SECRETARY OF CENTRAL ORGANIZATION OF THE YOUNG LADIES' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS.

The fact that most of the ladies of this work are of mature, and some even advanced years, suggests the thought—what of the "rising generation" of this people? How have the practical workings of this system which the world can judge of only from report and occasional glimpses into its operations, but which with the youth of the people is a literal and sole experience—affected their ideas and purposes?

Time, steadfast determination and spiritual progress have adjusted all mingled and varied elements of individualities and nationalities in those who received the Gospel in scattered homes in different parts of the earth, have overcome those obstacles (which were such through inexperience in newly restored truths and laws,) and brought all to the proper level of their individual sphere of action and usefulness. What a piece of master-work has this been! Order out of confusion, brotherhood created between stranger races.

It has been often said, "that when the old stock dies out," the world can better judge the worth of our doctrines; if they survive and grow in the hearts of the succeeding generation their parents did not plant the spiritual tree in lack of wisdom, and it will after this test of years prove worthy of the serious consideration of those who now deem it beneath their thoughtful attention.

More than fifty years have passed since the glorious message was first proclaimed to the world; many of those true, noble Saints who toiled as builders of their Master's Kingdom have finished their work, and with years filled with honors have passed on to their rest and reward. A few years more, and the witnesses who lived in the days of Joseph and Hyrum will be gone, we shall be left to ourselves, their record and our God. Who will replace them? Are their posterity following in their footsteps? Yes, beneath the seeming swift current of youthtime's careless indifference runs an undercurrent of earnestness, integrity and—yes—royalty of soul. There can be found many of our young people who bear the impress of their destiny in their daily lives, their numbers are increasing, their works assuming prominence and recognition.

In connection with the young people's organizations it is due to Miss Louise M. Wells, that a brief record of her history and position form part of this work.

This young lady was born in Salt Lake City, August 27, 1862. On both her father and mother's side she is descended from families of the old Puritan stock. General Wells' record in Church history is one that earth's greatest men might be proud to possess, and he has received such a tribute of respect and love from our people as has rarely been recorded. Her mother is the editor of the Woman's Exponent, but has during her lifetime written constantly, amounting indeed to many volumes were her writings published; and is exceptionally gifted as a poetic writer. With such parents it may be reasonably expected that with her inherent endowments trained in the influence of the Gospel, with a fine spiritual nature, conscientious principles, an amiable disposition and quiet, gentle manner, Miss Wells will do credit to her parents and her people.

Of Louie, as she is familiarly called, it is said that when she was very young she gave evidence of musical talent by rendering in an original style, plaintive melodies admirably suited to her voice, and rich in that pathos that always touches the heart. With many, singing is an acquired accomplishment, with her it is as natural as to the nightingale. Also in her childhood she unconsciously disclosed artistic taste by gathering the autumn tinted leaves and grasses from the garden, which she arranged in quaint and pretty devices for home adornments. This talent was later cultivated under competent teachers, when she soon became qualified to give lessons privately and in classes, in drawing and painting. Already artists of distinction have pronounced her oil paintings of sufficient merit to entitle her to enter the Academy of Design in New York, and she has been advised to adopt art as a life vocation. On the occasion of the Church Jubilee, on Pioneer Day, 1880, Miss Wells was selected by the committee to represent Art. In 1882, in company with some of her relatives, she visited California, and there for the first time saw the ocean, one of nature's grandest pictures. During this visit she went through the art galleries of San Francisco. In 1883, she with her sister, Mrs. Sears, made a trip to the Eastern States, and visited the art galleries and museums of St. Louis, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington. Also had the opportunity of attending the World's Exposition at Boston. While visiting in the East she attended a reunion of the Dickinson's held at Amherst, Massachusetts, as a representative of the name, from whom her father descended through his grandmother, Experience Dickinson. Arriving at College Hall, where the reunion was celebrated, she met many hundreds of her kindred. Of this family I quote: "It is now almost two hundred and fifty years since Nathaniel Dickinson landed at Boston, and prior to 1634 found a home at Wethersfield, forty or fifty miles below Amherst. In 1659 he planted the permanent seat of our family, and deeply rooted the name of Dickinson, and here nine succeeding generations have risen to call him blessed. Nathaniel Dickinson died at Hadley, June 16, 1676. No pencil or artist has preserved to us the semblance of his features, no gravestone marks his resting-place. We only know that he sleeps in the only burying-ground at Hadley."

At this reunion, which was quite an elaborate affair, a congratulatory letter was read from her father, General D. H. Wells, which elicited considerable applause, and the President, who had seen the General when visiting Salt Lake City, spoke of him in the highest terms.

Miss Wells was very cordially received by the hundreds of Dickinson's and succeeded in getting the names of many of the relatives of the family who are now sleeping in the old graveyard at Hadley, and from a "roll of honor" which hung upon the wall in the hall where the meeting was held, on which were inscribed the names of those who had made themselves distinguished. It was singular that this great meeting of the Dickinson's should have convened at the time when Miss Louie was visiting her mother's relatives only a few miles from Amherst, giving her an opportunity of meeting her father's kindred.

Louie visited Nauvoo, also Kirtland, where she went through the Temple. She has also proved herself to be a most charming press correspondent, by contributions to the Exponent that touched the heart of every Saint; letters that were as beautiful, fresh and sweet as spring-time. She has been connected with the Exponent for some time; is a writer for the Contributor, has been a member of the Tabernacle Choir for several years, and taught a department of Miss Cook's school in 1880 and 1881.

In June, 1880, Miss Wells was appointed Secretary to the Central Organization of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, Mrs. Elmina S. Taylor, President, a position of honor and importance, and which she fulfils with dignity and ability. As a Latter-day Saint, the young lady is worthy of her position and the love and confidence of her friends; and we look forward to her future with happy anticipations of beautiful works from her spirit and hand.

As in this work are represented the venerable silver-haired matrons, and the younger wife and mother, it seems beautifully appropriate that Miss Louie, in her youth and purity, should represent the daughters of Israel, looking towards the future with eyes of faith and confidence.