I arise simply to call the attention of the brethren of the Priesthood
now present to an item of counsel, which was disseminated among the
people a year ago by the Presidency, and while they traveled through
the Territory north and south during the summer and fall. It was
enjoined upon the people and Bishops to make a change in the policy of
herding cattle.
The manner of herding cattle has been to gather the horses and cows
together and let some boys drive them out; then the boys would go and
gamble, or get into some kind of mischief while the cattle went
astray, and those boys would plot and get up some ill-conducted scheme
so that our herding proved to be a nursery for thieves to be planted
amongst us and eat up our vitals, the vitals of the whole people. The
counsel was given to have the system of herding changed and put into
the hands of wise, judicious men, and have the boys sent to school or
kept at industrial pursuits under the control of their fathers, and
not any longer make this system of herding our stock, which has been
adopted in the different wards of this city and Territory, a school of
hell.
This has been impressed forcibly upon our minds, not only here but
north and south, and in some instances attempts were made and perhaps
in a few in stances it may have been carried out, but as a general
thing, so far as last season was concerned, proved a failure. Perhaps
the Bishops would announce what the counsel was, but did not see that
it was carried into effect. But now that the people have got the
counsel and we are now opening a new season and getting ready for the
spring and summer's operations, I therefore feel anxious to remind the
brethren in regard to this important item, for I tell you if we do not
look after our boys and lay a foundation for keeping them in the right
way they will go to destruction. It is therefore important that all
the brethren should unite in carrying out this instruction according
to the advice given.
I felt to make these remarks, and I will further say that I am
delighted to hear and see so many together at this time, and I
consider it is a good opportunity of disseminating good instruction
throughout Deseret.
May the blessing of God attend you and all the inhabitants of Deseret,
who desire to do right.
There is a proposition that we put it to vote, and that we carry into
effect this counsel. [The motion was put and the brethren voted
unanimously to obey this counsel.]
- George A. Smith