Circular to the YMMIA officers, 25 October 1892
SALT LAKE CITY, .
DEAR BROTHER: You know from the
circular letter sent you from this office
dated Nov. 14, 1891, that a working fund
is necessary, the object of which is plainly
set forth in that letter.
Every young man interested in educa-
tion and general improvement was called
upon to contribute the nominal sum of
fifty cents per annum.
The plan of this universal system of
education, notwithstanding the great
amount of time, means and skilled
labor required, is intended to be, as far
as possible, self-helpful, and it should
be self-sustaining.
Since the conditions enjoined have not
been complied with, there must be some
objections, or lack of interest, or dearth
of responsibility, or non-conversion to
mutual improvement. To meet these
supposed objections we will enumer-
ate: (1) Every association receives a
Roll and Record, an expensive book,
as you know, free; (2) Every member
receives a "Manual," a book of ninety-
two pages, the usual price of which is
fifty cents, free; (3) You receive blanks,
circular letters and so forth, free; (4)
THE MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT NORMAL
TRAINING COURSE has been established
in the Brigham Young Academy at
Provo, consisting of more than three
hundred (300) regular progressive re-
lated lessons under special professors,
the regular cost of which is not less
than ten ($10) dollars to each student.
All this, with many other privileges, is
free to M.I. students, and its benefits
are applicable to the smallest and most
remote wards as well as the larger and
more central ones; (5) Stake classes
are also conducted free. No one can
fail to see that the contribution named
is a good investment, even from a busi-
ness standpoint, as that which he may
receive is many times the amount which
he is asked to contribute.
By a general response we shall be
able not only to continue, but also
greatly extend this educative work, and
it is equally the privilege and duty of
every young man to pursue and prac-
tically support it.
From the foregoing presentation it is
clear that the nominal sum of fifty cents
per year from persons thus provided for
cannot be looked upon in any other light
than that of a blessed privilege, and in no
way a burden.
We trust you will lead off in this mat-
ter and inspire others with the same
spirit of gratitude and generosity.
Your brethren and fellow-laborers,
Wilford Woodruff,
Joseph F. Smith,
Moses Thatcher,
General Superintendency Y.M.M.I.A.
