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Show i68 WHERE THE MORMONS The vessels chartered are the ordinary sailing emigrant ships, and the saints are provided precisely the same accom modations that sinners find when sailing in these vessels in dependent of Mormon Emigration Societies. Before sail ing the passengers are furnished with simple rations for the voyage, and they then arrange themselves into messes, and each mess makes such provision for the voyage as their means and inclinations will permit. The president of the mission appoints a president of the ship, and two counsellors, This organization, it may have been noticed, runs through their system. The ship's presi dent acts in much the same capacity that a colonel would with his regiment embarked. A clerk is also appointed, who is expected to note all that transpires on the voyage, recording carefully marriages, births, deaths, etc., and inci dents of interest. A singular entry appeared in the journal ofa clerk of one of the ships that came over in 1863. It was that the presi dent had been drunk for three consecutive days and confin ed for that time in the hold of the vessel. To prevent a repetition of the occurrence the u counsellors" deposed him from office, that he could not have access to the brandy that was sent out for the sick, and get drunk again. Upon the arrival in Salt Lake the facts were reported to President Young and the offender was suspended from the communion of the saints ; but not long thereafter Brigham relented, and rein stated the man, remarking " Oh ! he was only drunk that was all." On shipboard they resort to various amusements. There are regular evenings for dancing, and singing is almost con stantly heard in some part of the ship. The men smoke and swear. Some of the most profane men I ever heard were Mormons. The sisters often manifest a propensity to petty larceny in the way of appropriating the stockings, and other little articles of the wardrobe of those lying next to them, after turning in for the night. Religious services are held night and morning, and at the same time the roll is called to ascertain whether or not all are safe. |