The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1884-02-09
A MORMON DANCE.
The Latter Day saints Tripping the
Light Fantaatic--O One Phase OF Utah

Light Nantaaf1e--One Phase OF Ufoh
Life.
[Salt Lake City Cor New York SUM-
If one wishes to see Mormon life in
ali its primitiveness and simplicity, he
must not look for it in Salt Lake City,
for there it is overshadowed by much of
the outside world. No; if You wish to
see the pure inner life of Mormondom,
you must strike out into the country
districts.
A few evenings ago had the pleas
ure of attending a genuine dancing
party of the Latter day Saints they
don't like to be called Mormons1. This
was at small town nestled away in
the Wasatch mountains, about loo
miles south of the metropolis of Utah.
The dance was held in what is called
the ward meeting house, plain stone
building used for general public pur-
poses.
The hour for opening was p. m. /
was there on time. What first attracted
my attention on entering was that the
ladies and gentlemen sat separately
the men on the right and the ladies on
the left. At the end of the hall was a
raised platform, upon which sat the
orchestra, which consisted OF a first
and second violin and organ. The ma
tionality of those present was very dis
tinct and easily detected. The Scan
dinayian element predominated, but
there was a sprinkling of English,
Scotch, Irish, Welsh and Swiss, while
the Ohio twang and the Missourian's
idee could also be heard. All had
happy ind contentcd look, there be-
ing no attempt at formaity, but each
appeared to feel as if he or she was at
home with members of their own family.
When arrived the dancing had not
commenced, and there was quite buzz
of conversation. Presently the floor
manager cried out: please tocome to
orderl Brother Brown, will you open ?"
Immediately all was silence, and every
head bowed in reverence. Brother
Brown responded by walking to the
platform and offering a brief but
earnest extemporaneous prayer, in
which he asked the Lord to bewith them
| during the time of their amusement
and to keep all harm and wrong-doing
| from those present.
| The floor manager then gave anumber
to each man who wished to dance, and
when all had numbers given them, he
called out, Numbers one to eight, take
your parAners for cotilhon!" There
was only space for the 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 dancers
started off 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 ver-
dant 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
faint attempt with simple ribbons
and laces. Many of the men did not
appear to have made any special even
ing toilet, with the exception of the
liberal use of soap and water. Others,
again, were dressed in well made, serv-
iceable broadcloth of home manufac-
ture.
! I 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 I had ocular proof to the con-
trary.
! 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
repeated. The polka or waltz, round
dancing, as it 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
ters sung charming song. This was
followed by an Englishman singing q
comic song AMI an American reciting
from Shakespeare. Then more dane
ing, with occasional singing, till IL
i o'clock, when s.eome to order" was
called, and the assembly was dismissed
with prayer. All seemed happy and
contented with the evenings entertain
ment, and hied at once home, every lady
having an escort of father, brother, hus
band or beau.
During the whole of the evening the
only refreshments that saw or heard
of was pure water, although I was told
that upon special occasions light beel
with cake is handed around. Intoxicat
ing drinks are strictly prohibited. There
is no saloon within thirty miles of the
town, and even if a man smells o.
liquor he is rerrimanded.
These dances are not open for any
who may choose to attend, but all wht
wish to partake give their names in tt
the bishop of the ward. He has th,
power to blackball, and he uses tina
power, especially with outsiders anC
apostates.
By1 o'clock all lights were out in th'
town, and the only sounds to be hear(
were the occasional baying of the watcl
dogs and the lullaby of the canyon
breeze.
Theory and Practice.
The Judge.
A graceful writer one day wrote.
beautiful and sublime article shown,
how easy twas to die. But when th.
cholera morbus struck him that nigh
he had four doctors called in, and tn
druggist on the corner took his famil,
on an excursion with the money pai,
for the beautiful article.
The Mystery solved at Last.
Exchange.
'Ethel!' said the teacher, whom d