The sun., 1883-11-04
LIFE IN UT.fH.


SALT LAKE CRY, Oct. 25.-It one wishes to
see Mormon life in all It's nrimityoness and
simplicity, he must not look for 1t in Salt Lake
City for there 1t Is overshadowed by much OF
the outside world. No; IL you wish to see the
pure inner life Of Mormondom you must strike
out inio the country districts.
A few evenings ago had the pleasure Of at
tending u genuine dancing party OF tho Latter
bay Saints they don't like tn 10 called Nor
mons. This wns n. 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 Meeting
House. Il plain stone building used for general
public purposes.
Tho hour for opening was p NJ.
/ was there on time. What first at
tractod my attention on entering was that
tho ladies and gentlemen sat separately-the
men on the right and the ladies on the left. At
the end OF the hall was q raised platform. upon
which sat the orchestra. which consisted Of a
first and second violin and organ. The nation.
| ality OF those present was very distinct and
easily detected. The Scandinavian element
predominatcd. but there WAS II sprinkling Of
English. Scotch Irish Welsh and Swiss. while
| the Ohio twang and the Missourans itiee could
also he heard. All had happy and contented
| look. there being no attempt at formality. but
each appeared to feel as IL he or she was at
home with members Of their own family.
When l arrived the dancing had not COM
| menced. and there was quite q buzz OF conver-
sation. Presently the floor manager called
out. Please to come to order! Brother Brown.
Will you open Z" 1mmediat ely all was silence.
md every head bowed in reverence. Brother
and Offering n brief but earnest exteniporane-
ous PRAYER in which he asked the Lord to be
with them during the time Of their amusement
and to keep all harm and wrongdoing from
| those present.
each man who wished to dance. and when
AL had numbers given them he called OUT
Namhsrs 5; ons to cight take your partners for
w started the eight numbers and rushed across
the room and secured partners. There WAS no
ton with their ladies. Tho music, struck up.
started off as if their very life was at stake.
The Danes were remarkably graceful in their
apantum, of yerdant youths who did not know
what TO do with their legs. There were many
and cea bat no sttemps
made Mt show in dress. plain cotton and wool
len fabric. being the rule; Some few q the girls
iaces. Many Of the men did moi appear to have
made any special evening toilet. with the eS-
crs. again, We're dressed in vel made. service
able brondcloth Of home manufacture.
could not help but notice many OF the young
men born and raised in this mountain region.
They are perfect giants-haie. hearty. and vig-
OfOuS. -l)pnt ever ltnputS 10 pOlyRaIy tue
cause Of muscular decline in man. for here
hnd ocular proof to the contrary.
When the first dance was concluded the gen.
tlemen 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 as it Is called. is not. by stric'
, rules. allowed although n few on this occasion
were permitted during the evening.
, After several dances had been gone through
| some young Scandinavian sisters sang charm
ing song. This was followed by an EnglishmaI
!, singing comic song and an American re
a a citing from Shakespeare. Then more danci ing
q ! with occasional singing. till ~ o'clock. whel
= Come TO order was called. and the nssembl
. was dismissed with prayer. All seemed happ
, and contented with the evenings entertain
ment. and hied Mt oncc home. every lady hav
, ing an escort of father. brother. husband. o
!, . | beau.
During tho whole of the evening the only re
i freshments that l saw heard OF was pur
" " water. although l was told that upon specie
!, !, occasions a light beer with cake is hande
. around. Intoxicating drinks are strictly Pre-
hibited. There is no saloon within thirty mile
- Of the town. and even II u man smells Of liQuc
~ he is reprimanded.
u These dances are not open for any who ma
choose to attend. but all who wish TO rartak
give their names in to the Bishop OF the war
He has power to hlackball. and he uses thi
power especiavwith outsiders and aposfate
!, BY o'clock all lights were out in the ow
~ and the only sounds to be heard were the occ
siona baying of the watch dogs and the M!lnt
II OF the canon breeze. II. X.