The Deseret Weekly. PUBLISHED BY pective glance no less heavy. We THE DESERET NEWS COMPANY, ing deep concern in the minds of SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: Per Year, of Fifty-two Numbers, IN ADVANCE. CHARLES W. PENROSE, Saturday, hosts of thinking people throughout the world. But while much has happened during the past year that $2.50. has inflicted untold misery upon multitudes of people and may portend woes still deeper and more extensive in the near future, there has 1.50. EDITOR. OLD YEAR AND NEW. joicing in many respects. By faith THE NEW WEEKLY. HEREAFTER the contents of the We hereby invite our friends to contribute to this publication, which will not only embrace articles upon politics, religious principles and current events, but likewise be open to statements concerning exhibitions and manifestations of the power of God, answers to prayer and other matters that tend to strengthen the faith of the Saints and cause them to seek after the spiritual as well as the temporal things of the work of the Lord. Narratives of striking incidents of missionary experience will also find their way into the columns of the new weekly, and we hope that this invitation to our friends to forward contributions in the lines herein defined will not go unheeded. DESERET WEEKLY will comprise materials that appear in the daily, from which the most appropriate and important will be selected, omitting articles that are of less moment. The remainder of the space will be filled with original articles by well known writers of ability and experJanuary 5, 1889. been much for which to render ience. We hope also to receive thanks and praise to the Giver of contributions from those who all good. Indeed, it is a ques- can wield a pen but are not at prestion whether the most calamit- ent known in the literary, field. TO RUN over the great events in ous events should cause those detail that have transpired in 1888 who are honestly seeking to pursue a would require many massive vol- godly course to be dsspondent. These umes. All that can be done in a conditions indicate the nearness of few brief words is to grasp the the bright and glorious era which general aspect of that division of time. will dawn upon the world, and in There is one thing with which it is one sense should lead the righteous impossible for the Latter-day Saints to rejoice because of the approach of to avoid being struck-that the their redemption. The Latter-day shaping of all human affairs denotes Saints have special reasons for rethat we are indeed living in the latter days, and that the prophetic gift must have rested upon the Prophet Joseph Smith to a marvelous degree. There is not a general or special phase of society which he did not specifically refer to as a condition not far remote from the time the prediction relating to it was uttered. These events constitute indicators directed to the consumma-guish there; others are in exile. intion of still greater changes which While these and other circumare to precede the coming of the Lord. stances have discomforted and disAmong these conditions are the turbel the people, the blessings of preparation of the nations for a gi- the Lord have been plentiful in gantic coming struggle; "rumors of many respects. Among them has war,” which are the precursors of been a general time of prosperty, the actuality; offensive and defens- while faith is being increased byiexive organizations in civil society, ful-perience. Abroad the Gospel has filling the prediction in the Book of spread with remarkable potency, esMormon concerning the develop- pecially among the "lost sheep of ment in the latter days of "a great division among the people;" secret combinations whose aim is the destruction of the social fabric as a whole, including wholesale murder in their modes of operation; the growing disposition toward violent lawlessness and crimes of the most blood curdling atrocity and barbar ity; the incipient outcroppings in this country which forebode a coming war of races; destructions on the sea and phenomenal and disastrous battles of the elements on land; the tendency of vaulting ambition to override the commonest rights of humanity, and many other sinister elements that are sapping the foundations and testing the stability of human institutions. It may be that we are liable to be deemed pessimistically inclined by alluding to the cloudy portion of the passing year, associated with a pros the House of Israel," on the islands We announced the other day that an "answers to correspondents," department would also be opened, and that we would do our best to render it as interesting as practicable. This will not be feasible, however, unless we are plied with questions of a proper kin 1. One excellent feature connected with our new periodical is that its size and shape will admit of its being bound, and preserved as a part of the private libraries of subscribers. Thus they will have within easy reach a work of reference in relation to the history of the times in which we live that will be beyond price. We request our agents and friends everywhere to do us the kindness not only to subscribe themselves, but to use their influence to induce others to do the same. The price is the same as for the old weekly edition, now defunct-$2.50 a year. While we can look back upon 1888 as one of the most wonderful years in the history of our planet, there is THE POPE'S ENCYCLICAL. good ground for anticipating that its successor will not be one whit behind it in that respect. We live in a re|markable time, and events are about to happen that will cause the ears of the inhabitants of earth to tingle. The righteous will take the Holy Spirit for their guide, and not be moved. FROM the lofty position which the Pope of Rome occupies as the head of one of the most extensive religious organizations on earth, he is able to obtain a comprehensive view of what is taking place in the world, and of its general condition. That he sees things about as they are is proven by the tone and remarks of his encyclical letter. His description of the tendencies of the age is but too truthful, and he evinces sound wisdom in naming the causes designated by him, of the evils which exist and are growing. we shall not have risked, for the made by a Methodist minister in A METHODIST PROTEST. His remark that the age is seeking material things is strikingly true; for spiritual things are at a discount almost universally. The deduction reached by His Holiness that "secularism, nihilism and communism are the outcomes" of a devotion on the part of the masses to carnal instead of spiritual things is another evi-ers in some of the large cities of the dence of his acumen in describing country against the holding of the the natural and inevitable effects of forthcoming inaugural ball. The forces now operating among civilized initiative in the matter was taken by nations. the clergymen of the sect at Columbus, Ohio, and from that point the Notwithstanding that the inaugural ball will be held in the face of A BREEZE of no small degree of the protest appearing above, secstiffness has been raised by the re- tarian denominations are a power cent action of the Methodist preach-in the affairs of State-a potential factor in political programmes. As we showed a short time since, this fact was recognized by the majority of the Utah Commission when they adopted in their report to the Secretary of the interior a set of resolutions passed by a Presbyterian conference against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and asking Congress to disfran-. chise the members of that body. This potency of religious bodies in "We, the Methodist preachers of State affairs received a still later Columbus, in view of the elevation recognition at the hands of the of a Christian man to the presidency, Liberal party of Utah. This orgando feel that this is a fitting time for high official discountenance to the ization, by means of a card issued tendencies in certain quarters to by its chairman, called upon the imitate the follies, displays, pagean- preachers of sectarian churches to try and extravagance of European come to its aid by using an influ to other Methodist bodies with the At the Columbus meeting of Anyone, however, who studies the present condition of the world in re-anti-inaugural ball fever has spread spect to morality and religion, as the Pope is compelled, owing to his position, to do, and who makes an honest and intelligent statement of the results of such observation and investigation, must substantially agree with the views expressed by His Holiness; and consequently with views which, until recent years, were peculiar to the followers of Joseph Smith, the Seer. It is noticeable that His Holiness makes special mention of the kind of education that is being given to the rising generation of our times, which, he says, has the effect to obscure true notions of right" in them. None know the power of the teacher in forming the future character of the pupil in respect to faith and infidelity better than the Catholic clergy do, and no sect has a greater dislike to a secular education for their children than they entertain. In line with the views which are expressed by the Pope upon this subject, the Freeman's Journal, a Roman Catholic organ, recently said: courts. ence with their flocks and with "We, therefore, respectfully protest against the proposed expendi- Congress against the interests of ture of nearly $100,000 for the pur- their political opponents. Thus the pose of imitating these follies, cor- Liberal party sought to fasten upon rupting the simplicity of Republican principles, encouraging the this Territory, and, to some extent, tendencies to extravagance, and upon the nation at large, a union of perpetuating that relic of barbar-church and state. is, the inauguration ball, on the occasion of his inauguration." A report of the proceedings likewise says: "The meeting also protested Returning to the action of the Methodist preachers regarding the inaugural ball, are they not guilty, like the Pharisees of old, of straining at a mosquito and swallowing a charity mammoth? The readers will observe that the inaugural ball is the mosquito, and the gigantic evils existing in state affairs and in social Subsequent proceedings of the concerns, that sink that infinitessi"The education of youth is the same character at Indianapolis in- mal dance incident out of sight, conmost important point in these days dicated that the agitators in this stitute the mammoth. There are so for the attention of Catholics. It is matter proposed to approach Gen- many matters of great moment undoubtedly idle to waste time in eral Harrison and give him some that might consistently engage the attempting to have the present public school system made acceptable good advice on the subject. Doubt- attention of preachers of the day to Catholics. The Catholic faith of less he will take it in good part, but who have the welfare of the race at our children is more precious than will pay no further attention to it. heart, that they might well afford to money: their moral training is more We have no idea that he will in- pass over the inaugural proceedimportant to us than the share that we contribute to the support of a sist that General Britton, who pre-ings, which have become a custom system that we can not participate sides over the committee which has respected on account of antiquity if in. Let us have a school in every the inaugural in hand, shall, to- not because of intrinsic merit, as a parish, and let it be a good school, gether with all his aids, step down matter of comparatively little mowell built and well taught. The time will come, if we build up a and out, and the arrangements for ment. We do not wish it to be ungood parochial-school system, when the ceremonies be entrusted to a derstood that we are in favor of the the American people, who are al- committee of Methodist deacons, pomp and pageantry, extravagance, ways just according to their knowl- with a full-blown preacher of that and worldly vanity which are the edge, will throw off the prejudice that now misleads so many of them persuasion in the chair. There may concomitants of the inaugural ball in this matter. In the meantime, be some ground for the boast once business; but there are so many greater evils that might be struck | interfered with, in a few years more in progress which promises soon to at with lusty ecclesiastical blows, place the whites in the minority result in the formation of white and that the Methodists might afford to throughout most districts of the black sections on the map of the let it alone, and get after something South. The prospect of being ruled South, having more or less distinct the abolition of which would to a by their former slaves fills with boundaries. This condition cannot great extent improve the social gloom the breast of the proud- but foster sectional and race antipasituation. pirited Southron, and that such as thies, and the tendency in the direccondition, once brought about, can tion of it is another ominous phase peacefully continue long, is scarcely of the great race problem on the to be dreamed by the most sanguine American continent. optimist, much less expected by a Recently, in an address before sensible person, familiar with human the Georgia Legislature, Hon. J. L. nature, and the forces and motives M. Curry, late minister to Spain, which actuate men and produce said: Talking about the interference of ecclesiastical officers with the ordinary affairs of life, the reader will please note the position taken by the Columbus preachers respecting the proposed ball for the benefit of the Old Ladies' Home. "All Christian people" are advised to give it a wide berth. a thousand times worse than Sher war. "I want to say to you in perfect Two new phases of this problem | frankness that the man who thinks We do not know the reason for are being noted by some of the the negro problem has been settled this action. It is to be presumed newspapers of the South. One, re- aghast at the problem. I don't beis either a fanatic or a fool. I stand that it is not because those who ferred to by Senator Ingalls in his lieve civilization ever encountered assumed to give such advice were recent remarks upon the subject, is one of greater magnitude. It casts desirous of preventing the Old that the mulatto is disappearing, a dark shadow over your civilizaLadies' Home from receiving as- while the colored race grows stead-tion, your churches, your government of the future. It is a great sistance, that being a benevolent ily blacker. A southern paper sug- problem, which will tax your enerinstitution. If it was for the pur-gests, as among the causes of this gies. Georgia was once Shermanpose of protecting Christian people process, the fact that slavery en-ized. Georgia, with the South from contamination to which they couraged relations between master Aficanized, as it may be, would be might be exposed by mingling with and slave for which the law pro-manized." immoral characters, the advice was vided no punishment and which sound. But no particular howl is tended to multiply mulattoes; whereraised against the Methodists on the as now the colored woman may inground of exclusiveness and priestly voke the law in establishing the dictation, because of this counsel to paternity of her child, and Church members. How different fix the responsibility for it. when protective advice is tendered The same paper asserts, as to the young people among the another reason for the decadence Latter-day Saints by their Elders. of the mulatto, that since the war, Although the sole object is to guard a sentiment, not existing in slavery the youth against straying into by- days, has grown up in both races, paths that lead to destruction, those which regards their association in who tender it are denounced as ec- a capacity to beget offspring as dis-of Utah are heard from chiefly "The so-called Gentile population clesiastical interferers with the so- graceful. It is asserted that mulat- through the active politicians cial affairs of their people. But what toes of both sexes prefer marital among their number. The Moris commendable in a sectarian clergy-companions darker than themselves, mons have been the thrifty populais denounced as unbearable a fact which tends to concentrate which has changed an unpromising tion of Utah. Their industry, tyranny in a Latter-day Saint Church the black blood in, and eliminate desert into fruitful soil, has made official; and so injustice goes on the white from, the veins of the the wealth of the Territory. Salt unchecked, being propped up by un-colored race. It is a well known Lake City is substantially their sightly and unreasoning prejudice. scientific fact that an admixture of city. They control its munici man THE NEGRO PROBLEM. the two bloods is not favorable to THE negro problem, the foundations of which were intermingled with those of the American Union itself, was by no means solved with the abolition of slavery, nor the reconstruction of the South, nor the enfranchisement of the colored race. On the contrary it is giving to some of our statesmen and sociologists a grave anxiety, not unlike that the negroes very largely predominwhich far-sighted men felt in the ate the whites are retiring; "the Engfifties, when the spirit of war began lish speaking race everywhere rules to show itself in legislative, polit- or retires." The receding of the ical and journalistic circles in various parts of the country. A CORRECT VIEW. ONCE in a while a public journal has a square look at Utah affairs, and not only takes in the situation but boldly expresses the results of independent observation. This was the position of the Chicago Times when it glanced in this direction and dashed down these remarks: the of the Ter pal affairs Legislative work as they control ritory. The minority, compre hended under the general term Gentile, is not ill-treated, its rights The other phase of this subject to no religious persecution is attempted, of person and property are respected, which allusion is made, is the al- but it makes it moan as though it leged retirement of the whites from labored under hard conditions. Its the coast plantations to the high against polygamous practices, for its moral sense is not greatly outraged lands of the interior, leaving the own class is not a stranger to vice, negroes in possession. The Atlan- but it does protest against the ta Constitution notes this, con-political unification of the church firms it, and adds that wherever whereby it is deprived of the exerspirits, incapable of the close induscise of a power its adventurous try of Mormons, covet. The Gentile in Utah would have the Mormon disfranchised that he himself land, levying its taxes upon Mormay hold, occupy and possess the mon property and disbursing the proceeds for the benefit of the Gentile. Under the sway of political property special assessments Gentiles levying upon Mormon street and other improvements, Salt whites from the coast does not affect the cities on the seaboard. The The increased fecundity of the whites gather in them and gain in black race over the whites with numbers from incoming accretions whom they live in contact, will, if which leave the neighboring farmthe natural progress of events be noting districts. Thus a segregation is for Lake would become a paradise for demand that the "Mormon" people Ogden case interpreting some of its favored jobbers, such as Washington "come within the laws" by submit- sections. was in the palmy days of 'Boss' ting humbly to measures of spoliaShepherd. "Utah must answer for the sins of tion. This "come within the laws" Mormondom, but the indictment chestnut is getting dry. It is belmade by the resident Gentile must lowed for outside effect. In this be read in the light of his ambition region its true inwardness is well to control through processes of taxation the wealth created by the in- known, and its utterers thoroughly dustry of the Mormon. The Utah comprehended. Gentile is not as virtuous as he would have good people believe." Some of the subjects legislated upon in the general municipal bill have been thrown into such uncertainty and confusion, by the defective manner in which that bill was drawn, and by Judge Henderson's ruling, that we prefer not to attempt to elucidate them. Some good lawyers differ from the decision in the Ogden case, and others concur therein; and as that case will be brought before the Supreme Court of the Territory for final adjudication, we prefer withholding an opinion on the points of law involved. It is understood now that attempts are to be made to induce Congress to Nothing truer was ever spoken enact measures to disfranchise the than that the "active politicians" "Mormons.” It is not improbable have undertaken perpetually to that a bill has already been framed speak for the non-"Mormon" popu- in this city to that end, and is being ation of Utah. They have been carried to Washington, ready for the represented by those who have making of the attempt to thrust it styled themselves "political authori- down the throat of the National ties." We should have stated that legislature. All this work is of In the meantime the officials of they have been largely misrepre- course being done by the "active certain municipalities are in a sented by them, as many honorable politicians." quandary as to how they should proGentiles are as much opposed to the And why should the "Mormons" ceed regarding their forthcoming methods of some of the "active poli-be disfranchised? A small minority elections, some of which are in the ticians" among them as are the have engaged in a fight with the near future. The best advice we "Mormons." That better class of majority for political supremacy. If can give them is to consult with them do not sympathize with the a man has a fight on hand with an- competent legal counsel. Under the wholesale misrepresentation in-other, and is not over scrupulous circumstances they may rightly dulged in by political schemers, who about fair play, he will call in a procure legal advice at the expense thus seek to cover up the real char-force stronger than his antagonist of the municipal treasury. acter of their designs. They con- and have the latter's hands tied. So sider it shameful, and so it is. When the truth of the situation is shown, as it is by the Times, the "active politicians" explode, in a frantic outburst of anger, and lapse into an aspect of injured innocence. They exclaim pathetically, "We have never asked the 'Mormons' to do anything but come within the laws." soon as the tying process is accom- MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. room. SANITARY. WE have been requested by a professional teacher to suggest that the fumigation of school rooms be regularly attended to in this Territory. It is carefully done in many parts of the world, especially in seasons when epidemic and contagious diseases prevail. The result has been The laws referred to are those that that the spread of maladies of that Congress has been worked up to pass character has been checked, and by the bringing of a religious as well WE have received a number of even the general health of the as a political pressure to bear upon communications from correspond-pupils improved, by the rectification that boly, such for instance as the ents, making inquiries respecting the of the atmosphere of the school measure enacted for the purpose of law governing municipal elections. escheating the property of the "Mor- There seems to exist in the minds mon" people. This invitation to of the propounders of these legal come within the laws simply means, conundrums, doubts as to whether in one of its phases, that the Latter- the municipalities they refer to ought day Saints shall tamely and supine- to be governed by their old charters ly submit to a system of wholesale in the matter of electing officers, or robbery. Nor is it intended to con- by the new law, known as the genfine the stealing process to the es-eral municipal bill, passed at the cheating of the property of the peo-last session of the Legislature. ple in an aggregate capacity. It has The latter statute contains probeen broadly stated that the ulti- visions for districting incorporated mate design is to resort to the con- cities, and electing members of the fiscation of private property, and to council from wards instead of at deny "Mormons" the right to ac- large as heretofore; and confusion building-doors and windowsquire realty under the laws of this seems to exist respecting the ques- should be tightly closed; an iron country. tion as to whether or not these pro- vessel containing a quantity of sulThese are some of the lamb-like visions apply before the inhabitants phur is placed near the centre of the ideas that have been advanced by of a municipality vote in favor of room, and a live coal dropped into "active politicians" in Utah. If adopting them. There are other the stuff. The person attending to such designs were to materialize in-points relating to the government of the process then withdraws, leaving to the shape of anti-"Mormon" stat-cities respecting which uncertainty the sulphur to burn until consumed. utes, as a matter of course the "ac- has been created by the passage of The sulphuric acid gas, or fumes of tive politicians" would shout them- the general municipal bill, and the sulphur, should be allowed to reselves hoarse in enunciating the Judge Henderson's decision in the main in the room several hours. During the last few months such diseases as scarlet fever and diphtheria have been more or less prevalent among children. In one intance there was a case of the latter complaint in a house only a few rods from one of the schoolhouses of this city. These facts suggest that the fumigation precaution should be adopted. The experiment costs but little, and there is not much labor connected with it. All the openings of the This method is adopted in England in all buildings in which a case fo contagious disease has developed, the work being done by public officers under the direction of a board of health. All articles of clothing that have been in contact with the patient are carried away, and, after be carefully guarded, self-reliance God's words and works, we are inbeing put through a special fumiga- cultivated, self-defense justified, formed, are for His own purpose and tion in a public place used for the self-confidence encouraged, self-exa- glory-"to bring to pass the immorpurpose, are returned to the owner.mination commended, self-govern- tality and eternal life of man." We respectfully commend the sub-ment demanded, and self-restraint Herein is the great law of life. ject of fumigating school houses as over self-will that is presistent in a sanitary measure to the trustees of wrong to another, until self is subdistricts. It is a matter that could dued to its own limits of self. be attended to once a week-say on Saturdays, that being the vacation day of the week. We believe it would be attended with good results. self as relates to existence, and as truth and knowledge, of virtue and SOCIAL AMENITY. A PECULIAR custom has recently been introduced into social parties in this city, especially those that are somewhat crowded. It has been inaugurated to enable the social hog to monopolize the floor. When he gets through dancing one set he secures his position for the next by dropping his handkerchief on the spot he occupied until he retires with one partner to select another. In this way the more modest and unselfish among the guests are compelled to ornament the side seats as perpetual wallflowers. Occasionally the same tactics are adopted in order to secure the best places on the floor, even when it is not crowded. The management of a party that does not protect its guests against such a boorish imposition is in a bad way. Works appropriated to the happiness and for the eternal life of others secure all there is of glory that can This principle in man is like the come to man. In the careful oblaw by which all things are gov-servance of this law happiness and erned. It has its bounds. Within heaven would exist everywhere; those bounds its exercise is legitimate evil and all evil propensities would and proper; outside of those bounds be banished. No sin nor death it is sin-a selfishness that would could enter there; all works would sacrifice the interests of others for be works of love, and would be in self aggrandizement—that knows no harmony with the spirit of the Gosself-denial, and will admit of no pel which gives salvation unto self-defense. man. Man's ambition for glory Man was not vainly created with should never be allowed to die. unlawful propensities, inclinations He should be selfish enough to be and tendencies. Nothing was zealous in bringing every propenmade in vain. Both physical-sity, every feeling, and every word ly and spiritually he was the and every work of his, and every image of his Maker. If by rea- men.ber of his body into complete son of temptation he is prone to use those propensities unlawfully, and exercise them beyond the limits prescribed for their action, the necessity of self-control is apparent, and law, not temptation, must be his rule of action. Self-interests are legitimate, and should be carefully guarded. In doing this, man may and should be selfish. Every interest that belongs to the filling of the measure of his creation as designed by the Creator, should in all cases demand his unyielding determination to secure to himself all their advantanges, both of rewards and of glory. subjection to the conditions of law applicable to them. In so doing no one is entitled to be his master. It is a self work for his own self-glory. He must for self learn the law, and so apply it as to qualify himself for the task of bringing to pass the happiness and eternal life of others, as well as to secure his own purposes and glory, as did his Father before him. Selfishness is a powerful element of man's nature. When restrained to its legitimate operations, it is the guardian angel of his interests; and, strengthened by ambition, gives energy and force to character. But This late phase of social life, il- In this pursuit and earnest en- selfishness must stay at home-must lustrating the absence of one of its deavor there is no sentiment of abide with self. There is no other amenities, is quite suggestive. It what is termed selfishness apparent place on earth where it is a virtue; impresses one with the truism that to another. He is moving in his no other field in which it can work in all human affairs, from the own legitimate sphere without to merit a virtuous reward. No greatest to the smallest, occasions affecting injuriously the interests of thought, word or deed that goes out giving the student an opportuni- others. He gathers from the moral to or that is for another must be ty to study are ample. The observer has but to keep his eyes open to enable him, without difficulty, to distinguish the hogs from the lambs. Now, gentlemen, drop your handkerchiefs. SELFISHNESS. and sentimental world around him Independent in his individuality and organization, he is as independent in the exercise of all its powers; ever responsible for the source from whence they have been derived. He SELFISHNESS is an inherent quality is only justified-can only meet this of all human beings, amounting in responsibility by keeping within the its influence over them to an attri- bounds prescribed by law for his acbute. Every born creature is a self tion. All that the law has provided consciousness, proclaims the fact of for his good and his blessing, of tainted with its presence or with its impress. It answers to the maxim of a wise philosopher that "truth told out of its proper relation becomes a lie," so selfishness, while it promotes life, and gives energy to self at home, is death if meted out to others. Every thought that is of or for another should be one of fervent desire for his good, peace and happiness, without envy or distrust; every word one of merited praise that would fill the soul with ecstacy and delight, that would fall upon the ear |