A Gentile Account of Life in Utah's Dixie, 1872-73

Gentile Account, page 082

parents' duty to let their children have amusement, and to make themselves sharers in the amusements of their children. This was about the purport of an address he made. There were several addresses; one to K. in which he was informed that the festival was in his honour-and that the people would do more for him if he would permit it. Of course he had to make another little address in reply; and then several of the militia officers were called upon. Most of the speeches were short, serio-comic and to the purpose. K. pointed out to me the brave faces of many of the men, several of whom have been noted Indian fighters, and peacemakers. Interspersed through the dances were interludes of singing. I was glad that K. who is my musical authority countersigned my enjoyment of some of the songs. These were either patriotic, or devotional, and one in which all the assembly joined, still sounds in my ears. The chorus of each verse ended: "The Saviour's feet, the Saviour's feet." We stole away about twelve; but the party did not break up till one. The supper? Oh, they do not have suppers generally at these parties. On this occasion our dinner had been turned into a banquet: the long dining room at our Mrs. Snow's having been decorated and a feast spread in our honour there, before the ball. I think about thirty persons were at the table. The ordinary balls at St George are given by the wards in turn. Tickets of admission are sold at the tithing office, and after deducting five dollars for the band, the remainder of the proceeds are turned over to the Bishop of the Ward for the poor under his care. It is his duty to provide work for recent immigrants, and homes and food until they become self-sup- 82