| 596 accomplished facts. The genial-hearted Bro. Brand represented Utah, the land of grief, of broken vows, of disloyalty to the covenant of youth, sitting in the valley and shadow of death, clothed in the cypress of mourning. God forgive her! and may she soon be decked with the myrtle of rejoicing.
"The spirit of peace and love seemed to pervade the entire assembly. The evening prayer meetings were seasons of rejoicing indeed; God's promise, 'I will be with you to the end of the world,' was verified to the joy of the believer. Perfect concord and unity characterized the business deliberations, some of which were of the most important character, though not properly belonging to the minutes of the conference.
"The 'First United Order of Enoch' held frequent meetings, which resulted in effecting a permanent organization. The first regular business meeting of the stockholders was held Monday, 19th, at which time seven directors were elected. . .
"A committee, consisting of Messrs. Rogers, Banta, and Dancer was appointed to seek a location and purchase lands. . . . The First Quorum of Elders was permanently organized, and quite a goodly number were in attendance."-The Saints' Herald, vol. 17, p. 634.
Of this conference and other incidents of his trip west, President Smith stated:-
"Leaving home is not always pleasant, nor always profitable. There are, however, times when it is necessary and desirable. Six years ago, 'ye editor' crossed the State of Iowa by team, leaving the Mississippi at Fort Madison, in Lee County, and traveling almost due west. The journey lasted thirteen days, only two of which were free from rain.
"On the 9th of September last we left Plano, Illinois, at 10: 20 a. m., and at nine a. m. of the 10th arrived at Council Bluffs, Iowa. Such is the difference a few years has wrought.
"On Sunday, the 11th of September, we assembled with the saints of the Council Bluffs branch, in their meeting room. . . . The interval from Sunday to Thursday was
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