STAKE CONFERENCE. The Semi-Annual Conference of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion con- vened in the Assembly Hall this morning at 10 o'clock. There were present on the stand, President Wilford Woodruff, of the Twelve Apostles; the Presidency of the Stake, Angus M. Cannon, David O. Calder and Joseph E. Taylor, and others. Singing, "Let Zion in her beauty rise," etc. Prayer was offered by Elder Lauritz Smith. Singing, "Glorious things of thee are spoken." President David O. Calder was pleased to meet with the Saints in a Conference capacity, though there were but few present. Spoke of the importance of being punctual, and where this was neglected in regard to meetings it was generally an in- dex of character in other matters both of a spiritual and temporal nature. The practice of punctuality created a feeling of confidence in us towards those who were punctual, and as a rule those who were the busiest and who valued time the most highly would be found the most prompt. He regretted the indifference that was exhibited by many of the Saints in regard to such meetings, as these, seemingly being lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. It came with a bad grace from the Latter-day Saints to offer as an ex- cuse for profaning the Sabbath day, that they were so much confined during the week, in view of the many holidays we had, and the healthy location and labor in which the people were generally engaged. The roll was called, showing two Patriarchs and four Presidents of Seventies present. The 1st, 3rd, 5th, 11th, 12th, 13th 15th and 16th Elders Quorums. All the Wards of the Stake were represented by presiding authorities, excepting the 1st, 14th and 20th Salt Lake City, and the Mill Creek and Granite Wards. The following reports were read: A Statistical report of the Stake for the Quarter ending May 31st, 1882, showing a net increase for that term of 168 souls. Reports from the 3rd, 11th and 18th Quorums of Elders, and a Sta- tistical and Financial report of Y. M. M. I. Association, for the year ending March 31st, 1882. President Joseph E. Taylor spoke of the necessity of such organization of the Stake being represented in view of the importance of the busi- ness transacted. The time had been when the cares of the world would not have caused the Elders of Israel to forget an occasion of this import- ance. Much had to be accomplished by the people of God. The question was who were expected to accom- plish these labors? There were duties devolving respectively upon every branch of the Priesthood and every member of the church, and the neg- ligence of one affected the whole. It was the duty of Presidents to make themselves familiar with the members of their repective quor- ums, and they should labor with the same interest that a father would have for his children, with a view to check wrong-doing and en- courage righteousness, being ex- amples themselves of the principles they sought to inculcate. The duties of each branch of the Priesthood were clearly defined and if a man's whole time was not occupied he should first perform the duties of his calling in the Priesthood, and the Lord would bless his substance and pro- vide abundantly for his necessi- ties. President Wilford Woodruff re- lated an anecdote to show that the people in many instances took more interest in trifling matters than in those of importance. There were few who realized the importance of our calling and position. The eyes of millions in the spirit world were upon this people as upon them de- pended this work and the accom- plishment of prophecies which had been uttered by the prophets since the beginning of the world and of others yet to be revealed which had been hid from the foundation of the world. The Priesthood we held was of the same nature as that by which the worlds were created. In view of the great responsibilities de- volving upon us we could not afford to neglect our duties. He testified that he had found it easier to sup- port his family since they had be- come numerous than when they were but few. Thousands of this people had been foreordained to come and accomplish the labor we were now engaged in. Referred to the blessings restored to the Saints in our day and the provi- dences of God that had con- tinually ruled the destinies of His people. In view of the blessings we enjoy and the responsibilities de- volving upon us we should be care- [ful] to keep our covenants and observe the commandments of God. Adjourned until 2 p.m. The choir sang the hymn, "Guide us, O thou great Jehovah." Benediction by Bishop Isaac M. Stewart.