| 139 new Zion, where the whole church can be concentrated in a community of its own. This is a favorite scheme with the leaders of the church, and they seem now to be in earnest. There is a call to the "Saints" in the last Herald from President Joseph Smith, chairman of the board of removal, urging the matter. . . .
Should this people leave Plano they will be a loss to the village; they are good citizens, and number over two hundred in Plano and vicinity. Elder Smith is a good man, and however much others may dissent from his Mormon views, all who know him respect him.
About this time there was a debate held at Davis City, Iowa, between Elder J. W. Mather and Reverend Ira B. Ryan of the United Brethren Church, on the Essentiality of Water Baptism. The Leon Reporter published an account written by a person not a member of any church speaking in complimentary terms of the effort and victory of Elder Mather. The audience by almost unanimous vote decided in his favor.
On June 27 Elder J. H. Hansen returned to Farmington, Kentucky, from his southern trip.
June 29 Elder Glaud Rodger wrote from Waratah, Australia. From his letter we make the following extract:
I have been in a new field, where I met with much opposition and abuse through the papers. Over four months among strangers and never saw the face of a Latter Day Saint. It was then, dear brethren, that I saw the wisdom of sending the elders two and two. I was alone and my testimony being single, had not the full effect with this people, for they need so much convincing and proof for everything. But the Lord greatly helped me in my defense of the gospel; and he raised me friends in hours of need. I have proven the goodness of God and his promises to the elders. After a hard struggle for five months I baptized two most excellent men, heads of families; and several others promised to unite with us on my return after the winter is over. A good field is open for an elder, friends in many places; . . . also there is general inquiry to know more of us. I am sorry indeed that no one has been sent from conference to our help. We have no preachers among us but Bro. Ellis, and his time is otherwise engaged. Bro. Marriott, president of the Waratah Branch, is a most excellent man, but none can render much assistance in spreading the work; so you see how I am placed. But my work is before me; and although this mission has been to my family a great sacrifice temporally still I believe the Lord will provide. I am but a poor instrument in the hands of the church, yet by the help of a higher power I will try and overcome the evil and magnify my calling with honor.-The Saints' Herald, vol. 23, p. 507.
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