Home.

Beautiful day.

All usually well.

I attended to business down town. Attended a U.I.V. Co. director’s meeting at 10:00 A.M.; a committee meeting of the Church School fund appropriation at 2:00 P.M.; Gen’l Board of R C. meeting at 3:30 P.M.; Gen. Bd. meeting of YMM at 5:00 P.M. & my Circle meeting at 6:30 P.M.

I sat up writing & reading until 11 P.M.

Home.

Pleasant weather.

My family well.

I attended quarterly conference of the Presidency, the Twelve & Patriarch. Fasting and Sacrament administered. 10:30 to 2:30 o’clock. On my way home I called on cousin Levi W. Richards’ family, body in house, and left $5.00 with them. Called on Aunt Mary Ann Richards, Uncle Samuel’s widow, found her sick in bed and administered to her

Received sheets from temple of work done and [p. 35] recorded same in my temple records.

Lucena & Rega came from Logan this day and staid with us over night. We spent a pleasant evening together.

Home.

All usually well.

Beautiful day.

Word comes this A.M. that between ten & eleven o’clock last night Toreone Mexico fell into the hands of the Mexican Constitutionists under Villa as general. A bloody & decisive struggle My son George & I made order for $3.00 spray of flowers to be made up & sent to cousin Levi W’s home. Later Alice & I and George attended the funeral services and I was one of a number of speakers occupying 12 min. time. Some of the others were as follows. Pres. Jos. F. Smith, Pres. Francis M. Lyman, Elder Heber J. Grant, Pres. R. W. Young, Geo Romney, Verna Halliday. Alice & I took car & went to the cemetery and after the burial I by request thanked all who had contributed to the comfort & blessing of the family on this sorrowful occasion. Alice, Asenath, Wealthy, Sarah R. R., her daughter Rhoda & Ezra’s wife went over & saw Mothers grave & from there to our home.

On invitation of my Son George I accompanied him to the Empress theatre in the evening. We took our babies with us, Ray & Josephine.

Home.

Pleasant weather.

All usually well.

Attended Conference meetings. At 10:00 A.M. Meeting Pres. Jos. F. Smith occupied 60 min. and Elder Geo Albert Smith about 20 min. [p. 36] Attendance large. Good spirit and good instruction.

At afternoon session the attendance was about the same, the speakers were Pres. Penrose, Rudger Clawson & H. J. Grant.

I spent the evening home studying.

Home.

All usually well.

Edith began to be ill about 2 P.M. and at 5:45 P.M. gave birth to a fine baby boy. We all rejoice in the joy of Geo & Edith.

Rained during the night and most of the forenoon to-day. Notwithstanding the rain both the Large tabernacle & the Assembly Hall were overflowing with people. The speakers in forenoon were in order as follows, Pres. F. M. Lyman, myself and Elder O F. Whitney. I was limited to 15 minutes and stopped on the dot. Had good liberty of thought language and expression with good voice under complete control and at the conclusion Pres Smith shook my hand and exclaimed, “Good boy.” May the Lord be praised.

At 2 P.M. meeting both houses were crowded and an overflow meeting was held on the grounds, the rain having subsided.

At conclusion of afternoon meeting I met with the other members of the Twelve at Pres. Lyman’s office where we had before us Oliver Wilcox & his wife and M. F. Cowley.

Attended evening meeting of the Sunday School Conference and [p. 37] after meeting called on my son Geo. & his wife Edith and saw the new baby.

Home.

All usually well

Rained during the day. Attendance at conference not so large but that all could be seated in the Tabernacle.

I attended morning and afternoon meetings the latter concluding the conference. Attended evening meeting of the Priesthood. Had to dinner Emily Richards, Prests. Halls & Redd and a bro. Hammond from [illegible]. Nina went to Tooele.

Home.

Pleasant day.

All usually well.

Attended Special priesthood meeting in the Assembly hall from 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Attended a missionary meeting in the temple annex from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. I was one of the speakers instructing the missionaries. I set apart the following:

Geo. Albert Adams Jr. of Monticello to Swiss. & German

Geo. W. Smith of Smithfield, Ut. to Gt. Britain.

John Franklin Waymer of Salt Lake to Gt. Britain.

Clarence James Woods of Lincoln Nevada to Gt. Brit.

Alice & I attended a reception at the Bps. building in the evening tendered by the First Presidency to the General Authorities and invited guests principally those who had served time in durancevile for conscience sake.

Home.

Ray was sick during the night. [p. 38]

My son George called this A.M. and we administered to Ray and he was better apparently immediately.

I attended a meeting of the Twelve and the Mission presidents held in the temple from 10:00 A.M. to 7:45 P.M. with an intermission of 1½ hrs. A profitable time. I recommended to the mission presidents that when they have opportunity they should interview the elders as to their discreetness and general conduct towards the opposite sex, and ask if they are obeying counsel. This would put a check on any practices which might if not detected lead to serious consequences. I also recommended that local brethren in mission fields be called on missions and let them go one each with the travelling elders. This would enable our missionaries to do nearly as much again work and it would be educational for the local brethren and the danger of going alone would be overcome.

I called on my son Geo. & family in the evening. Edith & baby getting on nicely from the first.

Our boy Ray feeling better at evening.

Home.

Pleasant morning.

Ray better & dressed. Others usually well.

I spent an hour in the morning before taking my bath, in repairing our washing machine.

Attended weekly council meeting in the temple from 10:30 to 3:00 o’clock.

Received appointment to Benson for 18th & 19th [p. 39] I attended to some business correspondence &c. Geo. called in evening.

Home.

Stormy day.

Ray improving. He is dressed & playing about.

I remained home & studied & wrote all day & evening.

Home.

Ray improving

Fine day.

I spent the day at home studying and writing until after 4:00 P.M.

Alice and I went down to Mrs John McDonald’s at 5:00 P.M. and took supper and spent the evening. An excellent supper was served and we danced, sang told stories &c. Spent a pleasant evening. Our daughter Mamie had a number of her friends at our home in the evening and they remained until a late hour. Refreshments served.

Home.

Ray improving. Mama poorly.

I attended 9:00 A.M. Priesthood class meeting and later Sunday school in 27th ward. Attended tabernacle meeting at 2:00 P.M. Pres. Jos. E Robinson of Cal. Mission was the speaker and occupied 57 minutes, Subject, Resurrection. Attended evening meeting in 27th ward & was one of the speakers occupying 30 min. Subject. Easter Sunday & Resurrection. Read lines by Wm Jennings Bryan on Immortality & Resurrection also 1 Cor. 15:1–21 These as authority & commented upon the testimony of [p. 40] the authors of the books of the Old Testament and the prophets who prophesied of the coming of Christ and the details of his life, death & resurrection. The testimony of the authors of the various books of the New Testament as to Christ’s birth, life, death & resurrection in detail & the worth of such testimony. Compared these testimonies with testimonies in profane history of events contemporaneously with Christs life which men do not question. Referred to the consistency of Christ’s life as accounted for in New Testament with what he professed to be, the Savior.

Home.

Folks same.

Fine weather.

I worked on memoranda of subjects until after 4:00 P.M. Commenced to read “The Fear of Living” by Henry Burdeaux

In the evening I went to Utah Theatre and took Mama, Rega, & Lucena.

Home.

All usually well which means that Mama & Ray have bad colds.

I was called into Pres. Lyman’s home & assisted Pres Lyman in administering to Sister Lyman. I sealed the anointing.

Attended a missionary meeting in the afternoon and assisted in setting apart & instructing a company of missionaries. Set apart the following.

1- Arthur Marion Peterson of Circleville to W. States

2- Daniel Albert Wynn of Rexburg to Calif.

3- Otha K. Green of Layton, to N W. States.

4- Joseph Clyde Van Tassel of Woodland, to N S.

This has been a beautiful day. [p. 41] This day’s News announces the order of Sec’y. Daniels to the American Fleet in Atlantic waters to go to Tam Pico, Mex. waters.

After supper I walked down to my Sister Minerva’s 11th E & 9th So where my wife was visiting & from there we walked up to Z. Y. Card’s home a couple of blocks farther East where we spent the remainder of the evening arriving home about 11:20 P.M. Rega, Lucena and the Edmunds people were present.

Home.

Folks some better.

This is the birth day of my mother. It is also Arbor day a proclaimed public holliday.

I spent most of the day reading.

Alice Ray & I went to Ry. Station with Rega & Lucena and saw them off for Logan on 4:15 P.M. train. We later took a walk up in the Cemetery and called at our Son George’s home for a short time.

Home.

All fairly well.

Rained most of last night

I attended regular weekly Council meeting from 10:30 to 2 P.M. Received the appointment with Bp. Miller to Wasatch Stake for Sat & Sund. 25 & 26th

The question, Will the Sons of Perdition be resurrected & if so will they afterward lose their bodies was answered that they will be resurrected and never after lose their bodies. The second death pronounced upon such is an everlasting separation from the presence of God. [p. 42]

I finished reading the “The Fear of Living[”] a book of 384 pages by Henry Bordeau and I think it one of the choice books, the 14th read thus far this year

Home.

I have a cold developing on me.

I went down town and was measured for a suit of clothes at Cuttlers. Grey Worsted, Provo Woollen Mills manufacture The suit is to be made in the East and is to cost me $25.00 I bought a hat to match, Stetson make, for $3.60.

Called at my son George’s.

I made preparation to leave on 4:15 P.M. Ry. train for Richmond, thence by team to Lewiston to attend Benson Stake Conference. Pres. Seymour B. Young appointed to accompany me.

We took train as per arrangements and arrived at Richmond about 8:30 P.M. We were met at station and taken by Pres. Alma Merrill to his home where we staid all night.

On the train apparently without cause my eye glasses broke and at Richmond I had them repaired.

Richmond.

Am well.

Pleasant day.

Drove to Lewiston by team for morning meeting of Benson Stake Conference. 220 in attendance. I was one of the speakers and occupied about 30 min. Subject. Ward teaching work, the need of it. How best accomplished, fruits of faithful teaching. Duty of people. [p. 43]

I attended a Seventies meeting at 12:20 o’clock and the 2:00 P.M. Conference meeting also a Stake Priesthood meeting in the evening. At the latter meeting I occupied about 40 min. Subj: Statistics. Make more use of same. Call more people into service, distribute responsibility, use returned missionaries &c.

While in Benson Stake, Lewiston 1st ward where conference was held I staid at B. A. Hendricks’ home.

Lewiston.

Am well.

Fine weather.

Attended 10:00 A.M. conference meeting & was the first speaker occupying about 40 minutes with deliberation but with good liberty. Subject. Sacrament Sacrifice, atonement. Love of the Father & of the Son for us & what they have done for us & ours because of that love. We should reciprocate. How. What our parents have done for us, what we owe them & how repay. How honor our parents? Story. “A Mother to her Son” by Margaret Johnston Graflin. How honor God. Matt 5:16 “Let your light so shine.” Quoted Ella Wheeler Wilcox “Love brings Love & hate brings hate.[”]

At afternoon I occupied 35 minutes Subject “Be ye doers of the word, not hearers only deceiving your selves.” We need to apply this scripture to ourselves as well as to the world. Told story of theatre play “A Woman’s Way.” Listen. I thought I heard a brick fall into a glass house. We have gone a little farther than have the world [p. 44] but have need still of the admonition. Faith necessary to Salvation. Knowledge necessary to Salvation. Work necessary to salvation. Faith & knowledge necessary to damnation. Quoted P. of G.P. p. 15 Agency. its importance but can only be exercised on the basis of knowledge. “until the law sin was in the world but sin is not imputed where there is no law” Hymn p 279 “Though in the outward Church below.”

I went with Bp. Thos. S. Karren of Lewiston 3d ward to Supper and visited their meeting house. I ordained the bishop when the ward was organized five years ago.

At evening conjoint meeting I spoke about 25 minutes. Subject. Contests, Athletics, social features of M.I.A. work & Marriage.

A good conference was had though the attendance was light.

Lewiston

Am well.

Cool day.

Bro. B. A. Hendricks of Benson Stake Presidency with whom I have been living these past two days took me in their Auto to Logan a distance of abt. 20 miles, his wife & son with us and they called with me at the home of my daughter Lucena & made her acquaintance. I spent several hours with Rega & Lucena and took afternoon train home.

I borrowed from Lucena a book “The Last Trail” by Zane Grey and read 148 pages before reaching home.

Pres Young returned on morning train. [p. 45]

The Atlantic & Pacific fleets of U.S. are on their way towards Mexican waters The relations between the two republics are very much strained and Pres. Wilson has asked Congress to give him authority or indorsement to call out the Army & navy to compel respect for our flag & to preserve the national honor.

Home.

All usually well.

Pleasant weather.

Trouble with Mexico the chief topic of conversation & news paper comments. Our Atlantic fleet is expected to reach Tampico tomorrow and a blockade of both Tampico & Veracruz is expected to be established at once. The Congress of the U.S. adjourned after midnight to noon today when they continue the discussion of Pres. Wilson’s request as set forth in special message read by him yesterday in joint session.

I wrote up my journal for past three days from notes. Did other writing & Studying and in afternoon & evening I read, “The Last Trail[”] to a finish, read the papers & Extras.

At 10:00 P.M. received 2nd Extra of Herald Republican. The latest news from the front is that the Customs house & telegraph station & the town in that vicinity at Vera Cruz, Mexico was taken to day & the first blood shed occured. Four killed & 20 wounded of the American Marines and 200 killed of Mexicans. The announcement is made that the American Fleet has [p. 46] arrived at Vera Cruz. It is still a question as to whether the Federals & Constitutionalists will unite to defend as they claim, of the honor of Mexico. It certainly is a dark picture which is presented at this time. Not that there is doubt as to the ultimate results but the horror of a bloody war is a thing to be dreaded.

Home.

Estella sent home from school yesterday on account of cough, had a hard coughing spell in the evening but got a fairly good night’s rest. She coughs hard & often this morning.

I remained home reading & Studying until about 4:30 P.M. when I went to a meeting of the M.I.A. General Board and later to my Circle meeting. Still later Alice & I spent an hour with George & Joel & their wives at Geo’s home.

Home.

Estella improving Mama poorly.

This is the 31 anniversary of the birth of my son George.

Pythagoras devoted his evenings to solemn reflections on the events of the day. The writing of a daily journal has this effect to review the events of the day which review rivets it upon the mind.

Attended weekly Council meeting of the Twelve & Presidency & Patriarch in the temple from 10:30 to 2:00 P.M.

Pres. Lund was with us the first [p. 47] time since before Apr. Conference. He is pale and ill still.

I received the appointment with Elder D. O. McKay to Canada & Bighorn Stakes which will require three weeks to make the trip. We will leave Salt Lake Wednesday the 29th.

I spent the afternoon and evening home reading & writing.

Home.

Health of family fairly good.

I went down town and arranged for birth to Canada on Standard or rather to Butte on the way to Canada.

I took my wife Alice’s engagement ring a gold band 18K. to Jeweler and ordered it made over into round ring with Tiffany setting style into which I expect to have a 1/2 K. diamond set, this unbeknown to her. I had new lenses put into frame as reserve glasses or emergency glasses in case of breaking the ones I regularly wear.

I wrote letters to my son LeGrand, to Lucena & Nerva.

Home.

Some rain.

In company with Bp. O. P. Miller I took train at 805 A.M. for Heber arriving there at noon. No one to meet us & we went to Pres Jos. R. Murdock’s where we were given a generous welcome & made our stay

At afternoon meeting the attendance was 345. Stake population 4035. I occupied 30 minutes with good liberty. Subject. What the gospel has done for me & what it might have done for me had I been more obedient to its laws & precepts.

The laws governing the universe & all nature eminated from God & are perfect. The elements are obedient to perfect law & perfect order follows. Were they disobedient confusion, disorder & chaos would follow. The laws of the gospel eminated from the same source and are perfect and if obeyed would result in order, grace & salvation. Man only disobeys Gods laws & commands & this because of his agency. He must giving an accounting finally Emerson. “What I most need is somebody to make me do as well as I can.” The gospel does that. It restrains me also from doing what I should not and makes me to do my duty.

How get more out of our religion? Ans. By putting more into it.

I spent the evening at Pres. Murdock’s retiring to bead early. After meeting in a rain storm we looked over tithing property. Rode out in Auto & saw the country about Heber & consulted at office over proposed division of Wasatch Co. &c.

Heber.

Stormed some

Am well.

Attended S. School officer’s meeting from 9:00 A.M. to 10:20 A.M. and spoke to the Superintendents on courtesies, to officers, visitors & to children occupied about 20 min.

At 10:30 A.M. Con. meeting I spoke [p. 49] first & while the sacrament was being passed. Subject Sacrament & Atonement. Good liberty & occupied 20 minutes. Attendance 666.

At 2:00 P.M. meeting I was last speaker & occupied 28 minutes Subject. Proper observance of the Sabbath and meeting going. Read from Luke 14: Great Supper.

After meeting I set apart Geo. Smith First Counselor to Bp Robert Duke of Heber First ward. Attendance 863.

In the evening I occupied about 30 minutes. Subject Memory gems & their value & How improve social conditions Suggested the importance of home teaching Love & obedience in the home. Recited “A Mother to her son” & Abram & Zimri.

We had a strenuous day. I spoke four times. A good conference.

Heber.

Some storms

I spent the forenoon reading “The Castle Builder” by Nephi Jensen, took train for home at 2:35 P.M. and finished the book on my way home. Arrived in Salt Lake 6:40 P.M. Found all well at home. Spent the evening writing up my diary from notes & other writing.

Home.

Cloudy

All fairly well.

Made preparations to go to Canada. Went shopping with Mama. Bought her a coat & Oliver a suit. Had Ray barbered. Attended to sundry other matters and phoned Elder D. O. McKay of Ogden about our [p. 50] Canada trip.

Made checks and prepared for mailing on 1st amounting to $220.35

Got from City Library a book “Corporal Cameron” by Ralph Connor to read on way to Canada.

In the evening I attended a Stake Contest in oratory between members of the Y.M. and Y.L.M.I.A. held in 21st ward house. Our daughter Mamie representing the 27th ward. Hers was a splendid effort but of seven contestants she stood second or third.

I have these thoughts upon the subject of public address or oratory. First the subject matter must be worth while. Second, the audience must be made to feel what you have to give. To make them feel it the speaker must feel it himself. If one speaks with feeling the accent will be in the right place and many other rules of delivery will be complied with unconsciously. Be easy & natural sufficiently deliberate to emphasize where necessary.

The evenings entertainment was very enjoyable & profitable.

Home.

Cloudy.

Estella has had a cough & cold and this morning has been vomiting.

I made ready and took 2:05 train for Butte on my way to Canada. Accompanying me were Elder D. O. McKay and Sisters Card, Richards E. J. & Capener I read from “Corporal Cameron” and [p. 51] the time passed pleasantly. Had a good night’s rest & sleep & arose at 5:40 A.M. and after shaveing & making my toilet I continued my reading, visiting at times. Changed cars at Butte and arrived at Great Falls about 2:40 P.M. Thu. Put up at Hotel Rainbow. After supper Elder McKay & I walked about town for an hour & called in a picture show for an hour. Retired to bed early.