WOMEN UNDER POLYGAMY
that during a visit in 1901 he was hospitably entertained by an elder, who spoke frankly and intelligently upon the Mormon faith and practice.
"Polygamy," said the elder, "is not practical amongst us more than in the proportion of one in fifty. It originated with Brigham Young's great desire to keep up and to increase the population of Utah. This was very necessary for resisting the Indian tribes that constantly threatened the community."
When asked whether plural wives quarrelled among one another, the preacher replied: "Not often. We have almost subdued jealousy. Our system of a separate house for each wife is an excellent one. We do not coop all our women together in one dwelling. Of course, the separate establishment plan is very expensive. Only the rich are able to indulge in spiritual wives. Such marriages are far too costly for the mass of our men."
Mr. Rouse was impressed by the wealth of Salt Lake City, due chiefly to the immense store of mineral treasure in the surrounding mountains. Many of the houses in the richest thoroughfares of the city were built of rare and beautiful stone. The tabernacle is a vast building, with an oval dome, perfect in its acoustic quality, and the organ is a magnificent instrument. Mineral treasure, rather than agriculture, is the source of the prosperity of Utah.
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