The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1883-12-09
A MORMON DANCE.
The LatterD-ay Saints Tripping the
Light Fantastic One Phase Of
Utah Life.


must not look for it in Salt Lake City,
for there it is oyershadowed by much
to the outside world. No, If you wish
TO see the pure inner life of Mormon
dom YOU must strike out into the coun-
try districts.
A few evenings ago had the pleas
ure of attending genuine dancing
party of the Latter-Day Saints (they
don't like to be called Mormons). This
was ut a small town nestled away in
the Wasatch mountains, about 100
miles south of the metropolis of Utah.
The dance was held in what is called
the ward Westinghouse. plain stone
building used for general public pur-
poses.
The hour for opening was z P. Nj.
| was there on time. What first attract
ed my attention on entering was that
the ladies and gentlemen sat separate
ly-the men on the right and the ladies
on the left. At the end of the hall was
raised platform, upon which sat the
orchestra, which consisted of first and
second violin and organ. The nation
atty of those present was very distinct
and easily detected. The Scandinavian
element predominated, but there was
sprinkling of English, Scotch, Irish,
Welsh, and Swiss, while the Ohio
twang, and the Missourian's idee could
also be heard. All had happy and
contented look, there being no attempt
at formalty, but each appeared to feel
as if he or she was at home with mem
bers of their own family.
When | arrived the dancing had not
commenced, and there was quite buzz
of conversation. Presently the floor
manager called out: please come to
order! Brother Brown, will you open?'
Immediately all were silent and every
head bowed in reverence. Brother
Brown responded by walking to the
platform and offering brief but earn
est extemporaneous prayer, in which
he asked the Lord to be with them dur
ing the time OF their amusement, and
to keep all harm and wrong-doing from
those present.
The floor manager then gave num-
Der to each man who wished to dance,
and when all had numbers given them,
he called out, Numbers one to eight
take your partners for a cotillion"
There was only space for two sets. Up
started the eight numbers, and rushed
across the room, and secured partners.
There was no waiting for introductions,
and now they stood in readiness on the
floor, falling into conversation with
their ladies'. The music struck up, the
caller shouted the figure and the dane
ers started of as if their very life was
at stake.
The Danes were remarkably graceful
in their movements, and, Of course,
there was the usual quantum of verdant
Youths who did not know what to do
with their legs. There were many
pretty, yes, handsome, faces among
the fair sex. All was neat and clean,
but no attempt was made to show in
dress, plain cotton and wooden fabrics
being the rule. Some few of the girls
made a faint attempt with simple rib
bons and laces. Many OF the men did
not appear to have made any special
evening toilet, with the exception OF
the liberal use Of soap and water.
Others, again, were dressed in we'll
made, serviceable broadcloth of home
manufacture.
could not help but notice many Of
the young men born and raised in this
mountain region. They are perfect
giants hale, hearty, and vigorous.
Don't ever impute to polygamy the
cause OF muscular decline in man, for
here had ocular proof to the contrary.
When the first dance was concluded
the gentlemen escorted their partners
to their seats, and then retired to their
own. Then another batch of eight was
Immediately called for, and the fun was
repeated. The polka or waltz, round
dancing is il is called, is not, by strict
rules, allowed. although few on this
occasion were permitted during the
evening.
After several dances had been gone
through, some young scandinavian Sis
tiers sung charming song. This was
followed by an Englishman singing a
comic song and an American recting
from Shakespeare. Then more dancing
with occasional singing, till II o clock.
when "come to order was called, and
the assembly was dismissed with prayer.
All seemed happy and contented with
the evenings entertainment, and HE'D
at once home every lady having an
escort of father, brother, husband, or
beau
During the whole of the evening the
only refreshments that saw or heard
Of was pure water, although | was told
that on special occasions n light beer
with cake is handed around Into&ica-
ting drinks are strictly prohibited.
There is no saloon within thirty miles
of the town, and even if a man smells
OF liquor he is reprimanded.
These dances are not open for any
who may choose to attend, but all who
wish to partake give their names in to
the bishop of the ward He has power
| to blackball and he uses that power,
especially with outsiders and apostatcs.
BY O'Clock all lights were out in the
town, and the only sounds to be heard
was the occasional baying of the
watch-dogs and the lullaby of the can
yon brecze.-Sah Lake city Cor. Ne,0
York Sun.
The Girl of the Period.
Under the present order of things,