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Show 178 MORMON WORSHIP and the enthusiasm of the people is kept up by bands of music playing near Temple Square on Main street. They are great days in Zion ! Frequent efforts have been made by the Mormons to conduct Sabbath- schools in Salt Lake City, but so far they have all proved failures, generally not continuing for more than three days. Recently a Gentile Sabbath- school has been started and promises to be very successful. At one time a number of Mormon children attended, but the edict of the President, forbidding them to do so, went forth, and they were with drawn. The Mormons are exceedingly fond of dancing, which is regarded as a very important part of their education. During the winter there are dances two or three times a week in every ward, and on special occasions, such as re ligious and other anniversaries, grander entertainments are given by the prominent in the church in " Social Hall," a building owned by Brigham, and rented for such purposes. From these social gatherings the Gentiles are not ex cluded, the more liberal of them being usually invited. A better state of feeling exists between the officers stationed at Camp Douglas and the Mormon authorities, than during the incumbency of General Connor as Commandant of that post. These officers and their families are occasion ally invited, and attend these entertainments, without in the least compromising themselves. General Connor would have regarded such conduct a sufficient cause for dismissal. Like the Irishman who thought " St. Patrick a greater man than the Fourth of July," the Mormons regard the 26th of July, the day on which they reached the valley, as altogether a more important anniversary than our Indepen dence Day. It is celebrated by reviews of the militia, pa rades, picnics, social convivial parties, special theatrical performances, etc. The more extensive of these demon strations take place biannually. Last year it was cele brated only by an extra performance at the theatre, and a partial suspension of business. Those whose loyalty to |
