Goddard, the Veteran member of the Old Folks' Committee, appeared before the curtain with a basket full of bouquets intended for the five lady actors of the Home Dramatic Club. He delivered a neat little speech in which he congratulated all present on their being able to meet together for enjoyment notwithstanding the extraordinary sickness which prevailed among the people generally. He then asked the boys in the third circle if they, during the entertainment, would refrain from whistling, stamping their feet and making unpleasant noises, to the annoyance of the Old Folks to which they gave a hearty response of "Yes, Sir;" and be it said to the credit of these boys that they kept their promise well. The Old Folks' Choir then stepped in front of the curtain and sang, "Auld Lang Syne." They were followed by Mr. Eli H. Pierce, who, with marked elocutionary ability, rendered "Sheridan's Ride," received an encore and gave a humorous burlesque on the same piece. "Sweet by and by," by the Old Folks' Choir, completed the preliminary part of the programme, and the members of the Home Dramatic Club then entered upon their labor of love in playing Bronson Howard's celebrated comedy-drama, entitled "Young Mrs. Winthrop." Seldom, if ever, have the home club showed their talents to better advantage or made a deeper impression upon their audience. The entire play, which to begin with, proved a most happy selection for the occasion, was followed with interest throughout. MORE TEACHERS. Superintendent Millspaugh reported that he had employed, subject to the approval of the Board, the following teachers: In the Hooper building, Miss Sara Van Wormer, at a salary of $65 per month. In the First district school, Mrs. N. F. Millspaugh, at a salary of $65 per month. Adopted. SCHOOL SUPPLIES. The following communication was read by Mr. Snow: G. W. Snow, Esq., Chairman on School DEAR SIR:-At the last meeting of the Board the superintendent was instructed to procure supplies of pencils, paper, etc., for the use of schools and to furnish them to pupils at cost. At the outset, in attempting to carry out the instructions of the Board, I am met with this difficulty: At wholesale most of the articles needed cost fractional parts of a cent. and this method would also make of the time and greatly increase her arduous teacher a petty merchant, consuming her duties. "It was the hottest place I ever saw, and a much hotter place than I care to go to at present. The pit, or "lake," as it is called, is not very large, about 15 rods wide by 30 rods long, as near as I could judge, and surrounded on three sides by cliffs of lava-rock from 20 to 50 feet in height. But on the side that we viewed it from, the rocky barrier has lately been torn away by an overflow of fresh lava, leaving this side only 8 or ten feet above the surging red waves of melted rock. It was a fearfully grand sight, which I cannot de scribe. We reached it before 7, and remained gazing in wonder and amazement till 9. There is a constant movement of its fiery, bubbling surface from the east end to the west, and here it lashes furiously against its red-hot rocky barrier, eating into the solid rock like a torrent of water into a soft bank of earth. So that at this end (the west) the surrounding cliff was undermined for about ten feet at the surface of the lake, and I For example, slate pencils cost 1-6 of a know not how much further, deeper cent each, a sheet of drawing paper (and down. Lumps and strips of red lava, that is as much as a pupil needs at one like thin dough, or hot molasses-can- time) would cost about 1-10 of a cent, etc. dy, were continually being hurled high So it is evident if these things are furin the air, much of it dropping on the nished by the piece it will be practically surrounding banks, thus constantly re-impossible to sell them to pupils at cost, pairing them and building them anew. For these we had to watch out, while close to the pit, to see that they did not drop on us unawares. A good breeze was blowing from us across the lake, thus keeping the heat back a good deal, and allowing us to approach at times within eight or ten feet of the edge, though most of the time we were glad to keep back several rods. We gathered In making this entertainment so in- lots of "Pole's hair," some of which I teresting and successful, much credit is will bring home when I return. due the management of the Theatre, also dropped some dimes in some of the who tendered the use of the building red hot lumps of lava that were thrown free of charge; the Home Dramatic at our feet, and will bring them home Club, who have always responded if we can keep them, but they are cheerfully when asked to entertain and very crisp and brittle. The rock seems administer to the happiness of the to have all substance burned out of it, aged; the orchestra, which on this oc- till it is like dough that has been burned casion played some of its choicest se- crisp and black. The new lava thrown lections, the Old Folks' Choir, the at- out less than a month ago over which taches of the Theatre, the Utah Power we walked for several hundred yards, and Heating Company, which fur- would crack and crush up like crusted nished gas and electric lights free of snow on a frosty night, and all of this charge, the Salt Lake Street Car and is as black as the worst burned dough Rapid Transit companies, which gave you ever saw. The old lake (part of the aged people free transportation to the floor of which we walked over) is and from the Theatre, not to forget the an immense affair; it is about three or members of the Old Folks Committee, four miles wide, and between seven consisting of Bishop Wm. B. Preston and eight miles in length, and is-surGeo. Goddard, C. R. Savage, Wm. Ed-rounded by immense cliffs of rock, dington, Wm. Naylor, Wm. L. Binder, several hundred feet in height, and the John Kirkman, Andrew Jenson and present lake is situated nearly at its Nelson A. Empey. They, together centre. This immense old floor looks with their aids, worked with zeal to like a rough, stormy sea suddenly make everybody happy and comfort- turned into solid, black rock, and is itself a grand and fearful sight, for it is full of rents and fissures through which steam and sulphur fumes are constantly escaping." able. AN INTERESTING LETTER. Brother John Fisher, of Bountiful, favors us with a letter from his son Irvin F., who is on a mission to the Sandwich Islands. It is dated Pahala, Hawaii, January 30, and is quite interesting throughout. The natives are quite friendly without exception and treat the Elders with marked respect and assist them in every reasonable way. Quite a graphic and decidedly readable account of a visit by the writer to the famous volcano Kilauea is given, which he visited on mule-back. We give a portion of his description of what he saw: We Brother Fisher and his associates were well and feeling well, adapting themselves easily to the new conditions in which they are placed. In view of these difficulties permit me to recommend the following plan: That the superintendent be authorized to fur nish the principal of each school with the amount of supplies sufficient for his pupils, and that the principal be author ized to supply each pupil as he needs it. That at the end of each term (or the middle if preferred) the cost of such stationery enrolled in the school, to get the cost per be divided by the number of pupils pupil, and at that time a bill be sent to parents of a form like the one enclosed. I would recommend that the list of ar ticles thus furnished pupils be the following: Drawing pencils, drawing paper, examination paper, penholders and pens. My main purpose in asking that these articles be supplied in this way, is to secan be effected for the benefit of parents. cure uniformity and promptness. Saving As all these articles named are used by pupils of a room equally, it is evident that the method named for dividing the cost will secure fairness. Very truly, J. F. MILLSPAUGH, Supt. mendation was amended so as to make On motion of Mr. Pyper, the recommusic, drawing and examination pa pers and pens free of charge. TREASURER'S KEPORT. Treasurer Walden submitted the fol lowing statement of receipts and dis bursements during the month of February: 22.50 45.53 Amount in treasury February 1.......$ 11,507 63 151 Total receipts..... Balance in treasury March 1........$ 20,133 84 The committee on sites was granted further time to consider the proposition of Mr. Wicks regarding the donation of a schoolhouse site. EXPOSITION JANITOR. Mr. Newman called attention to the fact that some definite arrangement should be made with the janitor of the Exposition building in regard to his duties. Mr. Newman was authorized to confer with the Exposition authorities in regard to the matter. FIRST SCHOOL DISTRICT SITE. The following resolution was read and referred to the committee on sites: Whereas, The taxpayers of the former First School District in this city, at a meeting held December 30, 1889, as ap; pears from the minutes thereof, received favorably a proposition seemingly from the Church association of Latter-day Saints in the First Ward to sell for $6000 to the school district the ground, sixtyfour square rods, on which the meetinghouse of that ward is situated, and in pursuance of such proposition, and favorable reception thereof, did vote a special tax on the property of the district to make the payment contemplated in the purchase; and Whereas, Said tax was levied and collected in due course the past year, and the money arising therefrom is now available for the purpose contemplated by the taxpayers of said meeting in their vote of tax as aforesaid: now, therefore, Resolved, That the treasurer of this board be requested to make to the authorities of the Ecclesiastical Association of Latter-day Saints in the First Ward a tender of $6000, the sum assigned in the minutes of said meeting as the purchase price, and ask in consideration of the same a deed to the Board of Education of Salt Lake City of the said premises. BILLS ALLOWED. The following bills and ordered paid: E. H. Stout, gravel.. were allowed Neve & Childs, supplies................................. ...... Hutchison Bros., blackboards.... Commercial Mili and Building Co., labor and material..... S. P. Teasdel, supplies..................................... S. J. Newman, sundry bills........................ Total......... question of monetary legislation is set- The report says: "Business at Eastern cities has been irregular. The wool trade is strengthened by comparative scarcity, and prices of some grades are higher. The knit goods manufacture has apparently gained most, and next the manufacture of dress goods, which has orders well ahead, with a market never more bare of goods at the end of February. But clothiers have bought much more cautiously than usual, and while some medium cassimeres have sold well, and some fine goods better than usual, and for low grade goods the orders have been fairly liberal, yet continuance of purchases at more than the usual rate will be needed to make the season a satisfactory one in men's wear goods. Trade in cottons is dull because the Southern demand has STAKE CONFERENCES. SEVIER. Stake of Zion convened at Richfield, The speakers were President W. H Seegmiller, Counselors Geo. W. Bean and W. H. Clark, Bishop Joseph 8Horne and Elders' Hyrum S. Harris, Jas. B. Morrison, Jos. Parker and Hans P. Miller. They spoke with freedom and power. The conaition of the wards of the Stake were reported by their Presiding Bishops. The Church and Stake authorities were presented and unanimously sustained. The Stake statistical report was read, showing a large increase of population in the past few years. The Spirit of God was enjoyed iu a remarkable degree throughout the services. The health of the people in some parts of the Stake is poor. Prospects for full granaries and loaded fruit trees this years are favorable. Considerable snow in the mountains. Work on the Sevier Valley Canal is progressing SAMUEL G. CLARK, rapidly. Stake Clerk. MILLARD. trade is unsettled, some makers having dropped remarkably. In rubber goods advanced prices with those of crnde 8 80 rubber, while others have not. The glass 10 60 trade is fair at Pittsburg and light at 27 70 Philadelphia. More activity is seen in lumber at Boston, but in general at East-Stake of Zion was held on the 22d and 25 50 ern cities a marked decrease iu building 23rd of February, in the Holden meethas caused dullness in the markets for all ing house. 57 00 materials." 169 10 45.92 358 90 775 10 26 90 00 35.00 $ 1,137 22 SCHOOL BONDS, ELECTION. Regarding the school bond election, Mr. Nelson stated that he had consulted the Utah Commission and that body had claimed the power to regulate and control the election and would probably take charge of it. He also stated that the Commission had declared that it would accept suggestions from the Board regarding the persons who shall act as judges, etc. On motion of Mr. Pike it was decided that when the board adjourn it adjourn for one week, at which time this question will be considered. MONTHLY EXPENDITURES. The clerk reported the following ex- WEEKLY TRADE REVIEW. 5,438 60 ACCORDING to the report of Dun & Co., for the week ending Feb. 28, 1891, the condition of trade in the South and Northwest was dull. Business in general was slow during the week. The The coke strike is causing an activity in the demand for iron, and should the strike continue much longer the price of iron products will be materially affected. Coal is dull; the output so far this year is 5,000,000 tons, an increase of 1,250,000 tons over last year's output at the same date. The quarterly conference of Millard On the stand were the Stake Presi dency, members of the High Council and a good representation of the laboring priesthood of the stake. After the opening exercises Sunday Thompson gave a report of the labors morning (first day), President Daniel of the Stake Presidency. Fillmore Ward was reported by Jas. A. Melville, first counselor in the "The price of wheat has not advanced, Bishopric; Holden Ward by Bishop Western receipts continuing heavy, while Anthony Stephenson; Kanosh Ward exports are light. But corn has risen 2% by C. F. Christensen, first counselor in cents and oats 1% cents. A speculative ad- the Bishopric; Scipio Ward by Bishop vance of over half a cent is also seen in T. Yates; Leamington Ward by Elder coffee. The exports of merchandise from Richard Pay; the Young Men's MuNew York for the past four weeks have been 14 per cent less than for the same tual Improvement Association by weeks last year, and imports also de- President Wm. Thompson; Second crease about 10 per cent. Little disturb-quorum of Elders by Elder William T. ance is caused by further shipments of Bennett; Forty-second quorum of Sev$600,000 gold to Europe, and as Treasury enties by President E. A. Beckstrand; disbursements for pensions are just now Relief Societies by President Elizabeth enormous, the money markets are likely Yates. An interesting discourse on to be strengthened for a time. The Church government was delivered by Treasury lost over $18,000,000 on balance Elder Platte D. Lyman, of San Juan yesterday, and has about $30,000,000 in Stake. all to disburse by the end of the month, while appropriations are so heavy that some operators in stocks are reckoning on a large Treasury deficit and easy money in all the markets. This and other reasons are given for an advance in stocks which began Thursday, and the movement is not unlikely to prevent further unloading by foreign holders. As a rule, the adjournment of Congress usually promotes a sense of greater confi dence." Business failures as reported to Dun & Co. for the week mentioned were in the United States 256 and in Canada 34. For the corresponding week last year the United States had 257 failures and Canada 44. . At the Sunday afternoon meeting the Sacrament was administered by the Bishopric of Holden, after which President Wm. V. Black reported the Twenty-first quorum of Seventies. President Susannah Robiuson reported the Y. L. M. I. Associations; Elder J. E. Hickman, principal of the M. S. Academy, reported that institution. The meeting was addressed by Elder Frank Hinckley and President I. N. Hinckley. At the Monday forenoon meeting, Bishop J. S. Black reported Deseret Ward, Bishop H. B. Bennett reported the Meadow Ward, and President C. Anderson reported the High Priests Qourum. The reports were inter. spersed with preaching by Elders Forsell, of Salt Lake City, and C. Anderson. entire distance; that no extension of the time the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand pose of this particular park and premises (150,00 dollars, when 200 miles of rulroad described in the complaint would necesshall have been completed west of this city, ex tending into the state of Nevada-the time for sitate the city to purchase other and difthe building being limited to two years. We ferent tracts of land at other and different recommend that the petition be granted, but and largely increased prices. That the At the Monday afternoon meeting, that the title to and the possession of suid block sale of said property to said Bacon would statistical reports were read, and gen-remain in and with the city until the 200 miles not only be in violation of the law and in eral and Stake authorities presented of road are built, and the road operated for the violation of the rights and interests of by C. Anderson. They were all unanwithin which work shall be commenced and the people of Salt Lake City, but that it would also result in a great financial loss imously sustained, after which the completed be made. That the petitioner bind himself to hold the to the city. meeting was addressed by Elders William Rydalch, C. F. Christensen, J. city harmless against all costs, in case the right of the city to convey said property should be E. Hickman, Frank Hinkley, Presi- contested in the courts or otherwise; and we dents Daniel Thompson, I. N. Hinck-recommend in case this report is adopted and the petition granted, that the city attorney preley and D. R. Stevens. pare the necessary papers and submit them to this Council at the next regular meeting. Conference then adjourned for three months to meet at Deseret. Notwithstanding the bad condition of the roads the meetings were well attended. The reports of the condition of the various wards, quorums and institutions were in the main very good. The topics treated upon by the speakers, were family and Church government, education, kindness and forgiveness. The addresses were spirited and the good influence of the Spirit of God was much enjoyed by both speakers and hearers. C. ANDERSON, Stake Clerk. THE PIONEER BLOCK. At a late hour, March 5, Mr. W. L. Pickard, through his attorney, Frank Hoffman, Esq., filed a complaint in the Third District Court, the full text of which appears below. Judge Arderson issued an order to show cause, and this will be heard on Monday, March 9th, at 10 a. m. fendants. Plainuiff alleges that the Mayor, George M, Scott, and the recorder, James F. Jack, are the only parties who can bind the city by executing the contract authorized by the Mayor and said Council to be executed to the said James H. Bacon, and that he is informed and believes that unless a restraining order of this court be granted against each of them as well as said Salt Lake City, said defendants will so execute said contract; that the same, if executed, would be a cloud upon the title of the property, and bind the defendant, Salt Lake City, to convey the same upon the fulfilment of the terms in said petition and resolution agreed to be performed and fulfilled by said James H. Bacon. Wherefore, plaintiff prays that any and all taxpayers and ressdents of Salt Lake City who demand in writing to be allowed to become associated with this plaintiff as plaintiffs in this action, be allowed to become plaintiffs herein. That an order issue out of and under he seal of this court direct to the defend That the said defendant, Salt Lake City, has for a long time past been the owner in fee simple of block 48, plat A, Salt Lake City survey, in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah Territory; the same comprising ten acres of land, lying between Third and Fourth South'streets and Second and Third West streets, in Salt Lake City, and known as "Pioneer Square;" that the same has been dedicated and appropriated for the uses and purposes of a public park for the benefit of the residents and taxpayers of the defendant Salt Lake City. That the resolution of the City Council above referred to and adopting the majority report of the committee above set forth was on the petition of one James H. Bacon, a copy of which said petition is hereunto annexed, marked ants and each of them, commanding them exhibit "A," and made a part of this complaint. That the said James H. Bacon and oth-to be and appear before this court on a ers, whom plaintiff alleges are the em- day to be designated by the court, and show cause, if any they have, why they, ployers of said James H. Bacon, are pre- and each of them, should not be retending to incorporate and are pretending to build the railway referred to in the pe- strained and enjoined from signing & tition of James H. Bacon, "exhibit A," executing any contract that would in any and in the report of the committee of said manner cloud or encumber the title of Council purely ona speculative enterprise, said block 48, plat A, Salt Lake City surW. L. Pickard, plaintiff, vs. Salt Lake and for their own private and individual vey, or any portion thereof, or that would City, a municipal corporation, George M. Scott, Mayor of said Salt Lake City, and gains, and not for the benefit of the pub-create any liability or contract on the part James F. Jack, Recorder of said city, de-ic. and especially not for the benefit of of the defendant corporation or its officers the defendant corporation, Salt Lake to in the future sell or dispose of said City. And that the action of the Mayor premises, or any part thereof. That pending the hearing on said notice and City Council is in direct violation of their trust and authority. That the Coun- that the defendants, and each of them, be cil in adopting the report of the commit-restrained from signing or executing any tee, as above set forth, are attempting to writing or contract that will in any manloan the property of the defendant corporation, Salt Lake City, to the said James H. Bacon, and his co-owners in their private enterprise, purely for the purpose of private and individual gain, which is contrary to an act of Congress of the United States, approved July 30, 1886, entitled "An act to prohibit the passage of local or special laws in the territories of the United States, to limit territorial indebtedness and for other purposes." That the price offered by the said James Reports from the Gila River country H. Bacon and agreed to be accepted by in Arizona are alarming. Houses, tory as well as an act of Congress of the the vote of the Council adopting the ma-stables and fences have been carried United States, regulating municipal in-jority report of the committee, is entirely corporations in the Territories within the inadequate. That the property is of far jurisdiction of the United States; that greater value than the sum of $150,000, George M. Scott is the regularly elected, to-wit, of the value of more than $500,qualified and acting Mayor of said municipal corporation; that the defendant, James F. Jack, is the regularly elected and qualified and acting Recorder of said municipal corporation; that among the other officers of said defendant corporation is a Council composed of fifteen members, three from each of the five municipal wards of said city; that at a regular meeting of said City Council held in the Council Chamber at the City Hall, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, on the 3rd day of March, 1891, the following resolution was adopted by a vote of said City Council, and by the Mayor,the presiding officer thereof, declared to have been passed, to wit: on the The plaintiff complains that he is a resident of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah Territory, and owns taxable property, real estate and personal, in said city, and abutting on the premises hereinafter described, immediately north, and pays taxes on the same to the tax assessor and collector of said city; that as such taxpayer and resident of Salt Lake City, and abutting owner, he brings this action in behalf of himself and of all other taxpayers residing in said city who may hereafter choose to unite with him in this action. Plaintiff further alleges that the defendant, Salt Lake City, is a municipal corporation, created and existing under and by virtue of the laws of Utah Terri 000. This plaintiff further alleges that the difference in the value of the property between $150,000, offered by the said Bacon, and the actual value of the property, would be a simple gift from the city to said Bacon of the difference between the price offered by said Bacon and the actual value of the property. ner cloud or encumber the title of said property or render the defendant corporation liable by contract or otherwise to dispose of the same, with such other and further relief as to this court may seem meet and just, and that the plaintiff and his associates may recover from the defendants the costs expended in this behalf, and that on the final hearing the said restraining order be made perpetual. away. Lives have been lost, but how many cannot yet be ascertained. The river was never known to be so high as it is at present. Major Wilkes says that the Salt Lake, Hailey and Puget Sound Railroad is an assured reality. secured the backing to put the work He has ately. This is a road that will benefit through, and it will be built immediboth Salt Lake and the western country in general. Plaintiff further alleges that the said property is of great value to the city for the uses and purposes of a public park,to which the same has been dedicated. That Fred Simon, president of the Chamlong since the city has been the owner of ber of Commerce, has just returned this particular block or park; it has been from the East. He gives a woful decompelled by the sanction of all the resi-scription of Kansas and the Eastern dents of the city and Council and the States. Deserted homes, unroofed Mayor to purchase other property and barns and decaying dwellings To the Honorable Mayor and City Council of dedicate the same for the use and pur- features in Kansas at present. He says Salt Lake City, Utah: GENTLEMEN: -Your committee on public poses of parks; that in the purchase and grounds, to whom was referred the petition of improvement of said properties said city the people of Utah are more favored James H. Bacon, relative to the purchase from has expended and is today expending than any other in the country in the the city of Pioneer or Sixth Ward Square, for large sums of money, hence to sell or dis- way of worldly blessings. are the THE RETURN OF THE SIOUX. Near his "Great Father's" home the gaunt . "(1). It is the Kingdom of God on earth." But why did he not go on and say that such is the conception that every House warm; he dreamed, and as he dreamed so-called "Christian" sect holds of its he wept For those he loved, out in Dakota's sno's, Upon the lands they bargained off for-blows! Knee. He saw grim ranks of soldiers, fighting hard stern Red brethren, like an Indian Old Guard, VOL. XLII. against the assumption that God, having communicated with men through men in olden times, should not do so in modern times; and as the "older sects" believe that He did so comOwn "mission." Not a sect of municate in olden times, they cannot them all, is there that does not prove that He cannot do so in modern believe itself to be the one cor times, and therefore, since they all berect and authorized representation of lieve that He did do so long ago, the the word, will and kingdom of God on entire weight of inference is that He earth. It is useless to attempt the ex- may have done so in the latter days. cuse that they are working for a king- Consequently the argument is wholly dom not of this world, They are main favor of the Mormons, and hence terialists in that conception, although their conception of the "Kingdom of they worshipa god without body parts God" is the most rational. or passions.Every person who prays: "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth," declares a belief in a king The shrieks of women, children's piteous dom of God on earth. They believe in cries He saw the smoke of battle, heard the blast a "New Jerusalem" that is to "come down" and plant itself on terra firma and include the "sheep" who are to selected from the "goats" in the "day of judgment. Not a sect of them all is there that is not working to obtain control of the American government He thought, that this great race of freemen for the avowed purpose of making ours Now, can it be for this poor red man's spoil, toil? Is it for this base, mercenary crime They've built a house for Freedom to all time? a "Christian nation," recognizing God Still, they do not believe that they are to use force to bring that kingdom in. They believe that it is to come through act of God and that, when He overthrows the nations for their wickedness, the Saints are to step in as His people and restore liberty and a free government to the world for the good of all mankind. I see nothing malicious nor dangerous in such a belief. I do not believe in it, but yet I see in it the most favorable sectarian belief on earth for men who, like myself, believe that God works through evolution, through many men, rather than one man. All other sects damn to Of fraud, or shall the white man's new year be belief that their church "is the King-me eternal roasting. The Mor A fair beginning of atonement due- THE KINGDOM OF GOD. The Salt Lake Tribune, of March 7, this year of "Our Lord," says editori ally: dom of God on earth." The fact is, they are the most rational among the sects in their belief upon this subject. They believe that the Christianity of Jesus was so corrupted in the first three centuries succeeding Jesus' life and death that God denied it as representative of His will altogether and withdrew His Spirit and all communication with the World of Man because no man was found worthy to receive His word for 1600 years, and that in Joseph Smith He found a lad worthy of a renewal of confidence in mankind. Hence, the fact is that the Mormons believe that they have had a commission to re-establish on earth communication between mankind and God, while all other alleged Christian sects maintain that their line of descent is direct from God through Jesus. The whole question is, therefore, But he is not honest. He is Satyr- only as to whether God did with ical. He means that he knows it all" draw his gifts from the Christian and can "poke fun" at younger men church on account of its apostacy and than he whose pulse beats are in har-restore them through the Mormon mony with the throb of modern Church. Supposing both to be right, thought and life. He proceeds to con- there is no room to quarrel with either. found the progressive minds of "Young Supposing the Mormors to be right, Utah" with a statement of what he the others have a bad show as to future claims to understand to be "the theory results. Supposing the older sects to of the Mormon Church:" be right, there is no logical ground mons say I take my own risks and One other point of the Tribune allegation I wish to state and then impale the alligator. He says: "(4) this (the Mormon Church) being the government of the Almighty God, all other governments are illegal and usurpations." I maintain that the Tribune cannot prove that the Mormon Church ever held that "all other governments are illegal and usurpatious." The position of the Mormon Church is that all man-made governments are legal and have come up through the apostacy of the race from government by God, not as usurpations, because no man-made government could usurp a power of the Almighty, but because God gave men free agency to act and they have fallen away from Him, and He has waited, in loving kindness, for someone to appear through whom He could lead the race back to its proper allegiance to him. There is neither illegality nor usurpation in the thought of the Mormon Church as to the manmade governments of the world. They are simply the best that "fallen man," delinquent taxes, so to speak, could produce under the circumstances and were to be superseded by better just as soon as God could find a man and followers who were worthy to do the work of resuscitation, as it were. he was, was far nearer to God, was for $150,000 and then say to eastern capitalists that he had a property worth $300,000, and thus induce capital to come here. If the Deep Creek road will pay, capital will come along to build it. If they need land, there is The Kingdom of God on earth means plenty of it suitable for railroad purthe perfection of the human race. Just poses that can be had much cheaper. as fast as human beings arrive at that When the Denver & Rio Grande Weststate of mental and moral development ern came here they did not ask for any that will make them recognize the public squares. I think all citizens brotherhood of man and scorn to treat with any patriotism would be in favor any man other than as a brother, we of preserving the Pioneer Square. Bewill have men who are a God's gov-cause the first citizens here happened Personally, I believe that the Mor-erument unto themselves. Just ai fast to be Mormons, why should the Lib. and as far as humanity becomes per-eral Council insist on giving away fect will human, or man-made gov- their historical square, so dear to ernments, become unnecessary; and them? There should be no class dis with a perfect race all the vast and tinction here. terrible machinery of government that is now needed to control the world, because of its imperfections, will disappear and the Kingdom of God will have come. mons, in their earlier years, went a long way towards doing that very thing. I believe, and assert without fear of contradiction, save through such an unreliable organ as the Salt Lake Tribune, and, of course, it is understood that I speak and write as a sceptic in supernatural things, that never since the early ages has there been such a manifestation of the power of faith on earth as was shown among the early followers of Joseph Smith. We have the record. There is neither room nor reason to doubt it. Manifestations were given, works were done that are, simply, beyond the comprehension of so matter-of-fact a mortal as myself. Following those manifestations came an astounding influx of couverts. Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards, Brigham Young and others went out and made converts to Mormonism in a way that is incomprehensible to such poor sticks as myself. Yet, as I look at it, Buddha, Mahomet and others had done equally wonderful works for God and humanity ages before. James Anderson was next called for, and said: "I am interested in this matter, and want to throw my weight and influence against the sale of this property to any private citizen or corThe coming of such a kingdom has poration. We look upon the Old Fort been a hope, a dream, a belief of the as the place where the pioneers first set world almost as long as humanity has their feet on this spot. It was the only iived and suffered and struggled up-green spot of ground to be seen in this wards towards the light. If the Tribune part of the valley, caused by a spring really wants light, let it open its eyes in the northeast part of the square. to this truth and go to work, not to Here they set their stakes against the drive back a small minority of men, Indians. Here they first rested their women and children who are doing weary limbs, and as a memorial of what they can to hasten the coming of their early struggles, to establish this this kingdom, but to encourage them to city, now so prosperous and grand, I push ahead in all well-doing, fully as would like to see it preserved sured that the Power that gave the as а public park. True, they world the lily is also in heart and brain had not the money to improve and is fulfilling a destiny of Its own it but they wanted to keep it until they that cannot be destroyed, however had. The population of this city will much it may be retarded, by the ob- warrant railways to come here without stinacy and greed and passion of man. any gifts. This reminds me of the deCHARLES ELLIS. mand of the Union Pacific which In all ages "God" has produced wanted so much land and so much MEN who have been a GOD'S WORD to money. Brigham Young, who was a to the world of man. They have had good financier, said that if Salt Lake a hard time because they have was not big enough for them to come been far ahead of the average here they need not come. I am adof their age. Joseph Smith was one of verse to making any sale of public those men. Because he was far, far grounds for priva e purposes and ahead of his race, it killed him, as, 1800 especially Pioneer Square. I would years before, it killed Jesus; as, 2400 rather they would build upon it public years before, it killed Socrates; as it has Thomas Green was elected chairman or city buildings. Part of the City Coun ever condemned the Messiahs of the of the meeting and A. G. Giauque cil are there by fraud, as from three of race in all times. But I want to add, secretary. A committee on resolutions the wards the members were not and I do it only because I am inter- consisting of A. G. Giauque, James elected. It should be held as a park. I ested in the progress of our race more Poulton and Hugh Watson were ap-am hand-in-hand with you. I would than anything else on earth, the Mor-pointed by the chair. The members like to see it contested to the end. I mons are, in my opinion, going the were instructed to proceed at once and hope we will be able to preserve it and way of all others who have attempted get out a set of resolutions. They re- beautify it and improve it." tired, and while at their work, Don Fullmer asked the chairman whether the Fort Square would be contested in Newell Clayton said that the sale of the City Council bad power to give a the courts, and that before Mr. Bacon deed of the Fort Square. The chairman in reply said the general opinion could get it, the Supreme Court would as well as that of the city attorney was that the Fort Square could not be sold, either in the past or in the present. THE OLD FORT SQUARE. There was a large meeting of citizens held in the Sixth Ward meetinghouse March 10th: The object was to enter a pronounced protest against the sale of Pioneer Square to Mr. Bacon. a reform of the world. That is, having on them. Love of wealth is a blessing only so far as wealth is used for the good of the race. Love of wealth for place and power and the sham aristocracy of clothes is degradation and a curse to the world. Peter Cooper, heretic though taxing us to death and now they want have to decide. there James Watson said-I came here when but six years old. The first place I slept in was an old room that was occupied by horses and cattle in the Old Fort. My father gave a yoke of oxen for one room in that Old Fort and about all it had was some rough boards laid on the floor. I played when a boy and walked through snow knee deep without boots or shoes. Every drop of blood in my veins goes out for that block. I haven't as much money as some, but I have $100 that will go out to Hold the Fort.' I do not want to see this city give a banker $250,000 for two years to speculate on. I have pledged to Mr. Pickard that we will stand together. I am in favor of every man having his rights here. I want Mr. Bacon to have his own, but no more. I ant |