Rabbi Weiss Objects. Chattanooga, Tenn., Jan. 29. To The Chattanooga Times. To read the defense Mr. Rich offers for Roberts in The Times of Sunday, Jan. 29, a blush comes to the face of every in and woman who esteems the sanctity of family purity as understood in this age of culture and civilization. That religion should be used as a cloak for such nuisance deserve the contempt of everycue who holds religion as a holy spark of divine inspiration. When God saw that it was not good for man to be alone He made him a helpmeet, and not helpmeets, and if, subsequentiv, mer have become polygamous, it was the animal that predominated in them. The animal is in all of us in all mankind dently forgetting, that if it partakes of the Chattanooga, Tenn., Feb. 4. Editor The Times: In your issue of Jan. 30, I have noticed an article contributed by Rabbi Weiss, in which he severely criticizes the interview given by the undersigned to your editor a few days previously. As the communication referred to appeared in a department of your paper known as "The Forum," which I understand appears only on Monday mornings, I have deferred They did not look upon the Bible days as among those of the dark ages and they maintain that when professed religionists, be they Jewish rabbis or Christian ministers, refer to that golden age as the "dark days of barbarism" they not only join hands with Ingersollism in its attempt to overthrow truth, but are proving themselves less manly than Ingersoll, because they act the part of hypocrites inasmuch as they profess to believe, while Ingersoll makes no such pretentions. The "Mormon" people do not believe that found in this great 19th century, are days even the blazing days of intelligence more enlightened than were those when God and His angles were in the habit of but the more cultured, the more civilized answering the same until the present walking and talking face to face with we become the more human and less animal we are. Mr. Rich goes back 4,000 years to make Abraham, David and Solomon criteria for this age, because he seeks excuse for the retention of so much animal life; but while Abraham stands as the model of steadfastness in the monotheistic God-idea, it does not follow that he was the best man He was the best man in his generation, he had none to correct, his faults. While but life around him was so impure that David was recognized as a good ruler, just and generous, we would today look for a better manhood, taking his life integrally. Solomon, as a poet and moralist and in wisdom, otherwise far excelled all other kings and potentates, and in energy and zeal in erecting a temple-a house of Godhe stood pre-eminent; yet to say that our family lives can be governed by his life is not the divine will. The life that na tions and peop.es led then would not be moral enough in our days, and we would not be taken back to those dark and ob scure times of semi-barbarous, irreligious and uncivilized periods. Long before the dawn of Christianity the time. men upon the earth. Let the boasted civili- mighty edifices and carry those ponderous monuments were away down through the stream of time. They do not believe that God was actuated by animal passion when He, as recorded in II Samuel, xii, &, 11, gave David more wives than one. Neither do they believe that He permitted His holy and righteous Son, who was to be the Redeemer of mankind and the Savior of the world, to be born of a lineage that had been corrupt and adulterous from generation to generation before His coming. When the sacred record told them that There is probably not another people who have existed in the centuries of the past, that have suffered more persecution on account of bigotry and prejudice, than have the Jews as a nation. They have been scattered throughout all civilization, among all the nations of the earth, and, be it said to their credit, they the world can take for an exemplar today. have patiently suffered the effects of mis-people believe that God did not select representation, and, notwithstanding the adulterers as His friends and associates, fact that at times the severest kind of through whom He intended to transmit persecution had been heaped upon them, His mighty revelations to His Children, they have maintained their identity as a nation and for, at least, several centuries back have not joined hands in raising a storm of persecution or prejudice against others. Perhaps they have suffered so much through misrepresentation that they have gained extreme wisdom during their journey through life, by realizing that others who might be suffering persecution, might probably have been misrepresented and deprived of the privilege of stating their side of the question, the same as were the Jews in ages that are past. Jews, the direct recipients of divine order They are to be admired for the manly, of life, had introduced monogamy in their independent stand thy have taken religion, and when the offspring, Chris minding their own business, by not intertianity, began its career the same plan offering in every Christian controversy conjugal life was pursued. It is then aswhich might make its appearance be- to do all things. This is the way the tonishing that at this advanced stage of fore the public gaze. "Mormon" people argued and instead of, Occasionally one cu.tured existence men and women should who hungers and thirsts after a little as a Chattanooga gentleman remarked the be found to make it a religious act to pollute and deprave the family altar. It cheap newspaper notoriety, will forget other day, "taking wives on the European for the moment his people's past history plan, as is the custom in the Christian sounds udicrous, nay, profane, to choose so saint-like an argument that Abraham, and will join with the persecutors against world," they actually married and took David and Solomon, as jurors, would ad- the persecuted in crying: "Crucify Him! care of their wives. Then came the laws mit Roberts into heaven. These ancient Crucify Him!" But when such a case pre-of congress enacted against the system of fathers wil not be chosen jurors to admit sents itself, as a rule, the greater ma-marriage believed in by the "Mormon ' polygamists of this age to heaven; divine sub.imeness and heavenly justice will do jority of the Jewish people is not in church, which our people contested in sympathy with such actions, and, there- the courts to the best of their ability, "Vox populi, vox dei" prevails The voice fore, when some son of Abraham persists carrying the case to the supreme court of of the people is the voice of God, and mill-in making a show of himself, it is not the United States three or four different ious upon millions of people call out their right to condemn the people of his race for times and expending hundreds of thoudisgust against people who are governed by the folly of the upstart. The "Mormon" sands of dollars in defense of what they their constitutional lust and passion for many wives and call creed, as delivered by the late President considered to be it religion. Brigham Young, is for "every man to rights. In these legal controversies they mind his own business." If the Rabbi lost, the supreme court of the nation deWeiss had a little of this part of "Mor-claring that the laws against our system monism" injected into his veins it might elevate him in the estimation of his own congregation. the work. I will not qualify myself to render the verdict whether Roberts is fit or unfit to go to heaven, as Mr. Rich argues, but I say Mr. Roberts is not fit on earth to be admitted into the sanctum of our families, where our young men grow up to manhood and our pure daughters to womanhood. Scripture contains history of debauched life, but nowhere in its pages will we find any injunction that ever made polygamy a part of religion. Besides, humanity formulates laws to guide and govern us today, and not as people lived thousands of years ago, and that which is purer, better, sub limer must prevail. L. Weiss, in Now, Mr. Editor, I desire in a very frank manner, and consider it my duty so to do, to present the "Mormon" question before your readers for their careful and generous consideration; for the consideration of all fair minded men, not bigots, who may have the pleasure of perusing your columns. In days gone by, our people believed in, and about 3 per cent. of them practiced that ancient form of marriage practiced by Abraham, the A Reply to Rabbi Weiss. "father of the faithful" and "the friend The following article was written in of God," and by the remainder of the answer to Rabbi Weiss' letter, but The ancient worthies to whom we are inTimes refuses to publish, on the grounds debted for that sacred record found in that it would savor of controversy, evi- all Christian and Hebrew pulpits today. in nothing save in the case of Uriah, the Hittite, "did David sin (1 Kings, XV, 5), they took it that the Almighty meant just what He said and was intelligent enough to know what He had commanded David of marriage were constitutional. When this was done, we bowed our heads in submission to the laws, having ever been firm and true blievers in being subject to the powers that be, and the president of our church issued a manifesto prohibiting any further marriages in opposition to the laws of the United States. After some eight or nine years, President Lorenzo Snow of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, recently issued a statement to the world, in effect that the provisions of that manifesto had not been broken. In his statement, president Snow says: "The situation in Utah is this: There have been no polygamous marriages since There is no movement in the 1890. for the revival of such unions. church men I am personally opposed to any such should pin the scarlet letter upon the The principle of plural marriage is not being taught by or in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It should not now be an issue, but there are those who have not as yet come to an understanding of this grand fact, and as a result we have this entire nation stirred to its center. Being forbidden by the laws of the land and by the laws of the church, how would it be possible for a polygamous marriage to be solemnized? Thanking you for the space you have kindly granted me, I desire to subscribe myself, Yours for justice and right, Florida Philosopher. Ben E. Rich. Services over we repaired to the Baptist Church, just in time to hear Mr. Rodgers announce as his subject James 1:27. He closed up the Bible and glancing over his congregation he looked the picture of the "frightened man." There were his friends who expected him to prepare the "Mormons" for burial. There were the "Mormons" ready to be prepared. He was like the man who came suddenly to two roads, he didn't know which to take. "Bad" for you, Mr. Rodgers, that you by, Etons' aid, served the Saints as you did that day! He finished his diatria ble discourse with the usual bitterness, after which John Chapman, a Baptist, but an honest man-God bless him!-took Elder Blood to the minister's stand, saying: "You have made your accusations, let this man refute them!-I was thinking-but some man put my thoughts into words. 'Christ before Pilate!' 'Twas complete. comfiture; so looking at me and a few Ah, Mr. Rodgers! when I think of you ping girls to Utah," and of many other things that would have been bad things but for the fact that they were notorious falsehoods. But very few remained in the house to hear his finish. The Elders were of that faithful few. Poor, Mr. Greene! God prevarications uttered that day! 1 pity has since repaid you for some of your you and feel to ask God to instruct St. Peter to let you in on the plea, "Where there's little given there'll be little required." The Elders claimed the evening; and in a magnanimous way preached the Gospel and bore testimony with great force to mission. the divinity of the Prophet's The "spirit" was there and in "power" that night! But it was destined that the Saints had not been subjected to enough and should receive another test, as if they more! They had been pleased to accept of my father's hospitality, and while wending our way homeward two non-semi-civilized reprobates threw eggs at the Elders and one struck Elder Blood on the neck. This was horrible, but that man walked along, just as complacent as if he had been raised in an "egg-bottle," and I could not help but think of "Philip's stoning," and wonder if I could make a comparison? It was a display of a certain kind of control of one's self that I had never seen before. I had seen ministers (?) of the Gospel-so-called-have boys arrested for laughing in church, and if they had been struck with an egg, my! they'd have had them hanged! Yet, when Elder Blood's friends wanted to retaliate he laughed at them. I told needed him in way of condolence-he none, however-that eggs were "splendid for the hair." It would seem by this time if I elected to pitch my tent in Zion's camp-ground I would know what I should be heir to, and that as a woman with a "wee bit intellehents" I would abandon such a course as I had intended to pursue, and, if possible, avoid such contaminating (?) influences. More especially should I do this when it was clearly visible if I went as I had chosen to go I would incur the bitter enmity of my friends, lose the esteem I had hitherto commanded and sink entirely in a degraded state. Yet I saw in the meekness of these lowly representatieves a likeness of Him so clearly depicted, in an old book I had been taught to look to, lean and and reverance-a likeness in spirit to that meek and lowly Jesus! Elder Blood began in a Saint-like manner to question Mr. Rodgers on doctrine and other subjects of importance, but A gentleman who is spending the win- that worthy was so badly "rattled" he ter at one of our hotels says he spent could not reply only in a confused way. some time in Salt Lake City years ago, He had made assertions he could not esand he never saw a more honorable, up-tablish. The audience laughed at his disright and truthful people than the Mormons. The spirit of persecution against them, however, were bitter and unseemly even in the city which they had built in the desert. The visitor wanted a Mormon book and purchased one at a bookstore or publishing house, but it was stolen from him at his hotel. Just before he came east he went to the store and purchased another book, and being warned by the salesman that it, too, would proba-thing-its falling there another. bly be stolen, he took extra precautions, locking it in his hand satchel and taking it with him on board the train, but somewhere en route the book was stolen from the satchel. It seems that the enemies of the Saints in their venomous malice against them did not want any of their It would seem that this was enough the authority invested in His servant, I books to go out to the rest of the world, for an ordinary Saint to be subjected to; was baptized for the remission of sin on and to carry out their vicious designs did but Keysville was blessed with four El-May 1st, 1898, and by the "laying on of not hesitate to commit crime a charac-ders that day and there were others that hands' I did receive the gift of the Holy teristic of all persecutors since the world must see a sample of the yoke they in- Ghost. began. Is it not strange that church peotended to wear. Consequently the Methple will allow their sympathies to go with odist brought out their hired man. He mobs and approve of their acts? was not frightened, but politely walked such people Christians? into the stand and threw the Book of Mormon on the pulpit and began to upGold can buy almost anything but hap braid the Prophet, Joseph Smith, most piness. unmerciful. Accused the Elders of "ship Are I was ready to go to that Personage and ask in the obedience of faith to show me, as He had promised, whether these Then, too, when I remember a "branch" were those whom He had sent or not. that's to be cut off and cast into the fire, As I asked in faith I was told by inspiraI see the walls of your old blackened tion to obey the commands I had heard church, whose inmates are dead-"spirit- given and I should know of the doctrine ually dead"-I admonish you all to re-should know for myself and not another! pent! Then in obedience to His command, by Never can I forget through our unending eternity of the divine feeling that pervaded my soul when I realized that I had obeyed the command of God. I was ready to count all things dross for His sake. And, althougn I was of the cast and calibre of those "despised Mormons," I felt a certain distinction that must ever accompany those who are in possession of this glorious gift-the Holy Ghost. There were friends (?) at the water's edge to see how the "Mormons baptized," but what cared I for their inquisitive gaze for their fingers of scorn? I had over me. been carried into the water when a girl of 14 to have a mock ceremony performed I was then accentuated by goodly motives, yet I came not out of the water stamped a hypocrite as well as a sinner! I was being led into the water by one with authority and I came out a sint, henceforth to walk in newness of MILLENNIAL STARLINGS. A conference of Latter Day Saints was held in the Vestry hall, Pennywell Road, Bristol, on Sunday, Jan. 15, 1899. Knight and Sisters friends was that we had a good conference. One thing that helped very materially to produce this happy condition of things was the cold lunch and “tea" provided in the hall, and great praise is due the saints at the conference house, and There were present: Elders Platte D. others who so kindly and faithfully asLyman and Henry W. Naisbitt, the pres-sisted them in preparing the good things idency of the European mission; Elder of this life to refresh and sustain the Raymond Inez inner man." Knight and Liza Chipman, of the London conference: President E. R. Owen and Elder Joseph Davis of the Welsh conference; President Thomas Ash and Elder Thomas Phillips, of the Birmingham conference; President Herbert L. James and In conclusion I will say: My religion is all the traveling Elders of the Bristol very obnoxious to my mother, notwith-conference; also Elder William R. Blackstanding she thinks they should adopt more, a visitor from Alberta, Canada. baptism for the remission of sin in the Baptist Church, and that the laying on of hands is an ordinance they have overlooked. She seems to forget that authority must accompany these rites. life. My father believes with all the fervor of his soul that the "Mormons are the right ones," and will on the return of the Elders to this locality obey the commands they teach, are to those who would be saved. My brother and sister thought that I had by joining the Church of Jesus Christ sacrificed all claim to my home-rights and deemed it expedient for me to leave my home. I realized that the way of the Saint must be humble and I complied with their wishes. Yet by prayer and faith in God they have been brought to repent of their hasty and unrighteous conduct. And I am now installed 'neath the shades of the paternal roof. President H. L. James made a few In the evening a social gathering of the saints and their friends was held in the same hall, when the time passed very pleasantly, and all too quickly, in songs. recitations, speeches, etc., a fitting finle to a very pleasant and profitable conference-the first held in Bristol for four teen years past. I am reminded that that was not the winding up scene however, for our friends of the Anti-Mormon opening remarks on the work done during League, fearing that we were having too the past year, briefly referring to the good a time and that things were coming opposition and persecution the Elders, our way a little too much and too favand also the saints, in Bristol had en- orably, would not let us rest in peaceful dured; expressing his opinion that in- enjoyment of our well-earned laurels, but stead of hindering the work, the Anti-mustered their forces on Wednesday and Mormon League in Bristol had aided Thursday evenings and smashed nearly very materially in bringing it before the every pane of glass in the front of the people and causing many to investigate house. who might otherwise never have heard of it. He stated that prospects looked bright ahead for the year just begun. Remarks were made by President LyKnight and President H. W. Naisbitt. man. Elder Raymond Knight, Sister Inez The following named Elders were sustained in their respective districts: John C. Webb, Joseph E. Ward, Lorenzo J. Haddock, George Glover. Thomas W. Dimond, Elias W. Doney and Elias G. Gardner in the Bristol district; A. P. Ballinger, Edwin T. Wood and F. G. Ralph in the Cheltenham district; Francis S. Humphreys, Thomas Nichols. John W. Cook and George A. Mills in the Stroud district; Louis Fayter in the South Devon The police, after being made to realize the situation, gave us efficient aid and protection, so that no one was injured, though it was a new and unpleasant experience for the President of the mission and other visiting Elders to have to take refuge in the police station. Florida Philosopher. The unholy tirade against the Mormons might as well cease, as people only show their own ignorance by traducing them. and virtually become persecutors of a Christian church. No man or woman in this day of enlightenment should do it. While away from home I was cast in Let the gospel have free course from a community where foes of the Gospel whatever honest source it comes. The were on every side. vet I am gratified that lawless mobs in Ohio, Illinois and Missonthe spirit never left me comfortless. but drive them away from their homes years ri which engaged in bloody persecutions to assisted me in proclaiming. if in a weak ago, compelling them to take refuge in way, the Gospel of our Lord and Master. The following statistical report for the the resert, were mere dogs compared with On my return home. I find the Sints. the Mormons, and those persons who at though few in number, are living "p to past six months, ending Dec, 31, 1898, this late day approve of these bloody acts was then read: Missionaries from Zion- are no better. Either this or they are the standard and boldly testifying to the Seventies, 15: Local Priesthood-Elders, very ignorant on the subject. power of God. We are counted as heath; Priests, 2; Deacons, 5; members, 95: ens here, yet when we compare our present state to that of our past we rejoice and thank God for His blessings and if this is the heathen's path we will continue it to the finish. We have received ample invitations to return to the different societies we were formerly connected with, but have asked them if they had other than a sounding brass and tinkling symbol to greet us. They do not as vet realize that we are those who are not driven by every wind of doctrine. district. Meet total, exclusive of missionaries, 105. Tracts distributed-from door to door. 19,051; in open-air meetings and otherwise, 7.973. Books disbuted-sold, 18; loaned, 133: given away. 40; strangers' houses visited-with first tract only. 7,519; by first invitation, 302; by re-invitation, 570;Gospel conversations, 2,196. ings held-hall, 115; cottage, 38; out-door, 89; Sunday school, 21; Mutual Improvement classes. 24; Book of Mormon classes, 18; Priesthood meetings, 2; BapTo be able to hear testimony to the tisms, 16: confirmations, 10; ordinations, truth in the religion of Jesus Christ as 6; children blessed-of church members, restored through the instrumentality of 1; of non-members, 1: emigrated over S the Prophet Joseph Smith is the most glorious privilege I have ever known, and may God speed the day when every son and daughter of this proud, wisdomboasted, sin-benighted, yet beloved Southland, may accept and bear testimony to the same. Elders Willard Baxter and James Stewart, of Wellsville, returned Tuesday from Manitoba, Canada, where they have spent the last two years in missionary work. They report a successful and pleasant mission.-Logan Journal. years old, 2: new Star subscribers se- BECAUSE. By Eliza K. Pyburn. Because some grain in the harvest yield Because one rose, on a grand rose tree, Veil from us its bright azure. All our love for them smother? Some little disturbance was created at both afternoon and evening sessions by members of the Anti-Mormon League ask- Will we scorn the rest-good and pure, and ing questions and endeavoring to take a hand in the speaking, but Presidents Owen and Naisbitt who had the floor at the time proved themselves masters of the situation and the disturbance was only temporary and did not win any credit or renown for the league. The attendance was very good, considering the weather which was very unfavorable all day, the audience numbering When industry goes out of the door 500 or more in the evening, and the compoverty comes in at the window. mon verdict among the saints and their Because we see, sometimes in life, Oh! that, will we fail to cherish? Oh! the good, the beautiful, the true, REPORT OF MISSION CONFERENCES FOR WEEK ENDING JANUARY 21, 1899. 28 90 No. of Elders | Families 698 580 94 11 8\NUNGSA-nies of Elders 2 54 709 705 188-HONUNGS Books Sold 6 15 62 558 21 27 13 27 10 31 16 33 10 50 12 34 13 152 824: 3 John E Griffin...... (Virginia). Elder R. T. Mitchell of the East Tennessee conference who is superintendent of the Sunday schools, has written a nice account of his pleasant time at Christmas with the Woolf Valley branch of the schools, but the communication was lost. and has just been found. He and Elder A. H. Thorn, evidently had a very pleasant time in a "neatly kept church, built by the Saints and dedicated just a year ago." He says a good spirit prevails there, assuring one of the frequent visits of angels. The singing and general procedure is such as to make one feel as if he were home, were it not for the vast area intervening between Tennessee and Utah. Of the work there he says: The classes having completed their lessons a programme was rendered, by the primary and intermediate departments, the little ones from 4 to 10 years cime forward in response to their calls and gladdened our ears by reciting in a manner that would have been a credit to children of twice their age. After presenting the children with a package of candy, thus throwing a ray of brightness across many a little boy and girl's heart, he closes by saying: The Sunday school here is a credit to the Latter Day Saints and is accomplishing, in a great measure, the purpose for which God ordained so needful an organization. Would that every branch had such a one, surely then the rising generation of Israel would be a light to all the world and able to bear on the glorious Latter work. May heaven's peaceful blessing be with all the sabbath schools of the southern mission, in trying to follow the light that shines from Anderson county, Tennessee. Missionary Experience. (By Elder R. Adams Bolin.) Wilmington, N. C., Jan. 28, 1899. Written for The Southern Star. As we are engaged in city work, 1 thought a word from these remote regions would not be amiss, so herewith give a brief account of our labors. done the office work and canvassed the good, we herewith give you the same: business part of town. My home for the past twenty years or Our experience, viewed! from mang more has been a resting place for the standpoints, has been interesting and vaElders of Zion. During this time we have ried. The other day while canvassing formed the acquaintance of quite a numwe entered a store, approached one of ber of Elders, each expressing that we the clerks, explained our errand, and, af- must pay them a visit some day. Finally ter a brief conversation, requested him to we decided to go. So on Oct. 31, 1898, purchase a Voice of Warning. "I have in company with my wife and youngest no change with me at present; call in to- daughter, we left our Southern homemorrow and I'll take one." "You may Smyrna. Tenn.-for the West. After take the book now and we'll come tomor- having an enjoyable time on our way, wo row and get the pay as you suggest." arrived safely at Salt Lake City. Nov. "Alright," said he. We bade him good-4-a complete surprise to my mother, still day, thinking this a bargain. On returning the next day, imagine our astonishment when the gentleman abruptly said: "Here's your book. I read Stenhouse's 'History of the Mormon' last night and I don't want any literature of such a set of people." "Then you prefer Stenhouse to what we ourselves say about our belief and practices," was our quick reply. "Yes, sir," he responded. We were not slow in producing an excerpt from Mr. Phil Robinson's writings, which apprised the gentleman of the very untrustworthy character of the literature in which he reposed such confidence. In a brief account of the travels of the "Do you sell that?" (meaning the Book A Letter. Elder G. W. Gwyn, (Local.) To the Southern Star. at the same time she said it would do. We had not been there long until some of the Elders whom we were intimately acquainted with, namely: Brigham H. Roberts, President Snow's son, and many others, found out that we were in the city. They immediately began to make our visit as enjoyable as anyone could ask for. We were invited to dinners. suppers and to attend different entertainments, which we enjoyed very much. We made the best use of every opportunity. After spending a few nights in Salt Lake City we visited the beautiful city of Bountiful. Here we were again rovally entertained by Elders and friends. Next we proceeded to Fairview. San Pete County. Here we were again made right at home, and we had a regular jolli fication. The kindness shown to us, both by Elders and friends, will long be re membered. During our short stay in Fairview 1 was very favorably impressed with it owing to the beautiful surroundings and the good Christian-like bearing of the people. The morals of this place were exceptionally good. While we were there I don't remember hearing one profane word or see any one using tobacco. Would to God all places were more like it. After having a very enjoyable time, and feeling fully repaid for our visit, we started and arrived safely at our Southern home once more, Jan. 15, 1899. the Trusting that "Star" will ever prove to be a potent factor in carrying on this great Later-Day work. Deseret News. Early in December, 1898, accompanying President Swensen I entered this city. Immediately we set about to establish As there is a goodly number of Elders headquarters for the conference. This traveling from door to door in the Southdone, we began to canvass with books. ern States, eagerly proclaiming the GosThus we labored until Dec. 29, when pel of a risen Redeemer, undoubtedly President Swensen left to visit the El- they come in contact with some who 1e-laboring: all requests for the "News" ders throughout the conference. I regard our Elders as not being gentlemen. sumed work with Elder Albert E. Huish For why, they know not; only just beof Spring Lake, Utah, who arrived the cause you are from Utah. Thinking persame day from Colon, N. C. haps a brief account of our trip to the Astir from morning till night, we have West would be the means of doing some Traveling Elders are notified that the "Semi-Weekly News" is only sent to missionaries by order of the various presidents of the missions in which they are must therefore come through them. Presidents of missions are requested to notify us promptly when new missionaries begin their labors or when changes in addresses are to be made. VOL. 1. THE TRUE TEST. From an Exchange. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1899. It is easy enough to be pleasant When everything goes dead wrong. And it always comes with the years, And the smile that is worth the praises of earth, It is easy enough to be prudent ever, in which he took the opposite course. The witness declined to answer, and, When without or within no voice of sin the interrogation as improper. But it's only a negative virtue Until it is tried by fire. And the life that is worth the honor of earth Is the one that resists desire. By the cynic, the sad, the fallen, Who had no strengh for the strife, The world's highway is cumbered today; They make up the item of life. By virtue that conquers passion, And the sorrow that hides in a smile, It is these that are worth the homage of earth. For we find them but once in a while. History of the Southern States Mission. The Martyrdom of Joseph Standing. (Concluded This Week.) Returning to the trial, Rudger was the first and principal witness and told a straight story of the tragedy, and the main facts connected with it. When under examination by the attor neys for the defense he was subjected to the most disgraceful brow-beating. They forced him to repeat different portions of his statement over and over again, in the hope of entrapping him in a contradiction. They attributed assertions to him that he never made, and resorted to every subterfuge they could think of in order to find an excuse for impeaching his testimony and finally proceeding against him for perjury. They were baffled, however, at every turn, as his original statements were time and again repeated not only in substance, but as near as possible in the same language. The judge throughout showed his bias in favor of the defense, and failed to protect the witness. He almost invariably decided in favor of that side, in points of dispute where a judicial ruling became necessary. There was one point, how When an attorney for the defendant was cross-examing Rudger in reference Monument Erected to the Memory of Elder to his original statement, he asked him This retort produced a brief suspension Henry Holston and Mary Hamlin tes No. 12. tified to the facts connected with the case of which they were cognizant, as heretofore related in this sketch, each telling a direct and truthful story. Much importance was attached to whatever might be obtained from Jonathan Owensby. It was regarded, owing to worthy man, that whatever he might say the reputation for truthfulness of that would be as good as gospel. So it was. His evidence was in unison with his prominent trait. The precision with which he narrated every detail connected with his meeting the mob with the Elders in charge, in the woods, the remarks made on the occasion, the identity of the members of the gang, the manner in which they were armed, etc., showed that in addition to a clear conscience, the old man possessed a retentive memory and fair powers of observation. The prosecution being closed, Andrew Bradley was placed on the stand for the defense. He was asked to explain how it was that he was found armed and in company with a number of other men in the same condition, on the day of the murder. He said: "I concluded that I would go hunting turkeys, that being the business I was engaged in on that occasion. I could not explain how it was that I fell in with those other men." This deep and lucid explanation doubtless had great weight with the jury, judging from the result of the trial. Its effect was perhaps heightened by the fact that Bradley was traveling along the main road, which wild turkeys have sufficient sense of self-protection to carefully aviod. Hugh Blair was also introduced and testified. He was asked the same question. He said: "My gun was out of order and I started from my place to go to the premises of my brother-in-law, a short distance away. He kenpt a blacksmith's shop and I was going to get him to repair my gun. It was while I was on the way that I met those men." This statement was equally as satisfactory as that given by Bradley, especially when it is taken in connection with the fact that the murder was committed on the sabbath, when all blacksmiths' and other shops are closed and work in them suspended. That part of Blair's proceeding in changing his alleged original inten |