self are greatly magnified in central Vermont through the character and labors of Junius F. Wells.

The cottage was packed with visitors and neighbors that mem orable day of December 23, long before the services began. The exercises were held in the large front room, built around the sacred hearthstone, looking down towards Sharon. The mantle over the hearthstone was banked with smilax and crysanthemums, and over the mantle hung an oil painting of the Prophet Joseph. It would be unfair to omit the mention of the work done by Mrs. Wells and her young daughter Abby, in the selection and arrangement of the cottage furnishings and final exercises; although Mrs. Wells herself smilingly declined to accept any honor, placing all our laurel wreaths of praise on the brow of her capable husband. But certainly both ladies must have done much to contribute to the final artistic success.

When President Joseph F. Smith called the assembly to order, not only was the house itself filled to the door, the porches and yard, cold as it was, were crowded. Almost immediately President McQuarrie edged his way out of the back door, and standing at the base of the monument, surrounded by an eager, but halffrozen crowd, he began an eloquent presentation of the history which had been begun in the earth on that identical spot, just one hundred years ago that day.

Within, the crowds hushed their voices and listened to the hymns sung by the congregation; then reverent prayer followed, by president Anthon H. Lund. Elder Junius F. Wells followed with a vivid yet modest recital of the story of the monument. It was, indeed, as later characterized by president Smith, a revelation. The tact and skill which had marked his labor, shone brightly through his relation of those labors, and while showing to his Utah friends the conditions which he had met and overcome, his words were so delicately chosen that no offense could be felt by any local visitor. Instead, he was careful to note the names and invaluable services rendered by various firms, and generous, helpful individuals.

After Robert C. Easton sang Guiding Star, a composition by a Utah musician, F. Dewey Richards, in his own soulful, matchless style, Apostle Lyman followed with a few well-chosen words

of appreciation for the labors of Elder Wells, and for the splendid assistance rendered by resident Vermonters. Then Dr. Edgar

Fish, a state senator who has extended many courtesies to Elder Wells, was introduced, and he paid a tribute to the untiring energy which had made the beautiful shaft a reality on the far-away hillside. He referred to the friendship felt by Vermonters for Mr. Wells, and expressed his own admiration, which was a growing one, for the people whose power, thrift and sobriety made a prosperous state and an honest community.

Apostle John Henry Smith gave one of his characteristic, happy speeches, filled with the spirit of brotherly tolerance and love. He was followed by Emma Lucy Gates and Robert C. Easton, in a duet, An Angel from On High.

Apostle Hyrum M. Smith then bore a strong and earnest testimony. His cousin, Jesse M. Smith, next said a few modest, dignified words in behalf of the Smith family, most of whom were born in Vermont.

Apostle C. W. Penrose followed with a stirring, powerful testimony, saying more in ten minutes than most men do in twice the time. He said he was not born an American, but he loved the memory of that mighty American whose latter-day mission had brought his own eager feet across the seas.

The next number on the program was the song, Joseph Smith's First Prayer, by Emma Lucy Gates.

The closing exercise was the simple, beautiful and touching dedicatory prayer offered by President Joseph F. Smith, which is found on another page of this magazine. The humility and yet the quiet majesty of that appeal must touch every heart. The love for the greatest of earth-prophets; the reverence for God and his Son Jesus Christ, with the appeal for protection from every destroying force that might attack the sacred monument, is eloquence itself.

While the modest justice which invokes a blessing on the head of Elder Junius F. Wells, whose brain and hand conceived and developed the idea, forgetting, however, that the work never could have been carried out without the deep and loyal cooperation of the head of the Church, all this breathes through the prayer, and strongly impressed every hearer with its peculiar, unselfish spirit.

At the close of the exercise, the people were dismissed by Patriarch John Smith, and all repaired to the monument, to assist in its unveiling. It was very appropriate that this ceremony should be performed by Miss Edith Smith, for no one in that numerous family is more worthy the honor. She has been for years the unpaid historian and Temple recorder for the Smith family; and what loving acts her brain has otherwise conceived, and her hand executed, only her friends, the poor, the needy, and the angels in heaven, will ever know. So, when the assembly was gathered around the exquisitely beautiful shaft, her slender hand drew the rope which bound the Stars and Stripes about the polished base. A shout at once arose, and men reverently lifted their hats, while women wept with joy and gratitude that such a man had lived, had died, and now had been remembered.

The thronging crowd demanded more music from Emma Lucy Gates, as her fame had been carried around the country for miles. She responded with the Star-Spangled Banner and America.

A delicious luncheon was then served, under the skillful direction of the best cook in all the country-side. Temporary tables had been laid all around the great square, open cellar; and here chicken pies of mammoth proportions, and the most delicate construction, were dispensed in great triangles. Salads of dainty flavor were abundant, with relishes and pickles of every variety. But ah, the creamy, yellow, flaky, rich, pumpkin pies-is not even their memory fragrant with spicy breath and delightful odors? The mince pies were equally fine; while cider, made from Grandfather Mack's own apple trees, was mildness and sweetness itself. It was too bad that four of our number ate "at the first table," and hurried away before the last and best of the feast was served; but please don't name chicken pie to any of them, or you will be saddened with their sadness, and rebuked with their sorrow.

After this interesting ceremony, the Utah and New York people repaired to the pretty sitting room above, and gathered around in a circle, while President Lund, in a loving, earnest speech, presented President Smith with a gold locket and chain, as a testimonial of the gratitude and affection felt towards him by the party who had journeyed from home with him. President Smith was moved to tears by the unexpected gift, paying thus the most

eloquent tribute to the friendship which had manifested itself. After the close of this unexpected ceremony, Elder Wells brought up a small box from below. He explained that even the railroads had refused to bring the heavy square die which was to bear the inscription of the monument, so he had been compelled to cut out the center of the huge granite block. From this piece of granite he had caused fifty polished paper weights to be made, as souvenirs of the event and the day. The lists of the Utah and New York parties were then read, and each one responded, receiving the precious memento as his or her name was called. Even baby Oliver was not forgotten.

Elder Wells gave over, to the keeping of President Smith, two most interesting relics. One was a large button, such as was worn on gentlemen's coats in the early part of last century; the other was a coin dated, 1803. These were found by the workmen in excavating for the cellar.

While gazing with reverent eyes on the hearthstone, in this room, Elder Wells came up and showed a crack across the stone, neatly cemented. One day, on arriving at the grounds, he saw a couple of tourists with a ten-pound hammer. One of them was trying to break off a part of the hearth to take away as a relic; with the only angry words he uttered while there, he rebuked the vandal who would ruthlessly destroy the one thing of all others most cherished for the altar of this new-old home. Surely the iron fence contemplated to be set about the monument will be needed, else the perfect granite shaft would be chipped to pieces by ruthless hands.

A caretaker will live at the cottage, and plenty of literature for the stranger will be on sale there; while its roof-tree will shelter the weary elder or saint who may knock at its hospitable door.

At last, the reluctant party broke up, and prepared to return to Royalton. While others were busy cutting canes from the trees round about as souvenirs, some stood in silent contemplation before the polished shaft, pondering on its deeper meaning, its wider message. Hope and faith are the sermons which it preaches to the outside world; but there is even more than this to the Latterday Saint, whose heart throbs deep to the message which was

brought to earth by the man-Joseph. Here is the beginning! Back to the very birthplace of the Prophet, starting at the very fount, the Saints have begun to build up the waste places of Zion. That work is begun! It will never cease! And, as was foretold by President Lyman while on the trip, the spirit which was a very part of the Memorial company, and the work which they did, will be felt throughout the Church. That spirit, he said, was a foretaste of the influence and power which would accompany every such future expedition. The upward trend of such events is accelerating with each succeeding year.

One other solemn thought rested like a benediction above the tried and troubled heart. The babe Joseph-he who played at his mother's knees at that very hearthstone-belonged to his tender, loving mother. The youth Joseph belonged to his devoted and still somewhat exclusive kinsmen. But the man Joseph-he of the heaven-seeing visions, and of the earth reforming principles-this man Joseph belonged to the people! To me, to you, aye, and to all mankind. Who are his kindred and his friends today? They are even as the kindred of his worshiped Master-those who serve God and keep his commandments. God manifested in his own way that Joseph belonged wholly and solely to the people; only so can the peeple belong to him.

(TO BE CONCLUDED IN MARCH NUMBER.)

FRANCE'S NEW PRESIDENT.

On the 18th of December, President Loubet of France closed his seven-year mandate, and according to law his successor was elected on January 17. M. C. A. Fallieres, age 65, and president of the French Senate, was the man elected. He is said to be roundshouldered and ungainly, with no special talents, but with a smooth political career. He got office before he was forty, and has been president of the Senate for nearly ten years. He is the regular type of the old fashioned Republican, and is strongly anti-clerical.