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Show FKO.M SWITZERLAND. El.DF.IiS .JOHN 11 A KEN AND HAH-MON HAH-MON WrmVKIi, K SANTA (LAliA. WHITE OK 111 Kl It TKA V Kl.S. The reports from the ditTert-.it missionaries mis-sionaries in your valuable puci- are always read by us with pleasure, and for that reason we pen a few lines from this country. Bro. Harmon Wittwer and I are loboring together in this city. We were both born and raised in Santa Clara, and did not become acquainted with the different forms of religion until we found ourselves right in the midst of them, and then we were enabled en-abled to see and feel the difference between be-tween the pure principles of the Gos-del Gos-del and the man-made system. The two principal churches here are the Roman Catholic and Protestant, with a variety of other denominations. We have vis'ited the most of them, and find the majority of them working to the same end no pay, no sermon. Early and late the Catholics are to be found in their chapels, and the children are brought up under such strict teaching that they seldom depart from their church. 'One thing we must give the Catholics credit for, and that is the reverence they show while in their churches and the very good order that is maintained. They have also a very good school system here, and the schools remain open all the year 'round with the exception of a couple of weeks vacation between the seasons of the year; children are compelled to attend school until fifteen years of age, only being excused on production of a doctor's certificate to the effect that they have been ill; the school buildings build-ings are Well-built and lighted. Good order prevails here; we never hear of robberies or house-breaking. Regula- tions for preventing accidents are very good; at all crossings on the railroad officers are stationed to close the gates leading to the line before a train approaches, ap-proaches, and it is very seldom that an accident happens caused by the railroad rail-road cars. This country is indeed picturesque, with rolling hills and valleys covered with beautiful green grass as thickly as hay in a meadow; it is one of the characteristics of this country and makes the best of hay. The hills are mostly smooth without a rock or bush to be seen. Beautiful groves can be seen on every side; timber is cultivated and is replanted when any is removed. Religious freedom exists here and we are not molested, tho the people, generally speaking, are filled with prejudice towards us. The name "Mormon" is popular here, but it is not popular to be a "Mormon." Street preaching is not allowed, and for my part I am not anxious to do any. We have made quite a number of friends here, and while they do not agree with us on religious views they treat us with respect. We have a small branch of the Church here and some very good members; mem-bers; some of them live about five hours walk from here, and one of us hold meetings with them every two weeks; others living further away are not visited so frequently. I feel well in the cause I am advocating, advocat-ing, and feel it an honor to be a de- fender of the truth. Your valuable paper is a source of much satisfaction to us and is anxiously looked for. We are even glad to see a little red sand from "Dixie" that sometimes finds its way into the folds of The News, it is something we do not see in this country. Wishing The News success, we remain re-main yours truly, John Hafen, Harmon Wittwer, MelonenStr. 68, St. Gallen, Switzerland Lund For State Treasurer. Robert C. Lund authorizes the announcement an-nouncement that he will be a candidate before the Democratic state convention conven-tion for the nomination of state treasurer. treas-urer. Mr. Lund will have enthusastic support in all parts of the state for this position. Added to the fact that he has first-class qualifications for the position is the other fact that he has a wide acquaintance and is recognized everywhere as a loyal Democrat and a good fellow. If nominated his name, will add great strength to the state ticket. Salt Lake Herald, |
