Transcript

Emigration to Utah.

ELSEWHERE we have alluded to the early emigration from England next spring: for those who purpose leaving the States for Utah next emigration, we think it opportune to say—"Be ye also ready." The emigration to Utah of late years has been continued till the summer was far advanced, and at risk and in convenience which could be altogether prevented, if the Saints would take time by the forelock and carry out the counsels they receive from those who are placed to counsel them.

By last mail from Utah, we were advised of the arrival of the first hand-cart companies at Salt Lake City, on the 26th of Sept., early enough; but by reference to the journal of the missionaries on the plains, it will be seen that the last company, under the direction of Elder Edward Martin, was, about the 4th of Oct., probably 20 miles East of Fort Laramie about 500 miles from G. S. L. City. Allowing that company to travel from 15 to 20 miles per day, they would, in resting on Sunday be about a month more en route. If favored with a long summer and a favorable "Indian summer," after it, they may all arrive before the snow begins to fall on the mountains, otherwise they may have cold fingers and other inconveniences.

In by-gone years it was the practice of the Presidency of the Church in Zion to appoint missionaries to the States and to Europe at the April and October conferences, but lattely, the Autumn appointments have been made in September, and this year, some have been appointed in August for the purpose of affording opportunities to the missionaries to set in order their households and cross the mountains before the approach of winter. These commendable precautions should not be overlooked by those who go to Utah no more than by those who come from it. It is the duty of all men to make use of the best information they possess, or experience they may have gained for the preservation of their lives and though we will ever do well to trust in the Lord, it is written, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." When the Lord inspires his servants with wisdom to cry unto His people: "prepare ye, prepare ye," none can be justified in turning a deaf ear to the call. The emigration from Europe and from the States has been prudently conducted by the authorities of the Church to whom the business has been confided; but by dilatoriness on the part of some Saints; the former have labored frequently under disadvantages in making the most suitable arrangements, and at the more convenient time for the journeying of the latter by sea and land, and not unfrequently those who were dilatory in sending the names and their money, were the first and the loudest in grumbling about the inconvenience which their own backwardness had entailed upon themselves and others.

President Orson Pratt on the other side of the water, has given timely notice of his intentions to push on early the through emigrants to Utah. If the Saints there listen to his instructions, he purposes that the last company shall leave "no later than the 25 of March in order that they may reach the place of outfitting for the plains early in May." The notice will serve equally the Saints in the Eastern States to prepare themselves time. Though on this subject we shall give direct instructions between this and the emigration season; this hint will recall to their minds that—Procrastination is the thief of time.