Representative Roberts fought bravely for his own and his people’s rights, but once more hatred against “Mormonism” overcame better judgment, and he was refused admission to the seat to which he was fairly elected, on the ground that he had obeyed the law of plural marriage.

August 19, 1899, the Utah volunteers returned from the Philippines where they had proved themselves valiant soldiers in the service of their country.  A grand celebration was held in Salt Lake City in their honor.

On April 12, 1901, President George Q. Cannon died at Monterey, California, where he had gone for his health.  This great and good man had done much for the Church, and he was greatly beloved by the Saints.

Elder Heber J. Grant, with Horace S. Ensign, Louis A. Kelsch, and Alma O. Taylor, left Salt Lake City July 24, 1901, for a mission to Japan.  They landed in that country August 12, and at once set to work learning the language.  September 1, of that year, Elder Grant dedicated the land for the preaching of the Gospel.  Since that time a good beginning has been made in the distribution of the printed word, and the Book of Mormon has been translated into Japanese and printed.

President Snow died after a brief illness at his home in Salt Lake City, October 10, 1901.  He was not president of the Church long, but during the three years of his presidency, the Lord blessed him and gave him power to do much good.

Four days before he died, President Snow addressed the Saints assembled in conference in the Tabernacle at Salt Lake City.  The burden of this, his last message was, “God bless you.”  He urged the presidents of stakes and the high counselors to take upon themselves more of the responsibility of looking after the affairs of the Church, so that the Twelve could devote their time to their special work of preaching the gospel.

Topics.—­1.  Lorenzo Snow as President. 2.  Election of B.H.  Roberts to Congress. 3.  The Mission to Japan.

Questions and Review.—­1.  Who constituted the fifth Presidency of the Church? 2.  Tell what you can about Lorenzo Snow. 3.  What is the law of tithing? 4.  What message did President Snow deliver regarding the law of tithing? 5.  Why was the Church in debt? 6.  Who opened the Japanese mission?

CHAPTER XXXIX.

PRESIDENCY OF JOSEPH F. SMITH.

The First Presidency of the Church was reorganized for the sixth time October 17, 1901.  Joseph F. Smith was chosen president, and he selected for his counselors, John R. Winder and Anthon H. Lund.  At a special conference held in Salt Lake City November 10, 1901, this presidency was sustained by the vote of the Church.

From his boyhood President Smith has been an active, earnest member of the Church over which he now presides.  His father was Hyrum Smith the Patriarch, brother to the Prophet Joseph.  You will remember how these two brothers were so closely together in the beginning of the Church, and how they were both killed in Carthage jail.