Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-07-25
TIE NEW TEMPLE.

Here also is located and almost com
plelel the temple. The largest structure
Of the kind in the world, upon which
over Sl.0C0,O 600 have already been
spent, and upon which the MOrmons
have been at work since 1888. For
wears after its commencement the
stone or Utah granite was hauled
twenty-five miles by oxen. il requiring
two DAYS TO make 4 tip and only one
stone being hauled at a load. The
temple is 200 feet long by 100 feet wide:
its height / could not ascertain but ii is
i'm proportion. In each corner Of the
building is a tower containing spiral
stone stairway. The column around
which this stairway winds is at least
eight feet in diameter, the foundation
walls are sixteen feet wide and are
carried up ten feet wide. In the cen
ter of the building is an immense stone
arch 80 feet wide to support the inner
walls and floors. This building is not
intended as a place of worship, but a
place TO perform their religious rites in
such as baptism of the dead and Of in
fantS and marriage ceremonies, and
when completed will be considered
sacred, no one but professed MOrmons
being allowed to enter.
POLITICS IN lIORMONDOI.
The Mormons are very much alarmed
over that law of congress combining the
church to $4,000 worth of property,
and are afraid they will never be al
lowed to dedicate the temple.
A great many Of the MOrmOnS are
thrifty. energetic people, but are losing
control of affairs, the liberals crOwding
them out. Republican and democrat
are unknown here, it being liberals,
meaning GentiIeS. and people, meaning
Mormons. A person can already see
the effect the placing of liberals in
power will have. Even many of the
MormOns will be glad TO see it as it be-
gets confidence among the moneyed
men of the country.
Last winter was a very mild one IN
the mountains. with very little snow
and i'm consequence there is great
scarcity of water. even the river going
dry: causing vegetation to wilt and dry
I'D. OF course their wheat and oats
are safe.
The party spent two days in Salt
Lake. leaving on Friday evening for
one of the most unpleasant rides it has
ever been my misfortune totake. Ow-
ing to the dryness of the country the
dust was almost unbearable. Our run
of Friday night, Saturday and Satur-
dav night was through great cannns
and over level stretches of country COW
cred with sage brush and lava beds. the
most desolate country l ever saw.
Sunday morning found US in Oregon
going through the Grand Round valley.
which appeared to US very beautiful
after seeing so much baTrenness.
At l o'clock we reached Umatilla,
where for the first time we catch
glimpse of that famous river, the Col
umbia. The river runs through vast
canon. its banks lined with sand which
Irifts with the wind and makes it very
unpleasant for the weary traveller. 1t
was our misfortune on Sunday after
noon to be obliged to ride through one
of those sand storms. l think it will
never be forgotten by any Of the party.
This sand is very firm and drifts worse
than snow was ever known to do IN
Kansas. the railway company being
obliged to build fences and keep gangs
of men continually along the track 10
keep it clear OF sand. In some towns
we passed through the sand was piled
up around the houses from four to
eight feet deep and the town of Cecilo
being almost entirely covered UP.