. . olume 35 JULY, 1932 Number 9
Return Postage Guaranteed—Salt Lake City, Utah
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FIRST NATIONAL BANK Ogden
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Vol. 35, No. 9
E R A"
JULY, 1932
Organ of the Priesthood Quorums, the Mutual Improvement Associations
and the Department of Education
FORECAST
/~pHE manner in which the New Testament has influenced the civilizations of the world and espe- cially that civilization which is America is discussed in an un- usually interesting manner by Dr. E. G. Peterson, president of the Utah State Agricultural College, in the August issue of the Im- provement Era.
i i i
'"PHE Heart of Utah" as seen by a Chicago woman during the summer of 1931 will have special interest for those who look upon Salt Lake City as being "The Place" in which Mormondom cen- ters. The article will be well il- lustrated with scenes of the city.
rpiCTION is to find more space than usual in the August is- sue of the Improvement Era. Among the stories will be "a west- ern" written by Glynn Bennion, the cattleman-story-teller whose historical sketches of the Old West have long ago introduced him to the public.
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TN addition there will be an ar- ■*■ tide about Elder Stephen L. Richards written by President Bryant S. Hinckley, and the regu- lar poetry and art.
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The Cover This Month
HpHE photograph on the cover * this month was taken especial- ly for the Improvement Era of the Mormon Battalion Monument on the State Capitol Grounds by Earl Lyman, of the Utah Photo Mate- rials Company. See the descrip- tion by President B. H. Roberts on page 521.
For Every Member of the Family EDITORIALS
Badge of Courage ___ H. R. Merrill 514
Day by Day Elsie T. Brandley 515
The Mormon Battalion Monument B. H. Roberts 515
ARTICLES
George Washington In New York City Harold W. Bentley 517
Mormon Battalion and Monument B. H. Roberts 521
Greatness in Men — James E. Talmage Bryant S. Hinckley 522
Broadcastings from the M. I. A. Annual Conference 529
Getting the Most Out of Camping Elva Moss Wesset 534
A Prayer for this Camp John T. Caine 536
The Star Spangled Banner Bertha L. Stevenson 541
Navajo and Pioneer Friends Joseph B. Harris 543
The Peace Pipe and the Book of Mormon Peart Spencer 545
The Magic Highway to the Silent City Edna I. Asmus 546
A Rainy Day in Shakespeare's Town George F. Paul 548
FICTION
Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained Irene Dunlap 526
The Scar Maxa Million 531
The Love Blossom . Laura Reid Montgomery 532
This Bear Business E. W. Taylor 537
POETRY
A Sea and a City
The Echo Canyon War _
Western Echoes
Conquest
Prairie Stars
Night on Timpanogos . New York Churchyard
Longing .
Prairie Yearning
Reincarnated
Tribute
Beatrice K. Ekman 516
Ruth Max Fox 530
-John Sherman Walker 544
..John Sherman Walker 544
Pearl Riggs Crouch 559
...Andrew M. Anderson 559
John G. Whidding 559
Clara Peterson 559
DEPARTMENTS
Pearl Riggs Crouch 559
Ardyth Kennelly 559
Merling D. Clyde 559
Rock Garden Contests Book Reviews __.
539
555
Church Music Committee 560
Aaronic Priesthood 561
Books for the Melchizedek Priesthood Workers 562
Mutual Messages 563
Let's Talk It Over 576
Melvin J. Ballard, Business Mgr. Clarissa A. Beesley, Asso. Bus. Mgr, O. B. Peterson, Ass't Bus. Mgr. George Q. Morris, Rachel Grant Taylor,
Chairmen Era and Publicity
Published monthly bv the GENERAL BOARDS OF THE MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS
EXECUTIVE AND EDITORIAL OFFICES: Entered at the Post Office, Salt
406 CHURCH OFFICE BLDG., SALT LAKE CITY. UT. Lake city, Utah, as second-class
Copyright, 1932, by the Young Men's Mutual Improvement
Association Corporation of the Church ctf Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. All rights reserved.
Subscription price, $2.no a year, in advance;
20c a Single Copy.
matter. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in section 1103, Act of October, 1917. authorized July 2, 1918.
Harrison R. Merrill Managing Editor
Elsie Talmage Brandley Associate Editor
Heber J. Grant, Editor
The Badge of Courage
TI 7 HEN Brigham Young and his band of one VV hundred forty odd followers arrived in Salt Lake Valley, July 24, 1847, they found a sage-green vista, rimmed by mountains, and edged on the northwest by a shimmering body of water about which they knew but little. President Young, however, lost no time in exploration or in wondering whether a body of people could live in such a place. He knew they could.
The Saints, under the lead- er's direction, had scarcely broken ground before explorers were sent out to find suitable locations for immigrants who were to follow. Though Presi- dent Young must secretly have had many misgivings he suc- ceeded in presenting a bold front to his friends and foes alike.
While yet the first city was merely a few cabins by a creek, he spread the saints as they arrived to various parts of Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Idaho. He knew of the hard- ships confronting them; he knew that some might fail; Ihe knew that there would be whiners and grunters among them; but he sent them just the same.
This was a wild and savage land. Its teeth were bared. It snarled at those who attempted to break its long slumber. The sun seemed savage, too, those July days — as savage as the follow- ing winter proved to be. Some men stood appalled, but not Brigham Young! Sustained by an inner faith in himself, in his people, and in the cause for which he stood, he seemed to be as solid as the sur- rounding hills.
Later an army came, but they found in the desert a calm, self-contained leader without organized armies; without funds; with no intention of fighting, but — with no intention of knuckling or giving an inch.
"You must not attempt to come into the valley this fall, (1858)," said he. And when with his consent they did come the following year, they found a deserted city with only men enough left to apply the torch in case the agreement he had forced upon the army was not carried out to the very letter.
Brigham Young in his prime
There you have Brigham Young — a builder — a commander — but a man with visions — dreams — which he solidified into realities! He spoke and an inland empire grew up out of the savage soil — a startling, miraculous thing. It was no mushroom growth springing up and withering in a day. It was a growth springing out of brave hearts and most
cherished ideals. Fertilized and strengthened by the blood of true martyrs who lie at its roots, it has in it the fibre that will last through the ages.
Winds of adversity are now blowing upon that inland em- pire. It, like the desert plants surrounding it, draws in its foliage, shows its spines, but it will not falter. It may not lay on large rings of growth, but it will sink its roots deeper and be better prepared for future storms which are certain to come.
The same God who guided Brigham Young is guiding his successors. The same courage which possessed the heart of the Empire Builder strengthens the hands of those who have come after him, for they are inspired by the spirit of truth and up- held by the hopes, the ideals, the faith of the same great people and their sons and daughters who gave their lives to a cause. A great people cannot be defeated, for they will not be defeated. The badge of courage worn by Brigham Young has been passed on to this entire people not only in Utah or America, but throughout the world. Any person who gives his life and his fortune to a cause must possess the badge of courage. And so, President Brigham Young, courageous leader, undaunted builder, capable executive, the em- pire you planted will continue to grow; the badge of courage worn by you has passed to those who have followed you. As you dared to build your empire of cities and towns, they will dare to build a social- spiritual empire the white form of which is already rising from this soil! If the hope of the world is in this people, then these times are a challenge to us all, and out of them will come a new order of things fashioned still more nearly after the Christian pattern. But changes require courage. It is a time when a man should say "not you or they should, but I will put on the badge of courage." — H. R. M.
The Improvement Era for July, 1932
515
Day by Day
f I 'HERE is no way of knowing how many times ■J- a year the term "day by day" is used in speech. Songs, poems and prayers include it; new cults use it, with the addition "in every way;" it is well a- mong the first when trite expressions are listed. Sim- ple, stereotyped, ordinary as it is, the time is here to think about its meaning, and to think deeply, analy- tically, philosophically. The woman who left her husband of a week because she had computed mathe- matically the outrageous number of meals which she would have to prepare over a period of twenty years might well have put a day-by-day plank into her mar- ital platform. Parents who fear to have children be- cause it is estimated that at least six thousand dollars will be required to raise each one ; the fine people every- where who are losing the beauty of this day because of possible cancer, accident or financial disaster of the future, all need the day by day idea. Most minutes are easy enough to live ; hours, as a rule, are pleasant ; days are short and interesting. It is next week, next month, the date when the mortgage falls due, the danger of Junior getting into bad company when he shall have deserted kindergarten for college that make life difficult. Certainly there are people, and not as few of them as we could wish, who can scarcely get through this very hour because of hunger or dis- couragement. To many the imagined catastrophes have materialized. Not everyone can find unalloyed joy this day. But, strange as it may seem, those peo- ple are the ones who carry hope to others. The worst has happened — what comes now must be better.
A woman who will soon reach her eightieth birth- day was heard to say recently, "I'm delighted to live today — there are so many interesting changes taking place. What if I had died at fifty and missed it all!" Excellent philosophy, that. If social, financial, po-
litical, educational and international orders are to change, why not find the exhilaration of watching them change and participating in the changes? Mem- bers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should be the last to fear change, for the foundation stone of modern revelation, on which the structure of the church is reared, paves the way for change, when that shall come by the voice of the Lord's ap- pointed representatives. Many changes which are taking place today may be temporary, and not for the best; but surely they will be but preliminary to others which are good.
To enjoy the red of today's robin-breast is to store up something strengthening to help meet the revolu- tion of tomorrow, if it should come. Every hour of friendship, courtesy, sympathy, faith, fidelity to truth and loyalty to the fine and good and lovely is an asset of character which will help when hard tasks arise and established orders totter. Stop crossing bridges before you come to them, for perhaps by the time you really get there, the bridge will have been washed out and you'll have the exciting opportunity to swim across the stream. If you must be a pessi- mist, be the kind who expects such awful things that everything which happens is a pleasant surprise — but let others know that it is pleasant.
Live today with hope for tomorrow and faith in the future. Day by day extract from life all that life has to offer, and if it is not as sweet to the taste as you would have it, find in its bitterness the medicinal quality of herbs. Few experiences in life are devoid of possibilities for developing growth ; and in looking for them day by day, satisfaction will come. If it comes not because of ease and happiness, it will come in spite of them. — E. T. B.
The Mormon Battalion Monument
' # iHE Erection of the Mormon Battalion Monu- •*■ ment is the dream come true of the Daughters of the Battalion, who through the years kept the campfires of their fathers burning until the state of Utah and her people took notice and built the Monu- ment as it stands upon the southeast corner of the Capitol Grounds, facing westward, the direction of the Battalion's celebrated march. The state legis- lature appropriated $100,000 of the funds for the Monument contingent upon the people of the state duplicating the amount by popular subscription. To the surprise of many the amount of the popular sub- scription was raised, and after meeting many ob- stacles and overcoming them the Monument was fin- ished and unveiled on the annual Decoration Day, May 30, 1927.
The Monument is triangular in form, rising to a height of 39 feet. On the three sides of the Monu- ment are four scenes, in high relief tablets:
Northwest side — The Enlistment. Southwest side — The March.
On the east side of the triangle is a double scene: At the right — The Discovery of Gold, Cali- fornia; At the left — Entrance of the Pueblo Detach-
ment into Salt Lake Valley, July 29, 1847, five days after Brigham Young's company of Utah Pioneers. There are three figures besides the tablets to make up the Monument. These are the typical Battalion Man, in bronze — ten feet high. On the east side above the double tablet hewn into the rock is the figure of the Young Indian Mother with the babe slung on her back, representing the Vanishing Race as departing from the scenes of activities depicted on the Monument. At the top of the Monument, also hewn into the rock headland, supposed to be overlooking the Pacific, is the figure of a noble woman — head and bust and arms, with hair wind-blown into the head- land as she makes her way westward. She may be called Spirit of the West; or Columbia Pressing West- ward, or Spirit of Progress. However called she dominates all the groups indicated and suggests a unity to all of them and the direction of their march. The best idea of the Monument, aside from the Monument itself, its majesty and beauty, will be found in the fine engraving of it on the cover of this July number of the Improvement Eva which cele- brates "Mormon Battalion Day," July 16th — the anniversary of the completed muster of the Battalion into the service of the United States. — B. H. Roberts.
"When the sun sets the sky flames with splendor.
"At the base of the Wasatch Mountains my inland city lies.'
A ^\ea and A fa ity
C*J By BEATRICE K. EKMAN V_/
THERE'S a lure of a sea and a city that calls me wherever I roam. A sea that is ancient and inland, and a city that beckons me home.
At the base of the Wasatch mountains my inland city lies, Green as an emerald garden, under the summer skies. To the west like molten silver her face reflecting the blue, And the changing clouds of the heavens, the old dead sea
lies too. Heavy her waves — salt laden, — Sphinx-like she basks in
the sun, Telling no man her secrets that the centuries have spun. Over her briny bosom the gray gulls scream and fly. They float on her heavy waters and ride the white caps high.
When the sun sets the sky flames with splendor. The sea mirrors copper and gold.
The clouds form in grand panorama as their sun-tinted banks are unrolled.
And often on still summer evenings when the moon tran- scends the sky
With the jeweled stars behind her and the white clouds trailing by,
A path shines over the waters, mystic, resplendent and bright,
And Circe a song is singing where the moon and the sea unite.
And the lure of the sea and the city goes with me wherever
I roam, A sea that is ancient and inland, and a city that beckons
me home.
George Washington
By HAROLD W. BENTLEY, Ph.D.
Washington on Long Island and Manhattan in 1776! Those were crucial days for the Commander-in-Chief! Harold W. Bentley has given us here a graphic picture of those trying times. Was ^Providence in the background turning the tide of events . . .?"
In New York City
FEW public men have written more or longer letters than George Washington. In one of his shortest is this alleged quotation from a would-be c r i t i c — "Heaven has been deter- mined to save your country, or a weak Gen- eral and bad counsel- lors would have ruined it." Just or unjust, the writer of such a state- ment may well have had in mind the gloomy chapter of the war a- round New York City in the fall of 1776. As one reads accounts of the campaign he cannot escape the recurring feel- ing that if ever Provi- dence was manifest in an armed conflict it was manifest in this one.
New York City was considered one of the most important points, geographically, in the Colonies. There was no question in the minds of both Americans and British that it would figure prominently in the War. Hence, as soon as Boston was evacuated by the King's troops both military chiefs turned their attention to New York. This was early in 1776. At that time a peculiar po- litical situation existed in the city. The population, as at present, was distinctly cosmopolitan — besides colonials and English there were Dutch, Germans, Scotch, Irish and Jews from Portugal. The Euro- peans, as well as many colonials, were averse to any political move that might bring destruction to their property or business enter- prises. New York City was a stronghold for Loyalists and
Bronze Plaque on Engineering Building, Columbia University
Tories. Open conflicts threatened from within the city and bombard- ment from without by the British ships anchored menacingly in the harbor. Many Loyalists, on their own initiative or by help of a board rail or tar bucket, had gone into exile from the city yet there re- mained conservatism sufficient to bring from John Adams of Massa- chusetts the complaint that New York was "still asleep or dead in politics and war." Official govern- ment was under a Tory governor and Tory mayor but revolution- ary activity was sponsored by the Committee of Safety appointed by American sympathizers. This committee was responsible for re- strictions on Tories, for ousting the Loyalists and for uncovering
the "Hie key Plot" which aimed at the murder of Washington and betrayal of the city to the British. Indeed, the city was in a state of constant excitement during the latter part of 1775 and the spring of 1776. This condition and the lack of decided support on the part of New York for the Revolutionary cause was an important factor in Washington's mind when he visited Phila- delphia to stir Congress into a realization of the seriousness of the situa- tion. He returned with a great weapon — the Declaration of Inde- pendence. The Decla- ration was read to the American troops on the Bowling Green and re- sulted in the downfall of the statue of George the Third but not the downfall of his troops a few days later when they began the attack on Long Island. Of the acts in Washington's life, private or public, that have been adversely criticised, none has re- ceived such severe attacks as the New York City maneuvers in the fall of 1776. An American Brevet- Brigadier General and student of military tactics, Charles Francis Adams, is not alone in his amaze- ment "at the mistakes, from a mili- tary point of view, of which Washington was then guilty . . . Washington appears to have disre- garded almost every known prin- ciple of strategy or rule of tactics, some of them in a way almost grotesque . . (and) . . it is not too much to say that Washington be- trayed a truly singular ignorance of what cannot be regarded other- wise than as the elementary prin-
518
The Improvement Era for July, 1932
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Washington Bidding Farewell to his Officers
ciples of military movements . . ." And Professor Van Tyne feels that "Only luck and a dilatory enemy saved him from his almost fatal errors in both strategy and tac- tics ..." Accusations such as these ride rough shod over one's ideal- ized conception of the Command- er-in-chief of the immortal Con- tinental Army.
|)URING the New York cam- paign Washington had other mishaps, albeit minor ones, with his reputation. Immoderate, blind- ing rage, however righteously pro- voked, is not becoming to greatness. The perfect man, even under mad- dening circumstances, must retain self-control sufficient to keep himself and those he directs from acts of folly. This Washington seems to have failed to do on at least one occasion. A few Hessians landed at Kip's Bay (the present 34th Street and East River) and drove a much larger force of Americans in a panic out of their entrenchments and up through the corn fields of Manhattan (about where the Grand Central railroad station now stands) . Washington inter- cepted his fleeing soldiers and re- monstrated with them. This fail-
ing he vainly snapped his pistols at them, even flayed them with riding cane and sword in an effort to face them about to meet the small force of enemy. As he struggled against their panic and fear his rage overcame and mad- dened him to such a degree that he ignored his own safety and that of his staff. Had his horse, with him on it, not been led away by a thoughtful subordinate Amer- ica's Commander-in-chief might have been taken prisoner or killed in an ignominious situation. He had become not only speechless with anger but motionless. (This same day occasion was provided for the now famous story about General Putnam's escape while the British general and staff tarried at Mrs. Murray's house for their Sunday dinner. A daring young officer named Aaron Burr guided Putnam's soldiers.)
Washington's experience in this New York struggle was one bitter disappointment after another from Columbia Heights in Brooklyn across the river and up Manhattan island to the present site of Colum- bia University at 11 6th Street. Where today stand university buildings named for Washington's
Courtesy New York Public Library.
New York contemporaries — John Jay, Hamilton, Livingston and Hartley and statues of Hamilton and Jefferson, the retreating Amer- icans experienced for a very short time the only sweet sensation of success during the campaign. A bronze plaque on the engineering building at Columbia commem- orates the victory. It reads: 'To commemorate the battle of Harlem Heights won by Washington's troops on this site September 16, 1776."
HPHE following day Washington issued congratulations in these words: "The General most heart- ily thanks the troops commanded yesterday by Major Leitch, who first advanced on the enemy, and the others who so resolutely sup- ported them — the behaviour yes- terday is such a contrast to that of some troops the day before, as must show what may be done where officers and soldiers will ex- ert themselves. Once more, there- fore, the General calls upon offi- cers and men to act up to the noble cause in which they are engaged and support the honor and liberties of their country."
Respite from retreat for the
The Improvement Era for July, 1932
519
Americans was short. The superior In the opinion of Professor Abbot British forces, as soon as they were of Harvard University "The effort
inclined to action, were able to continue the drive until they had cleared the island of colonial troops and had captured Fort Washington. On several occasions whole detachments of American troops were in danger of be- ing captured with their sup- plies. Many individual soldiers were captured. A- mong them one who regret- ted "only one life to give" for his country — Nathan Hale. Taken as a spy he was executed as such but be- cause of his social and po- litical prominence and his noble attitude he has gone down in history the most idealized of all spys.
It was a dark hour for the American cause, prob- ably the darkest hour dur- ing the War. At Boston Washington did not have victory but he had success and success next to victory maintains both army and civilian morale. At New York there was neither vic- tory nor success, except in small dabs, rather there was defeat after defeat and near- disaster after near-disaster. The American army was in a pitiful condition both physically and spiritually; civilian disgust and hostil- ity were growing and the hopes Congress had cher- ished were fairly well bat- tered. Washington himself is said to have opined that "all is lost if New York be lost."
New York was soon lost. What explanation and justification could be made by the Commander-in- chief on whom the blame and the criticisms were being heaped? The severest criticisms were, and still are, levelled against the opening days of the campaign. Why did he attempt to make a stand in Brooklyn and why did he "disre- gard almost every known principle of strategy or rule of tactics some of them in a way almost gro- tesque?" A simple and accurate answer obviously is that nobody knows.
Recent American policy in war has been to "let the man on the grounds decide." Furthermore, Congress favored a defense of New York for political reasons and Washington was nothing if not attentive to the wishes of Congress.
to hold New York was one of those not infrequent instances in history where real or supposed po- litical exigency overrides sound strategy, and politicians doom an army and its commanders to al-
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most certain failure. New York
could not be held without a fleet;
and its loss cost the Americans not
only the city itself, but a great part this campaign. Practically the en-
of their already too slender means tire American army gathered in the
conflict. Thus far its experience had been, if not glorious, at least gratifying. At Lexington, Con- cord and Boston in the north and the Carolinas in the south the American forces had justified fair or better expectations in subse- quent engagements. But they had not met the British in open battle. The real strength of those troops and the weaknesses of the colonials were still to be discovered. The discovery was made during the first two days of the New York campaign. All that could be done then was to surrender or strategic- ally retreat. General Wash- ington personally directed the retreat. It was an out- standing achievement in the history of military manoeu- vres and presaged what came later by way of Washington strategy. It was evidence that, to quote a recent ac- count by a British army of- ficer, "no selection to mili- tary command was ever more justified by the results which attended it" than that of Washington. Mak- ing due allowance for the watch-care of an interested Providence the removal of the troops from the heights in Brooklyn to the island of Manhattan is a feat in the military career of George Washington not to be for- gotten.
Events that followed during the next month have made New York City replete with his- toric spots that recall incidents of
for continuing the conflict; it near- ly cost them all. That it was an error from even a political much less a military standpoint, was evi- dent from the fact that its loss had no appreciable effect on the final success of the American cause. The real strength of that cause, and the real greatness of its leader were . . . evidenced ... in the fact that, in spite of this reverse, Washington and his army retained their fight- ing qualities . . . (and) . . . when Washington was able to put his own strategy into effect . . . the war took on another aspect."
city and the feet of patriot soldiers trod literally every foot of Man- hattan's soil. Nathan Hale's cap- ture and dramatic execution has al- ready been mentioned. In New York City after the war Washing- ton bade his officers and troops an affectionate farewell. Later, when elected first president of the United States which he helped establish, Washington took the oath of office, delivered his inaugural address and made his home in this city during his terms of office.
DUBLIC opinion, which was not to be ignored, also favored a defense of New York. The army itself was in no mood to avoid a would hasten to visit many of
TT is pleasant to imagine, as an old-time morning-glory-h o r n phonograph record facetiously set forth long ago, that "if Washing- should come to life today" he
ton
520
The Improvement Era for July, 1932
these sites and recall some of the scenes enacted during his various sojourns in the city. Assuming that he would come up from Mount Vernon on the Pennsyl- vania railroad he would no doubt be greatly impressed by the time he emerged from the "Penn" station after passing under the Hudson River and half the island through a huge tube. The station he would learn is at 34th Street just across the island from Kipp's Bay, of embarrassing memory, and out be- yond what was known, even in his day, as "the fields." The old Fed- eral Building in which he took the oath of office he would not find among the gigantic and amazing cliff-faced structures known today as "skyscrapers." But Fraunces Tavern on the corner of Pearl and Broad streets, though peculiarly out of place among its towering neighbors, might bring back mem- ories. Such a distinguished visitor would of course ride up the old winding Bloomingdale Road- (now Broadway) and be feted with a downpour of paper snow and ticker tape streamers, the cus- tomary New York greeting for fa- mous visitors. Up at 1 1 6th Street and Broadway he would no doubt be shown with pride about the
"old buckwheat field" on Harlem Heights by Nicholas Murray But- ler, president of Columbia Uni- versity. The buckwheat field, once a scene of battle is now Co- lumbia's campus. Between the University and the old Morris House at 161st Street he would find little to remind him of the wooded hills and fortifications thrown up by his troops in 1776. As the heavy steel cars of a subway train thundered out of the ground at 122nd Street and on trestlework crossed a swale at 125th Street he might call to mind the old "Hol- low Way" through which some of his men pursued the British on September 16th. But the hand- some Morris house, now known as the Jumel Mansion, he would find in first rate condition overlooking the Harlem River. Before enter- ing he would pause on the veranda to read this inscription on a bronze plaque: "Washington's Headquar- ters. This tablet is dedicated by the Washington Heights Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to the Memory of Gen- eral George Washington who_oc- cupied this mansion as his head- quarters from September 16th to October 21st, 1776. Battle of
Harlem Heights September 16th. President Washington visited this mansion accompanied by his cab- inet July, 1790. Morris House 1758, Jumel Mansion 1810, Earle Cliff 1900."
Of the old Fort Washington he would find but two vestiges, a bronze marker at 183rd Street be- tween Riverside Drive and Broad- way and a boulder cracked by the fires of the soldiers in huts built around it. The boulder is pre- served on the grounds of the high school nearby named in his honor.
Washington, on this fanciful visit, would no doubt choose to put up at the old Murray Hill ho- tel on ground once belonging to Mrs. Murray of Putnam's escape fame. If so, he would be near the great public library at Fifth Aven- ue and 42nd Street. And Wash- ington, being ever sensitive to the comments of others about him, would not resist the urge to call at the library and examine some of the biographies and shorter articles written about him. Here the fancy of Washington's return, having served its purpose, might be al- lowed to fade and in its place a short consideration taken of the man and his biographers.
(Continued on page 565)
TO ALL BRAVE, HEALTHY, ABLE BODIED, AND WELL
DISPOSED YOUNG MEN,
IN THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD, WHO HAVE ANY INCLINATION TO JOIN THE TROOPS,
NOW RAISING UNDER
GENERAL WASHINGTON,
*fo"r the dttt n c e of the
LIBERTIES AND INDEPENDENCE
OF THE UNITED STATES,
Againft the hoftile defigns of foreign enemies,
TAKE^OTICE,
*&£A*sf r^&etsgfi^ <?&*-& >^*
THAT
^sff^tZ^s^1- V'tf & *&-£jC*'Stg% . with his mufe~and recruitio^party of c
^1f^ft^> ff.p.V1 reSl™eul^ infantry, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel AaToH tJ?., °f SFIRIT> as may b,c. willing to enter into this honourable fervice.
couirty, attendance will be,given bv-, 'gdenjrfoj the pnrpole of receiving the enrolrment oi
r. l,? *j."couiiaoement at this ume, to enlifl is truly liberal and generous, namely, a bounty of twelve dollars, an annual and fully fufficicnt lupply oi good and nandfome clouthimx, a daily allowance of a laree and ample ration of provifions, together with sixty dollars a vear ill cold ™g' ™J "^LjV,^0""' "? Pa>'> ™e who1e of which the foldier may lay up for himfelf and friends, "as all articles proper for his fubtiftance and comfort arc provided by law, without any expence to him.
Thofc who may favour this recruiting party with their attendance as above, will have an opportunity of hearing and feeing in a more particular manner, the great advantages which thefe brave men will have, who ihall embrace this opportunity of fpendinsr a few happy years in viewing ihe KZSfHi Z*"1?Ia Tk^u1 co!",n*nt, ln t^ honourable and truly refpeOable charafter of a foldier, after wfiich, he may, if he pleafes return home to his friends, with his pockets fum. of money and his head coveLd with laurel..
GOD SAVE THE UNITED STATES.
Tb<> above recruiting poster of the Revolution, representing American BOliiiers going through their drill, is a facsimile of the only copy known to have been preserved, which is now iu the possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Editor.
Front a Rare Document
Courtesy New York Public Library.
East View of the Battalion Monument Inset: President B. H. Roberts
zM
orrnon
£>attalion andZsoLonument
THE Mormon Battalion Monument on the Capitol Grounds at Salt Lake City, Utah, is a "marker" for the peo- ple of the United States en route to their "manifest destiny" — the expansion to, and their occupancy of the Pacific Coast — God's nation par excellence — in America!
Also it is a noble reminder of the part the Latter-day Saint Church and her people took in that "manifest destiny."
If one would know how much the Mormon Battalion means to the History of the Church of the iNew Dispensation — to the His- tory of Utah, to California, to the Intermountain and Coastal West of the United States, then elimin- ate from consciousness the story of the Mormon Battalion from the movement of the American peo- ple to the Pacific Coast, and be- hold what a loss to history would be made by that act! There would be no record then of an American people expatriated from their country for their religion — and even while "wronged and scorned" tendering their service to that coun- try in time of war, and volunteer- ing to settle and hold for it new territory in prospect of conquest. There would be no world-record march of Infantry to the credit of the United States Army by these Mormon volunteers; no first wagon trail completed to the Pa- cific Coast by a Battalion of
By B. H. ROBERTS
United States' "Mormon" troops; no story of the heroism of that dreadful march in which human kindness and mutual helpfulness among the men triumphed over all but limitless desert waste and mountain fastness. There would have been delayed consolidation of the vast territory won by conjoint action of United States Army and Navy. There would have been no prompt substitution of vigor- ous Anglo Saxon civilization for that of a mongrel, Spanish-native, and decaying civilization. No early mitigation of the harshness of conquerors of a country and its people, such as led both the sub- dued people and their conquerors — United States officials of both Army and Navy — to petition for the re-enlistment of the Battalion, or failing that then the enlistment of another Battalion from the same people — the Mormons! There would have been no record of the conduct of this United States Mor- mon Battalion as represented by Governor Mason of California in his report of the Battalion as Cal- ifornian Garrison Troops.
It is a precious item in United States Military History, this re- port. Governor Mason said:
"They have religiously respected the rights and feelings of these conquered peo- ple— the Mexicans — and not a syllable of complaint has reached my ears of a single insult offered or outrage done by a Mor- mon Volunteer."
T
HERE would have been no participation in, and extension of, the discovery of gold in Cal- ifornia by members of the Mor- mon Battalion; no example with- in the same year of a large number of the Battalion laying down their wealth-winning implements in the gold mines, to cross the mountains eastward and turn to village-build- ing in the semi-desert region of Utah at the call of duty! A tri- umph of duty over mammon!
In addition to the aforesaid things which would have been lost — and which are chiefly things of the spirit — it is now a matter of record that the Battalion par- ticipated in four great concrete movements that extended, and hi some cases made possible, material developments of the West. These were :
The opening of _ the National Highway to the Pacific;
The discovery of gold and the extension of the finds of it in Cal- ifornia;
The assistance given in develop- ing settlements in the Great Basin — especially in Utah.
But above all, the Monument stands for the patriotism of a peo- ple; the heroism and virility of their enlisted youth amid condi- tions which prove that the "Min- ute Men of Concord" and the Western Men of the Mormon Bat- talion were men of the same race, of like spirit — Americans all!
Greatness in Men
Scholar, teacher ■, writer , lecturer, scientist and apostle — Dr. James E. Talmage has been and is all of these. In this article President Hinckley reveals the path by which this man mounted from immigrant boy to Apos- tle and to the proud position of being one of the ablest defenders of the Church and the Saints in these latter days.
James E. Talmage
By BRYANT S. HINCKLEY
President of Liberty Stake
PROFESSION- ALLY a scientist
and a preceptor, with gifts and powers acquired by few, Dr. Talmage is also a writer and speaker of great abil- ity and skill. He is an absolute master of Eng- lish, both by pen and by tongue, and possesses a musical eloquence of mar- velous fluency and pre- cision. His style of ora- tory, though not stento- rian is wonderfully im- pressive; his well stored mind, capacious memory, quick recollection and re- markable readiness o f speech render him an ideal instructor in public and private."
Such is the estimate of the historian, Orson F. Whitney, as recorded in Volume 4, History of Utah, thirty years ago.
This is an accurate ap- praisal of Dr. Talmage's ability — he is a scientist, a teacher, a writer and a speaker. Since the day this was written he has, with unusual diligence, pursued the tasks that have come unasked to him and has moved steadily for- ward adding to the list of academic honors which he won early in life, and constantly contributed with his pen and tongue to the advance- ment of science, of education and of theology — his later life confirm-
James Edward Talmage
ing all the bright prophecies that were made of him as a young man.
'"PHE historian speaks of him as a "scientist." While he was
permitted to follow this line he made important contributions in various fields and early won in- ternational recognition for his work. He is sci- entifically minded and has stimulated interest in scientific study through his original work and through his ability to present and to popular- ize the subject. He was the first to establish courses in domestic sci- e n c e and agricultural chemistry in the inter- mountain West. Under his direction the Deseret Museum was made a large and influential in- stitution.
He is a teacher of ex- traordinary ability — al- ways in complete mastery of his subject, fascinating and inspiring in his pres- entation, exacting but reasonable in his require- ments, constantly stimu- lating his students to great endeavor — he is an "ideal teacher."
He has majored mag- nificently as a writer and a speaker and will best be known to coming gen- erations through his writings but remembered best by the present generation for his eloquence as a speaker. There is indeed a "mu- sical eloquence" about his speaking which gives to it a fascinating and persuasive quality rarely surpassed.
The Improvement Era for July, 1932
523
He has spoken before congresses and colleges, from the pulpit and the platform, on the streets and over the air and with impressive effect.
Would it not be interesting to speculate just where his splendid abilities would have taken him in any one of several fields of en- deavor had he chosen to follow them? His father and his grandfather were medical men and he had a predilection for that profession, and had he followed it would, un- doubtedly, have become a renowned physician.
A NY one acquainted with his capacity, his resourcefulness, his readiness in debate and his ability as an advo- cate would at once ac- cord him an eminent place among the great jurists and lawyers of his time had he elected that profession. Both of these fields were very alluring in the days of his young manhood and would have brought to him worldly prefer- ments and emoluments out of all proportion to anything he received. He would have gone to great heights in journal- ism or won distinction on the lecture platform.
The question naturally arises — what determined his course? What led him to choose the major work of his life? The answer is easy to one acquainted with him. He has always sought divine guidance and the counsel of his brethren in mak- ing important decisions and has followed the counsel given with- out question or hesitation and with ultimate joy and satisfaction.
Dr. Talmage is deeply religious and has always been active in the Church. Since December 8, 191 1, when he was set apart as one of the Council of the Twelve, he has devoted himself almost exclusively to his ministerial duties and has given a service distinguished for its scholarship and consecration. His life has been an example and an inspiration to young people who have looked to him with pride and admiration.
He has, with learning and with logic, defended his faith at home and abroad and expounded the
doctrines of the Church with a clearness and cogency unsurpassed. James E. Talmage will go into his- tory as one of the ablest and most brilliant advocates of "Mormon- ism." In this work he has found lasting satisfaction and made the supreme contribution of his life; without question it is greater and more fundamental than anything
May Booth Talmage
he might have done in other fields.
TAMES E. TALMAGE was J born in the little town of Hungerford, Berkshire, England, September 21, 1862, and came with his parents to this country arriving in Salt Lake City in June,
1876. The family became estab- lished in Provo and James entered the Brigham Young Academy at the opening of its first regular academic year. In his native land he was a diocesan prize scholar at twelve years of age. At fourteen he entered the Brigham Young Academy and came in contact with Karl G. Maeser who was not slow to discover that this English boy possessed superior possibilities. The fifty-five years which have passed since he enrolled in that institu- tion have verified all of the hopes and anticipations held out by Dr. Maeser concerning this boy. A- mong the thousands of students
who have registered in that insti- tution since its establishment we do not call to mind any one more highly endowed than he is. His mind, luminous and absorbent, coupled with his matchless indus- try, very early in life won for him a proud place among the scholars and leaders of his time.
His contact with Karl G. Maeser was a fortunate and happy one, for Dr. Maeser was indeed a technician in the fine art of character build- ing. There was a lofty idealism about him and a rational and enlight- ened faith permeated all he said and did. This had a deep and per- manent influence upon the life and character of Dr. Talmage. Although the Academy was in those days small and financially poor there was something great about it — the soul, the atmosphere of the in- stitution radiated to ev- ery city and hamlet of the Church carrying the name and fame of Karl G. Maeser, James E. Talmage and others.
In June, 1879, he was graduated from the Normal department of that institution, the highest in his class, and in his seventeenth year he was employed as a regular in- structor there, teaching elementary science, Latin and English. He taught full time and received for his services the munificent sum of $3.00 per week or $120.00 for the school year. The second year his pay was increased to $5.00 per week. That was before the days of depression.
DEFORE entering the services of his Alma Mater he was offered a responsible and a highly remun- erative position, for those days, in the public schools of Provo. He needed money and needed it badly and was in grave doubt as to just what would be the best thing to do. Following his usual custom he sought divine guidance. Re- tiring to a secluded place in a near- by canyon he prayed with all the fervor of his soul for wisdom to guide him in his decision and re- ceived a clear and satisfying an- swer to his prayer, after which he
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The Improvement Era for July, 1932
went cheerfully to work in the Academy not knowing what the remuneration would be. And so all his life he has had the humility and the faith to seek light from this divine source. The current of
Susannah Preater Talmage
his religious life runs deep and still and strong. He has never drifted from the moorings of his early faith which is childlike and beau- tiful. His life furnishes many il- luminating and faith-promoting lessons.
When asked — "When and where did you receive a testimony of the gospel?" he answered: "That I do not know, I believe I was born with it as I belong to the third generation of Talmages in the Church. My paternal grand- parents, James Talmage of Rams- bury, Wiltshire, England, and his wife, Mary Joyce of Hampshire, England, were the first, or among the first, to join the Church in that part of England. My father, James Joyce Talmage, and my mother, Susannah Preater (Talmage) be- came members of the Church be- fore I was born. They were ac- tive and devoted members."
Continuing he said: "Though I seem to have been born with a testimony yet in my early ado- lescence I was led to question whether that testimony was really my own or derived from my par- ents. I set about investigating the claims of the Church and pursued that investigation by prayer, fast- ing and research with all the ardor of an investigator on the outside. While such a one investigates with a view of coming into the Church
if its claims be verified, I was seek- ing a way out of the Church if its claims should prove to me to be unsound. After months of such inquiry I found myself in posses- sion of an assurance beyond all question that I was in solemn fact a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. I was convinced once for all, and this knowledge is so fully an integral part of my being that without it I would not be myself."
QN June 15, 1873, he was bap- tized and confirmed a member of the Church by his father. His baptism took place under circum- stances of the most extraordinary character, as published in the Era, Vol. 25, p. 675. He was ordained a deacon, teacher, elder, high priest and apostle successively.
In conversation he said: "Every call I have received to office in the priesthood has come to me because some one was needed to fill a par- ticular place, and was in no sense a matter of advancement or honor to myself as an individual. The greatest joys of my life have come to me through activities in the Church and these have been the
An hour of reading enjoyed at home
activities of a member rather than an officer. Early in life I realized that I would have to live with my- self more than with anybody else and I have tried to so live that I would be in good company when alone."
After concluding to devote him- self to education he laid plans for taking a college course and thus better prepare himself. Many of his brethren to whom he looked for advice warned him against this, feeling that it would jeopardize, if not destroy, his faith to go away
from home to college. He finally asked advice from President John Taylor and with reference to this visit Dr. Talmage said:
"I have often marveled at the kindness and condescension of
V
.-■
James Joyce Talmage, Father of James E.
President Taylor in spending near- ly two hours with me. In the course of our conversation he in- quired into my work and plans. He advised me strongly to enter a University in the East and, to my grateful surprise, laid his hands on my head and blessed me for the undertaking. The blessing thus pronounced has been realized in both spirit and letter."
TN 1882 Dr. Talmage entered Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, as a special student and passed, during his single year of residence, nearly all the require- ments of a four year course and was later graduated from that in- stitution. While a student there he was offered a position as lab- oratory assistant which carried a salary sufficient to meet his needs for the next year. This was a dis- tinct recognition of his ability. He declined this offer and went to Johns Hopkins University at Baltimore, Md., where he special- ized in chemistry and geology. Here again he won recognition and the most enticing prospects were held out to him.
He was called home to resume his work in the Brigham Young Academy and responded to the call. Here he served as professor of geology and chemistry, with
The Improvement Era for July, 1932
525
James E. Talmage as he appeared in academic robes
Dr. Talmage in his private laboratory
varied activities in other depart- ments. While still of the faculty he was elected a member of the board of trustees of the Brigham Young Academy. During his residence in Provo he served suc- cessively as city councilman, alder- man and justice of the peace. His services were now eagerly sought and many opportunities were open to him.
He was President of and Pro- fessor of chemistry in the Latter- day Saints College 1888-93; President of and Professor of Geology in the University of Utah 1894-97. In the last named year he resigned the Presidency but re- tained the, chair of geology, and ten years later (1907) he resigned this professorship to follow min- ing geology.
In 1891 he received the degree of Bachelor of Science and in 1912 the degree of Doctor of Science from Lehigh University. In 1922 he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from the Univer- sity of Utah and from the Brig- ham Young University. He be- longs to many learned societies and has traveled extensively in scientific pursuits.
pOR many years he has been a Fellow of the Royal Micro- scopical Society (London) , Fellow of the Royal Scottish Geographi- cal Society (Edinburgh) , Fellow of the Geological Society (Lon-
don) , Fellow of the Geological Society of America, Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Asso- ciate of the Philosophical Society of Great Britain, or Victoria In- stitute, and Fellow of the Ameri-
Mining Geology has held a prominent place in his vocational life
can Association for the Advance- ment of Science.
His connection with these so- cieties has given him a standing and a recognition among men of great influence which could not be secured in any other way, and he has used this for the advancement
of the Church and it has meant a very great deal. This was con- spicuously the case while he pre- sided over the European Mission (1924-28).
As a result the attitude of the newspapers throughout England was entirely changed. In this way Dr. Talmage has been able to give a service which probably no other man thus far has been able to give.
If this article were devoted ex- clusively to his educational and scientific achievements it could scarcely catalogue them in the space allotted.
I
N addition to all of this he has written extensively on theologi- cal and scientific subjects. Among his writings are: First Book of Nature, Domestic Science, The Great Salt Lake — Present and Past, Tables for the Blowpipe Deter- mination of Minerals, An Account of the Origin of the Book of Mor- mon, The Articles of Faith, The Great Apostasy, The House of the Lord, The Story of Mormonism, The Philosophical Basis of Mor- monism, The Vitality of Mor- monism, Jesus the Christ, Sunday Night Talks by Radio.
To get a correct estimate of the character of Dr. Talmage one must know something of his domestic life. One discovers the same ca- pacity for always doing the fitting and appropriate thing at home, as (Continued on page 567)
Nothing Ventured,
This old title suggests an old, old story— yet that story is perennially new. Each new generation lights its own fires.
By • Irene Dunlap
Edith's small face reflected the glow of her more radiant sister as she followed Carmen's every ges- ture. "Ah, but, dear, it's a real test of your ability. And every- one says you are marvelous. You haven't told me, tho, how Phil Mcsser fits into the role of Aeneas."
Nothing Gained
c
IARMEN STRATTON sat before her pretty French gray dressing table, lazily adding more color to her vivid scarlet lips. To her sister, Edith, watching her hungrily from a low rocker by the window, she was the prettiest thing in the world. Saucy and impudent sometimes with all the arro- gance of seventeen but delightfully vivid and re- freshingly youthful when one's own life is disap- pointingly colorless.
There were points of similarity between them, Edith realized, as she let her gaze rest upon her sister in open adoration. Both of them had thick lustrous black hair. But Carmen's had a natural wave and Edith's was painfully plain. There were the same velvety brown eyes. But Carmen's were melting, flashing, scornful, pleading, and Edith's were only softly subdued. Altogether nature had created Car- men more lavishly. Had given her a snap and verve and individuality that set her apart.
With a hasty glance at the tiny enamel clock, Carmen rose with a glowing face and hurriedly snatched frock and shoes from a crowded closet.
"Heavens, Eda, I'll have to rush. Here I have wasted ten minutes dreaming. And if I am late to dress rehearsal — oh boy, I'll catch it from Miss Williams."
She wriggled her tall, lithe suppleness into an ab- breviated garnet-hued dress. "I'm so excited I could burst. Think, tomorrow night is the show. You know, though, Eda, it's the hardest role I have ever had. Imagine me — seductive, languorous Dido. En- ticing the handsome battle-worn Aeneas to staying on the shores of Carthage when he ought to be away founding a new empire. Sometimes, right in the middle of all my seductiveness, I want to howl, 'Let's all go down to the Green Mill and make whoopee'."
.tLDITH'S small face reflected the glow of her more radiant sister as she followed Carmen's every gesture. "Ah, but, dear, it's a real test of your ability. And everyone says you are marvelous. You haven't told me, though, how Phil Messer fits into the role of Aeneas."
Carmen's face clouded for an instant. Then she answered with a short nervous laugh, "Oh, he does the part beautifully. It's rather difficult for me, tho. You know the feeling between us."
She drew on a 'fuzzy red tarn. "Of course, he doesn't mind in the least playing opposite me — I'm that far beneath his notice — and I flatter myself that no one knows I mind playing lead to him."
Edith picked up her neglected needlework and crossed the room with her slight limp. "He prob- ably doesn't dislike you at all, Honey. Don't see how he could. Why, you are cold, dear. Cold and positively shaking. Are you nervous?"
"Yes, I am, now that the presentation is so near. I want so badly to make good." Tears were peril- ously near.
Eda petted her fondly and whispered, "You have never failed to make good yet. Of course you can do it well."
Then, at the sound of imperious ringing below, "There is the bell. Is it Dick?"
"Probably. He is coming for me. Answer it like a dear, will you?"
uHE smiled wistfully after her sister. Dear old Eda! She understood most things but she wouldn't understand this feeling between herself and Phil.
Rehearsal went badly as dress rehearsals are apt to do. Miss Williams was visibly agitated.
"That is the trouble with trying to economize by getting your costumes the day before the play," she confided to Superintendent Mills. "Philip's helmet is miserably tight. I doubt if he can stand it during the entire evening. And I found Carmen in tears after the first act over the fact that her first 'costume came the wrong shade of blue and she doesn't think it is becoming. I suppose that was what was the matter. I don't know. Sometimes I don't pretend to understand the moods of these High School youngsters."
"Now, let's put all we have into Act III," she commanded, directing her attention to the stage. "Carmen, you aren't nearly as much of a siren to- night'as you can be. Do you suppose Aeneas would linger very long in your city if you were as cool as you are tonight? Try to remember you are holding him against his own better judgment and the will of the gods."
"I'll try, Miss Williams," Carmen answered meekly.
IT wouldn't be so hard to do, she thought rebelliously, if she were playing opposite Dick or one of the other boys. But to try to entice that icicle of a Phil Messer. Of course, he was marvelous while they were rehearsing. Acted to perfection the infatuated lover and probably no one else noticed it, but even while he was showering her with caresses she could see the hate in his eyes. Of course, she shouldn't let it affect her, but when he passed her in the wings at the end of the first act and said brutal- ly, "If you are as rotten as this tomorrow night, you will gum the whole show," she just had to run into the dressing room and squall. Nerves, she supposed, and tension. Miss Williams thought it was because the dress came the wrong shade.
Well, if Phil was going to act so hateful, he would ruin her part. That was all. There was no sense in his being so nasty. (Continued on page 572)
Top, left to right: Superintendent George Albert Smith and President Ruth May Fox at the Washington Memorial Tree. Doris Dalby and Lila Kainz (above). William Mulder and Elwin Garfield (below). Nellie Baker and Wm. Powell.
In circle, Noble Cain.
Reading down: Dance Contestants; Drama Cast, South Davis Stake; General Board of the M. I. A.'s; Vanguard Archery Contest; General Board Members in Costume for "Rally of Nations" (Left) ; Trail Marker Ceremony (right).
broadcastings from the M. I. A. ^Annual Qnference
THEME of the Conference: "The Opportunity of the Hour — To Enrich Leisure, to Spiritualize Recreation."
Given in the opening meeting in the Assembly Hall —
Messages: Superintendent George Albert Smith, "Honor the Lord, keep His commandments, serve the youth."
President Ruth May Fox: "Take it from me, as the young people say, hold fast to the simple faith."
Executive Secretary Oscar A. Kirkham: "We are grateful for the machine. It has raised the bur- dens from a million backs, but it has thrown out a challenge to us. We must provide for the enrich- ment of leisure time, and in order for us to do that we must have more than technique, more than a mere bundle of tricks; we must have spirituality!"
President Heber J. Grant: "I re- joice in the advancement we are making in different lines, but above all I rejoice when I hear of hu- mility, of faith, and of a desire to give service. I don't believe I would stand in this place at the head of this Church had I not had a desire to give service when fifty odd years ago I was made a mem- ber of the mutual board. If I can plant in your hearts the spirit of humility, I shall be glad."
The latter part of the opening session was given over to the pres- entation of the winning act of the Granite Stake Road Show — '.'The Improvement Era, the voice of the M. I. A.," which was presented by Sugar House Ward of the Granite Stake.
High Points of the Annual Conference
gUPERINTENDENTS' a n d Presidents' Luncheon in the Bee Hive House, Friday at noon, where General Board members in costumes of the nations served and Ruth May Fox, president of the Y. L. M. I. A., and President Heber J. Grant spoke briefly de-
scribing the house and Elder George Albert Smith, superintend- ent of the Y. M. M. I. A. presided.
Reception and outing at Saltair when more than 1200 M. I. A. workers joined in the "Rally of the Nations" in a luncheon, each group headed by a member of the General Board in costume repre- senting a particular nation.
Grand Finals Contest Dance, Saltair Pavilion, when 18 couples gathered representing the follow- ing stakes and missions: Utah, Oquirrh, North Davis, Boxelder, Grant, Nebo, Parowan, Sevier, Benson, Pocatello, Fremont, Boise, Los Angeles, San Luis, Taylor, Carbon, San Francisco, North- western States Mission.
George Washington Bi-centen- nial Celebration, Tabernacle Grounds, when and where a tree, which is a descendant from a tree planted by George Washington on the Potomac, was planted by mem- bers of the General Board led by Superintendent George Albert Smith and President Ruth May Fox followed by an address by Hon. John F. Bowman and by mass-flag exercises by Boy Scouts and Bee Hive Girls.
Grand Music Festival, Salt Lake Tabernacle Saturday night, when 2,852 singers from 41 stakes were led in the contest songs and in "An Ode To Youth," an orig- inal composition, words by Elsie Talmage Brandley, associate editor of the Improvement Era, and mu- sic by J. Spencer Cornwall, direc-
Erratum
In the article "Orson Pratt, Pioneer of the Utah Pioneers" published in the Official Souvenir Pamphlet of the Memorial Tablet, marking the Great Salt Lake Base and Meridian, it is stated that on the 21st of July Orson Pratt stood upon the "Northeast,, corner of what is now (Temple Square. It should be near the " SoutheasV corner of Temple Square.
The statement is authorized from what Orson Pratt himself said in a public discourse on August 11, 1867, (Journal of Discourses, vol. xii, pp. 88-9).
tor of music for the Y. M. M. I. A. The guest conductor was Noble Cain, director of the Chicago A Capella Choir. Mr. Alexander Schreiner acted as accompanist and soloist. (This event was not only a (high spot of the conference and convention, but was also one of the high spots in the cultural his- tory of the Church.)
Joint Officers Instruction and Testimony Meeting, Assembly Hall, Sunday morning.
General Session, Great Taber- nacle at 1 1 o'clock Sunday morn- ing under the direction of the Pri- mary Association in which 1,000 children sang, directed by Matilda W. Cahoon, with Edward P. Kim- ball, accompanist. (This was an unusually fine session timed to the minute.)
Salt Lake Base and Meridian Marker Ceremony held at 4:15 at the Southeast corner of the Temple block where a plaque describing the marker was unveiled, by Lathilla Pratt Kimball, daughter of Orson Pratt, who placed the base merid- ian, and where a son of Brigham Young and a son of Erastus Snow, respectively, opened and closed with prayer and where President A. W. Ivins, pioneer and trail- blazer, spoke. The ceremony was in charge of George Albert Smith, president of Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association.
In the general session held in the Great Tabernacle Sunday after- noon, President A. W. Ivins pro- nounced the conference and con- vention to have been like an oasis in a desert to him. President Heber J. Grant declared that the entire program had been an inspiration and that the singing of the chil- dren had been especially pleasing.
A more complete report of the conference will be given next month.
Grand Finals Held on Friday,
June 10, and Saturday,
June 11, 1932
T^HE grand finals in drama, public speaking, retold story and Van- guard contests in Van ball and archery (Continued on page 552)
THE
anyon
Wt
ar
By RUTH MAY FOX
On July 24, 1857, while President Brigham Young and a large percentage of the Saints were having a celebration in the canyon — now called Brighton — messengers brought word of the approach of an army of the United States. The army did not enter the Valley of the Great Salt Lake until June 26, 1858. The emotional tenseness of the situation is to be found in these lines by Ruth May Fox, herself a pioneer.
LONG years ago the story goes — Exactly when no mortal knows, Where sunbeams glint the Wasatch hills
And send the snows in trickling rills Adown the cliffs to cupping dells,
To dally with the purple bells, The columbine and dainty flow'rs
Which nature strews in wild-wood-bow 'rs, The fairies met on one fair eve
For consultation. "By your lieve," The leader said — •" We've gathered here,
Beneath the moonbeams soft and clear," And as she spoke she waved her wand,
Before, behind on every hand — "Lords, princes, pages, fairies, elves;
First, to congratulate ourselves On this proud realm within these peaks,
Whose tow'ring heights the cloudlet seeks Where Nature lavish with her charms
Doth hold us in protecting arms, The while we fill our destiny
And write our page of history.
'Tis ours to give this beaut'ous spot
Still greater charm — forget you not, That mortals yet shall wander here
Regardless of the fairies' tear; Aye, there shall come a gladsome band,
Led hither by a master hand, Who'll praise their God for this retreat,
For breezes pure and odors sweet. Beyond these vales with mighty strife
Shall thrill the desert into life; — Cheer! Fairies, cheer! for the great chief,
Who'll set the vales with bloom and sheaf And sparkling rills." Up sprang the host,
Ten thousand strong, with inward boast That each would raise the heartiest shout
As whirled their kerchiefs round-about, Which soft and sheer as thistle-down,
By wand'ring zephyrs thither blown, Changed, instantly, the spangled green,
Into a swaying lily scene; And up the rugged cliffs there ran {Continued on page 552)
i nC/^ |(
car
By Maxa Million
i
T was all so sudden, so unexpected — the sight of that scarred face in the avalanche of hu- manity, that for a moment old Judge Halsom felt his knees grow weak and his breath form in short gasps.
As quickly as the face appeared it vanished and the old man felt himself being swept relentlessly on toward the Tabernacle. Five thou- sand people hemmed him in, bil- lowed and surged about him. Their voices beat upon conscious- ness like the slap of waves on jagged rock.
Once he caught a whisper near him. "See, — that man in gray. Judge Halsom of Pittsburg — one of the richest men in the country. Railroads is his middle name."
"Oh," understanding crept into the other voice, "Used to be a 'Mormon.' I've heard about him. Visiting some big gun in Salt Lake now. Wonder what he'll think of our Pageant."
The spectacle was movingly famil- iar. Every opening, like a lifted head-gate, let in a rushing stream of humanity. Had he not been shaken to his very core the scene would have appealed to him with almost as much freshness as on that other occasion when he had first visited this historic building.
He closed his eyes to shut out the confusion and the past came upon him in heart-stirring glimpses.
It was the pioneer urchin, Fred Montague, who called to him over a stretch of sixty years.
"Joe, you ain't mad any more, are you?"
J,
A-
.T the east door a stripling of an usher took his ticket which his friend, the Salt Lake judge, had so kindly procured for him and escorted him to his seat. He sat down heavily and passed a fine linen handkerchief over his brow. He was still trembling from the shock. The sight of that face ■had unnerved him as nothing else had done for years.
He was aghast now at his first impression when he had seen the face — a mad desire to vocalize the name, cry out across the turbulent sea of people, "Fred! Fred Mon- tague, stop! Wait For me! It's Joe Halsom." But the old hatred and scorn had welled up just in time. The acid of bitterness etches deeply in fifty years.
The old man looked about him.
OE, from his position on the top of a pole fence, turned from the stone bruise he had been regarding on the sole of his cal- loused foot and gave his compan- ion a look of withering scorn.
"Honest, Joe, you ain't no right actin' like this. You throwed just as many rocks as I did on old Pete's porch, and just because he caught me and made me tell who was with me ain't no reason for you to quit speakin' to me for two hull weeks."
Joe turned his back on the speaker and began to whistle. Through the corner of his eye he saw that Fred's freckled face was pitiful.
There was silence for a moment and then Fred squared his shoul- ders.
"I've a darned good notion not to tell you the biggest piece of news you've ever heaxd in all your life. Why, if you guessed steady for a hundred years you couldn't guess what's happenin' over at our house."
'Your ma's havin' a baby," he said disdainfully.
"Nothin' the sort. Pa sent me
Old Judge Halsom
over to see if I could sleep with you cause President Brigham Young is a goin' to stay there,"
He waited for that piece of news to sink in and then continued, "But that ain't half. There's a hull band of Injun chiefs there, tool- Joe edged a little closer to this harbinger of glad tidings. "Aw, go on, I don't believe you."
"It's the truth. You can see the wick-i-up they've pitched in our back yard from the road over there."
"Well, what they doin' there?" Already Joe was moving toward the road.
"President Young and pa and Apostle Rich brought 'em."
"Say, why can't you get in and tell a feller all about it. Want me to bust?"
"Well, you know about old Black Hawk, don't you?"
"Course I do. He's been threat- enin' to kill the Saints up around Laketown."
"Somebody sent word to Presi- dent Young so he and Dimick Huntington, the man who knows how to talk Injun, came this morn- ing, and took pa and the apostle with 'em and they went up and (Continued on page 5 69)
lossom
L
IANCE smiled, re- calling the words of Yin-Ying: "When the honorable one bestows the flower named the Spell-Binder upon a woman then is love born in the hearts of both and that love remains until he goes to the Yel- low Springs called death. There, oh, gracious one, he dreams through the years until she joins
ha lm.
He had met a girl in Kiangsu, China, when he was painting Yin- Ying, the witch-like old woman who lived by gathering and sell- ing the Spell-Binder, a delicate creeping plant whose leaves re- semble the frail fronds of the maidenhair fern. The tiny flowers of pink and blue and violet were lovely but it was the rare white ones that pleased him most. Now, sitting thinking of that day in China he seemed to smell the mad- deningly-sweet perfume that had come to him when the American girl had crushed the white flowers in her hand. A certain something had been born to them in that in- stant as they listened to the grave- ly-spoken prophecy as Yin-Ying watched them. The remembered perfume brought back the en- chanted moment in China al- though he was now in Japan.
LIE had been able to do her a small service when the tourists were leaving the glass boat and he had been sure that she, too, had felt the glamor of the romantic island. For, when a brisk, mascu- line voice had hailed her and de- manded to know the reason for her delay she had lingered. Again the man called her and begged her to hurry, and she had opened her ihand, smiled and then, staring straightly into his eyes, lifted the crushed sweet flowers to her lips .and vanished.
"Her name was Anne. Likely I'll never see her again but I shall never forget her eyes. If I were a poet instead of an artist I'd rave of violets with the dew lingering.
By LAURA REID MONTGOMERY
Illustrated by HARRIS WEBERG
Anyway, Anne will be surprised when she finds her pretty little face laughing out from some of my pic- tures. Today she's a Japanese girl playing a flute."
On his easel was a picture of
two boys and a girl, each with curved Japanese flutes. Lance had made a study of prints done by Torii Kiyonaga who died in 1815 and who was a genius in depicting scenes from everyday life. Lance's handling of the beach below the Shinto temple (a miya) was ex- cellent. The shadows cast by the tall cryptomeria tree with its pine- like foliage softened the brilliant turquoise tints of the girl's satin while the translucent enamels of her lifted flute gathered and held lovingly the rose of the sunset fall- ing between the branches.
Above the sands at the right of the entrance to the miya a sitting fox grinned in stone and above him a huge dark bird hovered menac- ingly with downbest talons.
"To Kwannon I make my prayer," drifted from the temple.
L/ANCE seized h i s brush. The words were soft to the point of indistinctness but they recalled him to his work and to Japan. No use longing for Anne. He didn't even know her last name but his quick glance at her left
hand had confirmed his hope that she was free.
A clap of thunder aroused him to two unpleasant facts: his boat was floating away on the jade waves that now replaced the glassy sapphire of the waters and the ap- proaching storm was upon him. Pelting rain fell as he snatched up his canvas and ran.
Nearing the smiling stone fox the ground stirred beneath his feet. The great fish is stirring, he is tired of holding the universe," reflected Lance, who had lately read the Japanese myth of the accommodat- ing vassal of the sea.
Another tremor, however, dis- sipated his amusement and he won- dered if the temple would be his tomb should an earthquake arrive.
Tiny glass wind bells tinkled in the gale that roared about him and he raced for the temple, not forgetting to remove his low shoes before treading the sacred ground. As he kicked them off he heard the clink of coin as some faithful one accompanied his prayer by com- mercial means and then a damp ball of chewed paper struck his outraged cheek.
"Disgusting, I call it. To think of chewing a prayer," he reflected.
"Ooh, ooh," came a threadlike tone pitched on a note of apology.
Through the
gloom minced a small figure in bare feet that gleamed below the wide trousers of jade and silver. Jewels twinkled in her piled-up hair and laughing eyes peered up at him from dusky lashes. From her waist hung a samisen, a three-stringed instrument and just behind her brooded the great statue of the myriad-handed Quannon — G o d- dess of Mercy. "Osura?" she breathed.
His resentment at being the recipient of her paper-prayer hurl- ed with the usual feminine lack of accuracy faded. He wished now that he'd skimped his sketching long enough to memorize a phrase
of Japanese. Even in the dimness he admired her and felt the beauty of her facial color scheme and he longed to put her on canvas. Her painted eye- brows were etched admir- ably and her round cheeks were twin roses. Memories stirred again — a certain fragrance . . The wind toppled over a small statue and Lance, while longing to pose as a hero, fell at the girl's feet, badly bruised.
When he opened his eyes she was holding a cup to his lips. The sake revived him somewhat and he motioned to her to drink from the second flask for she was pallid
Is there such a thing as a "Love Blossom" with powers which bind hearts? Lance would probably — but then the story is short. See what he says.
beneath her paint. She hesitated whereupon he feebly insisted and with an odd air of recklessness she pour- ed from the second flask which was at- tached by the sym- bolical butterflies and drank.
A Japanese entered and frowned, point- ing to the table from which she had snatched the twin flasks.
"Tell him I'll pay for the wine," cried Lance, hoping she might comprehend, "he isn't your husband, is he?" He had enjoyed the soft clasp of her tiny left hand as she supported his head but now he disliked the look in the round black eyes slanting down at him (Continued on page 551")
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF
amp in g
By ELVA MOSS WESSEL
Go camping in imagination before you go camping to the canyon. A trip like this may make your outing more valuable.
WHY do you enjoy going to camp?" I asked a small boy of nine years. "Be- cause we have a lot o' fun," he re- plied.
Fun and adventure seem to be the main reasons for more than a million boys and girls going to camp each summer.
To make camp life profitable for this group there is need for an ef- fective organization, with com- petent leadership, under whose di- rection systematic planning of programs will bring new adven- ture, colorful romance and happy recreation to the boys and girls from the first day in camp to the last good-bye.
The program should develop spontaneity and freedom among the campers, should be broad and inclusive enough to satisfy indi- vidual interests. Usually the camp environment is sufficiently rich and stimulating to enlist the interest of every normal boy and girl.
VKTHILE many directors glory in displaying the elaborateness of the camp plant and buildings, it is to be remembered that camps are not built around things. They are built about personalities. Equipment is essential only as it makes possible a larger and better program. To the camper it is the program that makes the camp, and he interprets activities in terms of fun and adventure. Camp activ- ities however are not an end in themselves. Their real importance is to provide opportunity for a- chievement, to develop self-ex- pression, self-reliance, resourceful- ness, and to stimulate creative ability.
An interesting program to meet the above needs may be classed in three divisions.
Above: Adirondack Sleeping Shelter Below: Lean-to With Reflector Fire
First, the regular routine — the first call to arise in the morning, the optional dip, shower, or just a refreshing splash of cold water on face and hands, into airy camp togs and ready for the day's fun. Flag raising is followed by break- fast, camp improvement, inspec-
tion, morning sing, handcraft or hiking, free time for letter writing and reading, then the noon meal. For one hour or more the camp settles down for rest period. The afternoon activities consist of na- ture lore, games, swimming or rid- ing. Supper with its songs and
The Improvement Era for May, 1932
535
Corduroy Steps
Caveman Golf Equipment
surprises followed by the evening's fun is the time when campers en- joy comradeship.
COME regular program must be carried on every day, but occa- sionally the morning, afternoon, or else the entire day is used to ad- vantage without scheduled activ- ities when the campers have pro- jects which interest them. This second division is often referred to as the "Do as you wish" or "Free Time" period. This too, is very important, since it provides time for personal interests. A small number of campers may request tours to points of interest; such as the new nature trail, Jenny wren's nest, the home of the wood- chuck, the spring; along the way specimens are gathered for the na- ture exhibit. Perhaps a small group is interested in an early morning bird identification trip. Get up early and creep out so as not to awaken the other campers. Keep your eyes and ears open. Take a pencil, a note book, and if pos- sible field glasses along. Now you are all ready for one of the most fascinating adventures in the woods. Move slowly and quietly along the path, when you see a bird "Stop." With the aid of field glasses observe -its colorings on breast, head, wings, and tail. How large is it? Compare its size with other birds more familiar to you. In case there is some doubt as to its identity make some notes and refer to your bird guide later. Lis- ten to the chorus of music in the tree tops, try to distinguish the different birds by their song. This group will be delighted with the many discoveries which can be made in the early morning hours. The resourceful leader can stim- ulate creative expression by visual- izing the camp needs and begin- ning a project without much pre-
tension; soon a number of camp- ers will lend a hand and be proud of the accomplishment when the job is finished. Often the camp- ers desire some improvement about the camp and welcome the oppor- tunity to build a project which will bring utility and beautify the camp as well. Perhaps you will find joy in the following projects and your camp be greatly bene- fited by the results. Construct a rustic gateway suspending a sign to greet the newcomers. Make wil- low baskets in which to plant ferns or other native plants and hang them in the recreation or dining hall. Make seats of stone or logs around the camp fire circle a safe distance back from the fire or build the circle where tree stumps serve as seats. A well built fire pit will keep the ashes from scattering over the circle. Arrow shaped signs of wood with the letters burned with a sun glass or pyrography needle give a rustic touch to the nature trail and aid the new camper in getting acquainted with his sur- roundings. Cut and build paths through the woods or blaze new hiking trails leading to an interest- ing look-out.
A CAVE man golf course using improvised equipment adds new life to the camp. Lay out the general course preferably along winding trails, include natural haz- ards, trees, a stream or stump. Then bury number ten tin cans in the ground at the distance apart de- sirable for the nine hole course. Use croquet balls in place of the regular ones and stout tree branch- es of considerable size as golf sticks, a natural curve or knot at the end makes a splendid putter. The putting space is cleared a bit and the boundary marked off with stout saplings placed on the ground.
An out-door cooking oven will add flavor to the food and less dif- ficulty in the craft of outdoor cookery. Boys will especially be interested in building an adiron- dack sleeping shelter, a lean-to or Indian tepee in the woods. A place a short distance from camp may be chosen to make a shady retreat or reading nook. A rustic seat or bench will add to its usefulness. A camper who is handy with tools may build shelves for exhibits or a table and benches under the trees where visiting parents and friends can eat their lunch. Trails about camp can always be improved by making corduroy steps, cutting out over hanging branches, removing stones, bridging wet spots, filling in depressions and marking trail inter-sections.
In one camp -a group made a cedar bark wigwam, at the same time another group built a rustic roof to furnish shade for the rifle range and still another group col- lected tin cans and converted them into kettles and camp dishes for the next overnight hike.
These projects grow out of camp needs or life situations in the camp group. This outgrowth of interests should be encouraged and funds kept available for de- veloping them.
^HERE'S also the third divi- sion, the seasonal "High Spot," unusual happening or special fea- ture which has its place and makes camp life more interesting and ad- venturous. One camp makes this report: "We have tried this plan for several years with the most satisfactory results. Every week of the summer has a name 'Covered Wagon Week' 'Indian Week,' 'Pa- triots Week,' 'Fiesta Week,* 'Cir- cus Week,' 'Forty-niners Week,' 'Pioneer Week,' and so on. Each
(Continued on page 571)
A Prayer For This Camp
®.
By JOHN T. CAINE, I
"Pa Caine"
UR Father:
We thank Thee for all the wonders of Thy creations — for this rugged canyon with its mountains, rocks and hills, its cliffs and precipices, its soil teeming with all the riches of plant life; for trees and shrubs, vines and flowers, for dainty moss and rugged pines, for trembling aspen, graceful birch and gorgeous maple; for sparkling streams and busy waterfalls, for invigorating air and warming sun; for solitude and seclusion, and above all for the suggestion of Thy great design manifest in the many beauties everywhere present; and for the spirit pf awe which the immensity of rocks and ravines inspires within us.
We pray, that Thou wilt bless this Camp that in every way it may fulfil its purpose, a place of quiet, rest and recreation for tired bodies or wounded spirits. May the feelings inspired by these scenes be a rebuke to all un- worthy thoughts or acts; and may purity, fieauty, and joy inspire all to better 'lives, to a nobler estimate of our fellowmen, and to a broader un- derstanding of iThy great purpose and a profounder respect for Thee — our Father and our God. Amen.
Note: This is the girls' camp in Logan Canyon, but the prayer might Well have been said for all our camps.
By E. W. TAYLOR
Jerry was a big grizzly bear whose habitat was West Yellowstone and whose middle name was mischief Stringham liked bears in general and Jerry in particular — and that was the root of his trouble.
Drawing by Harris Weberg
HERE are just two real ways to make a fool of yourself: try something about which you know nothing, and be too soft-hearted — an abnormal aesthetic. I was both soft-hearted and lacking in experience — a bad combination when it comes to trapping grizzly bears alive which was not what I was ordered to do at all. I just did — or tried to. Bears have an uncanny sense of
knowing when they are unwel- come; and an even more acute sense of knowing when it is time to clear out after committing a nui- sance that brooks no forgiveness. At least old Jerry did. He must have been in touch with a private detective agency. And as to his nuisances — there was no question there. He wasn't what you might call dangerous, although one or two tourists at the auto camps
complained of broken arms and nipped fingers. But that could hardly be blamed onto Jerry, but rather to the carelessness of vain- glorious campers who took par- ticular delight in being photo- graphed with a real live bear eat- ing delicacies from the tips of brave fingers. But some of Jerry's performances were upon a larger order.
One of Jerry's worst habits was
538
The Improvement Era for July, 1932
ripping off doors of cabins and taking up what you might call light housekeeping within, espe- cially if there happened to be any- thing edible stored upon the shelves.
Succeeding sea- sons owners were a little more par- ticular in nailing up their houses and cabins. But it did little good. Jerry developed into what I might call an expert in crime.
"I hate to do it," commented the Supervisor sorrowfully, "But I guess we'll have to give him the gun. He's destroyed enough prop- erty last winter to ruin a dozen parks."
But then Jerry disappeared, al- most as if he had been warned. And I am sure that no one had tip- ped him off. No Al Capone could have been better protected.
"Oh, he'll come back," laughed an old timer from the Bor/ier coun- try. "Trust old Jerry to be at the garbage dumps just as soon as the tourists start to flow. He knows to a day when the hotel opens up."
But Jerry didn't come.
Such notoriety as Jerry couldn't hide from public eye forever. That is where I enter the story. I spend most of my time around West Yel- lowstone and north to Galliton wrangling dudes and what ever I can find that is profitable. The dude season was rather poor and I was having difficulties in making enough to last me through the winter, which is what most of us old timers hereabouts try to do.
Jerry was out of the Park, rather a tactical error you might say. But was it? He must have known that he was a nomad from now on. And the Park is not big enough to hide out in for long. I guess that to an unwanted grizzly bear who had to get along in the world it was the outside or bust.
1 was down to the train to meet a fellow from California who came up to get some fishing and wild and woolly life for a couple of weeks when I met up with old Jess Turner, cow man and sheep-driver.
"Yore just the feller I'm look- in' for," he roared in one of those old fashioned voices that can be heard a mile or so.
"Pull in yore train whistle," I advised him. "I can hear you easy
with both ears full of cotton."
"Yore just the feller I'm lookin' for. How busy are yuh? Could yuh do a little job fer me?"
"Depends," I warned him. "I'm not bootlegging or sheep- stealing. What's your proposi- tion?"
"There's one of them bars thet got loose from the Park. I want yuh tuh get him 'fore he gits all my sheep."
My suspicion was raised right quick about that bear.
"What bear is it? Can't be old Jerry — can it? Could it really be old Jerry?"
"Don't know his name," admit- ted Jess. "There's a fair sized crowd of dudes today. I can re- member when they used tuh make the trip by wagons."
"I'll bet it's old Jerry," I re- marked. "No; can't do it. I wouldn't kill old Jerry for all the money in the world."
"Are yuh crazy? Why, that bar is doing more damage tuh my sheep than all the snow storms in the world. Yore a great hand fer gettin' next tuh bars and such. There ain't a man thet I would rather see get that darn varmint than yuh, Stringham."
"Yes; you old cave man; I have been taking pictures of wild ani- mals and things. I have done a little trapping. I used to work in the Park. But darn it all, I couldn't kill Jerry. He's just like a good friend. It would be like some one asking me to kill you for some money."
"Yuh soft hearted old woman. I'll get some one else tuh kill the varmint." Jess was plainly indig- nant and somewhat amazed that any one capable of! killing the varmint should refuse, especially when he needed the money.
"Come on, now," I urged. "The old grizzly will run on back to the Park in a little while. Give him a break."
"And in the mean time he'll be breakin' me. No; Stringham, I gotta get that bar quick. He killed off about ten sheep this week. I tried tuh get him myself, but he was too smart fer me. And that is why I come tuh you. What do yuh say?"
An idea sailed into my head just like that by way of some In- dians who were putting onva dance in front of the curio store. The Indians reminded me of a fellow who had a pet bear that did tricks and attracted people to his store. And the pet bear called to my at- tention a fellow who used to live down there on Chalk Creek, Utah, that made a business out of trap- ping bears alive and sending them to zoos. The only element lack- ing to my idea was the necessary knowledge as to how bears were trapped alive.
"I guess that you win," I said surrendering to his arguments. "But I am going to take that bear alive."
"Go to it, old timer," beamed Jess, somehow relieved. But I (Continued on page 568)
ifyck Garden (Contest
Making a Rock Garden this summer? Then you'll find some helpful hints in these prize-winning essays on "How I Made My Rock Garden." These were sent in in answer to the announcement made in the February number of the Im- provement Era. Our judges decided to give in addition to the prizes which have gone forward to the winners^ honorable mention to the following people for their fine articles which space will not permit us to print: L. M. Winon, Logan; G. C. Crittenden^ Ogden; and Mrs. Nellie B. Smidt, Salt Lake City.
How We Built a Rock Garden and What We Planted
First Prize
(^)UR rock garden ob- scures the east end of a chicken-run and occupies a space about ten feet wide and eight feet deep.
We removed the top soil to a depth of over two feet and put it aside for filling in around the rocks. We removed another eighteen inches to make room for our drainage base. Near the south end we dug a hole four feet deep and two feet across which we walled up with broken bricks and covered with a piece of heavy wire mesh. Over all we placed a twelve inch layer of rub- ble, cobblestones, broken bits of cement and tiling, and over that four inches of cinders.
With long, angular rocks of vari-colored pebbled conglomerate which the boys brought from the foot- hills we built up a slope from ground level on the
Randall Barker, Eagle Scout, who did the hard labor.
south and east to between three and four feet on the west and north, — against the chicken run and our boundary fence, respectively, — filling in with top- soil as we did so. This gave us the advocated "sunny side sloping to the southeast."
We tilted the outside rocks slightly downward and inward to allow moisture to drain into the soil. Each rock was buried one-third of its length. We ar- ranged them to appear as much like a natural out- cropping as possible.
We let it settle for a week, soaking it thoroughly several times and adding more soil when necessary. Along the west and north we planted scarlet runner beans. Until the rock plants grew large enough to be effective, we used fillers of annuals: sweet alyssum, phlox, pansies, California poppies, etc. ^ Our perennials are: rock cress, thrift, bougainvillea, English daisy, harebell, golden moss, ribbon grass, forget-me-not, dwarf clove-pinks, Rocky Mountain Columbine, Japanese bellflowers, hardy primroses, wallflower, summer snow, baby's breath, coral bells, rockspirea, ice plant, dew plant, wandering Jew, native ferns and lichen, wild pansies, buttercups, ivy, old man, lady's slipper, violets and several others.
Mrs. A. M. Barker, 3245 Kiesel Ave., Ogden, Utah.
How I Made My Rock Garden
Second Prize
T]
AHE most pleasure I have ever had in out of door life was that of making a rock garden and bring- ing into cultivation the flowers of the mountains. I built it along the drive-way west of my home on a very irregular line from three feet wide at the lower end to about nine feet at the upper. The height varies from one to three and one-half feet. I built it of soft rocks of many sizes and colors of crystallite formations, fossils and cavities.
Richardsonii and Fremontei.
Penstemons- Leonardi breri- folius, evening primrose, ona- gra hookeii, la- vauxia p r i m i- veris, canguste- folium, scarlet
Between these I put rich soil and leaf mold from under oak brush and
added more rock, leaving spaces of numerous shapes gilia, aggregata,
and sizes. Jacob's ladder,
Mine was to be a wild flower rock garden, so from occidentale, del-
mountains and canyons on cloudy, rainy days I gath- phinium scapo-
ered many varieties, among them were Geraniums- sum, yarrow, dogbane, Solomon's seal, violets, Sun-
540
The Improvement Era for May, 1932
flowers, and asters. I studied the habitat of each and placed it in its new home as near to that of its mountain home as possible. I made a collection of about sixty varieties and will add many more. From early spring, when dog- tooth violets awaken, until late autumn when goldenrod and asters
sway in the breeze my garden is a spot of beauty. Friends who laughed at my garden when I was building it are now contributing with many new rocks, flowers, and shells which they have gathered from far and near.
I appreciate my association with Dr. J. H. Paul, Roy Passey, Prof.
My Rock Garden
Third Prize
Orin Biddulph, and our M. I. A. Summer Home at Mutual Dell for creating within me a desire to know and appreciate our lovely mountain flowers that I now have at my door from which I receive daily inspiration and joy.
Mrs. Ora Holman Chipman.
American Fork, Utah.
A/I^HAT will emphasize the lovely, dainty forms and delicate coloring of your flowers more than a background of interest- ing stone?
My garden has had twice the charm since I gave to it stability by backing it with a wall delicately hung with the purple blossoms and red and green berries of the Chinese matrimony vine, myrtle, and ivy. The lower terraces are filled with snowy white rock cress, basket of gold, flax with its varied shades of purple, ribbon grass and tiny iris. Old English wall flowers and hardy asters seem proud to have so firm a backing.
I was fortunate in having an abrupt rise in my grounds. I first cleared the soil back to where I wanted my first row of stones.
How
We print this article on account of its spirit even though it does not tell how to build a garden.
\XTITH a great deal of enthu- siasm, and, incidentally, very little experience, I set out in high spirits in a new venture, the build- ing of a rock garden.
I began by studying seed cata- logs and landscape magazines most religiously. My garden was first planned on paper, every detail. I preferred erasing to transplanting. I wrote for all the "free advice" obtainable and talked to all the professional gardeners who would grant me audience. I visited many gardens, interesting, and otherwise. My rock garden, however, was to be merely an interesting "nook" in the outdoor living room; my chief aim in planting lawns, flow- ers, and shrubs being to give to the home the appropriate setting. I realized that the background of
Lily Pond
The I placed them firmly in an irregular line. When this tiny terrace was filled with soil I placed the next row of stones and con- tinued in this manner until my wall was some three feet high. In the terraces I arranged my flowers, planting those which require the most water on the lower levels.
By far the most fascin- ating part of the rock ad- dition is the lily pond. Constructed of rock, held together with cement, it is two feet deep, irregular in shape, with little pockets of soil here and there that hold water hyacinths, water poppies, cat tails, Japanese arrow head, um- brella plant and various kinds of aquarium moss. Most lovely of all is the water lily that is planted in a tub and sunk in the center of the pond. When supplied with a few gold fish and snails you will find in a pond as much interest as in your choicest flowers.
What could be more beautiful than this dainty mirror, broken only by flower-petal ships. John E. Lach, 676 Downington Ave., Salt Lake City, Utah.
I Made My Rock Garden
Honorable Mention
the rock garden must fit into the entire home grounds picture and likewise be a natural part of the vicinity into which it was to de- velop.
The rocks, I brought from nearby lava beds, — rather beauti- ful specimens, I thought. Trans- porting them was indeed an un- dertaking! I well remember with what apparent disgust I was greet- ed upon my arrival home one par- ticular afternoon with a truck load of rocks.
I found difficulty in determin- ing the correct setting for my rock garden, consequently the rocks and piles of dirt were moved many times, My rocks, it seemed, simply refused to inherit the dignity and austerity of their ancestors! At the base of a large tree which over- hung a natural elevation, my rock garden finally began to grow. I foraged the hills, mountains, and
river-beds, gathering plants, rocks, moss, and dwarf shrubs. No afternoon drive was quite success- ful unless I managed by persua- sion, or strategy to bring home a new rock for the garden. I felt, in fact, that each day I must "get a little boulder."
Frankly, I shall admit that all my activities in rock gardening were "trial and error" methods, but my garden proved to be a truly enjoyable, as well as fairly success- ful, venture. Indeed, I discovered that it isn't achievements in gar- dening that bring satisfaction, it is the glorious anticipation! My garden was a retreat; I reveled in its lovely secrets; here I found leisure to ponder some of the mysteries of growth. I found joy complete in having created a thing so rife in its own personality! Vernesea M. Nagle,
Parker, Idaho.
TheStar Spangled n banner
By BERTHA L. STEVENSON
'Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave?"
■ i":- ■■:■:■ ■ -'■'■■.■,;.' ■■"■: ■
ON March 4, 1931, "The Star Spangled Banner," by an act of Congress, became the of- ficial national anthem of the United States. Marylanders in Congress, in recognition of the song's having been written in Baltimore Har- bor, had sought the legis- lation for years.
There were those in Con- gress who claimed the high notes were too high, and those who said the low notes were too low, and still others who said that for most American voices it was "unsingable." Two so- pranos and a band were brought before a committee to show that the anthem could be sung. Old attend- ants at the Capitol said the hearing was unique and un- usual. Following this dem- onstration, the house and senate approved it as the na- tional anthem, and the pres- ident affixed his signature.
Even as all literature of an historical nature is made more interesting if the inci- dents connected with the
writing are known; so, much of a fine harbor, and about twenty our early American poetry is made minutes ride by electric car from more clear and inspiring to us if the city of Baltimore, stands his-
Above: Cannon ball thrown into Fort McHenry, by the British during the night of Sept. 12, 1814.
Below: Church in Baltimore marking the birthplace of Francis Scott Key.
we know the story settings which are back of it.
JUST as an individual has with- in him a love of some spot or place or circumstance that marks for him a vital time of his life, and just as the heart turns fondly to that place or circumstance, so we, as a nation, have a love and rev- erence for those places and occa- sions that have marked an epoch in the history of our beloved country.
There are many places of inter- est to the student of American his- tory, and not least among them that one where our great patriotic song, "The Star Spangled Ban- ner," was written. On the banks of Chesapeake Bay, where it forms
toric old Fort McHenry. It was from this fort that the flag was flying when Francis Scott Key was inspired to write his memorable lines.
Key was a native of George- town, which practically means Washington. A lawyer by pro- fession, he was born in Baltimore, but had later moved to George- town. A church now stands on the spot where he was born, and a tablet commemorates the event.
JN September, 1814, America was at war with England. Dr. Beanes, a friend of Mr. Key's, had been made prisoner, and was a- board a vessel of the British fleet, then in Chesapeake Bay. It was the intention of the Commander of the
Fleet to take Fort McHenry, and quarter the British troops in the city of Balti- more for the winter. Mr. Key was solicited to seek to have his friend released, and consented to do so. After obtaining permission from the Government, orders were immediately issued to get the vessel used as a carte! in communications with the fleet in the bay, to make ready. The vessel was "The Minden."
"Mr. John S. Skinner,, who was agent for the Gov- ernment for flags of truce and exchange of prisoners, and who was well known as such to the officers of the fleet, was directed to accom- pany Mr. Key."
They met the fleet at the mouth of the Potomac, pre- paring for the expedition against Baltimore. They were courteously received, and Dr. Beanes was released. But Mr. Key was at the time informed that neither he, nor anyone else would be permitted to leave the fleet for some days, and must be detained until the attack on Baltimore, which was then a- bout to be made, was over.
They were transferred from the Admiral's ship to the "Surprise," commanded by Admiral Cock- rane's son, and there remained un- til preparations were made for the landing of troops to attack by land. Mr. Key and Mr. Skinner were then sent on board their own vessel with a guard of sailors and marines to prevent their landing, and were anchored in a position to see the flag of Fort McHenry. '
CEPTEMBER 12, 1814, the fort was attacked, and Mr. Key and Mr. Skinner witnessed the bom- bardment from their vessel, watch- ing, all through the night, every shell until it fell, listening with breathless interest to see if an ex- plosion followed.
542
The Improvement Era for July, 1932
Suddenly the bombardment ceased, and they did not know whether the fort had surrendered, or the attack had been abandoned. "They paced the deck, for the resi- due of the night, in painful sus- pense, watching with intense anx- iety for the return of day, and looking every few minutes at their watches to see how long they must wait for it. As soon as it had dawned, and before it was light enough to see objects at a distance, their glasses were turned on the fort, uncertain whether they should see the Stars and Stripes or the flag of the enemy. At length the light came, and they saw 'That our flag was still there.'
Under the excitement of the time, Francis Key had sketched a song. It was commenced on the deck of the vessel as he saw the enemy ship retreating — some brief lines or notes on the back of a let- ter which he happened to have in his pocket. These he used as he proceeded, with the song, to call the events to mind. For other lines he relied entirely upon his memory. He finished it on his way home in the boat, and wrote it out as it now stands, at the hotel the night he reached Baltimore.
The next morning Mr. Key took his poem to Judge Nickolson (a brother-in-law) , knowing him to be a man of cultivated and musical tastes, and asked his opin- ion of it. The judge was so much pleased with it that he immediately sent it to a printer, and directed copies to be struck off in handbill form. It was immediately received favorably by the public.
HPHE first publication of the song was in the "Baltimore Patriot," September 20, 1814. Until re- cently it was believed to have been first in the "Baltimore American," September 21, 1814. It did not appear under title of "The Star Spangled Banner," but was head- ed "Defence of Fort McHenry," with a short account of the cir- cumstances under which it was written, and then the poem. It was not until some time later that it was called by the title by which it is now known. Before very long it had been copied by papers as far south as Atlanta, and in all the larger northern cities.
There are differences of opinion as to when it was first sung, and by whom, also as to whether Mr.
Key intended it to be sung by the tune we know, or whether some- one else saw that the rhythm was the same and associated it with the music. However, as a copy of the "Baltimore Patriot" shows, it stated the tune at the head of the poem. ,
The air is one which is supposed to have been very popular at that time. It is one adopted by a club in England, and written by John Stafford Smith, a musician of that day. It is supposed to have been written for a voice of very wide range, and was the official song of the club. At any rate, the tune was familiar to everyone, and with its peculiar rhythm it exactly fits Mr. Key's words, and it is possible that he intended it to be used with them.
The air is "Anacreon in Heaven." "Anacreon" is a poem in praise of love and wine, or love and joy, after the meter of the Greek poet Anacreon. Transplant- ed on American soil, this air, once popular as an English drinking song, has thrived with the "Star Spangled Banner," and the other song has been forgotten.
Most authorities agree that Mr. Ferdinand Durang, an actor-sol- dier, was the first to sing it, and that it was sung in front of the Holiday Street Theatre in Balti- more.
A
COMPANY of soldiers had congregated in front of the theatre, and the tavern next door to it, when Captain Edes came along, and calling the group to order told them to listen to a pa- triotic song which had just been struck off the press. He read the words, and someone suggested that it be sung. Durang was call- ed for, and mounting on an old fashioned rush-bottomed chair, sang for the first time in public, in our Union, this song, the chorus being echoed by the crowd.
The song began to be known as the "Star Spangled Banner," and we find it advertised as such Janu- ary 6 , 1815, probably the first mu- sic sheets printed.
A Mr. Walters, of Baltimore, is supposed to have the original, but as the poem was drafted several times, first on the letter and then again when Mr. Key was on the boat, the one in possession of Mr. Walters must be the first clean cooy of the original manuscript. He
bought it from a granddaughter of Mr. Key. Mr. Key wrote it out several times for friends, and those copies are still preserved.
TV/TANY people have thought to improve the song, and changes have been made, but these changes have not been considered good, and so have not stood. They take away the writer's spirit and change the thought, and we wish it to re- main as it was written. It has been altered by different people in dif- ferent ways, but these alterations actually change the meaning in some instances. For example "Half conceals, half discloses," changed to "Now conceals, now discloses," and we have taken away that fine image of the flag floating in the breeze at dawn.
One Briton has added this fine stanza:
"But hushed be the strain they our foes
are no longer, To Britain the right hand of friendship
extends, And Albion's fair Isle we behold with
affection, The land of our Fathers — the land of
our Friends. Long, long may we flourish Columbia
and Britain In amity still may your children be
found, And the Star Spangled Banner and Red
Cross together Wave free and triumphant the wide
world around."
npHE STAR SPANGLED BAN- NER" has been slow to grow in popularity. Opinions differ as to its merits. Some look upon the lines as inspired; some regard it as purely a military or flag song. Some criticise the tune; but it will remain with the American people.
It became popular during the Civil War, and again during the war with Spain, but during the World War it came to mean more than ever before. In the past its meaning had been to the American alone; today it stands for right and justice toward all nations.
Years ago Army and Navy regulations designated the "Star Spangled Banner" as the official anthem, and officers and men stand at attention while it is being ren- dered.
Today millions bow the head as they rise to the strains of the "Star Spangled Banner," and mil- lions of hearts send up a prayer to the Maker for the protection of those who are striving to see "that our flag is still there."
Illustrated By
F. K. Smith
Navaj o
and
Pioneer
Oft tends
By
Joseph B. Harris
Many lasting friendships be- tween white men and Indians were formed during Utah's pio- neer period. In this story the reader may catch a glimpse of a most beautiful one.
A FEW years ago a group of citi- zens of two neighboring states were observing the formalities of an introduction when I noticed an or- dinary Navajo Indian approaching. Presently a man — Kumen Jones — left the crowd and walked out a few yards until the two met. Like long lost broth- ers they threw their arms around each other and tears streamed down their cheeks as they hugged each other.
That little picture, which I am not adequately able to describe, made a last- ing impression upon me. The one, a
544
The Improvement Era for July, 1932
man grown venerable with the ex- perience of many years of the finest type of service — scout, pioneer, rancher, bishop, patriarch — whose simple dignity and lofty idealism mark him as a man among men; the other tall, lithe, manly, self-re- specting, with a kindly smile and a penetrating eye, evidently highly respected among his own people.
l-JE was clad in the garb of his tribe, and had other distin- guishing characteristics also. Out there in the solitude of the desert where these two lives had run to- gether in the days of their youth, that salutation — that embrace — of these gray-haired veterans of two different races marked an epoch in my life, for I felt that I had wit- nessed something apart, something sacred; that I had stumbled on to a kind of holy ground.
Filled with curiosity at a sight which seemed so strange, I asked for an explanation from Kumen Jones.
With eyes glistening and lips quivering he replied: "Brother Jo- seph— red or white — God never made a finer man than that. That is Nattancy-yazzy."
Then from Kumen Jones I had the following story:
"In company with two other scouts, an interpreter and guide, we left Moencopy, which is about two miles south of what is now Tuba City, Arizona, May 10, 1879. Leaving civilization behind we took a northeasterly trail across the Navajo Reservation, heading for the San Juan River. Our main company of scouts were left at Moencopy."
QEOGRAPHICALLY the coun- try was low table land cut through with deep, rugged can- yons. It was wild and remote, and so far as civilization was concerned it was desolate and empty.
May of 1879, nearly fifty-four years ago, when President Brigham Young was aiming to plant a col- ony on the San Juan River as a protection to the out-lying settle- ments of south-eastern Utah against the hostile Navajo Indians, was a long while ago.
Many white men had lost their lives in the immediate neighbor- hood because of Indian antagonism and hostility. To travel under any circumstances was a risk, but for a lad of twenty years, alone and a stranger to every inch of the country would make it doubly hazardous.
yiSUALIZE if you will the weary miles of sand and cactus and nothing living but an occa- sional coyote or a bird of prey to break the monotony, and, behind every hill, the possibility of — hos- tile Indians.
'The second night out, "Mr. Jones continues, "I received my first lesson in the Navajo language.
"We camped near a Navajo hogan, and after supper three lit- tle girls, ranging from four to nine
Western Echoes
By John Sherman Walker THE WEST PRIMEVAL
A N eerie whisper as cruel deaths move ** In the desert,
As scorpion crawls — As Gila monster and rattler groove
Through the dry dirt —
A far wolf calls; A thundering flash and the sweeping lash
Of the late rains
On grama-grass The rumble of hooves and a dull horn clash
O'er the great plains
When bison pass. The scurry and pat of muffled feet
Out the forest — -
The rush of stream, An elfin ripple as speckled trout
Leaps the foam crest
'Neath gold moonbeam; The hollow echo of falling cone
Near the pine tree
The creak of limb — The mellow croon of an Indian tone
Coming carefree
From blue lake's rirn
CONQUEST
^7 HE straining grumble of ponderous ■* wheels
Sinking lowly
In virgin loam — Staccato ring of a steel axe-blade
Winning slowly
The pioneer's home; Tense, labored sweep of rider and horse
Racing westward
O'er gruelling trails Bearing determined from distant points
To the eastward
All precious mails ; Persistent rasp of the pick and spade
On the hard shales — -
Through stone ribbed soil Raw guttural hum of brawny men
Placing long rails
In ceaseless toil, Majestic mumble of monster craft
Stately rolling
In hissing pride Frontierward amid a sobbing moan
And a tolling
'Cross prairies wide; Hoarse cheer from trapper, bronzed lum- ber-jack
And the miner —
A plainsman's prayer; Terse mill-wheel's buzz and the soaring zoom
Of winged liner
Cleaving the air.
years of age came into camp. The cook gave each of the children a piece of flap-jack with a slice of bacon on it. They each ate their bread but still held the bacon, and when they noticed us talking about their not eating the bacon, the eld- est one held the meat up and gave a grunt like a pig.
"We wondered if they had brought that tradition down from their forefathers (the Hebrews) , from another continent."
"From our guide we learned how to speak the names of differ- ent items about the camp. It was apparently something new for the little Navajo girls to have the honor of being teachers to the white strangers. They were re- luctant to leave our camp.
"When the parents came after the children and noted the situation, they entered into the spirit of it, too. Out of this insignificant in- cident I received a lesson that has been of service to me in my ex- periences with all kinds of Indians. Take notice of and be kind to the children and parents will generally fall into line.
\X7"E pursued our journey until we came in sight of the San Juan River, about ten miles dis- tant, when it was decided that I should return the distance of one hundred fifty miles to Moencopy and start the company with the wagons on the trail.
"That day I made a full fifty mile ride through the Indian country. As I rode along I recalled what our venerable Indian Missionary and friend, Thales H. Haskel, told our folks at home in Iron County some years previously, that the best bet when traveling among Indians was to place your confidence in their friendship, and camp with them. So I decided to camp at the home of some Indians — entire strangers to me, and possibly unfriendly.
"When I drew up to their camp the man was not at home so I tied my horses up and awaited his re- turn. His wife said he would be home soon; that is she made signs to get this over to me.
"She went out and killed a big, fat lamb. She was careful to have her cooking utensils very clean and she washed her hands with as much circumspection as any cook would do, and I acknowledge here to an ungrateful trick, for which I have ever since been ashamed. It was just a finnkky, senseless notion
(Continued on page 551)
The Peace Pipe
and the
Book of Mormon
By
Pearl Spencer
&£££§§ia^$&&^
THERE is no Indian legend more interesting nor sig- nificant in view of Book of Mormon history than that of the origin of the peace pipe. The use of the peace pipe is a custom com- mon to almost every tribe, and its origin is recalled in the legend which is always told visitors to the famous pipestone quarries at Pipestone, Minnesota, and which is recalled so vividly in "Hia- watha." For there, the story goes, the Great Spirit descended in an- cient days, and there called the In- dian nations together.
There, standing on the preci- pice of red rock, with all the awed and silent tribes before him, he talked long to them. Then he broke off a piece of rock, from which he made a huge pipe. This he smoked over them, telling them that the pipe stone was red, even as his flesh and theirs — that it be- longed to them all and that it should be to them a symbol of Him and of peace with one an- other— that the war club and scalping knife should no more be used upon this holy ground.
V\/"ITH the last whiff of his pipe, his head disappeared into a cloud, and the whole surface of the rock for several miles was glazed; two great ovens were opened be- neath and two women (guardian spirits of the place) entered them and are there yet to answer the in- vocations of the medicine men who still come to this sacred place to consult them.
Now recall the story of Christ's appearance to the Nephites as re-
corded in the Third Book of Ne- phi. You remember how the mul- titude gathered before Him, sat at His feet, listened, and partook of bread and wine in memory of Him
Here is a bit of speculation which may or may not be in- teresting— according to the bent of the readers mind. People generally are prone to set too much store by evidence which seems to support a favored belief. However^ speculation is an interesting and not very dangerous pas- time so long as one recognizes it as speculation: — Ed.
and; His commandments. "And this' ye shall always observe to do." He said, "in remembrance of My body . . . and ye shall always have my Spirit to be with you . . . and blessed are you if ye have no dis- putations among you," and so on through those awe-inspiring words, until there came a cloud . . . and while they were overshadowed He ascended into heaven."
And the next day, the record tells, as the disciples were baptiz- ing, "they were encircled about as if it were by fire . . . and angels did come down out of heaven and did minister unto them."
TPHE process by which the first long and beautiful record has become condensed into the legend of the peace pipe surely follows ex- actly the process of dramatization and coloring which can be traced in every legend whose origin we know. Surprisingly accurate is the cloud which covered the Great Spirit's head; what more natural than that the ring of fire should become the phenomenon of the molten rock; the apostles, especial- ly the three who were not to taste of death, the guardian spirits who still guard the quarries and inspire; the bread and water changed through these thousand years, to the pipe, never more to the Indians than a sacred ceremonial of peace and brotherly love.
Surely, He whom the world has known as the Prince of Peace, left his message deeply impressed upon this continent, even though he spent but a few days upon it. And when we think of the wars which have torn the Christian nations, who have fought against each other in His name with His plainly writ- ten Word in one hand and a sword in the other, we feel that these La- manites, without records for a thousand years, have not illy crys- tallized His message in the beauti- ful old record of the peace pipe, nor even, so far as their knowledge has gone, been far behind us in the observance of its spirit. And cer- tainly they have carried down to us in sacred legend, one of our most striking, convincing corrobo- rations of their early, sacred his- tory, The Book of Mormon.
THE MAGIC HIGHWAY TO THE
(Silent (s) tty
By EDNA I. ASMUS
Illustrations by the Author
DO you remember when Alice, in the wonderland of her fascinating adven- tures, exclaimed earnestly to the Tiger-lily waving gracefully on the wind: "O Tiger-lily, I wish you could talk!" And the Tiger- lily replied: "We can talk when there's anybody worth talking to."
Well — if you are worth talking to, that is if you find "tongues in trees, books in the running brooks and sermons in stones," there is a 1 i 1 1 1 e-k n o w n wonderland of unique adventure awaiting you where stupendous canyons and vast chasms will tell you an age- less story of unimaginable beauty.
Older than time, this wonder- land of which I speak is America's newest vacationland. It lies in the southwestern corner of Utah, ex- tends down into the northwestern part of Arizona and includes the three national parks of Zion, Grand and Bryce Canyons, Cedar Breaks and the Kaibab National Forest.
P)UE to the peculiar Cyclopean
descent of this land from high plateaus of 11,000 feet elevation to 3,000 feet at the Virgin River, and the gentle ascent to the colos- sal arch of the Kaibab Plateau at nine thousand (9,000) feet, this far-flung frontier region with its Titanic terraces, palisaded plateaus, flaming canyons and richly sculp- tured amphitheatres cut from col- orful rock layers, affords a scenic spectacle unsurpassed.
Furthermore, this little-known land is just emerging from the pio- neer stage. It is not long since the Mormon forts along the road you travel repelled Indian attacks. It is not far to the fastnesses where cougars come forth to prey on the deer. The memory of "Butch" Cassidy, notorious bandit, robber, horse and cattle thief, who made his last stand against the law be- hind the ramparts of Red Canyon, is still fresh in the minds of the
The Roman Soldier of Red Canyon guarding the road to the Silent City, Utah.
natives. And on the edge of the plains and in many a secluded can- yon are the ruins of primitive dwellings overhung with mystery; while in the ageless Silent City itself, there are roads still to be built, trails still to be broken.
Here, from June first to Octo- ber first, is to be seen a vast myste- rious land of purple sage and em- purpled distances, of fantastic rocks vivid with color, of sun-magic and the wizardry of wind and water.
Now there are two ways of reaching Cedar City, Utah, the Gateway to this vacationland. One is by train, via the Union Pacific: the other is by motor. Once hav- ing reached Cedar City, however, there is only one way to the Parks, and that is over the magic high- way by motor.
WHY do I call it the "magic
highway?" Because it not
only leads you to a world of
unique grandeur, but because in
itself it is a remarkable example of superb road building under the most difficult conditions.
To take the train as we did seems on the whole the ideal ar- rangement. For from the moment you leave the home town, you are traveling under escort, and all ar- rangements for the complete tour of the Parks- — a motor trip of al- most 500 miles — including all res- ervations, meals, tickets, baggage, etc., are handled expertly by the tour's escort. All you need attend to is your own pleasure!
Arrived at Cedar City by train, you are assigned a seat in one of the comfortable, smooth-riding giant motor buses and introduced to your "gear-jammer" (Chauf- feur) with whom you ride throughout the entire tour unless you choose, as we did, to tarry longer at one or more of the Parks. And let me add right here that for expert driving on roads that de- mand the utmost skill and mental alertness, for refinement, intelli- gence and charm, I have never met the equal of the "gear-jammers" in the Southern Utah Parks!
The accommodations throughout the Parks are excellent. Zion Lodge is 65 miles from Cedar City, the nearest railway station. Bryce Canyon Lodge is more than 86 miles, and Grand Canyon Lodge at the north rim of the Grand Can- yon is 185 miles from Cedar City. Yet in this virgin wilderness the food and lodging are what you'd have a right to expect only at home!
Another outstanding feature at the Lodges is the lectures given nightly by government naturalists, and scientists. Your understanding and appreciation of this country is augmented greatly by these talks on its geologic and natural history.
t^OR variety of scenery and the cumulative effect of its magni- ficence, I know of no other region of similar extent equal to this par-
The Improvement Era for July, 1932
547
The Great White Throne from the Temple of Sinawava.
ticular section of the southwest. From the moment you leave ver- million-hued Cedar City for Zion on the first lap of the 500-mile tour, you are attracted by the ever- changing and increasingly awe-in- spiring landscape.
Red wastes . . . vast stretches of purple sage . . . pine-clad slopes . . . black undulating stretches of lichened lava flows overgrown with prickly pears, pin-cushion cacti, yucca and torchweed . . . sub- tropical regions lush with green and growing things . . . picturesque communities shaded by whisper- ing poplars . . . blue distances evolving into an endless array of marching mountains, tawny, red, rose and gray . . . and finally, that tremendous tinted temple of stone, West Temple of the Virgin, rising before you at the Gates of Zion!
As for Zion itself — I can only suggest the spectacle that awaits you. For it is not only its forma- tion— deep and narrow with walls 4,000 feet high, but its color — many shades of rich red and the white of alabaster streaming from its dizzy heights to its floor of vivid green interlaced with the sil- ver of the stream, that makes it so magnificent a sight. And deep in the canyon, Zion Lodge sprawls against a warm east wall like a great sleepy cat.
XTOT too many days can be spent here, swimming in the outdoor pool, climbing Lady Mountain, riding along the rim on horseback and exploring the Tem- ple of Sinawava and the Narrows particularly remarkable for its ■ vegetation which varies from the sub-tropical to that of north tem- perate climes.
The trip from Zion to Grand
Bryce Canyon, Utah.
Canyon is a still greater adventure. After leaving the floor of Zion Canyon, the new Mt. Carmel Highway, one of the most spec- tacular engineering feats ever un- dertaken, loops and zigzags up Pine Canyon until it reaches the first great cliff of Zion, 1,200 feet high. There it enters a tunnel more than a mile long, within and paralleling the face of the preci- pice. Six great windows are cut from the tunnel walls, disclosing vistas of tremendous majesty.
Out again in -the sunshine . . . new aspects of the temples of Zion . . . the almost ethereal beauty of the Vermilion Cliffs stretching across the distances . . . the Pris- matic Plains, alive with dusty dancers gyrating among the brush . . . the immense blue arch of the Kaibab Plateau ... up and up, a world of rainbow color ... up and up, a world of illimitable cool, green shade.
In the Kaibab Forest, the largest yellow pine forest in the world, you see large-eyed deer peering at you from a covert of trees, sudden flashes of white as white-tailed squirrels scurry deeper into the for- est at the sound of the motor, and sylvan meadows, green-swarded treeless open spaces bordered by silver-boled quivering aspens.
And almost without warning you reach Grand Canyon Lodge, cunningly built on the very brink of the north rim of the Grand Canyon, 6,000 feet above the mighty Colorado River.
THE Grand Canyon! "The Di- vine Abyss." John Burroughs railed it. adding: "It seems as much of heaven as of earth ... it is more like a vision, so foreign is it to all other terrestrial spectacles,
The Watching Gods
and so surpassingly beautiful." It presents a wildness so cosmic and primeval that the human "mind staggers under the impact!
To stay there forever! That's what you'll want to do. But you won't, for you have heard that there is something even more ex- ceptional awaiting you. So you'll ride back through the fragrant Kaibab . . . through the Vermilion Cliffs . . . across dunes of pink sand down to the canyon of Parunu- weap . . . along the Sevier River into Red Canyon with its rich red turrets and towers . . . out upon the level surfaces of a plateau to Bryce Canyon Lodge.
A walk of about 200 yards from the Lodge will take you to the rim of Bryce Canyon. And there — rising from 1,000 feet be- low, stands the Silent City, the most astonishing blend of ex- quisite beauty and grotesque grandeur ever produced by the forces of erosion. It resembles many things — a playground for the fairies. But perhaps its best likeness is to the city of Babylon or Persepolis still standing in silent glory. The prevailing colors of this iridescent basin crowded with "frozen life" are pink, coral, red, orange, yellow, white and purple with hundreds of subtle intermedi- ate hues and tints.
Without taxing the imagina- tion, you can see all sorts of build- ings— castles, cathedrals, towers, bridges; all sorts of people — gi- ants, gnomes, priests, soldiers, queens and common folk. Even the animal kingdom is well repre- sented!
nPHE Silent City (Bryce Can- yon ) is perhaps the most gorge - (Continued on page 551)
"/ made a beeline for Trinity Church, which towers above the far-famed Avon."
cy? J\ainy Ua]
in , ,
Shakespeare'slown
LULLED to repose by the music of the sweetly flow- ing river, Stratford-on- Avon dozes through the summer days, apparently conscious of the distinction that has come to it through the name of Shakespeare and quite indifferent as to whether it wins additional fame or not. For it the name of Shakespeare is sufficient. Here he first saw the light of day; here he grew to man- hood; from here he went forth to win renown; to this quiet spot he returned when he had gained distinction in the busiest capital of the world.
It was on a rainy morning that
By
George F. Paul
Who wouldn't brave the rain to spend a day on the spot made forever memorable by William Shakespeare? Mr. Paul talks lightly y yet sympa- thetically of his visit.
I made the trip out from London to Stratford town. I shared a crowded compartment on the train with a hungry boy. He should have checked his appetite or paid an extra fare for it. He worked for three-quarters of an hour consum- ing his lunch, which entered a yawning aperture like the Mam- moth Cave.
The train dumped me out in a lively rain, which sprinkled me as I executed a lively minuet from one souvenir stand to the other. Worst of all, I had no umbrella with me, and here I was in Strat- ford town with half a dozen moves to make on the sight-seeing
The Improvement Era for July, 1932
549
map and with the rain, the wet rain, trickling its friendly English way down my American back.
Then, too, the mud puddles grew very friendly, and insisted on throwing muddy souvenirs up- on me. In such a dribbling state did I reach Shakespeare's birth- place that I halted several seconds on the very threshold to wring out the water from my dripping self. I also waited several additional seconds because the door would not open at the sound of the clapper, but needs must be attended to by a blowsy Briton. The door creaked, the Briton bowed, and in I walked.
"^"O sooner had I entered than at the suggestion of the custodian I seated my- self in the ingle nook, no doubt where the great poet himself sat many a time three hundred years ago and gazed at fantastic pictures among the crackling logs. I must confess, however, that I felt no poetic sensations. No sweet music lulled my senses; no weird figures stirred my fancies; yet if a cup of steam- ing chocolate had been hand- ed me in that ingle nook, what a feeling of content- ment would surely have crept over me!
Other pilgrims were wait- ing to sit in the same spot that had now held Shake- speare and myself; so I arose and mounted the stairs to look upon the room wherein
armed, he was ready at a moment's notice to engrave his name and go staring down the ages with C. Fickens, W. Scott, G. G. Byron and other notables. Usually the visitor tries to place his autograph in some convenient spot where, in case of fire, it could be rescued at the first alarm. As soon as the fire broke out, all that the firemen would have to do to preserve these autographs would be to take out the window sashes, saw out the
the bard was born, thorne, in "T h e House of the Seven Gables," speaks of a room that had wit- nessed both births and deaths. Such a room is this, for within its walls Shakespeare's broth- ers and sisters were born, and here it was that his father and mother died.
In former days no visitors' book was provided, so whoever wanted to leave his name had to come equipped with a diamond, a can opener or a ten- penny nail. Thus
Shakespeare's Monument
-Jaw- "Withal it is a fine garden, for here can be
gathered all the flowers that Ophelia names.,,
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timbered ceilings, remove the plas- ter by the square foot, take down the bricks of the fireplace one by one, remove the door from its hinges, rip up the flooring, and thus in the twinkling of several eyes this great autograph album would be preserved intact.
A S a matter of fact, several hun- dred autographs were destroy- ed in 1820 when Mary Hornby, who then occupied the house, was ordered to leave it. She had no desire whatsoever to go; but when she found that it would be absolutely neces- sary for her to do so, she de- cided to leave in characteristic fashion. She took away all the furniture and relics said to be connected with the Shakespeare family; and then in a great haste she white- washed the walls of the cot- tage, obliterating hundreds of autographs. Only part of the room in which Shake- speare was born escaped this act of resentment.
On ascending the back stairs I passed out into the trim little garden behind the house where useful and pret- ty things grow. Withal it is a fine garden, for here can be gathered all of the flowers that Ophelia names. There's rosemary, that's for remem- brance; and there is pansies, that's for thoughts; there's fennel for you, and colum- bines; there's rue for you; there's a daisy; I would give you some violets, but they withered all when my father died."
All in all, this home of Shake- speare's is a typical o 1 d English place where, if it were not for the steady stream of visitors from many lands, life would glide along quietly to the hum of the kettle and the ticking of the clock.
The Red Horse Inn! Here in olden times many a prince o f Warwickshire was lodged. Here the great Garrick was sheltered when he came to Strat-
550
The Improvement Era for July, 1932
ford to direct the Shakespeare ju- bilee. Finally Washington Irving came and sat in a straight-backed chair and shivered in a very shivery room and nearly wore all the nickel plate off a poker stirring up the coals to keep himself warm. However, that did not turn his head against Shakespeare and his native village, for he wrote of this spot so charmingly that thousands have made the pilgrimage out to Warwickshire simply on his strong recommendation.
A FTER leaving the Red Horse Inn, I darted through the rain to a stationer's shop where I bought the whole town of Strat- ford for an English penny and shipped it post-haste to America. Then I fared forth and stood op- posite the famous Harvard House. This is a quaint old structure that has grown so attached to the spot that it hasn't left it for over three hundred years. Here was born the mother of John Harvard, founder of Harvard University. One of the most conspicuous features of the house is the immense number of tiny windows with which its face is peppered. There must be fully 499 of them; and if there is any doubt about the matter, I shall even add another at my own expense and call it 500.
Next I made a beeline for Trini- ty Church, which towers above the far-famed Avon. Just then the spattering raindrops were ring- ing its glossy surface with a thou- sand circles. The church is ap- proached by a long walk overhung with towering lime trees. Through these the fattest of the raindrops came rattling down on me.
Solution of Cross Word
Puzzle which appeared
in the June Issue
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Note: No. 3 reading down seems to be a mistake.
The most important functionary at the church was a vigilant woman of three score years with her eye on the alert for stray specks of dirt that might have tarried for a mo- ment on the pews. What with her eternal dust cloth and patent mop, she hurls defiance at the tooth of Time. In fact, I feel that if Father Time began nibbling too hard with his one tooth, this wrinkled factotum would rub soap suds into his mouth until he would be tickled to escape. It is very nice, however, to have this little old lady cleaning and dusting in the church, for there are so many dead people here that you cannot feel interest in anything modern whatever.. Among these is Dr. John Hall, whose story is told in these words:
"Here lyeth ye body of John Hall, gent. He marr. Susanne ye daughter 8 coheir of Will Shakespeare. Hee decessed Nover 25 Ao 1635, aged 60."
C\N Shakespeare's grave are in- scribed four lines that have been more effective in preserving his bones than a keg of gunpowder could have been. The fear of the evil eye, of the hoodoo and of dead men's bones has ever been powerful the world over, and so the poet's remains lie here undis- turbed— safe in the protection that twenty-eight simple words impart:
"Good friend for Jesus sake forbeare To digg the dust encloased heare; Blese be ye man that spares thes stones And cusst be he yt moves my bones."
Surely such a spot as this, hal- lowed by the associations of his early manhood, is a more fitting burial place than if his body had been conveyed to Westminster Ab- bey. There it would in a large measure have partaken of the cease- less turmoil round about it, but here in this secluded church the repose is peaceful and tranquil. Life glides along here gently from day to day, smooth and placid as the Avon drifting on its course. The golden glow of eventide flood- ing in through the lofty windows is mellowed and softened and, as it were, hushed within these old familiar walls.
And so it was that summer's day, for after the darkening rain clouds were swept aside, a thou- sand panes burst forth into living light, fit emblem of that immor- tality that encircles the name of Shakespeare.
-*\<tfoHi&iOl*-
Of the Very Best Material
/^OPY of explanations accompany-
ing the draft of a wagon sent to
Mr. Peter Shu tier of Chicago (1859) :
Diameter of Hind Wheel — 4 ft., 4 in.
Diameter of Fore Wheel — -3 ft., 7 in.
Diameter of Hub — 10 inches. Depth of Felley — 2y2 inches.
Length of hind hounds from axle- tree to extreme point — 4 ft., 2 in. Track — 5 feet.
Pipe Boxes — neatly turned out. Medium size wagon with 1 7/8
Submitted by Ben. R. Eldredge
inch arm if you have it; if not, let it be 2 inches in diameter at the shoulder.
Every Felley bolted on.
Let the tongs and coupling poles be of the very best timber.
As to the shape of the hounds, consult your own taste and note the drawing. In every other respect let the wagons be the same as the last you made me.
Every portion of the wagons to be of the very best timber and the very best seasoned.
Extracts from letter to Mr. Shutler.
"We shall want some of the other
size wagons and where you usually put 2 inch arms put 2%. inch. Mr. Eldredge will dictate in regard to these
matters."
"Mr. Kesler will probably visit your shop with Mr. Eldredge. He is a good judge of timber, and I should like to have him suited in regard to the tim- ber."
(Signed) Brigham Young.
Mr. Horace Eldredge at one time was instructed to buy for the church 2,000 oxen and 400 wagons, accord- ing to his son, Ben. R. Eldredge.
The Improvement Era for July, 1932
551
$ The Love Blossom -
as the man fumbled in his sleeve.
She shook her head and pointed to her teeth and brows.
Lance remembered then that a bride goes to the altar with shaven brows and blackened teeth.
1HE Japanese cleared his throat fiercely. "But you've drunk with her from the wedding flasks," he declared, his accent astonishingly good. "Now what?"
The soft beauty of her made Lance's head whirl but he couldn't banish the lotus-white face of Anne from his memory. The scent of the Spell-binder blossoms seemed to fill the temple and chain him to the memory of the girl he'd never find.
"Hurry, the lake is getting dan- gerous and you have to play to- night, you know." The Japanese
tied on his clogs at the entrance and ran down the steep path.
"Have I injured you by drink- ing the bridal sake with you? You see, there's a girl called Anne and I must find her."
The air of the temple or the smile of the Goddess must have tangled his wits for Lance was not in the habit of telling his secrets so casually — he reddened and blamed the temple sake.
She picked up her lacquered sandals and fastened them and then looked up frankly. A dim lantern outside showed him that her eyes were not black but deeply blue and then he saw a string of beads swing out above the sami- sen.
"Anne, for Pete's sake step on it. Do you want to have to buy that fool outfit from Osuki? The
Continued from page 533
rent of it for a day is outrageous and if it gets wet . . . make it snappy."
Wi
■«Xfi§%§*>0»
"•>
^Navajo and Pioneer Friends
ITH the shouted words came again the fragrance of the flowers from China and Lance touched one of the wax beads and put it to his nose.
She nodded and flushed. "Yes. They are living in wax just now, I — well, I just wanted to keep them in memory of — old Yin- Ying in Kiangsu . . ." she whis- pered.
"Remember her prophecy? 'Love is born in her heart and that love remains — ' "
"In his heart," she corrected, blushing for his arms were about her gorgeous sash now.
"In our hearts," he amended.
Continued from page 544
against eating after an Indian's cooking. I made her understand that I had eaten a short time be- fore. (I suppose that is what would be called an innocent, white lie, but never again.) Then the man came and had my ponies taken away, and asked by signs when I wanted them brought back. I told him, also by signs, that I wished to get off early the next morning.
"Even though the reception was apparently friendly, I still had serious doubts as I saw my horses go out of sight over the ridge. I wondered if I should ever see them again. When the family were sound asleep and everything was quiet, I decided to try to find the horses and make sure they had not been stolen, so I crept silently out of bed and stealthily made my way
by following the tracks of the ani- mals until I found them in the most perfect pasture I had seen. I returned quietly to my bed much relieved. At daybreak my ponies were brought and tied to the tree from which they were taken the night before. They were fresh and ready for another fifty miles.
"\X^HEN our caravan returned to his vicinity, we met my In- dian host and further headway in our friendship was made. For years our meetings continued until our friendship ripened into a sa- cred love, which was nurtured by an honored Indian custom of ex- changing gifts. Sometimes on his part it consisted of a choice leg of mutton, sometimes a leg of young venison, again some handiwork of
-oc^^^x*-
-<*
$The Magic Highway to the Silent City
silver, a fancy rug, etc., made by his wife or others of their people. The seventy-five miles which sep- arated our homes was no great bar- rier to our meeting except when the weather was very bad.
COMETIMES I wonder if this spirit of exchanging gifts will not carry over into that permanent home along with the gospel and all other beautiful things that are "praise- worthy and of good re- port," as a sort of physical me- dium to cement spiritual friend- ships. What, on this earth, is more to be desired than friends whose hearts are pure and true, and who do not waver through good or evil report? As such an one I regard that old descendant of Le- hi — Nattancy-yazzy."
Continued from
page 547
ous spectacle in the world. So tarry there as long as possible. Follow its many trails (some of which are still to be completed) on foot and horseback around the rim and down into the canyon. But never wander alone off the beaten trail down in the canyon, as I did, and discover yourself lost in the most bewildering labyrinth that ever baffled human ingenuity!
But when you must leave the Silent City — and what joy is not evanescent? — there is no more feli- citous way than over the climbing, dipping highway by way of Cedar Breaks which in vastness and wild grandeur is the greatest of Utah's painted amphitheatres.
This cursory birdseye-view of a country about which thousands of words could be written, is in its
brevity little more than a sign post at the crossroads. But if it guides your restless spirit over the magic highway to the Silent City it will have served its purpose well.
Then, later, in the afterglow of memory you will recall, as I do now, the words of Whittier:
"Touched by a light that hath no name,
A glory never sung, Aloft on sky and mountain wall,
Are God's great pictures hung."
552
The Improvement Era for July, 1932
^Broadcastings from the M. L A. Annual Conference-
were held on the afternoon of June 11, 1932, as a part of the June con- ference of the M. I. A., the dancing contest having taken place the day be- fore at Saltair. Intense interest was evident throughout, and the events proved to be a delightful culmination of the season's work.
In the contest in dancing, North- western States Mission took first place, Nellie Baker and William Powell of Portland, Oregon, being their repre- sentatives. Judges were Miranda Mat- son, Fred Jackson and Nell Anderson.
The drama contest was held at the Playhouse, winners being Bountiful First Ward, South Davis Stake. Judges were Leora Thatcher, Wallace Goates and Mrs. Grace Nixon Stewart.
In M Men public speaking, Elwin Garfield of Tremonton, Bear River Stake, was given first place. In Glean- er public speaking, Doris Dalby of Salt Lake Stake won. Judges for both events were Dr. Adam S. Ben- nion, Judge Oscar McConkie, and Mrs. T. Earl Pardoe.
The Retold Story winners were: William Mulder, Salt Lake Stake (Vanguard), and Lila Kainz, Holly- wood Stake (Junior Girl) . Judges were Harrison R. Merrill, Margaret Caldwell and Mrs. Claire Stewart Boyer.
In the Vanball contest, Ephraim North Ward of North Sanpete Stake, placed first, with Emigration Ward,
*>—
— »1C^g£s*X>1»-
-<•
^The Echo Canyon War
Continued from page 529
Liberty Stake, second. Consolation awards went to Kaysville Ward, North Davis Stake, first and Bear River Stake second.
In Archery, Elliott Airmet of En- sign Ward, Ensign Stake, took first place. In the contest for Vanguard leaders, Gilbert Moss of Liberty Stake, won. Ensign Ward, Ensign Stake, placed first in the Archery team con- test. In the clout shoot, Phillip Thompson of Bountiful Second Ward, South Davis Stake, placed first. In the flight contest, Wilson White, of Cottonwood Ward, Cottonwood Stake, was first place winner. The shooting of the first arrow in the contest by President Ivins, lent a note of intense interest.
Continued from page 530
Such waves of sound as fairies can Alone send forth. Then through the dale,
Back came the echo — "Hail, all hail!" Waved now the queen her magic wand
And lily field became a band Of list'ning sprites on blades of grass —
"My gentle Friends, we must not pass The purpose of our gathering here:
Behold, the streamlets cool and clear, How from great heights of purest snow
They trickle down to vales below; These we must hold for our own sakes,
And turn them into glist'ning lakes.
So 'twas agreed, and seven dells
By dint of work and fairy spells With falling dew and feath'ry flakes
Became blue, shimmering, limped lakes, In which the quaking-asps and pines
Are mirrored with the rough-hewn lines Of crag and peak and rose-hued cloud;
While moon and stars so calm and proud, View from their lofty dwelling place
Their own majestic, mystic grace.
Years flew apace and beaut'ous glen
Became a fav'rite haunt of men, And thither-ward went Brigham Young
Of whom the fairies once had sung — Went with his people to rejoice
And give their grateful feelings voice, For flocks and herds and valleys fair,
For rest and peace — O Saints beware!
Their tents were pitched, the feast was spread,
The Stars and Stripes waved over-head; The July sun sent down its ray
And merriment tripped through the day, While cupid's bow was slyly bent
And many a glance of love was sent "Twixt noble youth and blushing maid,
As hand in hand they walked the glade.
A word, a thrill, and Brigham Young
To his keen eye the glasses flung, And lo, four men dashed o'er the plain
On flying steeds. With might and main They urged them through the canyon wild
To tell the news. Serene and mild Their leader stood, then spoke the word
Which every heart with anguish stirred. "Break camp," he said, "with morning's ray,
Back to our homes we must away; An army from United States
Is on the way, our fair estates To confiscate, and drive us hence.
This, Dear Friends, our recompense, For teaching love for all mankind,
And leaving homes and wealth behind For those who, ruthless, drove us forth
Caring for neither cold nor dearth, To plod the deserts wild and lone,
Which beast and savage called their own ; Where many fell in their last sleep,
Where wint'ry blasts their vigils keep. For God and conscience sake we came — And liberty. In His great name You shall be free.
"Now to your beds, in His kind care Let peace and trust displace despair."
Adown the canyon's winding trail, O'er sloping hills and fertile vale
They made their way, each tongue sub- dued, Each heart upraised in gratitude
To Israel's God whose gracious Beam
Had guided them o'er brake and stream, When through a wild, mountainous land
They came an exiled, pilgrim band And, whom they knew would guard them now. Though armies might their homes o'er- throw.
The army camped at Fort Winfield;
With false reports and hatred zealed And sickened with their toilsome way
Were ripe and eager for the fray; They fain would meet and measure steel
With Mormon horde and make them feel The weight of their superior arms.
Meanwhile they jested of the charms Of mountain maid — her pretty wiles
Would cheer them for their weary miles ; And well-stored homes of wholesome food
Were easy prey fore-casting good Where soldiers of the U. S. A.
Should hoist their flag supreme and gay.
Swift messengers from side to side
Traversed the canyon horse astride The Governor of Deseret
Was notified and duly met An army captain cool and shrewd,
In most respectful attitude Before the chief who on him threw
A glance at once so firm and true, The gallant Captain was disarmed
* *
or was he
i/Pls^pt
6 MEDLEY
Of threatened fear * charmed With dignity of speech and poise
Of him whom perfidy had noised Was in rebellion 'gainst the States?
However, history relates — The soldier came to purchase stores,
Commissioned by superiors, Who weighty documents had sent
Charging a deed of great moment. By some mistake the Nation's Chief
Executive, whose wisdom brief Allowed him to absorb the tale,
With which the army doth regale Itself betimes, and men and staff
Are quite content to chew the chaff — How certain records had been burned
And "Mr. Young, you must have learned; Your Governor is on the way,
Must be installed without delay.
The Improvement Era for July, 1932
553
not
?ov-
Our soldiers too must enter here — "
"Come they in peace? The tale's clear; Why send an army to install
A governor? Within the law I'm ernor of Deseret Am sworn to honor and protect My people 'thout regard to creed,
There's something back, there is no need Of arm-ed troops or adder's tongue
To do the right." Said Brigham Young: "We've been maligned; some rascals low
Have plotted for our overthrow; The canyon bleak and wild and riven
Shall hold you back till word is given, That we our course may justify,
The word that brot you was a lie. Your army, sir, will be delayed
Till explanations have been made, Until we hear from Washington —
My men may be depended on; They hold the key to yon vast gate
Until they're ready you can wait."
"Governor Young, do you not know,
If our great nation orders so You must eventually submit?
Though brave your men you cannot pit Their strength against United States,"
The captain said. "Though all the fates Were with you for a lengthened time — "
"We want no fight," in tones sublime The chief averred, "but if we must
In His strong arm we'll put our trust; Our wives and daughters we'll defend
And fight you to the bitter end; Come you with sword or gun or rod,
You cannot measure arms with God. But God forbid that we should shed
One drop of blood or bow one head, Save it should be in self-defense.
But bear you this intelligence — We will not furnish you supplies
For man nor beast, and I advise That you construct a winter fort,
And settle down to peaceful sport And keep your men from wandering
The while you wait for tardy Spring." "Sir," said the soldier, "I believe
You true, and fain would I relieve You from the threatened cloud — "
Grasping his hand: "I'm more than proud To find such candor such resolve.
I go this mischief to dissolve, Allow the troops to march this way
And peace shall glint their banners gay."
"Kind sir," said Young, "you do not know
The treachery that lurks below The surface of a seeming truce,
E'en General Johnston can't induce Me or my men to let them through
Until we prove them frank and true ; I've heard such promises before,
And seen them broken o'er and o'er. Go, tell your General, Officer,
The constitution we revere He'll find the records 'thout a flaw.
My people honoring the law And fearing God. If he shall say:
That to these vales he'll fight his way, Tell him from me ; though deserts bloom
In God's great world there still is room, Which we will find, begin again,
This order. Sir, you can't restrain.
"We've made new homes, been driven forth
As vagabonds unfit for earth; And in the Name of Israel's God,
By these broad vales our feet have trod, Made sacred by our prayers and tears —
Where we've had rest a few short years. Should he succeed his point to gain,
He shall not find nor grass nor grain Nor tree nor shrub; we'll sweep with fire
Our own dear homes; then he may hire, Good Sir, the tardy elements
To feed his horses, fill his tents With wholesome food and choice supplies,
On barren valleys feast his eyes;" Then from his lips so firm there ran :
"We're all united to a man."
The Indian Summer with its glow
Of gorgeous sun and brilliant show Of scarlet bands and tufts of gold,
Had paled before the storm-king bold. Who robed the earth with snow and ice
And held the streams as with a vice, Making it hard for man and beast,
Who had not shared in harvest feast Frozen and starved the cattle died,
For still the army must abide Far from their contemplated goal,
Though one had said — peace to his soul — "That Mormon valor he would quell
And winter there or else in hell;" But Mormon valor stood the test.
And guarded well the sacred nest.
But men must arm and women work,
Each to his task not one must shirk ; The children must be clothed and fed,
The soldier husbands who had sped Into the canyon's rugged hold
Must be protected from the cold; You wives must sew and weave and spin
And fashion garments — coats of skin, Or carpets from your looms will do
As well as gilded coats of blue; Though garbed in rags or what you will,
A soldier is a soldier still.
Prepared for war, prepared for peace, Praying that enmity might cease,
That peaceful messengers might bring Good news with the first gleam of Spring.
And so it was, the bubble burst;
Buchanan's blunder from the first . Had been the butt aad scoff of men
On land and sea, by word and pen — They censured him; the soldiers too
Who'd had to scrimp and shiver through An arduous Winter 'thout reward
Of e'en a battle with the guard. Who'd watched the canyon night and day,
Would fain have made of him their prey.
,^> '<*
Cee/?7 a***'
The bloodless war was at an end,
For lo, there came a stalwart friend, A mediator 'twixt the two,
The suffering army and the few Brave citizens of Deseret —
The situation must be met; The President had pardon sent
To men who never yet had bent The bands of justice or of right,
Their only crime to stand in might For righteousness and liberty,
That 'neath the flag men might be free.
Ex-Governor Young assenting to
The overtures; 'thout more ado Governor Cumming was installed,
The army still by mountains walled. Must needs remain without the vale.
Said Brigham Young: "I'll not entail The smallest risk! No army shall
Encamp within the city wall ; The followers that motley gang.
Who drag along with smirching slang. Like carrion feeding on their prey,
Shall not pollute our streets one day ; Or if they do as we have said
They'll find the hills and valleys red With flame and smoke." The Governor
Made promises * * * stood sponsor for The soldiers if they might pass through
The city — e'en the motley crew, Should keep the peace and far away
Should make their camp. Then came the day When cavalry with flags unfurled,
Pranced down the canyon to the world They'd hoped and waited long to see.
And line on line of infantry, Their blankets rolled upon their backs.
Their bright canteens and haversacks. With bayonets pointing to the sky,
To martial music hurried by, For mile on mile they needs must tramp
Beyond the city to their camp.
The dreary streets stretch wide and long.
With not a child, a maid or song, After their long and weary wait
To waft a greeting o'er the gate, The brooklets only through the grass
Are laughing at them as they pass.
How lone and still! How desolate.
What evil this, what dismal fate Has fallen on this once glad town?
Where are its people, whither flown
The life, the spirit of the vale?
Ah, yonder cottage tells the tale; Look thou within the shining pane
And pitying tears thou'lt not restrain. True to his word was Brigham Young,
His people hearkened to his tongue: "Once more, O Israel, to your tents,
Go seek the Southern settlements, Until we're sure there is no snare
To trip our feet; have you a care? Our trusted soldiers — two or three —
Shall here remain; should treachery Lift but one finger, every latch
Will yield to them. The flaming match Will do the rest * * * Nay, do not weep!
The sacrifice you make shall leap Up on the ember's scarlet glow
Unto high Heaven; your homes laid low Shall witness to your faithfulness.
Fresh courage take, should this distress, This darkling cloud be turned aside
And men and officers abide In friendliness within our gates
We shall return your fair estates, Made fairer by the passing cloud,
Shall cheer with joy the heart's now bowed, And Israel's God shall with us be,
And crown our lives with victory!"
Herein is a bit of unre- corded history of a tragedy — or was it a tragedy — which occurred many years ago. The incident is told by
Karl E. Young
who for yearsy has been studying Indian customs^ costumes and stories.
Frontier Burial
SOMETIME in the early his- tory of Utah a strange death overtook two men in the mouth of American Fork Can- yon. The evidence of the trag- edy, which has only recently been revealed, was contained in two shallow graves which were found just before snowfall last Novem- ber by Jack Healy, a prospector.
Mr. Healy was picking his way across a steep hillside when his curiosity was aroused by two queer-looking mounds which, as he tells us, "seemed mighty super- stitious," out in the middle of a smooth shale slope. He struck his pick into one of the mounds and lodged it, to his amazement, in a human skull. Working rapidly, he soon removed a covering of about ten inches of shale and rocks and laid bare two human skele- tons, each reposing on a litter of decayed oak boughs and leaves.
'TpHE dead men had evidently
been buried with all of their
possessions, for the remains of four
old muzzle-loading rifles lay in the hollows of their arms, and knives and powder-cans, as well as pouches containing moulded bul- lets were found along with many other less important articles which had been placed beside the bodies. But Healy's eye suddenly fell up- on a much-battered cold-chisel. Its effect upon his imagination was in- stantaneous and complete. Such a tool, he thought, could be used only for prospecting; hence these men must have been prospectors. Furthermore, since so many other possessions had been buried beside them, no doubt their 'findings,' must also be in the graves. With a true prospector's excess of zeal, Mr. Healy immediately began to clean out the graves in his search for treasure. Bones, guns, beads, bracelets, tattered clothing, hair, harness, and everything else he came to were thrown indiscrim- inately among the rocks around- about. And, having arrived at the
1. Moulded bullets and pouch.
2. Metal powder cans.
3. Bullet mould.
4. Silver rifle-mountings.
5. Knife blades.
6. Cold chisel.
7. Bundle of mysterious sticks.
8. Copper bracelets.
bottom of the graves without find- ing the expected sacks of gold, the excited man continued to excavate, pitching rocks and refuse out on the wreckage below him.
It was in this deplorable con- dition that Dr. George Hansen, of the B. Y. U. Geology Department, found the evidence when, after be- ing notified of the discovery, he took a small group of men to American Fork with him to in- vestigate. Since a systematic ex- cavation had been rendered impos- sible, he and his men gathered up everything that could be found and took notes on what Mr. Healy said concerning the positions of the skeletons and all other objects as
The Improvement Era for July, 1932
555
they lay in the graves when first discovered. The skeletons were then laid out and pieced together and an attempt was made to re- construct the evidence as nearly as possible.
HPHE first assumption was that the men were Indians, for In- dians are accustomed to burying a dead man's possessions with him so that he may have no difficulties on his journey to the Happy Hunting Grounds. This assumption was supported by a number of signifi- cant details: first, the finding of several bits of straight black hair which, when examined under the microscope, looked very coarse and heavy in comparison with white man's hair; then, numerous frag- ments of eagle feathers and scraps of otter fur — both very character- istic articles of Indian adornment; third, a double handful of colored china beads and two copper brace- lets such as the traders sold to In- dians; fourth, a bundle of short sticks crudely sharpened at one end, but skinned and whittled smooth, and tied together with a strip of cloth very much like an old hat band. (These sticks were too short to have been made into arrows. Perhaps they were part of a "medi- cine bundle.") Finally, there were patches of fringed buckskin with tiny blue beads still hanging from shreds of sinew thread.
Opposed to this array of facts was a long, if not quite so con- vincing, list of reasons for suppos- ing that the men were whites. First of all, their equipment was much more complete than was usually the case with Indians. Besides the four long-barrelled, silver-mounted rifles, powder-cans, bullet pouches, and knives already mentioned there were found in the graves two powder horns, a bullet-mould, two sets of stirrups (but, singularly enough, no trace of leathers or saddle-trees to go with them) , two bridle bits, several buckles and hooks which must have come from pack saddles, a bell such as is at- tached to a horse at night, two spoons, the cold-chisel, a factory- made clay pipe, and — most im- portant— several fragments of vari- ous kinds of cloth (homespun, whipcord, calico print and silk) which, along with glass buttons and brass coat buttons, had com- prised important articles of apparel. Much of the equipment looked like government issue. Of course, the fringed buckskin, furs, feathers and
even beads and bracelets might be explained away by citing instances from Parkman's "Oregon Trail" or other authentic books in which white frontiersmen dressed and lived very much like Indians.
/^\NE more argument could be recruited in support of the theory that the men were whites: the enamel had been badly worn off of the grinding surfaces of the teeth in one skull. Such a condi- tion is common among tobacco- chewers, and tobacco-chewing is a white man's habit. Nevertheless, when the evidence was weighed the conclusions arrived at were that the skeletons were those of Indians, and furthermore, that they must have been buried by friends, be- cause enemies would, without a doubt, have left their bodies to the coyotes and carried off their guns and other valuables.
And yet, though buried by friends it is quite certain that these men had suffered a violent death, for the top of one skull had been caved in while it was green and had dried in this shape, indicating that this person had been killed by a blow from a heavy, blunt instru- ment,— perhaps a war club or the butt of a gun. Just how the sec- ond man died it was impossible to ascertain, although several bits of long black hair were found near him stuck together by what must have been clots of blood.
[T is possible to account for most of the evidence by supposing that these two men were killed in a skirmish with some enemy and then quietly buried by their com- panions after the fight. But in this case it is strange that the burials should have been situated so high above the canyon floor, for they were two hundred and fifty or three hundred yards up on a very steep slope of the mountain. It is
conceivable that the warriors were buried where they fell, but it is more probable that they were in enemy country and that their friends had brought them high up on this difficult slope to prevent discovery and desecration of their bodies after the war-party had left the country. This would also adequately explain the absence of horses from the burials, for it would be difficult to get horses up on the steep mountain in the first place, and it would be still more difficult to conceal the burials if horses were killed there, and last- ly, the war party would probably be in need of all the horses it could get.
The date of the killing is very uncertain, but there is some rea- son for supposing that it took place in the spring of the year between fifty and seventy-five years ago. The finding of several oak twigs with small dried buds on them in the litter at the bottom of the graves was the basis for fixing the early spring as the time of the in- cident. And the extremely badly decomposed contents of everything in the graves including the rifle barrels, which were pitted and rusted almost to pieces, as well as the type of equipment determined the fixing of the date at so early a period in Utah history.
It is however, possible that these might have been victims of the Black Hawk War. If anyone can add anything to the information already obtained, Dr. George H. Hansen will be glad to affix it to the display of the relics now in a showcase at the Brigham Young University.
—<k4@&x»-
At the Grave.
Twenty-first Annual Timpanogos Hike
ANNOUNCEMENTS have been "^ made by those in charge of the 21st Annual Timpanogos Hike that it will be held on July 22-23. The program in the Theatre of the Pines at Aspen Grove will be held Friday evening, July 22. It will be followed by the huge ceremonial bonfire which will be lighted in the traditional fashion by twenty-one nymphs of Mt. Timpanogos. The Annual organized hike will take place on the following day, July 23.
Forest officials declare that snow is unusually plentiful on the mountain this year and that glacier, waterfalls, and flowers will be at their best by July 23.
/ You Haven 't a JVand,
Wave a Spade
By Margaret C. Moloney
IT'S marvelous the magic there
is in the common garden vari- ety of spade. I venture to say it carries as much magic as the wand the fairy godmother waved so reck- lessly around and about the person of poor little Cinderella. For when the spade gets busy Mother Nature steps up and for magic stunts she's a world-beater, barring none- — fairy godmothers not excepted!
Not having a wand, or a fairy godmother, but having a wood- shed that was the one discordant note in our rural symphony, I wielded the spade in lieu of the wand, and left the rest to Mother Nature, and between us we * * * but I'll let the old woodshed tell it in his own way.
"It's clothes that make the man," said the old woodshed.
The great fir towering above him made no reply. Clothes were the least of his troubles. He'd always had them. Always would have them so long as he lived.
"Take meself, for instance," the old-timer continued. "Last spring when the little ranch began to blossom out, from the new rustic gate opening onto the highway, to the new stile leading down to the racing driver, with a new coat of willow green for the wee house, flowery prints for all the fruit trees, a green velvet carpet under- foot— why even the scrub oaks were presented with brand new green suits — everything on the ranch had a new spring suit, but me. And here I stood in plain view of the highway, old and ug- ly, marring the whole picture. I felt bad, I can tell you, and I looked worse!
"One day when I was feeling about as bad as a fellow can feel along came Herself with her arms full of tubers and; twigs and things, and a spade.
" 'Poor Old Dear,' she tried to comfort me, seeing how bad I looked, 'we're going to try waving a spade around, since we have no magic wand. We haven't any fairy godmother, but we have a
grand old Mother — Nature, and we'll see what we shall see.' She laughed very happily and started digging all around me; but I wasn't happy by any means for I figured that if she was going to plant flowers at my feet I'd only look worse looming up big and ugly above them you know.
"But she worked ahead until she had all the plants in, and then she stood back and checked them off to be sure she had them right — 'On the west,' she said, 'cle- matis paniculata and purple wis- taria, one at each corner. The wis- taria can climb up this way and the clematis this way, and when they meet over the door!' She shook her bobbed head as if she hadn't words to express what she was thinking. 'On the north,' she went on, 'Dorothy Perkins and Bitterswtet. On the west just the ivy. For the wood must be thrown in somewhere, and ivy is the only thing that would with- stand that ordeal. South, Paul's Scarlet climber, Silver Moon climb- er, and Lace Vine. Yep, all in. Now, old man,' she smiled kindly at me, 'we'll let Nature do her stuff.'
J WASN'T enthusiastic, but I was curious, naturally, and I kept an eye on those plants, and, sir, in no time they were sending up green shoots; and one day I looked down and found that the Paul Scarlet had crawled up and covered an old wound in my side. Then I began to hope. A few days later I caught the bold purple wis- taria signaling the little clematis to meet him up there over the door just as she Herself had planned, and that dainty little clematis held on to me with one hand and waved the other gayly to the wis- taria— that she'd be there, and she was there, too, in no time. The bittersweet and the ivy, and the lace vines, and all the roses, too, while seeming to be swinging idly* in the breeze, were creeping rapidly up my sides, covering all the bad
spots; and then one sparkling June morning after a night of warm showers, I found myself clothed from the ground up to the very top of my head in the most beauti- ful of all the garments on the ranch, not a tatter to be seen! She, herself, and Mother Nature had outdone Cinderella's godmother, with no wand at all — just a gar- den spade! Solomon in all his glory was never turned out as I was, and — but well you saw me, yourself!"
The Fir nodded grumpily. He wasn't given to compliments, but he had to admit the truth of the old-timer's words.
"Was I happy!" the old man went on, with no encouragement from the fir tree, "but the greatest thrill — the thrill supreme— came later in the season, one evening after a trying hot day in August.
"I was pretty well spent, and sort o' dreamily watching night take possession of the world. Thought how she never failed to come, and how she always seemed more gentle than the day, crooning the same drowsy sleepy lullaby that the world never tires of. I watched the moon peek up over the firs cautiously and then as if assured by someone glide confi- dently into the high heavens. I felt the cooling breath of the night breeze and was just ready to doze when they came, hand in hand — Herself and Himself, the most beautiful of all the beautiful world!
'Isn't it glorious, dear?' said Herself. 'It was done by me and Mother Nature — and the old gar- den spade.' Their laughter rang out pleasantly, not disturbing the night in the least. 'Don't you love it, dear?' Herself asked Himself, speaking of me, of course, and Himself spoke up quickly —
'It certainly is glorious, dear- est, but' here he drew her into his arms and his lips were so close to her ear that if it had not been for the night breeze relaying his words I could not have heard, 'it's you I love!' "
eviews
"There is no frigate [ike a book to bear us lands away . . . '
— Emily Dickinson
By BESS STREETER ALDRICH
(D. Appleton Co.)
TF the word "wholesome" were in- terpreted to mean only that which is good and true and fine, instead of being used with such prodigal frequen- cy to describe unpleasant things which are good for people, it would be the term to apply to this book. A sequel to "A Lantern in Her Hand," it takes up the Deal family soon after the first book left them, and weaves into the fabric of their various lives the values which are strong and real, with such a deft touch that readers find the pat- terns of their own lives changing sub- tly.
The beauty of living and of dying after life has been lived beautifully is the quiet theme of this book, which in spite of its simplicity, touches upon the greatest and most fundament- al of human experiences in such a way as to make an indelible and lasting impression.
Concerned generally with all the Deals, it is specifically the story of Laura Deal, the twelve-year-old grand daughter of Abbie Deal, who some- how knew, when her be-loved grand- mother was found dead alone in her house, that she would have wanted to be alone, with only the memories of her pioneer days, her little children who had inexplicably become less hers as they grew older, and Will, the husband who had died years before, yet never lost his power to speak to her and help when she needed him. Laura knew that it was best — "just doing it yourself. You had to do it by yourself anyway. Nobody could help you do it;" and Laura who had loved and understood her grandmother, found a verse which the old lady had pasted in her scrap book recently which described her feeling about her grand- mother's death:
"Pain has been and grief enough and bit- terness and crying, Sharp ways and stony ways I think it was she trod.
A White Bird Flying
But all there is to see now is a white bird flying,
Whose blood-stained wings go circling high, — circling up to God."
Grandmother had had such a hard life, Laura knew; and yet she had been happier than most people whose lives are easy. The old days when Nebraska was a barren prairie, when crops were destroyed by drought and wind and grasshoppers, those days were the ones which Grandma Deal had loved to live over and over again. And now that she was Igone, old Os-Lutz the only one left of the old Pioneers, told his stories of the early days. He would take a pail full of vegetables to give to someone, and then tell them stories; and Laura could never understand why it was that no- body except herself seemed to like to hear him. They joked about him behind his back, and groaned when they saw him coming. But Laura somehow felt that the stories should be heard, and remembered. The one thing which puzzled her was his cheerfulness in contemplating death. "Don't fear it, not a mite," he would say; but the child knew that he did fear a long drawn-out illness. He wanted to go like a tree, crashing in the wind.
From the day, soon after her Abbie Deal's funeral, when Laura had gone by herself to walk about the house, she knew that she must do something lovely to justify her grandmother's faith in her. A career was to be hers, and nothing must interfere with it. Uncle Harry and his wife, her wealth- iest relatives, were willing to take her as their own child, and give her every opportunity for study and travel which would make her into a great writer. The fact that Allen Rinemiller (a grandson of the old friend Rhein- miller) fell in love with Laura and wanted her to marry him had but a momentary influence on the girl. She felt that anyone could marry and
have a family — only