| 636 disposed to be friendly to the public school system. If the Mormon church leaders are determined to oppose these schools by establishing denominational schools, their power and influence should be destroyed so far as the administration of school affairs is concerned, and this can only be done by taking the management and control of these schools out of the hands of its members. The free public schools have justly been regarded as one of the strongest pillars which support our political fabric, and it is a strange perversity which prompts the dominant power in Utah, in this age of enlightenment and progress, to attempt to break it down.
Elder R. Etzenhouser wrote from Parish, Illinois, giving an account of a discussion just closed between Reverend Throgmorton of the Baptist Church, and Elder I. M. Smith, on the question of the Book of Mormon. Elder Etzenhouser says: "Bro. Smith made the best affirmative argument on Bible evidence we have known of. He also presented other and profuse evidence, as well as taking due care of the matters furnished on the other side."
Elder James Moler reported the dedication of a Saints' chapel at Roman, Virginia, on November 3.
November 6 a debate commenced at Roman, Virginia, between Elder D. L. Shinn and W. C. Thurman of the Adventist Church, the latter affirming that the doctrine he taught was the doctrine of Christ. Elder James Moler in reporting this debate gives Mr. Thurman credit for having made the hardest fight on the faith he ever heard, but adds, "I consider that the doctrine of the church was well sustained."
November 10 the Denver Branch, at Denver, Colorado, was organized by James Caffall. E. F. Shupe president, Otto A. Westland priest, Walter Menzies teacher, Benjamin Spruce deacon, Walter Menzies secretary. The branch was composed of twenty-two members.
November 24 a church at Crescent City, Iowa, was dedicated, Elder W. W. Blair, assisted by others, participating in the service.
Some misunderstanding having arisen in regard to the part taken by the Reorganized Church affecting the various enactments of Congress respecting the repression of plural marriage or polygamy in Utah, President Smith wrote and published the following explanation:
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