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Show THE ARGUS. to BECKS HOT SPRINGS. Utah County's Ideal Pleasure Resort-Sup- erb Bathing, Fishing and Boating. ITU ATE ALONG the shore of Utah lake, near the base of Lake mountain, about five miles from Lehi, in Utah county, there is one of the most picturesque resorts in the state. About seven miles away, Pelican Point kisses the blue waters of the inland sea, and, in the distance, all around, the majestic mountains form a fitting frame to an exquisite picture. The resort referred to is the Hot Springs property, owned by Mr. "John Beck, one of Utah's most enterprising and wealthy citizens. On the large tract of shoreland extending from the head of the River Jordan to the southern confines of the domain, there are pleasant places, tree embowered and fragrant with the aroma of countless blossoms of well-keorchards, where the people of the contiguous towns are frequent visitors in search of rest and recreation. The principal attraction of the place is the noted thermal spring, whose waters are claimed to be superior to any other in the state for their medicinal properties. The therapeutic action of the waters is especially beneficial in producing tissue changes and general stimulation, and while it is not claimed for the spring that it will cure every known disease and alleviate all pain, many remarkable cures have been effected by systematic use of the waters by both internal and external application. Particularly has this been the case in relation to the treatment of those afflicted with gout and rheumatism. But not only are the springs of incalculable value in a therapeutic sense, they are superior to other waters, not even excluding those of Carlsbad, Mariensbad and other famous Spas of Europe, for the pleasure and exhilaration derived from the bath by everyone who has experienced the delightful sensation. It is this that has secured for the resort its popularity ; and while, hitherto, the accommodations of the. place have been inadequate and unpretentious, a thorough renovation of the resort and extensive increase of the facilities has been effected. Mr. Beck has built an imposing structure, 50x100 feet in dimension, and the great plunge therein constructed, 30x70 feet, is in immediate connection with the main spring, whose waters well up from unfathomed depths in a large circular pool just behind the building. No artificial means are used to keep the water at an even temperature, as the inflow and outflow are continuous from the natural source, the plunge being kept at a graduated depth of from three to six feet. Nearly and comsixty dressing rooms, modious are constructed, around the plunge, and the latter is fitted up with all the modern appurtenances that conduce to pleasure and aquatic exercise in the most popular baths. In close proximity to the plunge building are extensive picnic grounds, delightfully shaded by containing numerous umbrageous fruit-treeeats, tables, swings for the children and a well-laifloor and dais for enjo)meut of the dance. All around are spacious lawns, new-laiout, and near by a thriving young orchard of the choicest pear trees, covering an area of ten acres, adds sylvan beauty to the scene. In front of all, the great lake shimmers in the sunshine and stretches away in the distauce until last in the embrace of the sheltering mountains. Large flocks of pelicans and gulls hover around the place and careen pt ever-increasin- g well-lighte- d s, d d and disport themselves on the bosom of the deep, giving new interest to the view and dispelling monotony. Boating and fishing facilities are largely taken advantage of by the people of the neighborhood, the lake being usually calm and seldom too buoyant to suggest danger, while the head of the Jordan river, within a stones throw of the resort, affords abundant opportunity to enjoy the piscatorial art in its most varied style. The numerous improvements now made and in contemplation are bound to increase the popularity of the springs and make of the place an ideal retreat for those who love to commune with nature in its happiest mood. None the less so will it be to those who have already enjoyed the sensations of its delightful baths, as the increased accommodations will be still greater incentives for more frequent visits in the future than in the past. It will be the favorite place for school excursions and periodical outings, and the only drawback to its popularity immediatelv assuming the widest range is the lack of railroad facilities from Lehi, five miles away. The drive, however, is a most interesting one, good roads extending from the town through fields upon fields of emerald green, while in the morning and at eventide the tints that beautify the lake and hills are soft as natures painting on a shell. The scene, though essentially pastoral, is majestic as well because of its surroundings, and the drive from Lehi to the springs will be one long to be remembered. For general convenience, however, it is hoped that ere long a railroad will be built to the place, so that access thereto can be more readily and speedily had. The neighboring towns of Lehi, American Fork and Pleasant Grove could be easily located on a line that would not, from its start to the terminus at the springs, exceed a distance of more than ten miles, and in fact such a line has already been surveyed by Mr. Beck. It is understood, however, that the chief obstacle in the way of its materialization is the exorbitant rates demanded by some of the property owners along the proposed route for right of way ; but there is little doubt some satisfactory settlement of the difficulty will yet be secured so tnat the railroad will be speedily built. The many thousands of dollars spent by Mr. Beck in improving the Hot Springs property in the county has helped to increase the value of the land in the adjoining region, but Mr. Beck should not be compelled to pay for having been the cause. The people of Utah county, with proper appreciation and patronage, can help build up a pleasure resort of which they can be justly proud, and it is safe to say wh?n once the resources and attractions of the Hot Springs become more generally known the people of the metropolis will not be slow in participating in their pleasures. much-neede- d The penalty inflicted by the authorities of the dominant church in Utah for disregarding the political manifesto of 1896 is denunciation, degradation and loss of all priestly offices. Why is not a failure to observe the polygamy manifesto of 1890 followed by a like punishment? Why are violators punished and persecuted, socially, politically, commercially and ecclesiastically in one case while violators in the other are exalted before the people? And The Argus declares advisedly that men who refuse to bow to the manmade political manifesto are being visited with every pain and penalty possible goaded, reviled, abused and maligned before the world in the name of Jesus ; while those who show the utmost contempt for the revelation abolishing polygamy are held up before the people as models to pattern after. As Latter-daSaints regard it, the system of polygamy was of divine origin, established in the interest of countless spirits in a state yearning for an opportunity to come to this earth. And yet its practice was, according to the belief of every honest Saint, retired by the command of God, to the grief of many peo-piwho believed in it implicitly. ' y pre-exista- nt e After statehood came the effort of powerful church leaders to regain the absolute political control of the people. This action caused a great convention to be called in the state capital, it called forth eloquent protests from B. H. Roberts-anseveral others, some of whom surrendered absolutely in the course of time to the unrighteous power they then denounced. But it was believed that whatever disregard might be shown the political declarations of the leaders, the manifesto abandoning polygamy would be kept with a faith that would leave no suspicion as to its divinity or sincerity. But for some time past the public eye has seen enough to warrant the belief that favored ones are lapsing into polygamy and the names of many are used in this connection as common property on the street and elsewhere. Whether true or not it is not the purpose of The Arqcs to say, but it would ask why the enforcement and the good faith of the revelation of 1890 is not guarded as closely and as jealously as that which gives the political head of the church almost unlimited control of the members? d THE The state officials who located on the Uncom-pahgr- e reservation last March deserve credit, at least, for having swifter horses and beating that St. Louis syndicate by a couple of hours. If sooners were to get the gilsonite Utah sooners should have had the preference. - .t.o In turning Hobbs loose upon the community the other day that jury certainly made a mistake. If there was ever a clear case of b'ackmail it is to be found in Kearns experience with the Hobbs-Wra- y combination. A CLEAN, BRILLIANT, great many people are interested in Saltair in more ways than one. During the coming summer The Arqcs will take pains to acquaint its readers with the origin, history and conduct of the place. 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