Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1890-07-23
MORMON BIsLOYILTY.

THE Phoenix, Arizona, G,r-stts
contains the following communica-
ton which needs no comment:
TEMPE, July 5th, 1880
Editor GG-ettc:
Having heard from many and varied
sources that the Mormon people,
wherever found. were, As 4 peO-
pie, unpatriotic, reasonable, and
dangerous element TO our govern
ment. By reason Of these undesirable
qualities and hearing that the Nor
mon settlement at Mesa would cele-
brate the glorious Fourth, the writer
AZ an early hour, accompanied by his
wife, drove TO that charming village.
We found upwards OF 500 people con-
gregated under the extensive arbor
adjacent TO their church. ali in gala
day attire, all well behaved and en-
joying themselves listening TO an
elaborate programme prepared for the
occasion, consisting Of singing. read
ing, declanations and speaking. The
following Is portion Of the
programme: Song by the choir,
prayer by the chaplain, sing
ing. ''Stsr SPanCled Banner"
Declaration OF Independence, by Pro-
fessor Banta. Patriotic song by d
Bagley, Grafton by b. +. johnson
song by T. Pomeroy, chorus by the
choir, speech by Professor c. @. Case,
speech by L. II. Hawkins. Forenoon
entertainment closed by prayer 10y
Mr. Ellsworth.
The afternoon was devoted almost
wholly to making the children happy,
and better looking. better dressed,
and more contented lot OF children
could not be found. The church was
cleared Of seats excep: on the sides.
and given up entirely to the children
10 dance in. One could see little bows
and girls Of four or FIVE wears Of age
with as much spirit and zest
into the dance as shown by the older
people. Then they hal all kinds Of
games, such rs racing, balloon ascen-
sions, etc, with candy, ice cream.
lemonade, and other Refreshments,
until it was time for the little ones 10
90 home.
TN the evening a dance in the
church for grown people closed the
lays enjoyments, with fireworks and |
lnvil firing.
1t would be difficult 10 imagine a
more enjoyable. and purely patriotic |
OF people. than this celebra-
ion OF Mesa. THESE people have re-
iuced outdoor as well as indoor pas
Imes to a science. From them all |
churches might learn a lesson, use
your church buildings to make people
happy in material enjoyment instead
II devoting them entirely to solemn
ipiritual uses. and you viii find your
attendance increase instead q dimin- I
sh.
Not person In the least under the
influence Of liquor was seen in all
hat large assembly, and the writer
lid not hear one profane utterance.
How is this for morality and good
upon the whole l pronounce this to
ave been the pleasantest Fourth Of
uly celebration I ever attended for
he reasons, among others, that com
Orts Of all kinds were provided.
cats for everybody, shade in abund-
nee, and refreshments ample, the
indy, and generous, and anxious 70
hover hospitality upon visitors, SO
ifferen; from the average picnic,
there all is greed and grab.
''If any one doubts my statements,
rove it by attending the celebration
t Mesa next Fourth, and YOU will
gree with me that for patriotic earn
,tness, wholesome comfort. courteous
and beautiful women, Mesa
lnnot be surpassed"
A LOCKER on. {