Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1897-12-31
THE OLD YEAR.

The wear that is about to pass into
the annals of history Is in some re-
spects n notable one. For Utah. 1897
will be known as the year OF 1ubliee
and that event attracted the attention
of the world to her people and the
happy conditions under which they are
living. 1t is believed that 1897 has In
augurated an era Of prosperity TO the
United States and the discovery OF
the Alaskan gold fields gives promise
of large additions to the nations re-
sources.
Looking over the world at large the
picture presented at the close oil the
wear Is in some respects sad one, All
Europe Is an armed camp. Christian
nations distrust each other. because
their policy individually and collective
" is one OF taking from the weaker
what these cannot defend; 1t Is poilcy
of oppression instead of protecton'
The flames of war in many places cast
their glare over the pages Of the MS
tory of the dying year, and If appear
ances do not deceive 1t seems that
further plots are being laid, the de-
movement OF which may come as an IN
ternational embroglio that Will make
the earth tremble. Hardly less discour-
aging is the fact that misgovernment'
both national and municipal, seems TO
flourish and that efforts for reform
grow more sporadic. There Is unrest
among the masses. In the various
countries It takes different forms, but
nearly everywhere it Is heard as the
commotion in the air before an APP
preaching storm.
But there is n brighter side. Labor
has had its well-earned victories during
the year And SO has science in its var
ious branches. The need of a national
institute of learning has been felt in
this country and the work, though pre-
paratory, may be classed among the
important achievements OF the year
When completed it will be a shining
light among the consultations OF
knowledge in the world
The progress of the Church during
the past year has been remarkable. In
fact, 1t has attracted the attention of
those who had formed an idea that
Mormonism was expiring some years
ago, and frequently remarks have
been made in pulpit and press that the
religion OF the Saints Is as active as
ever. And it is. At home the people
are manifesting n desire to get q
deeper understanding OF the doctrine
of truth and to practice 1t, as they
understand it. The servants of the Lord
have the confidence and the affection
of the people and spirit of unity
prevails. There is a willingness to
make sacrifices for the proclamation of
the Gospel ON the part of young and
old, and the power Of the Almighty is
revealed in their midst.
From reports received from time to
time from the various missionary fields
it is gathered that the Gospel work is
progressing abroad. Elders f. NJ. Ly-
man and MF Cowley have been holding
a number of conferences and meetings
In the various states of the Union and
nearly everywhere found crowds eager
to listen to their testimony, while tho
Lord has set His seal upon the work by
signs and wonders following the believ
ers.
In Europe the missionary work II
equally satisfactory. opportuntiei
for preaching the Gospel multiply II
Switzerland and the German empire
Liberty to preach Is being granted NOR
freely than ever to the Elders in Ger
many, and as q consequence more soul
are added to the Church. Elders Ru
lon s. Wells and ]. w. McMurrin of tn
presidency of the European mission
have held well attended meetings Il
Frankfort, Hamburg, Berlin, Dresden
Stuttgart and other cities and every
where found many people willing t
listen TO their message OF salvation.
In Scandinavia the reports from near
ly every conference have been salts
factory. Souls are constantly beiu
added to the branches. The Neither
lands mission is flourlshing, and i
Great Britain the feeling OF indifference
seems to be disappearing.
Similar encouraging reports hay
come from the islands Of the sea, Will
an immense field of labor is about I
be opened UP in Asia, from which tn
Gospel message may go out to the mi
lions on that continent and reach III
St.tNeIeu hSeu Oh. tHe mouse CT J&fu
there.
1t is n matter Of sincere gfatitud
that there have been more addition
to the Church during the past yea
than in any previous twelve month
OF its history, and that the doors a.
about to be opened to vast multitude
that have az yet not heard the Gosp,
One Of the most important events COZ
nected with the religious world abrol
is perhaps the Lambeth conference, a
tended by 200 prelates from every pa
of the British empire. This coun,
virtually rejected the overtures of Il
Catholic church for reconciliation NJ
declared that the only ecclesiastlc
unity possible was one of purpose al
essential beliefs. not one of ceremonij
1t may be regarded as an official a
proval Of the fractured condition of t
\ Christian world and denial Of t