Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1899-12-16
A Good Work Being Done.
Pittsburg, Pa, Dec. s. 1899.
To the Editor:

TlttSUui6, IA, Lee. o, 1879.
To the Editor:
We always read with interest the let
tiers from the various missionary fields.
Elder John NJ. Whitaker of the presi-
dency Of the Eastern States mission Is
making q tour Of the large cities Of this
mission, and Is now In this conference.
The object OF his present labor is 10 in
terview the press and hold public lee
lures where IL appears 10 be the most
needed, and 10 get hearing before the
thinking class of the people.
Elder Whitaker thus far has met
with success. His first labors in the
conference were at Moundsville, Ohio
county w. Va. CA part OF West Vir-
ginia known as the Pan Handle, includ-
ing Ohio, Brooke and Handbook coun-
ties, has recently been included in the
West Pennsylvania conference).
We endeavored TO get permission to
lecture in the court house, but at first
met with opposition and difficulty, and
were referred TO the chairman OF the
board. He met that gentleman on the
street few minutes later and knew
him, though he had never seen him be-
fore on earth. Who will say he was
not prompted by the Spirit OF God?
After a brief conversation the official
gave his consent and the result was,
Elder Whitaker lectured to a good
sized audience in the auditorium Of the
court house, which was given free Of
charge. The newspapers of Mound
Vile were very friendly and published
the leading points of the argument ad-
vanced by Elder Whitaker.
From Moundville Elder Whitaker
went to Wheeling and arranged to lee
ture In Arion Hotel. This meeting
was also well attended by the represen-
tative people Of Wheeling. Several
members OF the Reorganized church
were present. After the lecture some
Of the latter expressed their sorrow TO
think that Elder Whitaker was so de-
luded. but he Informed them that they
had no cause to mourn on his account.
The papers Of Wheeling were also
very fair and gave a good account OF
the lecture. From Wheeling Elder
Whitaker came to Pittsburg. Arrange
ments were made for lectures in Pitts
burg, Allegheny and McKeesport sue
cessively.
The speaker was welcomed by very
attentive audience at each place and
favorably, besides publishing some artl-
cles in defense Of 'Mormonism." writ
ten by Elder Whitaker. In these lee
lures the speaker explained what
"Mormonism" is and why IL has been.
and is, opposed, thus discussing the
minds OF the people Of the idea that
"Mormonism" Is opposed on account OF
"Polygamy." He also showed the
falsity Of great many charges which
are made against the Church. and ex-
planned the position OF the Church In
the crusade through which II is now
passing. His words struck home TO
those who were honest, and many
hearts warmed with sympathy for the
truth. Influential men acknowledged
that the "Mormons' had been misrep-
resented and ought TO have their rights.
and there was not a single disrespect-
ful comment in the columns OF the
press.
After leaving Plttsburg Elder Whit
aker went to OIL City. Pa, and intends
TO 60 from there TO the New York
conference.
We feel that great good viii follow
from his labors.
The Indications are that brighter
times are COnllnk, because the thinking |
class OF the people are having their at |
tention called to "Mormonism'' and |
they are more DESTROYS OF having Jus. |
tice meted out and blame attached |
where II rightly belongs
The work In these parts Is growing |
very fast. This conference was left in |
a prosperous condition by Elder Davis.
when he was relieved in october. and |
his successors have been trying TO fol-
low up and add to the good work al
ready done.
Conference headquarters has been es-
tabllshed In the heart Of Plttsburg, and |
three good, energetic Elders, besides |
the clerk. are located In the city.
Most OF the Elders are blessed with
health and the spirit OF their calling.
There are twenty-nIne Elders In the
conference at present and travelling
without purse or scrip IL the rule OF the
mission. This conference includes all
VI that part OF Pennsylvania lying west
81 the SusQuehara river.
Any one having relatives or friends
In these parts whom they wish the