is recommended that: (1) Every adult group devote the first Tuesday of each month to a consideration of the Project. (This in- cludes all branches of Adult work, including Genealogical Society.) b. The Law Observance project should be taken up first; the voting project second. c. The logical first step in the Law Observance is a precise deter- mination of the actual nature and extent of law-breaking in the community. Specifically, this involves the collection and tabulation of such statistics as are available in the office of the sheriff (and chief of police), the public prosecutor and the courts (city, county, district, juvenile, etc.) Figures should be secured wherever possible to show: a. The actual number and dis- position of: a. Violations reported to the police, b. Cases prosecuted by the police and prosecutor, c. Cases dealt with by the courts, b. The kinds of offenses com- mitted, c. The age, sex, domicile, na- nationality, etc., of the of- fenders, d. The increase (or decrease) in delinquency and crime from month to month or from year to year. d. It will readily be appreciated that accurate data such as the above are fundamental to a con- sideration of such questions as the following: a. How much crime and de- linquency is there in our community? b. What age-groups, sex, na- tionality, class, etc., con- tribute most to law-breaking in this community? c. What types of delinquency are on the increase? What, specifically, is the extent of auto-stealing, bootlegging, burglary, etc? And how effective is the treatment fol- lowing conviction? d. What proportion of offenders reported to the police are (1) prosecuted, (2) tried, (3) found guilty, (4) serve a sentence, etc? e. In securing the statistics referred to above, it will be well for wards to cooperate with one another wherever possible. At the next Union Meeting, for example, arrangements might be made for two representatives from each ward Adult Depart- ment to serve on a committee charged with the task of con- tacting the appropriate officials and securing the necessary data for later discussion and analy- sis. In the larger towns it will be desirable for several stakes to work together. Suggestions Will these suggestions help you in developing the project? 1. Discussion of the necessary qualifications of Public Officials: (a) Governor; (b) Secretary of State; (c) State Superintendent of Schools; (d) Mayor; (e) City Commissioner; (f) Auditor; (g) Chief of Police; (h) Town Mar- shall; (i) Constable, etc. Illus- trations may be given of men who have been outstanding in such po- sitions, as: Roosevelt, Wilson, Heber M. Wells, etc. Local of- ficials of past years who have made exceptional records. 2. Obligation of voters to check on individual candidates, not being influenced by paid workers as per- sonal friends. 3. Listing and discussion of laws and ordinances on the local statute books. 4. Patriotic stories; incidents from American history. 5. Discussion on voting: how to vote a straight ticket; how to "scratch," etc. Use sample ballots. 6. Cooperation with M Men and Gleaners in working for a better town or city government. Adult Woman's Department Recapitulation. — The following lessons have been scheduled up to November 30: September. — The Home — Building the House: Decorating (August Young Woman's Jour- nal) . Music — Program Music (September Young Woman's Journal) . October. — Notable Mothers of Scripture — Eve: (Sept. Young Woman's Journal) . Abundant Life for the Adult Woman — The Human Machine (September Young Woman's Journal) . The Home — Building the House: Furnishings (August Young Woman's Journal) . Music — Verdi (October Young Woman's Jour- nal) . November. — Notable Mothers of Scripture — Sarah: (October Young Woman's Journal) . Abundant Life for the Adult Woman — Practical Nutrition (Oc- tober Young Woman's Journal) . The Home — The Spirit of the Home (September Young Wom- an's Journal) . Society and Per- sonality— Heredity and Environ- ment (Manual — Courses of Study) . Check your program; have you completed the Lessons to date? CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER December 3. — Notable Mothers of Scripture — Rebekah (Manual) . December 10. — Abundant Life for the Adult Woman — Import- ance of Food Combinations (Man- ual). December 17. — Society and Per- sonality— The "New" Psychology (Manual) . Method of Conducting Lessons Are you getting free discussion from class members; or are you using the Lecture method? Even if the latter is used, there should be some discussion each evening.

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The Improvement Era for December, 1929 149 M Men -Gleaners Department COMMITTEE Combined M Men and Gleaners Committees Course of Study — Social Customs in Foreign Lands Ireland Scene: The interior of a small county farm house. In the open fireplace is a fire, over which hangs a steaming iron kettle. Around the fireplace are seen coal tongs, a shallow basket filled with coals, and a teakettle. There are some plain straight chairs in the room; a rack built on the wall in which dishes are kept; a long wooden bench; a table and in one corner there is a built-in bed. The ceiling is beamed and the floor is of rock. A picture of a saint is hanging on the wall. Characters: Farrall Markey — an old man; James Smith — a "Mormon" missionary; Bridget Markey — daughter of Farrall Markey, about twenty-five years of age; Mrs. Patrick Markey — daugh- ter-in-law of Markey; Mary Mark- ey— younger daughter of Farrall Markey, about 1 8 years of age. As curtain rises Farrall Markey is seen sitting by the fireplace rub- bing his legs as if they are in pain. There is a knock at the door. Farrall: Come in! James Smith enters. Farrall M. shows surprise at the sight of a stranger. Smith (bowing) : I am a trav- eling elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Hands old man a tract) . Farrall M. (who cannot read, as is evidenced by his face but pre- tending to be able to) : Oh, and be you an Englishman? Smith: Yes and no. I am of English descent but my home is in America. Markey (leaning forward) : Did you see my son Michael over there? Smith: Not that I remember. How long has he been in America? Markey: Well he left right after the potatoes was dug, a year past. When did you leave the States? Smith: It's fourteen months since I left home. My home is in the western part of the United States. Markey: Be you a traveler? Smith: Well, yes, I'm a travel- ing elder — a missionary. Markey (showing suspicion) : A Protestant? (1) Smith: I'm neither a Protestant nor a Catholic; I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ. Markey: Oh! Smith : Do you live here alone? Markey: No — the others has gone to O'Tooele's; he's dead. I should have gone, but my pains wont let me. Smith : Have you rheumatism ? Markey: Yes. (Rubbing his legs again as he answered) Yes, O'Tooele is dead. Shure and it don't seem likely; he's been about ever since I can remember; it don't seem likely; why he remembers the famine! I've heard him tell how that blight came over the land and in two weeks the potatoes was nuthin' but rot. Oh the terrors of that winter, and the next. Those was two terrible years '46 and '47. 'Twas then that God deserted the Irish and pursed Ireland! The people lost their spirit; ain't had much since. Smith (aside) ; How different! When the Saints at home saw star- vation staring them in the face they had faith! They prayed and God sent the gulls. (Turning to Mark- ey) . In western America where I came from the people had a sad experience about that time too. Markey: Oh? Smith: Yes, it was the year 1848. The people had been in that part of the country just one year, and efforts were made to raise a bounteous harvest — and the crick- ets came! They came in hordes and the people saw the results of their labors and the hope of the coming winter vanishing, in spite of the fact that they did their ut- most to destroy the enemy. But those people had great faith in the power of God, and so they fasted and prayed that he would come to their aid. Their prayers were answered in a miraculous way, for great flocks of gulls came to the farms in the valley; devoured the crickets and saved the crops. In- stead of the scourge destroying their faith, it strengthened it, and to this day the faith of their children is made greater by this story. Markey: O yes, God loves those people, but the Irish have dis- pleased him. Tis often said in these parts that Ireland is a place that God meant to do somethin' with, but changed his mind. Smith (smiling) : Our Father still means to do something with Ireland. He has plans for the Irish just the same as he has for the rest of his children. Markey: You can't make us Irish believe that. Why just before O'Tooele died he asked the priest if he thought there would be a place in heaven for an Irishman. But I can't wonder that he'd be in doubts as to himself. (Leaning forward) . Don't tell what I'm about to tell you, but the O'Tooles is descended from seals. Smith (looking startled at first and then laughing heartily) : In America there -are those that claim that we descended from monkeys, but this is the first time I've ever heard that Irish descended from seals ! Markey: Not all the Irish, just the O'Tooles! You see it was this way: Years and years ago one of the O'Tooles, way back, was standin' on the sea shore and he noticed three beautiful seals come up out of the water. They was so unusual that he thought he would watch them for a few minutes. To his surprise they took off their seal skins and danced on the beach in the form of three beautiful young ladies. The man of O'Tooeles watched them for some time, but it did not take him long to recover his wits and decide upon a plan for capturing one of them. He crept down towards where the skins was lying, hiding himself behind a big stone so that he could not be seen. Having reached the shore, he caught up one of the skins and made off with it as fast and as secretly as he could. He knew well that the seal-woman would follow where her skin had been taken so he hid it cunningly in the thatch of his house, where no one

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150 The Improvement Era for December, 1929 would think of looking for it. When the seals had had their fill of dancing and play on the shore, they went back to look for their skins and their surprise was great to find that one of these was missin'. That night O'Toole was sittin' in his house when, as he expected, a beautiful woman in her bare pelt came to the door and asked him to give her back her coat. He did not let on that he knew anything about it though she cried and moaned and besought him to give it back again. He held out so well, and had hidden the skin so cleverly, that in the end she had to settle down and stay on in his house, for she could not go away without her skin. Well she lived there a good many years and had four children and O'Toole and she were very happy together, when one day during his absence a fire broke out in the house. It soon spread to the thatch, and there was a queer smell of singeing. The woman knew it was her seal's coat burning and climbed up to where it was and when she had found it off with her to the water as fast as she was able. She forgot all about her husband and children and nothin' would do her but she must get into the seal skin again and go out swimmin' into the sea where the other seals were. O'Toole never got her back, but there was a hole in the seal's coat and when the seals come up swimmin' near the land you can tell this one by the burnt patch. You needn't believe the story if you don't want to, but it's queer how mad the O'Tooles get when seals are mentioned in their presence. And it is funny how all the O'Tooles has such short arms. Smith: Well, don't you think that is a family trait? Markey: Sure it's a family trait. It's inherited from their seal mother. (Pause) . Smith: How long before the family wijll be back from the funeral? Markey: Shure and they ain't gone to a funeral — they're just calling on the O'Tooles, he just died this mornin'. It took just about all the money we had for the altars. Smith : For the altars, what do you mean? Markey: Shure and didn't you know that when a man dies all the people in the county call at the house and take altars for the priest? (2) Smith: Well how interesting! I often have heard of Irish wakes, but I've never known before about these contributions to the priests. Will they have a wake for O'Toole? Markey: Shure, but there won't be the drink there used to be. I'm tellin' you there's not much to a wake any more, nearly everybody's sober. Smith: Well, I'm glad to hear that. Markey: Oh you're just like the other young ones. Takin' up reforms. Why when I was young, after a wake if a man was sober he'd be ashamed of it. They's been times that I've staggered home, when I couldn't get enough drink (whispers) I wouldn't have let the town folks know that I was sober for the world. But now things is changed. There's some drinkin' of course, but it is not like the good old days? Listen, ain't that the procession passin' now? Smith (going to door and look- ing out) : Why, yes, it looks that way. There's a hearse and then eight men carrying a coffin on their shoulders. They're going to have a church funeral, instead of a wake. The procession following is composed only of men. Markey: They say in some parts the women follow too, but here we just have the men. The women will soon be here and don't you breathe a word of what I've told you — they say I'm gettin' old and talk too much. Maybe I do. (The wailing of women is heard outside. The door is opened and Mrs, Patrick Markey turns to those back of her and says: A stranger! Smith (without waiting) : I'm an elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mrs. P. M,: A Protestant? Smith: No, I'm not a Protest- ant, I belong to the true Church of Christ. Mrs. P. M.: Then you're a Catholic? Welcome. Bridget: You're an American aren't you? I've been to America. Smith: Oh! Bridget: Yes, I went to earn my dowry. And now I'm going to be married. Smith: I understand that many Irish girls go to America to earn their dowries but that few of them ever come back. Bridget: Aye that is true. Manyl times the folks at home write for money so often that the girl doesn't get a chance to save until she's too old to get a husband and then there's no use spendin' money to come home. You know in Ireland it's different from Amer- ica. We're taught that it's right for one child to raise another, and the Irish girl, even though she's away from home does her duty by her family. For instance, if I had had a whole tribe of little brothers and sisters, I'd probably been over there yet. Smith: I see, you are the old- est. Bridget: No, indeed, my broth- er Patrick is the first born — this is his wife, (Mrs. Patrick Markey smiles) and my sister Kathleen is next. She's married. Smith : Did she earn her dowry in America too? Bridget: No, indeed; father gave her her dowry. Markey: Sure it's a bit of a manager I am. You see it was this way. Kathleen fell in love, terrible, and she wanted to get mar- ried, but of course no girl, however likable can get married without a dowry. So I did a bit of figurin'. Now, none of the farms around here produce enough to support the old man and woman and their off- spring and the son and his wife and their offspring, anybody knows that, and my Pat knew it, and so he hadn't let women enter his mind but Kathleen, and sure she's a likable girl, really fell ter- rible in love, and so I says to Pat: "Pat go out and hunt you a wife with a nice fat dowry." You see the old woman was dead in our case and that was one less to feed, and I figured that if Pat could find a girl with a good big dowry we'd make a go of it. So that's what he did, she brought him a nice dowry. An' I just sliced a bit of it off (enough to get Bridget to America) for you see a pretty girl like Kathleen don't need such a big dowry as a ugly one. An' you see how it worked, we brought in one, and got rid of two. And it wasn't long, about five years, and Bridget had saved up enough to send for my boy Michael and John will save up and send for Mary here. 'Twas a smart trick of mine. 'Taint often that the oldest son

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The Improvement Era for December, 1929 151 gets married until after the old man is dead. Smith: Well, couldn't he have gone to work to keep his wife? Markey: O, but the farm is his by birthright, and he always waits for it. Bridget: Yes, there's John — he's my man that I'm going to marry. He's nearly fifty years old. His old man and woman lived such a long time then he'd prob- ably been married to someone else if they had've died, and where would I have been? Markey: O you'd got someone with that fat dowry of yours. (During the last conversation the women have been setting the table and now all sit down to the table that has been spread with a white cloth.) Markey: We'll bring on a bot- tle of wine in honor of the visitor. Smith: Thank you, I never drink it. Markey: Never drink it? Save the wine for another visitor then. You must have had a Father Mat- thew in America too. Father Matthew is the one that fought against the drink habit here in the early forties; some crank has been carrying on the idea ever since. You might enjoy this, it's American bacon. We send all our own bacon to America, and then eat American bacon, it's so much better than our own. (3) Bridget: I don't think it is, father. I tasted Irish bacon when I was in America and I think it's fine. Markey: I've seen the day that if a family sat down to a meal with a white cloth, and with this much to eat, the rent would be raised. 'Twas terrible, we couldn't do anything to make the place look a bit decent, but some way or other the landlord would hear of it and he'd raise the rent. I remember hearing a priest say that's over forty years or more, "The day will come," says he, "when our hard- ships under the landlords will be told as stories around the fire, stories to startle the children." Lit- tle did I dream that I would live to see that day. Smith: Yes, I understand that Parliament bought the land and now you farmers can buy your farms on small payments. Markey: Yes the government has given us sixty years in which to pay. I don't own the farm, and neither will my son Patrick, but his children will. O, 'twill be like the millennium when there'll be no rent. (4) Smith: It seems to me that the outlook for Ireland is getting better all the time. Markey: Aye that it is. Bridget: And when the Irish learn that they've got to eat bet- ter that'll help things too. Markey: Bridget, how dare you! 'Tis ungrateful you are. Didn't I just say that if we'd sat down to a meal as good as this when I was younger, they'd have raised the rent? Bridget: Yes, but I know that in America I could work like a horse, cause they fed me good, and here in Ireland I'm a lazy woman. Markey : You're nothin' of the kind. Bridget: But, father, I am. An' I've noticed, that the men here can't work like they ought to. You know that during harvest we have to take strong tea out to the fields to them so they can get through the day. They wouldn't need tea if they had the right food I tell you. And the women have got to learn to cook. That's the first thing an Irish girl has to learn when she gets to America, if she wants to keep a job. We're ter- rible cooks over here. Markey: That's the only trouble with sendin' girls to Amer- ica. They come back with a lot of high-falutin' ideas. Smith: I believe that Bridget is right, Mr. Markey. I've been told that the Scotch would rather have an Irishman work for him than a Scotchman, if the Irishman is well fed. Bridget: Yes, and we all know how the boys that go to Scotland at harvest time come back and tell what good things they have to eat. Oh, you can't tell me, I know. Markey: Bridget, hush or you'll offend the fairies ! They might be hearin' what you've said and then we couldn't stay on the farm. (5) Bridget immediately hushes. No one speaks for a minute. Smith: What are fairies? Markey (his face Riled with in- tensity of conviction) : I will tell you what the fairies are. God moved from his seat and when he turned around Lucifer was in it. Then hell was made in a minute. The Lord moved his hand and swept away thousands of angels. "O Almighty Father, stop!" said the angel Gabriel, "Heaven will be swept clean out." "I'll stop," said the Almighty: "Them that are in Heaven let them remain in Heaven, them that are in Hell let them remain there, and them that are between Heaven and Hell let them remain in the air. And the angels that remained between Heaven and Hell are the Fairies." (6) (Aside.) Smith: That has a remnant of truth in it. If the Irishman can be as deeply convinced of the truth- fulness of the Gospel as he is of these foolish superstitions, he will be a wonderful convert. (Turning to the family group) I wish to- day that I could make you feel as I do, that God loves Ireland and that whatever trials have been permit- ted to come to the Irish people were for their good. For instance, the failure in the potato and corn crop in 1879 was the thing that focused the attention of Parliament on the conditions in Ireland, and two years later the Irish farmer received some protection on the rents. You remember that failure in the crops do you not? Markey: Yes, indade, I do, and there would have been terrible star- vation if the Americans hadn't sent ship loads of food over to us. Yes, God loves the Americans, so he gives them more than they need. Smith : And he loves the Irish. He will give them greater and greater blessings as soon as they are prepared to receive trjem. I wish I could make you feel that all good comes from Heaven and that you should give Heaven credit for it, not the fairies. You should learn to pray for the things that you need, and have faith that your prayers will be answered. You must prepare yourselves for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. (During this last speech the curtain has been slowly dropping and all of the family are intently listening to Elder Smith) . Notes 1. The Irish are a divided people. The Catholics despise the Protestants and the Protestants the Catholics. If a Protestant finds that he is working by a Catholic he will go to his employer and complain, saying that the man next to him is an R. C. (Roman Catholic) and he doesn't care to work by him. This will give some idea of the dislike that each has for the other. 2. "Altars" is the name used for

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152 The Improvement Era for December, 1929 collections that are made on the day of a person's death. The Curate and the Par- ish Priest stand near the table and every one that calls at the house is expected to come up and contribute. This has come to be a source of considerable hard- ship, especially on the very poor. To pro- vide even a shilling is naturally a strain very often and in point of fact in order to be able to furnish the contributions the villagers and country folk have often to trudge to the towns and sell some- thing or other. No neighbor with any respect for the departed or the friends of the departed, will dream of staying away, and to the collection everybody, fearing the charge of meanness and the public opinion which is terrible and subtle in villages and country places, must be sure to contribute. 3. The Irish people have a complex on their own inferiorities. They will apolo- gize if they need to serve you with home baked bread, and it is said that they export about the same amount of bacon as they import from America. However the Irish are being educated in economics and each year shows a marked improvement to- wards co-operative buying and selling. 4. The year 1881 marked an advance towards tenant liberation. In that year an act was passed which gave the tenant his land at a "fair" and not at a com- petitive rent. But the land agitation went on. The year 1903 closed the epoch of revolution. The act passed in that year enables the tenant to purchase his holding. The landlord is paid in cash from the Treas- ury, and the tenants pay back the purchase price in annuities extending over sixty years. Meantime the whole of Ireland is in pawn for the amount involved in the transfer of the land. "One hundred and eighty millions has been debited to Ireland." 5. "Because he was 'afraid of the fair- ies' an agricultural laborer named Kilduff threw up an acre of land which he had secured under the Laborers' Act and upon which the Athlone District Council pro- posed to build a cottage for him. * * * Kilduff' s objection to the plot was that there was a 'fort' on it which would have to be removed for his cottage and on no account would he interfere with the fairies' home, for one never had any luck after!" "A 'fort' or a 'rath' is an earthen forti- fication generally crowned by some old trees. The people say that the Danes built these forts, but I believe that the 'Danes' in the English-speaking parts of the country stand for the Dannans, who are the gods of the Irish Celts. The palaces of the fairies are thought to be under these forts, and in Oliver Gold- smith's country the man who would in- terfere with a fort was certainly one in a thousand." 6. This description of a fairie is a quotation. If we were to hear an Irish girl sing- ing, we would be apt to think that she was singing flat. But as a matter of fact the Irish sing in quarter tones and even though Irish songs are sung often with- out accompaniment, still they sing with almost perfect precision. It is not possible to publish Irish songs as the Irish sing them for our scale only shows half tones. M Men Notes Project: / will contribute each day to the honor and happiness of my home. TJiTHETHER at home or abroad, ^* at work or at play, in school or social gatherings, in the mission field, or where'er we may be, we contribute to or against the honor and happiness of our home. Lest we forget, it will be well to again reflect on the following poem: A Mother To Her Son Do you know that your soul is of such a part That you seem the fibre and core of my heart? None other can pain me as you, dear, can do, None other can please me or praise me as you. Remember, the world will be quick with its blame If shadow or strain ever darkens your name; Like mother, like son, is a saying so true That the world will judge largely of mother by you. Be this, then, your task, if task it shall be, To force this proud world to do homage to me! Be sure it will say, when its verdict you've won ; He reaped as she sowed — lo, this is her son. Making Good TN an article entitled "Making ■*• Good," Dr. George H. Brimhall has made some observations which are interesting and vital to M Men and their leaders alike. He begins by saying that the three essentials of making good are purpose, en- thusiasm and industry. Aim: "Without an aim, a pur- pose or an objective, making good becomes a matter of accident. Per- sons of luck may indulge in an aimless life, but those of pluck will insist upon having a purpose. * * * Psychology tells us that the grade of one's intelligence may be meas- ured by one's power to see and pur- sue a purpose, and that the greater the distance between the person and the purpose, the higher the intel- ligence. * * * The greatest of all leaders had his great objective be- yond the clock tricks of mortality. Enthusiasm: "As well expect to hit the mark with a bullet in a powderless shell as to make good without enthusiasm. Emerson says, 'Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.' To the worker, enthusiasm is interest; to the religionist it is fervency; to everybody, it is enjoyment. Industry: "This means habitual diligence, with emphasis on the word 'habitual.' There is a kind of diligence which is an aimful, enthusiastic activity which is so spasmodic that it will not fit into the scheme of making good. Drudgery-dodging is a bar to mak- ing good. 'Genius will work,' says Dr. William James, the great American philosopher, and work that counts in making good is aim- ful, enthusiastic, persistent, ac- tivity." Making Good as a Citizen "To make good as a citizen we must have civic aims as to what the laws shall be and how they shall be administered; we must be enthusiastic in community pros- perity and try to make our votes count somewhere at every election. We must pay the price of citizen- ship by obeying and sustaining the law ***•/' Making Good as a Church Member "We make good as Church members by advocating its doc- trines and recommending the Church by our good conduct * * ." Making Good as a Leader "We make good in leadership when we have for our chief aim the

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The Improvement Era for December, 1929 153 getting of others to do their work willingly and well; by being en- thusiastic in leadership and by be- ing habitually diligent in having every subordinate in the line of making good. A general may con- sistently and nobly share his meals and bed with a private, but to do the private's work puts the officer in a position of humiliation where he must confess a lack of ability to get others to do their share. One is making good in leadership no farther than he keeps in the front with aimful, enthusiastic, diligent followers near him." The Dawn of 1930 Gleaner Girls Department Grace C. Neslen COMMITTEE Emily H. Higgs, Chairman Ray G. Taylor Martha G. Smith Gift Suggestions T-JAVE you ever stopped to think of the advantages of being an M Man? In this day of too many organizations — athletic clubs, so- cial groups, study circles and all the rest, have you appreciated the fact that your M Men's organization provides for all the needs filled by a dozen independent associations? Athletics, dancing, drama, reading, study, music, sociability — all these are elements which in the presence of the warm spirit of fellowship and congeniality amalgamate into fine unity. These are your privileges, M Men. What are you giving in re- turn? Upon this, the eve of the New Year which ushers in the hundredth anniversary of the or- ganization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will you take a few moments to rate your contribution to the Church which has given much to you? It has promised you certain blessings, predicated upon your observation of the Word of Wis- dom. Are you proving your faith in that promise by your fidelity to its conditions? It has given a book of history unique in all the world. Are you showing your pride by becoming familiar enough in the Book of Mormon to discuss it intelligently? There are count- less other tests by which you can determine your worthiness; and no better time is there than this, the dawn of a new Church-century, to analyze your obligations and re- solve to pay at least the interest on the priceless possessions the Church has put into your keeping. n HRISTMAS time is here again, ^ with its secrets, its excitement, and the happiness that attends the thinking of others. Gifts and gift suggestions abound, and the thoughts of all are turned toward the great day. What kinds of gifts are you planning for your friends and rel- atives? If you have had a gen- eral list which you have followed more or less closely year after year, perhaps it might bear renovating. If it has read "Mother — kitchen apron; Dad — house slippers; Marie — silk hose; Tom — books; Aunt Hannah — hot dish holders; Cousin Grace — rose-colored scarf," it might be the nicest thing in the world to rearrange it. Give Moth- er the silk hose and Marie the kitchen apron. Dad would love the book, and Tom might stay home oftener o* nights if he had a nice pair of comfy house- slippers. Aunt Hannah has held hot dishes long enough, and Grace needs the experience, so trade about and give Auntie the rose-colored scarf. It would put new tone into her old winter outfit, and new warmth into her heart because you thought enough of her to send a gift like that. Reading Course Books. And now for the girl friends. The book "A Lantern in her Hand" is as lovely a Christmas remembrance as you could choose, for in addition to the gift itself, there is the spirit of appreciation for the Pioneers and their sacrifices and struggles which the book en- genders, and which is more valu- able than all the material gifts in the world. Gleaner Pin. There is one gift suggestion which every Gleaner Girl should consider — the Pin. If any one of your friends in the class has not already secured one, it would be the most appropriate and consid- erate present imaginable, for it is a sign of comradeship and unity in itself. And if after all the names on your list have been checked off you still have a little money left, give yourself a Gleaner Pin. Put it in the toe of your stocking and see how happy you will be to find it there on Christmas morning. Course of Study HTHE evenings spent in discus- ■ sion of "Latter-day Saint Ideals of Home and Home Life" have doubtless been of inestimable value to the Gleaner Girls. There is tremendous power in formulat- ing ideas and expressing attitudes toward certain principles, and if the discussions have been conducted in a way to draw forth their re- sponse, there is no question about the benefit derived from them. But one question presents itself: Have the truths of the lessons been discussed in class and forgotten, or have they been carried out of the room and put into effect at home? Has any girl put a touch of beauty into her room because of what she learned regarding home decoration? Has the discussion of foods and their place in a balanced diet been put into practice in the preparation of wholesome meals for the family? Every subject treated has in it possibilities of activity, and there is no need for a girl to wait for a home and familv of her own before making use of the ideas she is developing. The one way to make sure of success in married life, as a wife, mother and home-maker is to try out her powers in the home of her parents, and learn to be a fine daughter, sis- ter and assistant housekeeper. Life is stretching out invitingly before every girl in the Church. New experiences, new understand- ing, new appreciations are to be had, and in order to make the most of the future, she must make the

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1 54 The Improvement Era for December^ 1929 most of the present. Use every fact that is learned, for as has been said "all knowledge is lost which ends in the knowing, for every truth is a candle given us to work by." Put into practical application ■everything learned in the theoret- ical consideration of Latter-day Saint ideals, and it will all become a part of your character. i 1 i A Bride's Prayer TN answer to many requests the ■x Junior Committee publishes "A Bride's Prayer." It is a lovely thought to introduce to the girls in connection with their lesson on marriage, and will give a back- ground of depth and sincerity to their discussion. "O Father, my heart is filled with a happiness so wonderful that I am almost afraid. This is my wedding day, and I pray thee that the heartfelt joy of this morning may never grow dim with years of regret for the step I am about to take. Rather, may my memories become more sweet and tender with each passing anniversary. "Thou hast sent me one who seems all worthy of my deepest re- gard. Grant unto me the power to keep him ever true and loving as now. May I prove indeed a help- meet, a sweetheart, a friend, a steadfast guide among all the temp- tations that beset the impulsive hearts of men. Give me skill to make home the best loved place of all. Help me to make its light shine forth and glow, that naught may dim its radiance. Let me, I pray, meet the little misunder- standings and cares of my new life bravely. Be with me as I start on my mission of womanhood. Stay thou my path from failure all the way. Walk thou with us even to the end of our journey. "O Father, bless my wedding day; hallow my wedding night; sanctify my motherhood if thou seest fit to grant me that privilege. And when all my youthful charms are faded, and the cares and lessons of life have left their touches, let physical fascination give way to the greater charm of companion- ship. And so may we walk hand in hand down the highway of life, and into the valley of the final shadow, which we will then be able to lighten with the sunshine of a good and happy life. O Father, this is my prayer." — Annie A. Clark. Contributed by Hazel S. Judd. October Radio Broadcast pAVORABLE comments have ■*■ been received from various stakes with requests for a copy of the Junior Girls' radio program that was broadcast on October 13. An outline is presented herewith in the hope that it may also be a source of inspiration to the many who had not the privilege of lis- tening over the radio. Program Announcement Seven thousand girls 16 and 17 years of age have membership in the Junior department of the M. I. A. throughout the Church. The main course of study for these girls for the current year is "Ideals of Home and Home Life." The second period of the session is given to the girls to chose officers from among themselves, as a means of self development and to carry through a program of activities. In their work they gather from many sources the ideals, the qualities and the virtues that make for desir- able, wholesome characters and for the highest type of womanhood. The Junior emblem is the rose, and rose is their color. A plain gold "J" is their pin. Today's program features their activities only. I — Vocal Duet: Oh! It's Joy to be a Junior Girl, accompanied by a string trio which also used the theme of this music throughout the entire program. II — "The Spirit of the Junior Girl," announced by a Junior Leader. What is there about a Junior girl? Just youth! Lovely, live, vibrant, keen, unconscious youth! Unfolding like a flower because she is a flower; Singing like a bird, because she is a bird ; And it is part of nature to be beautiful and gay; And full of thrills, mad fancies, and wild dreams All happiness, all sweetness, all purity, Genuine, true and fine. Oh! it's wonderful to be a Junior girl, And live and grow. Ill — The Spirit of the Project: "We will cultivate the beautiful through the raising of flowers." Many Junior girls have individual gardens; they promote the Project by taking their flowers to the sick, the sorrowing or the home bound and by decorating our places of worship. Also, many otherwise unkept graves are sought out by our Junior girls and cared for. Peek-a-boo, Sun! In and out through the trees, You dance on the leaves just about as you please, You dip in a tulip and drink up its dew; Peek-a-boo, Sun! I'm as happy as you! You red- nosed old Falstaff! You flirt with us all. You peep through the window, you prance through the hall. The smile on your face sets us all smiling, too. Peek-a-boo, Sun! I'm aj happy as you! Give me my neat little spade and my hoe, You set me to work with your face smil- ing so! Oh, marigolds gay, and delphiniums blue Will make the old Earth look as happy as you Won't she look charming, and won't she look fair With your light in her eyes and my rose in her hair? Ay, all that behold her, the many or few, Will find their hearts thrill and grow happy as you IV — The Spirit of the book, "A Lantern in her Hand," by Bess Streeter Aldrich. Short review em- phasizing the spirit of the book by a Junior girl. (See August Jour- nal, page 510). V — The Spirit of the Travel- ogue. A rendition of the national airs of various countries, conclud- ing with that of our own nation — 'The Star Spangled Banner," by a string trio. VI — The Spirit of the Retold Story. Retold Story- — by a Junior girl. VII — V o c a 1 T r i o — Junior Roses, by Junior girls. During the past summer the fol- lowing incident was noted in one fothe Art Museums in California :

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The Improvement Era for December, 1929 155 A Lantern in Her Hand A girl in her twenties stood with flushed cheeks and starry eyes gazing at a piece of sculpture which depicted a typical Pioneer man and woman — he, stalwart and brave, with steady gaze and out- stretched hand looking into a future of bright hopes and prospects. She, kneeling with hands uplifted and folded looking up seemingly with vision of the future, and an abiding faith and trust in the un- seen power that would guide them to their goal. The piece of art was labeled The Pio- neers. As two ladies neared the statue the young woman turned and exclaimed, "Oh! is it not beautiful, and full of in- spiration? I never have appreciated the sacrifices, the courage and true spirit of the Pioneers, until recently. I just read a book by Bess Streeter Aldrich entitled A Lantern in Her Hand, which thrilled me as I have never been thrilled before by the vivid picture of Pioneer life. I wish you would read it." This to strangers whom the speaker had never met before. She was assured by one — a mem- ber of our Junior Committee — that the latter had not only read the book herself but that it had been recommended to our girls throughout the Church. Vanguards-Scouts Department COMMITTEE Geo. R. Hill; Chas. R. Mabey, Chairmen German E. Ellsworth LeRoi C. Snow Nicholas G. Smith Ernest P. Horsley [T is urged that every association 1 make a drive to see that each troop committee and Scout Master and every boy is registered at the National Headquarters on or be- fore January 1, 1930. This common time for registra- tion by all Latter-day Saint troops makes it possible for our associa- tion to give full co-operation in this movement. T3EPORTS of Vanguard-Scout ^ activities in one of the small wards of San Juan stake indicate the fact that development and suc- cess are the results of diligent, pur- poseful leadership. Without many of the advantages to be had in the city, the leader of this group of boys has set about to achieve out- standing results, and his efforts have been most commendable. The accomplishments of this troop are most encouraging and should spur Scout Masters all over the Church to increased activity. The Aaronic Priesthood and Scouting, nTHE MESSENGER, San Fran- ■*■ cisco Stake of Zion, Novem- ber, 1929, publishes the following: The Boy Scout movement has been fully endorsed by the Church. This work has been considered of such importance by the General Authorities that it has been made an integral part of the M. I. A. program.. Two years ago, to bring closer co-operation between the Aaronic priest- hood and Scouting, the Priesthood-M. I. A. plan was adopted. A dove-tailing of these programs is now desired. To make priesthood training more ef- fective by close work with scouting, these definite suggestions are given: 1 — Organization of a Scout troop in every ward. 2 — That Scoutmaster where possible, be also the Aaronic Priesthood Su- pervisor— the best boys' man in the ward. 3 — Aaronic Priesthood Committee should also be members of the troop committee. 4 — That the Bishopric be active in the Scout troop. 5 — Two- fold supervision from the Stake: a. Stake Lesser Priesthood Com- mittee. b. M. I. A. Scout supervisors. 6 — That full advantage be taken of assistance offered by local Boy Scout Councils in technical train- ing. The San Francisco Stake stands squarely for Scouting. Every effort should be made by Bishoprics to see that troops are so organized that every boy in the ward is fully and efficiently trained for future leadership. Scouting provides the out- door education and recreational activity so vital in a boy's growth. However, as such it provides no religious training. It expects the sponsoring group behind every Boy Scout troop to give the boy this much needed religious training. This our lesser priesthood does. Advancement in the priesthood should go hand-in-hand with advancement in Scouting. This makes for well balanced development which brings ideal leadership. We commend this program to presiding officers of wards. We urge the Saints to sustain and encourage the Scout troops — to be interested in their welfare; parents, to see that their boys are enrolled. If this is done, there will be no lack of leadership in our Stake as our boys grow up, and there will come to them an indi- vidual development which they would not otherwise obtain. A Boy Scout promises to be— "Physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight." THE STAKE PRESIDENCY. A Book Christmas Without too embarrassing an expenditure, you can enjoy the pleasure of giving the "finest" this Christmas. Books make fine gifts and make fine friends. Every library should con- tain a copy of the following books and we suggest them as ideal gifts. THE ROMANCE OF AN OLD PLAYHOUSE By GEO. D. PYPER A History of the Old Salt Lake Theatre, Now Only a Memory. Price $5.00 Cash Postpaid. (Note: Price subject to ad- vance after Jan. 1, 1930.) THE LESSER PRIESTHOOD AND NOTES ON CHURCH GOVERNMENT By JOS. B. KEELER A fine book just off the press. Demand for this treat- ise has made it possible to reprint it for the third time with a few changes and additions. Price $1.25 Postpaid. Deserct Book Company 44 East on So. Temple St. Salt Lake City