HIGHLY FAVORED. numbers of cases, they have been seized by officers, because of their being so branded. The great number of animals sold at the breaking up of Camp Floyd come under this class. The quartermaster at Camp Douglas has thus taken up many animals, and has often returned them to the possessors, satisfied they were honestly come by. He recommends an entirely 231 new brand be adopted for public animals, to save government and honest citizens much trouble. Though there are some parts of the extracts published from which we differ, particularly with regard to the application of the word "fanatical," still, the spirit of fairness which runs through them, commends them to every honest mind." HIGHLY FAVORED. (From the Salt Lake Daily Telegraph, Feb. 10th, 1867.) It seems to us that our citizens have much to be thankful for. They are certainly a highly favored people. We do not know any community which has more cause of gratitude to an overruling Providence. Goodness and mercy seem to follow our people all the day long. Such has been the experience in this Territory from the beginning down to the present time. In the first instance, they took it very hard when they were inhostipitably turned out of the parental nest, such as it had proved to them, and found it highly expedient to set their faces toward the setting sun, and follow it into the remote terra incognita of the Great Basin, ere they could hope to find permanent rest to the soles of their feet, or enjoy the privilege of worshipping God according to the dictates of their consciences. It was a hard unfeeling spirit which drove our pioneers and their compeers from their hardly earned homes in Missouri and Illinois, and then refused them an asylum in any of the States. How ever the stone was rejected by the political builders, but an overruling purpose has brought good out of the evil, and will continue so to do. Being kicked out of "the States," our people could do no other thing consistently than to push forth into the great desert, leaving their enemies to enjoy the fruits of their triumph. Here, in the vast unexplored and illreputed interior, the rejected and expatriated people sought out a peaceable place of habitation, where, if anywhere, they hoped to live un molested by the evil disposed, aud where they could establish a social system which revelation and history showed to be the best suited to the necessities of the times, and most conducive to the welfare and happiness of the human race. Here, in these remote valleys, our people have enjoyed a larger degree of peace and quiet prosperity than they had or could have elsewhere. Though threatened times without number by aspiring and evilminded demagogues, yet but once has the community been seriously disturbed, and forced to abandon the life, health, and prosperity, giving works of peace for the tented field and the grim business of war, and that was when poor Buchanan suffered himself to be persuaded to launch a few thousand troops over the Wasatch range into the heart of our Territory, in the hope that they would eat up all the Mormon men, and debase all the Mormon women. Even that memorable expedition failed to fulfil what its originators, aiders, and abettors, anticipated and designed. An overruling Providence warded off the evil, and converted it into positive good. In that instance the wrath of man was restrained, and the remainder of it was made to further the purposes of Deity. It was found out, after the chief expenses had been incurred, that the army came here on a fool's errand, that the Mormon people were as good as most other people, and considerably better than their detractors, and that it was easier to calumniate the members of a whole community, than to legally and constitutionally prove them guilty of the crimes laid to their charge. A few hungry contractors, sutlers, and other gamblers made their piles, our farmers were furnished, at moderate prices, with all the mules, wagons, oxen, harness, logchains, yokes, bows, bowkeys, bacon, coffee, sugar, tea, and dry goods they particularly needed, and the money to buy them. By and bye the troops went back east into the civil war, where serious business awaited them-all they wanted. In several other well known instances have our people been greatly favored and benefitted since they came here, a sort of compensation for what they gave up to get here, and for their heroic services in making the desert a place of pleasant habitation, a convenient and delightful half-way house for the weary pilgrims. For instance, the furor after the gold mines of California nearly 20 years ago, the more recent trade with the Montana gold mines, and that with the annual emigration to the mining Territories and the Pacific slope. We may incidentally remark that we are nearly ready for another streak of good fortune, if our enemies have one in store for us, for greenbacks are becoming scarce, and produce is getting too near touching gravel. The inhospitable and ugly kick which landed our people in this valley, also placed them far beyond the reach of the miseries of the recent war. While our excited neighbors in the States were furiously endeavoring by fire and sword to lessen the adult male population, and fill the land with disconsolate widows and destitute orphans, our citizens were unavoidably left in the enjoyment of peace, and they improved it by industriously multiplying the number of worthy husbands and happy wives, and the consequent promising and numerous olive branches. While our fellow citizens in the east were dealing out death and desolation, and spreading misery throughout the land, our people, in their more humble and limited sphere, were as busily and liberally engaged in multiplying life and health and happiness. At the present time, when in many portions of the States poverty and starvation and demoralization and crime are increasing, here in Utah there is no lack of the necessaries and many of the comforts of life. All our citizens can say that their bread is given them and their water is sure. There is no fear of starvation or hopeless poverty. Prostitution and adultery do not flaunt defiantly in our public thoroughfares, as they do elsewhere, and crimes of all kinds are remarkably scarce. Surely, then, the people of this Territory have great reason to be grateful for the blessings they enjoy. In a letter from President Young, published in the STAR for December 15th, he states-"It is not our intention to send any teams from here next season to bring up the poor. They are pushing the railroad ahead very fast from the East, and if nothing should interfere to prevent, they will have shortened the EDITORIAL. 233 distance for the teams to travel, by 1868, to at least one-half what it has been this year. This will give the Saints a year to get ready for their emigration. Those who have means of their own can, of course, come along as usual; but none need expect or calculate upon any help from here. The Saints can also come to the States and obtain work, and prepare themselvss for another year, should it be wisdom, and circumstances should admit of their doing so." We have quoted the foregoing that the Saints, in their earnestness and anxiety upon the subject of their gathering, may not overlook or misunderstand the spirit of the President's instructions thereon. General directions for those who are able and intending to go through the present season, were published in the last No. of the STAR; but there are many who have, or can obtain, means sufficient to take themselves across the Atlantic, but not enough to go through to Utah, who, if they continue in this country, are more likely to exhaust their meats now in hand, than to accumulate sufficient for through passage in 1868. Since the lull of war in America, some branches of business have greatly resuscitated, and we have known several instances in which brethren who have been assisted out by their friends, have in a very short time paid up their indebtedness, and sent over for their families in some instances making as much as a pound sterling per day in the coal mines. The favorable reports from those who have gone out, together with the unfavorable prospects of the Saints in the British Isles, on account of the depression of many branches of trade, seem to render it wisdom for those who have the means, to go without delay so far as the States, where they can get employment, and replenish their funds with a view of getting to Utah at the earliest possible day, their gathering being now the great object of the Saints in Europe. It is presumed the Saints will prefer passage by steamer, seeing they will be able to go during the summer months for about £4 10s. per adult, and only be at sea about one-third the time required by sailing vessels. Those, therefore, who wish to go by steamer, must send up their names, ages, and deposits of three pounds (£3) per head, except infants, and when a sufficient number has been obtained to form a proper company, arrangements will be made, and they be duly notified of the time of the ship's departure, with all necessary information connected therewith. Should any prefer to go by sailing vessels, they are requested to inform us immediately, giving their names, ages, and one pound (£1) deposit per head, exeept infants, and we will arrange for them accordingly. To those who may undertake this labor, we offer a few words of instruction. Fail not to take your certificate of fellowship from the Branch with which you have been connected. Take with you at least, in each family, a copy of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Hymn Book. The Bible is far more plenteous in the States, than the disposition to live its precious precepts; you can get it readily anywhere, but the publications of the Church you cannot. The Compendium is also an excellent assistant in defending the faith of the Saints. On arriving at New York, the names of the company will be reported to Elder William H. Miles, 117, John Street, who presides over the Church in the Eastern States, and who will render what assistance he can to obtain work and situations in business for the brethren as they arrive. Should your lot fall aside, where there is no organized Branch of the Church, report yourselves to the President at New York, as before named, and Travelling Elders will visit you, organize Branches where circumstances permit, and instruct you in the advancing interests of the kingdom of God. As the STAR goes regularly to Elder Miles, subscribers in the States can get it as regularly, for ought we know, as do the Saints in Europe. Now, while it is important that the Saints make every reasonable exertion to gather, it is of the first importance that they preserve themselves in the spirit of the Gospel and in the fear of God. They who do this will delay no longer in the States than is necessary to secure their passages forward to Utah, unless counselled by the Priesthood to stop. They will feel that they are strangers in a strange land. They will find themselves beset about by lying apostates, who have had pleasure in unrighteousness, and who for that reason have been cut off from the Church, and are given up of God to believe lies, that they may be damned. These will, by all manner of cunningly devised nonsense, endeavor to turn you from the truth, and by desecrating the reverent name of the Prophet Joseph Smith, will seek to add the highest authority to their abominable lies; from all such turn away, and lend them not the use of your ears, for if you have learned that the Gospel which you have embraced is true, you also know that anything contrary to it is false. Then let those who are about to go forth, remember their prayers in the season thereof, “for ye receive the Holy Spirit by the prayer of faith." Attend the meetings of the Saints where there are any, and where there are not, spend your leisure time on Sundays, and other opportunities, in reading prayerfully the Doctrine and Covenants, Book of Mormon, and other Scriptures; preserve yourselves and your children from the contaminations of the world, and the good hand of God will open up your way-you will find good remuneration for labor, and will soon find your way to Zion, taking a portion of it with you, where await the blessings and seal of the new and everlasting covenant to be conferred upon you in the house of the Lord. The foregoing is intended for those of the European Saints who speak the English language. It is not deemed wise for those of other languages to start, except such as are prepared to go directly through. CORRESPONDENCE. AMERICA. } Stephens House, New York City, Dear Brethren,-We hasten to pen you a few lines, feeling that you will be very anxious to learn of our arrival at this place. We reached here yesterday, at 1 o'clock p.m. The clear blue sky, with a glowing sun, rendered the view of our native land most ac ceptable, and our hearts beat high with joy. With regard to the voyage, we are enabled to speak in the most favorable terms, and feel to testify that God has answered the prayers of the faithful in our behalf. Passengers on board were very kind, and offered any medical aid or assistance that lay within their power. It will not be necessary to state that brother Kimball has enjoyed a good appetite, when you are informed that he has not CORRESPONDENCE. missed a meal since he left Liverpool, the result of which is, at least, a slight addition to his personal appearance. I have seen brother Miles, and he proffers his assistance to secure a comfortable temporary home for brother Kimball, with some family of the Saints, until his health recovers sufficiently to enable him to visit his friends. I purpose remaining with brother B. W. for a time, and probably until I receive advice from you; and in the event of my receiving no word from you prior to visiting my friends, I will keep brother Miles posted as to my whereabouts, that he may forward any communication. On arriving here, our happiness would have been greatly enhanced could we have had the pleasure of shaking hands with our esteemed President, B. Young, jun., and to have received any counsel that he might have been led to give. We are informed that none of our merchants have arrived here from the valley. With kindest regards to yourselves, brothers Richards, John W., Preston, and all inquiring friends, ever praying for your lasting welfare in the great cause in which we have enlisted, we remain, as ever, yours very truly, W. R. SMITH, B. W. KIMBALL. ENGLAND. Liverpool, March 22, 1867. President Brigham Young, jun. Dear Brother,-As the time of my departure from Europe draws nigh, I feel it a duty, as well as a pleasure, to give you a short history of my labors for the last few months. 235 tion to Utah and its peculiar people, seeing, as they do, that in the face of all opposition and persecution, and regardless of the biting sarcasms of opposers, "Mormonism" remains a great fact, its defenders increase in numbers and power, its walls are being strengthened, and as we become better known, the prejudices of the people are vanishing away, and in its place there will spring up multitudes who will reason, and adopt in their faith and practice, the ennobling and glorious principles of the Church of Christ. My I have labored in the ministry now almost three years, and in my travels have lacked nothing. My health has been most excellent, my spirits buoyant, and I feel very thankful to my Father for his many blessings. different fields of labor have, to me, seemed the most pleasant; the brethren with whom I have labored, the most kind and agreeable; the Saints, the most friendly and obliging. The presidency at Liverpool I have even counted as my firm and excellent friends, and for all the kindness shown me by Saints, Elders, and the Presidency, I extend my most heartfelt and grateful thanks. I leave this District feeling that it is in a good condition at present, and that a high future is in store for my successor. During the past year we have organized two new Branches, one at Tamworth, in the Warwickshire Conference; the other is in North Lancashire, and I may describe it as a colony from the Birmingham Conference. The reports, both Financial and Statistical, have already been published in the minutes of our District Conference, which was held on the 24th ult. Only a few persons will be able to emigrate this year, but we expect many to be ready another, as the necessity of so doing is appreciated by nearly Since your departure for your mountain home, some six months ago, I have been travelling in the Birming ham District, which comprises the Conferences of Birmingham, Warwickshire, and Staffordshire, preaching as often as opportunities offered, sometimes to large and attentive, but most-all. If successful in providing the ly to small congregations. Seemingly but few people care to hear anything abou: "Mormonism," at least, they are not inclined to come out boldly and investigate freely; yet, from many intimations received in my travels, I am positive that there is a great interest being awakened_in_rela necessary funds, many will come out another year. With pleasure I view my past labors, and look forward to the future with fond hope. Trusting my labors in this country meet your full approval, and that our Father in heaven will abundantly bless you with his Spirit, and also the Saints |