[Rudger Clawson]
I was in perfect harmony with the brethren of the Twelve and the First Presidency and held myself ready to accept from them correction and reproof when needful. Called attention to a great evil existing in the church, namely, the failure of the acting teachers generally to magnify their callings....
A letter from the presidency of the Snowflake Stake was read by the clerk. They alluded to the subject of round dancing and said that for a period of about 20 years this mode of dancing had not been permitted in the stake over which they presided—and this by common consent; but now the young people in part were asking for round dances. The brethren were, therefore, appealed to for counsel in the matter.
Some discussion followed the reading of the letter and it was shown to be a difficult matter to control round dancing in the church. The rule permitting two round dances at a party was not enforced, but generally every other dance was a round dance. It was shown that if the young people were denied this privilege or even very greatly restricted, they would go beyond control and would patronize objectionable dance halls. It was also further shown that the evil of round dances, as existing formerly, was at least in part done away. The position taken in the dance was such as almost to entirely prevent "hugging." Some objections to the square dance were mentioned, such as "spinning" on the corners, which was thought to be equally as bad, if not worse than round dancing. It seemed to be the sentiment of the brethren that it would probably be best to allow round dancing without any very serious restrictions as to number in order to keep the young people under the influence and control of the church. Apostle J. H. Smith was authorized to talk with the presidency of the Snowflake Stake at the coming conference respecting this matter and suggest to them that it would be well to gratify the young people of their stake.
...The tables were spread and the sacrament administered, Apostle B. Young being mouth in blessing the bread and wine. While at the table Pres. Snow made brief remarks. He spoke of the union of the brethren and said we witness today that which has seldom been seen in the world, namely, the perfect union of 15 men—the First Presidency and Twelve. He was sure, he said, that the Lord was pleased with our union, and in this union the brethren are in advance of the Twelve who were with the Savior. There were heartburnings and divisions among them....
[President Snow:] We talk about Jackson County; why, I know a brother who is today holding in reserve a thousand dollars to assist in redeeming Jackson County. That spirit is among the people. I believe the Lord will open the way by cyclones and storms for the redemption of Jackson County. These things are coming....
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
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