Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-08-08
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From Rangely, Colo, to vernal, Utah,
a distance of about sixty miles, we
passed thru a small Sahara. We found
water at only two places along this
road. Nothing but sand hills. absolutely
destitute Of vegetation, and the blue sky
above, could be seen. Nothing more des-
olate or lifeless could be ina ined. Yer
nal was the first town we reached after
entering the Mormon state. This is a
very pretty little town, somewhat larger
than Albion. Here we saw the first evil
dences of Mormonism. Just before en-
tering the town we passed two fine
modern brick buildings. one church, or
meeting house as we were informed by
the inscription over the door, and the
other school.
From here on thru Utah we p assed
thru Mormon settlements In Utah the
Gentiles are in a hopeless minority. In
fact the Mormons claim over three
fourths of the population of the state.
Our route lay thru the principal Utah
towns, viz: Vernal, Heber, Salt Lake
City, Ogden, Brigham City. Bountiful
and Snowville. The names of the towns
are often suggestive of Mormonism, as
Heber. Nephi, Manassas, Manti, Brig
ham, Lehi, etc. The people in speaking
of Salt Lake City usually refer to 1t as
Zion, and on several occasions heard it
mentioned as the Mormon capital. The
few valleys of Utah that admit of culti-
walton have been turned into garden
spots by those Jealous followers of JOS
eph Smith. Persecution has had its usu-
al result. There is vast difference in
the appearance of the Utah and Colora-
do valleys; the thrifty appearance OF
Utah houses, lawns and farms was
I quite noticeable. met several old men
who We're among the first to enter the
Salt Lake valley. They referred to the
changed appearance of the valley, the
pretty towns and Of their capital city
with much pride. Where once sage
brush alone covered the parched soil
now groves of forest trees and green
fields gladden. the eye. They mentioned
their journey across the plains with on
| teams, the misfortunes and suffering by
! the way, and the many weary days Of
travel thro practically uninhabited
country. All Of which was the more ap.
preciated by US since our journey has
lied US over and thru much of the coun.
TRY seen and traversed by them, but un.
der far different conditions
At the intersection of two principa
streets in Salt Lake City Is the Brigham
Young memorial. A heroic statute o.
Brigham Young rests on pedestal, ant
broad base. On one side Of the massive
base, leaning against the pedestal, sa
a life-size figure of an Indian warrior
on the opposite side pioneer. At tn,
back Of the base tablet bears The
names Of all the Mormon followers O
Brigham Young who entered the vale,
OF Salt Lake on the never-to-b be- forgot
ten Gath day Of July, 1877. Each year, ii
commemoration of this event July 24tl
is set aside as holiday in all Mormon
communities and the pioneers spent
the day in much the same way as tn,
old settlers do in Iowa at their reunions
The block to the northwest OF the monu
ment is given over to the Mormon
church buildings. Here are located tn,
famous temple and tabernacle. w
were shown about the tabernacle witt
its wonderful roof, arched above tn
great auditorium without pillar or post
and the great organ. 1t is said the audi
forum Will seat 5000 people. and so fin
are the acoustic properties of the build
ing that q pin dropped on the pulpit ca,
be heard in the farthest corner. TIL
temple near by we We're not permitte,
to enter.
This beautiful building is closed to TIL
/ gentle public; they We're forty years ii
i the building OF this structure In accord
ance with Jewish traditions. Thes
buildings and the grounds containin,
the same. which are beautifully parked
are enclosed by high stone wall. The,
follow the ancient Jewish custom,
and forms OF worship names, etc. yer,
closely. The temple and tabernacle be
ing put to the same uses.
Salt Lake Is beautiful city. Tn
city Is . forest of fruit and shade trees
"A system OF Irrigation making use q
4ismall mountain strsa ms t,a.Sip frou