When he spoke, all listened as to one who would utter only that which was good, and which would grieve none. He was thoroughly in accord with the spirit of Joseph Smith, his very being vibrating with the testimony of the prophet's divine mission.

One of the sweet traits of Brother Franklin's character was the exemplification in his life of the saying of Job: "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." He bowed always to the will of God, and endured much, but by such humility and endurance set an example that has strengthened others to bear more joyfully their burdens of life, and to yield instead of breaking into pieces. He was for Zion, true and faithful under all circumstances, and was one of the noblemen of the human race. If such as he are not exalted in the presence of the Lord, who then on earth will ever gain a glory? Thousands will remember his fatherly advice, his interested friendship, his kind words, his respect for authority and his deference for the servants of the Lord; and so remembering, will be better, and happier, and more charitable and loving, because Brother Franklin lived.

The Church will greatly miss him, and in every home in Zion there will be felt an indescribable loss, as when one who is dearly loved has said his last good night. His example will shine out like a beacon light, and well may we all exclaim: "You may count me with him. I wish to be with him, to associate with such as he, in the Kingdom of God throughout the ages of eternity." His memory, his character, his works, will be an inspiration to the living of noble lives by all who learn of him or knew him.

AN AMERICAN PORT IN CHINA.

Those who have studied the Philippine question and the problem of expansion from a commercial point of view, have realized that the question of our possessions in the Philippines was but a preliminary step to something further. The war with Spain led to political conquest, and that political conquest will lead us into commercial struggles. Commercial interests are very likely to drive

us onward just as they have driven Germany, Russia, and other nations into an aggressive foreign policy, and the question now forces itself upon us, Do we also want port in China?

That country promises to be one of the greatest markets in the world, and about it are centered today the greatest commercial struggles of Europe. Russia has a port in China, and so have France, England and Germany, yet the commerce of France, Germany, or Russia in the Chinese Empire is not equal to that of the United States.

In 1893, our trade in China amounted to eight million dollars, chiefly from cotton and woolen goods. Within six years it has grown to twenty million dollars, and this seems to be but a small beginning of American commerce in the Celestial Empire.

Many advocates of expansion in the Philippines have had constantly in view its bearing on our Chinese trade. As neighbors to China, we shall feel that we are entitled to the highest commercial considerations.

From what has been said, the far reaching consequences of the step which the administration has just taken can be readily understood. Our embassadors are instructed to obtain from Russia, France and Germany written assurances that our trade shall not be interfered with by any policy of annexation which may be followed by any of these nations. We shall stand shoulder to shoulder with England in demanding an open door, and the commercial interests of these two great Anglo-Saxon nations will demand from all other European countries adequate protection for their trade. One is naturally led to wonder whether the United States, when order and government are established in the Philippines, will not take the first opportunity to secure a port in China. At any rate, it is evident that no important changes can be made in that country without taking into consideration the interests of this country in that empire.

Russia and Germany have all given assurances of their intention to open the ports under their jurisdiction free to all foreign trade. Russia has taken great pains to assure the American people that there is a friendly feeling and interest in that country for the United States and that her ports are open to trade, and if the American people desire a "sphere of influence" it can be had in

Manchuria. This Chinese province is directly under Russian control. France has made no reply.

Strong hopes are now entertained that the Pacific will increase immensely in commerce with Asiatic countries, and there can be little doubt that the government will do everything in its power to promote American trade among our neighbors in the Orient.

A QUESTION ON TITHING.

A friend residing in Dingle, Bear Lake County, asks a question on tithing, and requests a reply through the ERA. His inquiry reads:

"Do people who are engaged in cattle and sheep raising, and who pay a tithing on their cattle or sheep, owe a tithing on the hay said cattle and sheep eat?"

The answer is, "Yes; provided the hay is not purchased." The law of tithing is very plain: First, the Lord requires all the surplus property to be put into the hands of the bishop of The Church; "and this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people; and after that, those who have thus been tithed, shall pay one-tenth of their interest annually, and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord."

What is the tithing on the interest of the field? One-tenth of the hay, or grain, or vegetable product.

What is the tithing on the interest of the cattle? Every tenth calf, every tenth pound of butter or cheese, and every tenth gallon of milk.

In paying tithing, the point to remember is that all interest, increase and profit, should be tithed; and, further, the payment of tithing is a dealing with the Lord unto whom we owe it to be as liberal as he is with us, or in other words, to deal as liberally with the Lord as we hope that he will deal with us.

NOTES.

Irresolute people let their soup grow cold between the plate and the mouth.-CERVANTES.

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"Tis never offered twice; seize, then, the hour When fortune smiles, and duty points the way."

Those love truth best who to themselves are true,

And what they dare to dream of, dare to do.—LOWELL.

The high prize of life, the crowning fortune of a man, is to be born with a bias to some pursuit, which finds him in employment and happiness.-EMERSON.

There are few things more beautiful than the calm, resolute progress of an earnest spirit. The triumphs of genius may be more dazzling; the chances of good fortune may be more exciting; but neither are at all so interesting or so worthy as the achievements of a faithful, steady and fervent energy.-DR. TULLOCK.

The true key to happiness in this life, is to make others happy. Many people are discontented because they look around and find others whose circumstances seem to be more favorable than their own. President Snow counseled the Saints, at the April conference, in 1899, to try to make others happy, and if they were in adverse circumstances, then to try to find some one whose condition was worse than their own. He asserted that pride is an abomination in the sight of the Lord. It is pride that would cause us to desire a better position than our fellows, but the Spirit of God will fill us with gratitude and thanksgiving, whenever we contemplate the many blessings which are bestowed upon us by our Heavenly Father. A knowledge of the Gospel is of more value to us, provided we shall be faithful in keeping the commandments of God, than all other blessings.

IN LIGHTER MOOD.

Employer: "You put that note where it will be sure to attract Mr. Smith's attention when he comes in, didn't you?"

Office Boy: "Yes, sir; I stuck a pin through it and put it on his chair."

"How is this, John; what made you put the children to bed so soon?" asked his wife, on her return home.

"Because they disturbed me in my writing, my dear."

"And did they allow you to undress them quietly?"

"No, that one in the corner screamed dreadfully."

"That one in the corner?" She goes and peeps. "Why, bless me, what have you done, John? That's Freddie Squall, from next door!"

A little boy with an interest in the meaning of familiar words, said to his mother:

"What is the meaning of 'civil?"

"Kind and polite," answered the mother.

A puzzled look brooded for a second on the boy's face. Then he said: "Was it a kind and polite war that was in this country once?"

Herr Scheel tells of a conscientious cornet player in one of his orchestras who gave an unexpected rendering of a well-known passage. "Let's have that over again," requested Scheel, surprised at hearing a note which was not in the score.

The note was sounded again and again. "What are you playing?" he asked at last.

"I am blaying what am on ze paper," said the cornet player. "I blaz vat is before me."

"Let me have a look."

The part was handed to the conductor. "Why, you idiot," he roared, "can't you see that this is a dead fly?"

"I don't care," was the answer; "he vas there, and I blayed him."