J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Born: 1 September 1871
Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 6 April 1933 (Heber J. Grant)
Called as First Counselor in the First Presidency: 6 October 1934 (Heber J. Grant)
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 11 October 1934
Called as First Counselor in the First Presidency: 21 May 1945 (George Albert Smith)
Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 9 April 1951 (David O. McKay)
Called as First Counselor in the First Presidency: 12 June 1959 (David O. McKay)
Died: 6 October 1961
Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 6 April 1933 (Heber J. Grant)
Called as First Counselor in the First Presidency: 6 October 1934 (Heber J. Grant)
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 11 October 1934
Called as First Counselor in the First Presidency: 21 May 1945 (George Albert Smith)
Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 9 April 1951 (David O. McKay)
Called as First Counselor in the First Presidency: 12 June 1959 (David O. McKay)
Died: 6 October 1961
Image source: Improvement Era, April 1914
Image source: Relief Society Magazine, July 1945
Image source: Relief Society Magazine, August 1959
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Image source: Improvement Era, May 1933
Image source: Improvement Era, September 1933
Image source: Improvement Era, August 1951
Image source: Improvement Era, September 1961
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Biographical Articles
Improvement Era, April 1914, Portrait of Joshua Reuben Clark
Improvement Era, May 1933, J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Relief Society Magazine, May 1933, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Improvement Era, September 1933, Greatness in Men - J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Improvement Era, September 1942, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Farmer
Relief Society Magazine, July 1945, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Relief Society Magazine, June 1951, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Called Back as a Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church
Improvement Era, August 1951, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., A Defender of the Gospel
Improvement Era, August 1951, Some Highlights in the Appointments of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Improvement Era, August 1951, Career in Brief of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Improvement Era, September 1956, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Attains 85 Years, September 1, 1956
Relief Society Magazine, August 1959, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., First Counselor in the First Presidency
Improvement Era, September 1960, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Receives Honorary Master M Man Award
Improvement Era, September 1961, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.; An Appreciation on His Ninetieth Birthday
Relief Society Magazine, December 1961, In Memoriam - President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Ensign, April 2011, J. Reuben Clark Jr.: A Man of Uncommon Gifts
Improvement Era, May 1933, J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Relief Society Magazine, May 1933, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Improvement Era, September 1933, Greatness in Men - J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Improvement Era, September 1942, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Farmer
Relief Society Magazine, July 1945, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Relief Society Magazine, June 1951, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Called Back as a Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church
Improvement Era, August 1951, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., A Defender of the Gospel
Improvement Era, August 1951, Some Highlights in the Appointments of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Improvement Era, August 1951, Career in Brief of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Improvement Era, September 1956, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Attains 85 Years, September 1, 1956
Relief Society Magazine, August 1959, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., First Counselor in the First Presidency
Improvement Era, September 1960, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Receives Honorary Master M Man Award
Improvement Era, September 1961, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.; An Appreciation on His Ninetieth Birthday
Relief Society Magazine, December 1961, In Memoriam - President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Ensign, April 2011, J. Reuben Clark Jr.: A Man of Uncommon Gifts
"Joshua Reuben Clark, Jr." Improvement Era. April 1914. pg. 556.
JOSHUA REUBEN CLARK, JR. Born, Grantsville, Utah, Sept. 1, 1871; and in 1898 received the degree of B. S., University of Utah. General Counsel to represent the United States before the Mixed Claims Commission, now sitting to adjudge claims between the United States and Great Britain; Chairman of the American Preparatory Committee, to represent the United States on the International Preparatory Committee, for the Third Hague Conference, to be held at The Hague, 1915. |
E. T. B. "J. Reuben Clark, Jr." Improvement Era. May 1933. pg. 416-417.
J. Reuben Clark, Jr. THE biography of J. Reuben Clark, Jr., might well bear one of the titles so dear to biographers' hearts—"From Grantsville to Greatness," "From Farm to Fame," "Up From the Soil, but Unsoiled"—and any of these would truly be indicative of the events which have followed one another to make the life which has been his. His parents, Joshua Reuben and Mary Louise Woolley Clark, were pioneers of Tooele County, and both were descendants of worthy forebears, those on his father's side having figured in the Civil and Revolutionary War. J. Reuben himself added to the record of his people during the World War, for which service he was accorded the right to the title "Major," and for which he was awarded the distinguished Service Medal by Congress. J. Reuben Clark, Jr., was born in Grantsville, his early years being spent on the farm. The elementary schools of the locality provided his primary education and the preparatory department of the L. D. S. some further work. He was of age before he had the opportunity of entering High School, but he made up for the delay, graduating four years later not only from high school but with a degree of Bachelor of Science. During these years he was working out of school, as well, having been chosen by James E. Talmage, above all the rest of the students, to take charge of the Deseret Museum, then being installed in the Templeton Building. The young man was paid an amount which today would be considered nominal, but his father, conscientious and honest in the extreme, called upon the curator of the Museum to ask, confidentially, if his boy were really considered worth the amount being paid him, and if his work were justifying the amount. At the University of Utah he acted as secretary to Dr. Talmage, President of the institution. In this field as well as all others he entered, it was said of him that he proved that he possessed not only ability but dependability, which is equally, or more, important to success. Married to Luacine Savage, daughter of the dearly beloved C. R. Savage of early Salt Lake days, J. Reuben Clark found the true meaning of the word "helpmeet," for that is what his wife has been to him, in the fullest sense. Their children, Louise, Marian, J. Reuben III and Luacine, have been reared in a home influence unusual even in a Church of ideal homes. Not a little of the success of Brother Clark is due to the tranquility and sweetness of his home where he could turn to find strength to go forth into the world of men and important affairs, and conquer. For five years after his graduation, he taught in the schools of Utah—L. D. S. U., Salt Lake Business College, and the Southern Branch of the State Normal at Cedar City. His contacts while in the educational field made for him many and enduring friendships. During the years of his schooling and teaching, the study of law had been an ever present dream, and in 1903 he entered the School of Law at Columbia University. He found his work in that line, and from that day forward he has proved conclusively that it was the right field for his endeavors. Rising rapidly and high, his physical strength and sturdy constitution made it possible for him to accomplish more than the average man could do, and his abilities were not slow in commanding recognition. While in school he was accorded positions of honor, granted only on merit of excellent scholarship. Dr. James B. Scott, Professor at Columbia, was attracted by his work, and during vacation periods secured Reuben's help in preparing, compiling, and annotating a book since used as a text in many schools of law. Upon his graduation he was employed by Dr. Scott, who had become Solicitor for the Department of State of the United States. Soon after this, Clark was made Dr. Scott's official assistant in this field, a position significant, for it was eloquent acknowledgment of the attainments of a man comparatively young. For four years he held this position, marking it with noteworthy accomplishments in cases extremely difficult, many of them involving tremendous amounts of money as well as complicated international questions and decisions. At the end of this period the Secretary of State recommended bis appointment in Dr. Scott's place as Solicitor, and the appointment was made by President Taft. A quotation from the Deseret News of Feb. 18, 1933, says, "The Solicitor is technically an officer of the department of justice, ranking as an assistant Attorney General, and designated for work in the department of state. As a matter of law, he is the chief law officer for the department of state, and all legal questions arising in connection with the department of state, both as they affect the government of the United States and as they affect other governments, are referred to him for opinion." Many other posts of varying degrees of honor, but all calling for unusual talent, were given him; his work while in Washington was one of the finest examples of missionary work ever done, for he preached Mormonism in every act of his life; and those who knew him well were convinced that only a superior Church could command the devotion of this superior man. During the period at which Dwight W. Morrow was serving as Ambassador to Mexico, Major Clark assisted him, following his work as Undersecretary of State for the U. S. Upon Mr. Morrow's resignation, Mr. Clark was placed in charge of American affairs in Mexico, and later received the appointment as Ambassador. At this time the eyes of the entire nation were turned upon him, but pry as they would, they could find only good and able qualities and qualifications. The papers of the country were filled with laudatory comments, all of which were justified by the work of Ambassador Clark in Mexico. Concerning his work there, an American citizen who had lived in Mexico for a score of years said, in calling upon A. E. Bowen, partner at law with Reuben Clark, that the Clarks were the best loved of all those who had been in the Mexican Embassy within his memory. In this man we see the strength, the devotion, the honor of his parents—his father loyal, honest and hard-working; his mother spiritual, loving and inspirational, one of the true mothers of Israel. The home influence which surrounded him has borne its fruits. Those people in Utah who have known Reuben Clark and watched his career with interest feel that they are to have a share of him now. Native Utahns are proud to name him as one of them who has gone beyond them in achievement. They are proud to feel that he has seen the world, but has found that home is best! — E. T. B. |
Talmage, James E. "President J. Reuben Clark, Jr." Relief Society Magazine. May 1933. pg. 258-262.
President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. By James E. Talmage, of the Council of the Twelve Apostles ON the sixth of April—a day notable for auspicious events in the annals of the Church and in world history—Elder J. Reuben Clark, Jr., was sustained by vote of the people to be Second Counselor in the First Presidency. The occasion was that of the opening' session of the spring- conference of 1933, officially known as the One Hundred and Third Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints. Elder Clark was ordained a High Priest and set apart to this exalted calling under the hands of President Heber J. Grant, President Anthony W. Ivins and eleven members of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, in the Salt Lake Temple on Thursday. April 13, President Grant being voice in the sacred ordinance. In this way—the way prescribed through divine revelation—the highest quorum of the organized Priesthood was made complete by the installation of a successor to the late President Charles W. Nibley, whose call from mortality came on December 11, 1931. As to the constitution of this presiding body, the revealed word is thus specific and definite: "Of the Melchizedek Priesthood, three Presiding High Priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church." AS a people we believe implicitly in the actuality of inspiration and its higher manifestation, revelation, in the selection and nomination of men for positions of presiding authority. We speak of the honor attaching to office in the Priesthood —and rightly so, for a call to such position is la definite expression of confidence and righteous esteem on the part of the nominating authority and of the voting membership. Then, if the call be in accord with the divine will, we do but honor him whom the Lord delights to honor. But with the honor is commensurate responsibility, together with an exacting accountability. The personal realization of the obligation imposed by his new calling was fitly expressed by President Clark in his address before the conference. These are his words: "I am keenly aware of and am deeply grateful for the great honor the people have bestowed upon me. I am also aware that a responsibility equally great comes with that honor. May T say that just now I am thinking more about the responsibility than about the honor. "Should any of you have hopes about my work in this high office to which I am called, I trust I shall not too much disappoint you. If any of you have misgivings, I can only say that your misgivings can hardly be greater than my own. I am keenly conscious of my own deficiencies. I come late in life to a new work." NO one who is acquainted with President Clark and his life of strenuous service will construe that last sentence of the quoted paragraph to mean that he comes late to a participation in Church, activities. It was the writer's privilege to know him well in his youth and to follow him in his work through early manhood to present maturity in his sixty-second year, and moreover, to observe with gladsome satisfaction his devotion to Church duties in both, letter and spirit throughout his career. Before professional and official duties came with insistent demands that kept him for years away from home, he was a prominent worker in the Church, especially in Sunday School and Mutual Improvement Association service. In his home ward, the Twentieth, Ensign Stake, his effective service in Sunday School affairs is an enduring feature of ward history. His efficiency in Mutual Improvement work brought about his appointment to the General Board of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association in 1925, and in this capacity he has served well down to the present. While away from the stakes and wards of the Church he and every member of his splendid family have given their best efforts to the several mission branches with which they have been temporarily associated. Furthermore, Brother Clark has been and is a profound student of both the history and doctrines of the Church and be is justly recognized as one of our able theologians. Among his distinguishing characteristics are an unusual capacity and an indomitable desire for work. And whatsoever he has undertaken to do, in Church or secular undertakings, he has done with the full force of his virile and irresistible energy. A mighty man has taken this place among the leaders of this people. AMONG his fellows and associates, from the status of college student to that of United States Ambassador, he has always been prominent and generally eminent. He is equipped by practical experience in many capacities, such as school teacher and principal, research specialist at Columbia University, and he has filled a succession of offices in ascending grade and increasing importance connected with, the national Department of State. For such readers as delight to consider details of dates and data, the following will be of interest—taken from Who's Who in Government, Volume 2, 1932 edition, with minor inclusions from Who's Who in America, Volume 13: CLARK, JOSHUA REUBEN, Jr.; Ambassador to Mexico, born September 1, 1871, Grantsville, Utah; son of Joshua Reuben and Mary Louisa (Woolley) Clark ; educated at Latter-day Saints College ; University of Utah, B. (S., 1898 ; Columbia, LL. B., 1906; married Luacine A. Savage, September 14, 1898 ; four children, Louise (Mrs. ;Mervyn S. Bennion), Marianne (Mrs. Ivor Sharp), J. Reuben, and Luacine Savage. Acting Principal Southern Branch of State Normal School, Utah, 1901-2. Admitted to N. Y. bar 1905. Assistant Prof, of Law, George Washington University, 1907-8. Assistant Solicitor, Department of State, 1906-10, Solicitor, same, 1910-13. Appointed by Pres. Taft Chairman of the American Preparatory Commission to represent the United States upon the International Preparatory Commission for the Third Hague Conference, 1912. Appointed General Counsel for the United States before the American-British Claims Commission, 1913. Counsel for Department of State and expert assistant to the American Commissioners, Conference on Limitation of Armaments, 1921. Appointed member of the General Board of the Y. M. M. I. A, 1925. Commissioned Major, Judge Advocate General's Reserve Corps, 1917; assigned to active duty, 1917; under orders of Attorney General Department of Justice, 1917; relieved from duty in office of Judge Advocate General and appointed Adjutant of Provost Marshal General, 1918; honorably discharged, 1918. Awarded Distinguished Service Medal, 1922. Special Counsel for the United States, American-Mexican Claims Commissions, 1926. Agent for the United States on General and Special Claims Commissions, United States and Mexico, 1926. Appointed Undersecretary of State, 1928. Appointed Ambassador to Mexico, 1930. Member of the American Society of International Law; Phi Delta Phi. Clubs : Cosmos, Metropolitan, Chevy Chase, India House. Residence, 80 D Street, Salt Lake City. AS early as 1910 Mr. Clark became officially associated, and deeply interested personally, in Mexican affairs. In his dealings with officials and citizens generally he developed a deep respect for the Mexican people, which was met by reciprocal regard amounting to genuine affection. With his powers of keen discernment whenever and wherever a question of personal or national rights was at issue, and with characteristic good nature and genial disposition, he never failed of success in achieving diplomatic adjustments. At the request of the President of the United States he continued to serve as Ambassador to Mexico beyond the time duration specified by him when he accepted this important and honorable appointment. With the many and great changes incident to the last national election Ambassador Clark tendered his resignation, to take effect with the close of the Republican administration in this country. His departure from Mexico was attended by impressive demonstrations of both official and popular regret. The Ambassador's resignation was acknowledged by the Secretary of State with the following letter of appreciation: "I have received your letter of February 24, 1933, enclosing a letter to the President in which you submit your resignation, to become effective at the close of business March 3, as Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the United States to Mexico. "Your wishes, of course, have been met and your letter has been placed in the President's hands. I desire to take this occasion to express my deep and sincere appreciation, not only for your distinguished service as American Ambassador to Mexico, which has reflected signal credit upon the Department of State, but also my personal appreciation and gratitude for the aid of your wise counsel and loyal cooperation at the beginning of my service in this office. "I am fully aware of the peculiar difficulties with which you were confronted in Mexico. It is therefore a matter of fairness to you and a matter of gratification for me to say that your work has not only materially strengthened the connections between the United States and Mexico to the benefit of both, but has served to give definite development to the new policy in our Mexican relations, in the inception of which you played so large a part. The wisdom of the new policy and the soundness of its results would seem to be apparent to any close observer of relations between the two countries and should be to you a matter of personal gratification. "I assure you of my very best wishes for your future success and happiness and reiterate the expression of my appreciation and warm personal regards." In acting upon the resignation, President Herbert Hoover sent to the retiring Ambassador the following communication: "I must of course, accept your resignation as Ambassador to Mexico, to be effective at the close of business March 3. "I wish to take this occasion to express to you the appreciation I have for the service you have rendered our country as its Ambassador to Mexico. Never have our relations been lifted to such a high point of confidence and cooperation, and there is no more important service in the whole of foreign relations of the United States than this. A large part of it is due to your efforts, and I realize that it has been done at a great sacrifice to yourself. The American people should be grateful to you for it.” Justly commended and lauded for his services to the Nation, invested with unusual honors and enjoying the confidence and esteem of the governments of two countries, our beloved Brother J. Reuben Clark, Jr., returns to his native State amidst the welcome of her people of all parties, classes and creeds. To his exalted position in the Church he brings unusual ability, absolute dependability, an unwavering testimony of the divinity of this marvelous work in the latest dispensation and whole-souled devotion to this Church and its people. AN ancient Apostle wrote tersely and with truth: "The woman is the glory of the man" and, further: "Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." Possibly President Clark would have accomplished great things even though he had always lived a bachelor; but certain it is he could never have become the man he is had he remained unwed. At the right time and place, within holy precincts, he and Miss Luacine A. Savage, daughter of the much beloved Brother and Sister Charles R. Savage, plighted their troth as husband and wife for time and eternity. As already enumerated, four children have come to inherit the blessings of this goodly parentage. In every way Sister Luacine Savage Clark has proved a help meet for her distinguished husband. Richly endowed with the enduring graces of the noblest order of womanhood, of pure and well-trained mind, in spirit sensitive yet always firm for that which is good, she is held in affectionate esteem by all whose privilege it is to know her. To husband, son and daughters she is a source of perennial inspiration and encouragement. In Church service, especially in Relief Society work, Sister Clark has accomplished much both as a member and as presiding officer in the organizations with which she has been identified. It is the confident hope and sustaining prayer of the Church membership that many and happy years of blessed ministry await President and Sister Clark. |
PRESIDENT J. REUBEN CLARK, JR.
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Hinckley, Bryant S. "Greatness in Men - President J. Reuben Clark, Jr." Improvement Era. September 1933. pg. 643-646, 674.
GREATNESS IN MEN President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. By BRYANT S. HINCKLEY President of Liberty Stake In this article is found the story of a man who, thrown among the great, the wealthy and the wise, kept an abiding faith in the simple precepts of the Churchy and as a reward for his genuineness and ability was called to one of the most important places in the Church. President Hinckley, in his eloquent manner, has given us here a word portrait of our latest addition to the First Presidency. "Truth is a natural force and no more to be resisted than other natural forces."—Emerson. ON Thursday morning, April 6, 1933, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., was sustained as second counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He succeeded the late Charles W. Nibley. On March 3 he retired as United States Ambassador to Mexico. He is the son of Joshua Reuben and Mary Louise Woolley Clark and was born in a small rock house three miles North of Grantsville, Tooele County, Utah, September 1, 1871. His parents were among the early settlers of Tooele County and both belonged to a race of rugged, freedom loving, God-fearing people. Their forebears were among the pioneers and patriots of America. His father, J. Reuben Clark, Sr., served in the Civil War and his grandsires fought in the War of 1812 and in the Revolutionary War. J. Reuben, Jr., was a Major in the World War. President Clark grew to manhood in the country and knows something of pioneering. His very earliest recollection is seeing his mother kill a rattlesnake at the back door of her kitchen. She was alone much of the time. Her husband was superintendent of the Grantsville Co-op Store; during the day he waited on customers and at night served as watchman. This permitted him to come home only about once a week; consequently the responsibility of the home and the farm rested largely upon her. In the midst of her other duties she taught her son to read and to write so that when he entered the public schools he was placed in the third grade. He finished the grades. There was no high school in Grantsville at the time, so he went through the work of the eighth grade three times. HE did the things that were common for boys on the farm to do in those days. The chief industry of that locality was stock raising. His father owned a small band of horses and it was Reuben's responsibility to look after them. He speaks now with animation of the days when he rode a surefooted, long-winded saddle pony and helped round up range horses. There is something fascinating about corralling wild horses—something that appeals to a boy. It is full of action and adventure and he enjoyed his full share of it. His uncle, Samuel Woolley, had rather extensive cattle interests for those days and J. Reuben helped him trail his cattle to the summer range East of Davis County in the spring and bring them back to the winter range in the fall. He knows what it is to stay in the saddle all day and all night—to go without rest or sleep for twenty-four hours at a time. The language and the hardships of the cowboy are familiar to him. There is more hardship than romance to that kind of work. The only fuel available in those primitive days was wood which was hauled from nearby hills and canyons. He relates how he narrowly escaped death when bringing a load of wood over a steep and dangerous dugway with only a lead harness on his horses which made it almost impossible for them to hold the wagon. Completing the work of the schools of his native town he entered the L. D. S. College in Salt Lake City. Here he came in contact with Dr. James E. Talmage, at that time president of the institution. This was a significant meeting. The Doctor was quick to discover in this serious - minded and industrious young man from the country the qualities that win success. He was attracted to him and encouraged him in all his endeavors. This contact meant a great deal to J. Reuben Clark, and he is only one among many men who have been helped and inspired through association with Dr. Talmage. For two and one-half years J. Reuben served as clerk of the Deseret Museum under his direction, which position he resigned in 1894 to enter the University of Utah. Dr. Talmage was then president of the University so that he had direct contact with this eminent teacher and scholar for seven years. This association resulted not only in a technical training of inestimable value to J. Reuben Clark, but ripened into a rare and delightful friendship, a friendship which can only exist between great and kindred souls. PRESIDENT CLARK'S early ambition was to become a specialist in mining law and with this in view he majored in scientific work and was graduated from the University four years Jater, 1898. While a student of the University he was editor of the Chronicle, president of the student body and valedictorian of his class. On September 14, 1898, he married Luacine Savage, a daughter of the pioneer photographer, C. R. Savage. After graduating he served for one year as principal of the high school at Heber City, for two years as a member of the faculty of the Salt Lake Business College, and for one year as principal of the Southern Branch of the State Normal School at Cedar City, returning again to the Salt Lake Business College. In 1903 he entered the Law School of Columbia University. Now begins a new and brilliant chapter in his life's story. He was then thirty-two years of age, had a good educational training, a wife, two children and $300 in money. Though poor in purse he was rich in something vastly more valuable than material wealth—vision, valor, the will to do and dare —rich in those intangible but impelling forces which are back of all worthy achievement, in the qualities that characterize stout - hearted intrepid souls. Joseph Nelson, President Clark's former employer and life-long friend, advanced money when necessary until J. Reuben completed his course at Columbia. From the day he entered Law School to the present time he has marched majestically forward, exhibiting under all circumstances strength, fortitude, independence of judgment, unfaltering courage and the power of painstaking and vigilant endeavor. His training under Dr. James E. Talmage taught him patience and accuracy and his great power of application soon won recognition for him at Columbia. Dr. James Brown Scott, professor at Columbia, had at this time in preparation a case book on quasi contracts and employed J. Reuben to assist him in this highly technical and important work. In 1906, the year of President Clark's graduation, Elihu Root, then Secretary of State, appointed the young lawyer assistant solicitor. This important position forced him to study international law and this led him into the field of diplomacy. Here he came in contact with the nation's leading statesmen. He was assigned to study some old and voluminous cases awaiting settlement. As a result some of these cases, more than a hundred years old, were arbitrated and won by the young assistant solicitor, J. Reuben Clark. IN 1910 President Taft appointed him to serve under Secretary Knox as solicitor of the State Department. It was at this time that he won the famous "Alsop" case against Chile which was arbitrated before the King of England, who awarded the United States Government $900,000. The layman has little appreciation of the ability, the painstaking and prolonged effort required to do this. About this time he prepared a memorandum on the right of the government to protect its citizens in foreign countries by force of arms. This work is considered today authoritative in the State Department. President Clark has the rare capacity of clarifying the most intricate problems and the patience carefully and exhaustively to explore the most intricate and involved questions. In March, 1913, he was named United States counsel before the British-American Claims Commission, a post which he occupied for two years. Here he prepared a memorandum on neutral trade, a document which attracted the attention of Mr. Morrow and laid the foundation for a lasting and delightful friendship between them and which ultimately resulted in placing the rising attorney in a most important diplomatic position. In 1917 he became a member of the Judge Advocate General Reserve Corps at the request of General Enoch H. Crowder. Later he was assigned to duty under Attorney-General Thomas Watt Gregory. He remained at this post for a year and was assigned as adjutant to General Crowder, so that he held the rank of Major and was later awarded a distinguished service medal by Congress upon the recommendation of General Crowder. He made a careful and exhaustive study of the Versailles Treaty which ended the World War. No other man in the United States had a clearer understanding of this historic document and no one was better able to interpret it in the light of international policies pursued by this government. J. Reuben Clark supplied the brilliant senator from Pennsylvania, Philander C Knox, and those supporting Knox's views, with data when the great question of the League of Nations was debated in the Senate of the United States. After the War he took up his residence in Utah and in 1921 he was called to Washington by Charles Evans Hughes, then Secretary of State, to serve as a special counsel to the State Department in preparing the agenda for the Conference on the Limitation of Armaments, and during this historic conference he served as technical advisor to Secretary Hughes, who soon thereafter appointed Mr. Clark counsel for the British-American Claims Commission. In 1926 he was made a member of the Mexican-American Claims Commission and soon became general counsel for this Commission. Thus he became familiar with our Mexican-American relations. This knowledge prompted Dwight W. Morrow, Ambassador, to take Mr. Clark to Mexico as legal advisor. In the period between his stay in Mexico with Mr. Morrow and his appointment as Ambassador he served as Under-Secretary of State. WHEN Mr. Morrow was elected to the United States Senate, President Hoover named Major Clark as Ambassador, a position which he held for two and one-half years and from which he resigned March 3 of this year. This was a diplomatic station which required the utmost tact and wisdom and which he filled with distinguished ability. President Hoover, in a letter accepting Ambassador Clark's resignation said, among other things: "Never have our relations been lifted to such a high point of confidence and cooperation and there is no more important service in the whole of foreign relations of the United States than this * * *." Secretary of State, Henry L. Stimson, wrote Mr. Clark, in part, as follows: "Your distinguished service as American Ambassador to Mexico has reflected signal credit upon the Department of State." This is a brief and fragmentary reference to President Clark's service to his country, all of which reflects distinct credit on his character and reveals his superior ability as a statesman and student of international affairs. Preceding and following the World War he made important contributions to the literature of the Department of State on international questions. His contact with the ablest minds in American public life during these eventful years, the esteem in which they held him personally, and the reliance which they placed upon his judgment is enduring proof of his character and ability. While Major Clark was serving in the Officers' Reserve Corps under special assignment he prepared a volume of 1,150 pages on "Emergency Legislation to December, 1917," including "Analogous Legislation since 1776." This volume is carefully annotated and indexed and has numerous references. It is the only publication of its kind and represents a prodigious amount of work which was accomplished in a comparatively short time. This is his most monumental work. In a separate volume he has defined and clarified the Monroe Doctrine as no historian has done. Referring to the home life of the Clarks, Dr. James E. Talmage in speaking particularly of Mrs. Clark, said: "In every way Luacine Savage Clark has proved a helpmeet of her distinguished husband. Richly endowed with the enduring graces of the noblest order of womanhood, of a pure and well trained mind, in spirit sensitive yet always firm for that which is good, she is held in affectionate esteem not only by her husband and children but by all who know her." SISTER CLARK has been active in the service of the Church whether at home or abroad. Much of their married life has been spent away from Utah. Whether living in New York City, Washington, D. C, the City of Mexico, or elsewhere, she has been actively identified with the people of the Church. Formerly she presided over the Relief Society of Ensign Stake where they then resided. Brother and Sister Clark have been blessed with four brilliant children; Louise (Mrs. Mervyn S. Bennion), Marianne (Mrs. Ivor Sharp), J. Reuben and Luacine Savage. For the past thirty years Elder Clark's time has been devoted largely to public service, and no other son of this commonwealth has won greater renown in the broad field of statesmanship and diplomacy. He was born and reared under modest circumstances; he has educated himself—and by sheer force of hard work, rugged honesty, straight thinking, the capacity to make and retain friends —without family prestige or political preferment, unaided and single handed, he has won his way to lofty levels. He has occupied a place in the highest councils of the nation in times of peace and of war and has had a part in decisions affecting the destiny of the world. He enjoyed the intimate friendship of Calvin Coolidge, Philander C. Knox, Dwight W. Morrow and others and has been the friend and confidential advisor of these eminent statesmen. He is a trained diplomat and diplomacy is the fine art of making human temperaments agree. There is nothing subtle, cunning or mysterious in this art as practiced by President Clark. He faces the facts, gets the other man's point of view, and stands tolerantly and courageously for the right. His diplomacy is simple, straight-forward, and just. There is no alchemy in it. He has no fondness for the pronoun "I." He is honest to his finger tips. Few men surpass him in mental brawn. He holds in happy combination the virtues symbolized by the head, the heart, and the conscience. President Clark is an able and effective advocate. He has a good speaking voice, a ready command of pure English, with an orderly and logical way of thinking. He speaks with a discretion and a sincerity that carries conviction. His discourses are distinguished for their originality, compactness, breadth of view, soundness of doctrine, grace of diction, and spiritual inspiration. In speaking before the last general conference he said in part: "The world is moaning in tribulation. I do not know the cure. The questions involved are so nearly infinite in their vision that I question whether any human mind can answer them. But it is my faith that if the people shall shun idleness, if they shall cast out from their hearts those twin usurpers, ambition and greed, and then shall re-enthrone brotherly love and return to the old virtues—industry, thrift, honesty, self-reliance, independence of spirit, self-discipline, and mutual goodness —we shall be far on our way to a returned prosperity and worldly happiness. We must again yield fealty to the law that wealth, however great, is a mere shadow compared with the living, enduring riches of mind and heart. * * * The world problem is not primarily one of finance but of unselfishness, industry, courage, confidence, character, heart, temperance, integrity and righteousness. The world has been on a wild debauch materially and spiritually; it must recover the same way the drunkard reprobate recovers—by repentance and right living." (Page 103, Conference Pamphlet, April, 1933.) A. E. Bowen, an intimate friend and business associate, when asked to give an estimate of President Clark's character said: "The personal endowments and qualities which have made possible his varied and distinguished achievements are perhaps three, with their corollaries: "First: A vigorous and discriminating intellect. His is the rare power of penetrating through all confusing, superficial envelopments to the root and marrow of a confronting problem. "Second: A prodigious power of work—a constitution which seems able to respond to any draft that may be made upon it. Work is his vocation and his avocation, his pursuit and his pastime. "Third: An uncompromising, undeviating honesty—intellectual and moral honesty. ‘Face the facts' is a characteristic expression of his. He spends no time in working upon schemes of evasion. Having been surrounded with abundant opportunity for graft and acquisition he has come through without the smell of fire upon his garments. No opprobrium has ever attached to his name. To him sham and pretense are an abomination." WHEN one studies him at close range he is impressed with a sense of ruggedness and culture. His features indicate caution and determination; this impression is mellowed by the friendliness of his mild blue eyes which reveal a warm and sympathetic soul. He is sixty-two years of age, sound in health, matured in judgment, affable in manner, genial, scholarly, sagacious, benevolent, honest beyond cavil, and absolutely uncompromising so far as truth or principle is concerned. Ambassador Morrow once said to J. Reuben Clark: "You stand in the least awe of wealth of any man I have known." No man can intimidate him; he cannot be bought, cajoled, intrigued or persuaded to do anything that is not in the interest of right and justice. There is a moral grandeur about this attitude which challenges admiration. No client ever did or ever could secure his services who sought to evade or subvert the law. Neither friend nor foe ever questioned the rectitude of his intentions. "He is hewn of stern, heroic stuff." J. Reuben Clark's name will go down in history as a statesman and a religious leader. From his boyhood he has been active in Church service and always a careful student of both its history and its doctrine. He is not only an able theologian but an eloquent preacher. Today he belongs to a small and select company of men who stand high in the confidence of the people and in the favor of the Almighty. In all the history of the Church few men have been honored with a place in the First Presidency. He is still in the prime of life. He has a clear understanding of the fundamentals of government and of the great underlying principles upon which society rests. His training has made him world minded. He thinks in large terms. He will enjoy the love and the sustaining faith of the membership of the Church and will receive light and inspiration from on high—all of which will qualify him to render to the Church and its people a long and brilliant service. This exalted calling is a climax to a career not distinguished for anything miraculous or meteoric but one built upon the sound foundation of faith in God, hard work, correct living, common sense, tolerance and sympathy—backed with a supreme love of justice and right. |
Luacine Savage Clark
Mary Louisa Woolley Clark, the mother of President Clark
J. Reuben Clark, Jr., presenting his credentials to President Ortiz Ruhio, Persons seated from left to right: J. Reuben Clark, Jr., President Ortiz Rubio, and H. E. Sr. Estrada, Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador Clark in his Office, Mexico City
Mrs. Clark and her daughters
Three Generations of Joshua Reuben Clarks
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Widtsoe, John A. "President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Farmer." Improvement Era. September 1942. pg. 556-557, 605, 607.
President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Farmer By Dr. JOHN A. WIDTSOE of the Council of the Twelve AS AN EXAMPLE TO THE CHURCH THIS TEACHER, LAWYER, AND STATESMAN TILLS THE LAND WHICH NURTURED THE YEARS OF HIS YOUTH. THE pursuit of agriculture has always been held in high respect by the Latter-day Saints. That is well, for economic and spiritual stability accompanies the wise tilling of the soil. In this day of confusion, members of the Church should resist the temptation to part with their farms. A farm is as an inheritance from the Lord; an island of safety in a troubled sea. As never before, our farms should be tilled with care; in fuller harmony with advancing agricultural knowledge. And all who love farm life might do well, in anticipation of future events, to invest their savings in land. So runs the teaching of the leadership of the Church. One of the foremost of those who have taken these thoughts to heart is J. Reuben Clark, Jr., first counselor in the Presidency of the Church. The savings of a life unusually crowded with professional and official duties have been used in acquiring and developing a farm. Stocks and bonds have passed him by. The material results of his life's labors are in the land. This is an example for the Church to heed. In times of economic stress the farmer's acres will at least produce food for the family—therein lies fundamental security. To succeed upon the land, the farmer must obey the laws of nature carefully, in plowing, sowing, irrigating, harvesting, and maintaining soil fertility — that tends to make him a law-abiding citizen, a safe bulwark of the state. He must battle enemies in the form of insect and disease, and, after harvest, the fluctuations of the market — this calls into action his every faculty and develops his strength. The farmer deals with the soil below and the heavens above; he senses the operation of eternal forces — this makes him a worshipful man. The Church has ever been grateful that the majority of its members have been husbandmen, or tillers of the soil. President Clark's faith in the inspiration which led the Church into the valleys of the West is perhaps a greater example to the people. The lands that he—teacher, lawyer, and statesman, with a worldwide view — chose to buy and to develop are in Grantsville, Utah, in the heart of the empire that the Latter-day Saints wrested from the desert. There he was reared; there his father won a subsistence for his family. He had the faith to carry on the work of the pioneers. The village is small, the water supply limited, but upon such places and upon such faith the Church has been built into prosperity. Too many undervalue their inheritances from the fathers who founded the intermountain West. It is active faith in existing resources, the constant, proper use of them by man himself, wherever upon earth, that brings success. And it was not by chance that Brigham Young settled the people near the shores of the Great Salt Lake! So runs the faith of Brother Clark, who now tills the land within sight of the old adobe schoolhouse where early lessons were learned, within sight of the scenes that enriched his childhood and youth with the fundamentals which have yielded the strength and leadership of his later life. Nor is the relationship of President Clark to his farm one of mere ownership and remote interest. He personally supervises its every operation, and such time as can be spared from his heavy administrative duties he gives to working the soil and performing the other labors essential to making the earth yield. The lands of the Clark farm were acquired gradually as means and opportunity permitted. They form together a self-contained unit, requiring a minimum of demand upon outside sources. The home farm of sixty acres, dating back to pioneer days, of fertile soil and ample water supply, produces garden stuff, sugar beets, hay, and other crops needing irrigation. On this farm, also, are the dwelling house, outbuildings, barns, etc.; and there the horses, cows, and pigs are kept. In the valley eastward is a turkey ranch, equipped for raising five thousand turkeys, with a neighboring farm of five hundred thirteen acres—two hundred dry farmed and sixty irrigated— which supplies a good part of the feed for the turkeys. An early grist mill with much modern machinery stands there. On the foothills to the west, ten hundred eighty-six acres of sagebrush land belong to the enterprise. The rolling, rocky part is used for grazing. The level acres are being cleared for dry farming. This season fifteen acres were planted there to Michael grass, and the yield was very good. The field of ripened grass, in the midst of the sagebrush was not only beautiful to the eye, but a lesson to be followed by others, who, ignoring possibilities when proper methods are followed allow large land areas to remain unproductive. Grazing rights, as usual, in the neighboring mountains make possible summer pasture for sixty-five head of cattle. Back in the valley, again, north and east of the home farm, towards the Great Salt Lake, are seven hundred eighty-six acres of land, partially irrigated by flowing wells, some of which will come under the plow, while the remainder will serve as winter pasture, along with grazing rights on Stansbury island. His grazing rights, pastures, and hay production will enable him to run about two hundred head of cattle. It is not an excessively large farm. Many farmers have larger ones and apparently more prosperous ones. However though acreage and fertility are important, the manner in which a farm is used is of greatest importance. The parts of the Clark farm fit together, in the policy of the owner, to make the farm as nearly as possible a self-sustaining property. For example, all the work horses on the farm are brood mares, thus the horsepower needed is a product of the farm itself. Likewise, the farm produces the winter feed necessary for the animals on summer range. The idea is to have the flow of cash toward, not out of the farm. The law of self-containment is as a foundation stone of social, economic welfare. The livestock on the farm has been chosen with great care. Horses, cows, pigs, and poultry are high bred —therefore more profitable—another example to farmers everywhere. The farm machinery fits the special needs of the places farmed. The endeavor to build a farm intelligently toward prosperity without great or needless expenditure, is everywhere evident. The accompanying illustrations show some parts of the farm and its surroundings. Farming is more than a business. It is a mode of living under the open sky, in daily contact with the forces of nature, with freedom to set one's days and hours, an independence seldom found in other pursuits. If money be the only objective, other ways of living may be more alluring. But the new world that we are facing seems to place a low value on money, and makes the land appear a safer source of income. It is a never-to-be-forgotten fact, that the blood of the farms makes the cities and other professions survive. That may be why President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., has invested his life's material fruits in the land. But greater still is his faith in the teachings of the Church to which he has given his life's loyalty. He has set the Church a good example. May others heed his example, and do likewise. |
OATS IN THE SHOCK WITH GIANT ROW OF LOMBARDI POPLARS IN BACKGROUND. HEAVY
CROPS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE STRONG CLAY LOAM SOIL OF THIS GRANTVILLE LAND. IN GRANTSVILLE IS THE NOW ABANDONED ONE-ROOM ADOBE SCHOOL BUILDING WHERE PRESIDENT CLARK
FIRST ATTENDED SCHOOL. PLANS ARE UNDER WAY BY THE PEOPLE OF GRANTSVILLE TO RECONDITION THIS STRUCTURE AS A PIONEER LANDMARK AND MUSEUM. SHOWING ONE OF THE FLOWING (ARTESIAN) WELLS ON THE CLARK FARM WHICH ANALYZES AS BEING PURE, AND WHICH FLOWS 240 GALLONS PER MINUTE. PRESIDENT CLARK IS SHOWN OPERATING THE VALVE WHICH REGULATES
THE FLOW FROM THE LARGE PIPE. PRESIDENT CLARK ASTRIDE ONE OF HIS SADDLE HORSES.
A YOUNG BLACK WALNUT TREE IS SEEN AT THE LEFT AND IS ONE OF MANY PLANTED ALONG THE FENCE LINES. TO THE
WEST AND IN THE BACKGROUND MAY BE SEEN PART OF THE STANSBURY RANGE OF MOUNTAINS. PRESIDENT CLARK MAKING FRIENDS WITH TWO OF THE COLTS RAISED ON HIS FARM.
LOOKING NORTHEAST FROM THE DRY LAND FARM ROAD. GRANTSVILLE STRETCHES ACROSS THE PICTURE AND IS MARKED BY A LINE OF TREES. THE GREAT SALT LAKE IS SEEN ALONG THE HORIZON.
MICHAEL GRASS. THIS IS A SEED-BEARING
GRASS WHICH HAS THE APPEARANCE OF RYE, AND IS ADAPTED TO BOTH GRAZING AND HARVESTING DURING THE SAME YEAR. IT ISA PERENNIAL WHICH IS GROWING ON DRY LAND IN THE FOOTHILLS ABOUT 10 MILES SOUTHWEST OF THE GRANTSVILLE FARM. MICHAEL GRASS STANDS APPROXIMATELY 36 INCHES HIGH ON DRY LAND. PRESIDENT J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., STANDING
BESIDE A LARGE STACK OF WILD HAY AT HIS GRANTSVILLE FARM. PRESIDENT CLARK IS SEEN WITH HIS PUREBRED PERCHERON STALLION.
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Bowen, Albert E. "President J. Reuben Clark, Jr." Relief Society Magazine. July 1945. pg. 393-394, 448.
President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Elder Albert E. Bowen Member of the Council of the Twelve EIGHTEEN years ago the senior member of a great engineering and contracting firm that had designed and built many of the mammoth works, public and private, over America, called at President Clark's Salt Lake City office. The visiting gentleman was entertained by the writer and informed that President Clark had recently gone to Mexico as special adviser to Ambassador Morrow. He said: "I congratulate Mr. Morrow. Reuben Clark is a tower of strength to any one fortunate enough to enlist his services." Such is the appraisal, by one qualified through personal experience and association, and long accustomed to deal intimately with men of eminence in our own and other lands, of the man whose services have been for the last twelve years freely and unstintingly given to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a member of its First Presidency, and who now enters upon a new period of duty at the same post under the Presidency of George Albert Smith. Nor is the estimate above given a mere isolated instance of the high rating given to his ability and impeccable honor by men of high distinction with whom President Clark has worked. They include Presidents of the United States, Cabinet members representing the Departments of State, War, and Justice; members of the Supreme Court, and high ranking Army officials upon whose recommendation he was given the Distinguished Service Medal for exceptional accomplishments during the first World War. On the flyleaf of the second volume of the second edition of the Selective Service Rules and Regulations coming from the press in 1919 Provost Marshal General Crowder inscribed: 'To Major }. Reuben Clark—In recognition of devoted self giving in an absorbing and difficult task and of as fine loyalty to a cause as I have ever witnessed." His numerous influential and powerful friends in the East have found it difficult to understand his abandoning offers of lucrative association and worldly prominence for the relative obscurity of his position in the Church with its absence of all chance for material emoluments. But President Clark does not look upon this as a sacrifice. Neither does he pose as a martyr to the Cause. The reason is simple. While being fully aware of the power of money and its ability to minister to physical comfort, he knows that its acquisition or possession is, in terms of life, of but incidental and trivial consequence. He is not over-awed by it, nor by the assumptions of those who possess it. The sponsor of injustice or wrong though buttressed by the prestige or arrogance of wealth or high station would meet with as short shrift at the hands of President Clark as would the meanest pauper. His powerful mind has a way of brushing aside all the overburden of superficiality or deceptive gilding and laying the basic issue bare at the roots. He knows, too, how ephemeral worldly honor and public plaudits are. He is not seduced by them away from the central purpose of life. He has unwavering faith that there is divinity and immortality in man and that life should be ordered on a plane compatible with these high conceptions. President Clark came direct from the lay field to a place in the First Presidency of the Church. That is to say, he had not been through a period of service in lesser official positions. But to Latter-day Saints, there is nothing incongruous about that. He had been reared in a Latter-day Saint home where the principles and practices of the Church were matters of everyday consideration and observance. He had grown to maturity in intimate participation in the affairs of ward and stake. From childhood he had absorbed the ideals, requirements, and doctrines of the Church. They were in the marrow of his bones. He is a meticulous student of the Bible and particularly the life and teachings of the Savior. He knows the other scriptures. Happily for the great body of the laity of the Church, and for their consolation, God has so provided that official position is not necessary to gaining of experience. Wisdom may ripen in lay service. The Lord seems to have the habit of drawing upon experience suited to the need of any time without regard to where the experience might have been garnered. President Clark's rich and varied experiences, coupled with his humility and fidelity to God and his work, have admirably fitted him to the needs of this time. All his powers and all his experience he lays at the feet of the Church to help guide it amid the scenes where it must do its work in the troubled days of a momentous era. The Lorelei, no longer confined to their native habitat on the banks of the Rhine, still sing their siren songs. Great wisdom and discernment, advantaged by wide experience in the ways of men and of nations are needed. Of the arts of blandishment he knows nothing. If honestly rendered service with whole-souled devotion to duty and unwavering fidelity to those who have honored him with their trust cannot win, he has no other means to employ. Subterfuge, sham, insincerity, pretense he will not practice. President Clark's loyalty and devotion to President Grant has been a touching and beautiful thing to see. We dare venture that from him President George Albert Smith will receive the same sincere and undivided fealty. |
PRESIDENT J. REUBEN CLARK, JR.
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Moyle, Henry D. "President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Called Back as a Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church." Relief Society Magazine. June 1951. pg. 373-377.
President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Called Back as a Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church Sustained Second Counselor in the First Presidency, April 9, 1951 Elder Henry D. Moyle Of the Council of the Twelve We had read repeatedly of the many accomplishments of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., prior to his initial call to the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His work had already distinguished him as a man of great capacity. A lifetime of effort had fully qualified him for that office, which first came at a time in life when most men retire. Now, added to this, is the experience of the last eighteen years to further qualify him for present membership in the newly organized First Presidency to serve President David O. McKay as he has served President George Albert Smith, and before that, President Heber J. Grant. His career in public service as an international lawyer, soldier, and teacher was distinguished. It was climaxed by his appointment as Under Secretary of State, and United States Ambassador to Mexico. Nevertheless, his crowning achievement, a result of a humbler activity, is and shall ever remain his service in the cause of the Master and his fellow men, as a member of the First Presidency. No words can do justice to a life such as his, unselfishly devoted to others. Men in high places have for years borne record of his accomplishments. For example: President Hoover in a letter accepting President Clark's resignation as Ambassador to Mexico, wrote among other things: "Never have our relations been lifted to so high a point of confidence and cooperation and there is no more important service in the whole of foreign relations of the United States.” Secretary of State Stimson declared: "Your distinguished service as American Ambassador to Mexico has reflected signal credit upon our Department of State." When President Clark was appointed Ambassador to Mexico, one newspaper printed the following: Mr. Clark stands among the few diplomats of the first order that the West has produced. It is somewhat unfair to Ambassador Clark, however, to say that the West produced him. As a matter of fact, J. Reuben Clark, the Ambassador, is the product of J. Reuben Clark, the student, the investigator, the worker and the faithful servant of the government. There is no finer example of a man who has risen through sheer merit in the whole history of the foreign service. Mr. Clark is responsible for his own success. Throughout his life he has scorned political favoritism and has expected every man to stand on his own feet. This crowning achievement in his career comes as a natural sequence of his devoted service to the government in many capacities. Elder Albert E. Bowen of the Council of the Twelve, an intimate friend and business associate, when asked many years ago to give an estimate of President Clark's character, wrote: The personal endowment and qualities which have made possible his varied and distinguished achievements are perhaps three, with their corollaries: First: A vigorous and discriminating intellect. His is the rare power of penetrating through all confusing, superficial envelopments to the root and marrow of a confronting problem. Second: A prodigious power of work — a constitution which seems able to respond to any draft that may be made upon it. Work is his vocation and his avocation, his pursuit and his pastime. Third: An uncompromising, undeviating honesty—intellectual and moral honesty. "Face the Facts," is a characteristic expression of his. He spends no time in working upon schemes of evasion. Having been surrounded with abundant opportunity for graft and acquisition, he has come through without the smell of fire upon his garments. No opprobrium has ever attached to his name. To him sham and pretense are an abomination. Years after the foregoing testimonials, how wonderful it is that President Clark's ability and devotion are even greater and increasingly recognized. President David O. McKay on taking office recently said: "President Clark is a wonderful servant. You have had demonstrated here this morning his ability to carry out details and he is just that efficient in everything pertaining to the work." No matter what the task has been, his performance has represented the best. HIS formula for success is hard work, and he still follows that formula. Likely more enlightening than any words one might write of this great man are his own expressed thoughts. At' the beginning of his ministry eighteen years ago he disclosed his great foresight and virtue in a sermon given by him in the Tabernacle at the general conference of the Church. The following is an excerpt therefrom: The world is moaning in tribulation. I do not know the cure. The questions involved are so nearly infinite in their vision that I question whether any human mind can answer them. But it is my faith that if the people will shun idleness, if they shall cast out from their hearts those twin usurpers, ambition and greed, and then shall re-enthrone brotherly love and return to the old virtues — industry, thrift, honesty, self-reliance, in dependence of spirit, self-discipline, and mutual goodness—we shall be far on our way to a returned prosperity and worldly happiness. We must again yield fealty to the law that wealth, however great, is a mere shadow compared with the living, enduring riches of mind and heart. . . . The world problem is not primarily one of finance, but of unselfishness, industry, courage, confidence, character, heart, temperance, integrity and righteousness. The world has been on a wild debauch materially and spiritually; it must recover the same way the drunkard reprobate recovers—by repentance and right living. What was said by his friends ten years ago of President Clark is true today. "He is vigorous in body, keen in intellect, sound in his thinking, sagacious, studious, prayerful in heart, with a rare penetration of mind. He is a tower of strength among his people and acknowledged everywhere (in and out of the Church) as a leader." With it all, he is considerate, thoughtful, and ever mindful of all, high and low. Firmness and kindness are blended by him in all his decisions, almost to perfection. He is solicitous of the welfare of all his brothers and sisters in the Church. He constantly attends their needs. It is no wonder the Church Welfare Program has enlisted his deepest interest and consequently his most active support. He has said: The prime duty of help to the poor by the Church is not to bring temporal relief to their needs but salvation to their souls. The rule of the bishop in all these matters is the rule of the Priesthood, a rule of kindness, charity, love, righteousness. Little is known of his philanthropy beyond his beneficiaries. It would form an interesting chapter were we able to disclose but a part of what he has done for others. No one in the service of the Church has a better friend. He knows what it is to work and he appreciates the feelings of those who toil daily for their livelihood. He concerns himself with the unfortunate, seeks to assist them, to bless the sick and to comfort those who mourn. Voltaire disclosed a spirit shared by President Clark when he wrote: "Love truth but pardon error. The mortal who goes astray is still a man and thy brother. Be wise for thyself alone, compassionate for him. Achieve thine own welfare by blessing others." Time is his most precious possession. He is methodical in the extreme. To him there is a time and place for each of his many activities and each is orderly and punctually accomplished. One key to his success is his ability to delegate to others those things which others can do for him. At the same time, no matter falling within the sphere of his responsibility is too small to receive his careful attention. To him the disposition of the tithes and offerings of the people is a most sacred trust. He zealously guards the interest of the Church in all matters with an unselfishness seldom equalled among men. To know President Clark is to love him. His friends and admirers are legion. The true test of greatness is found in the personal appraisal of those most intimate. The closer your association with President Clark, the deeper and more lasting your affection for him. IT is a joy to go into the home of President Clark for here we find his true character reflected. Except for the absence of Sister Luacine Savage Clark, his home now is as ideal as it was years ago in Washington when the children were young. The devotion of his son and three daughters to their father is matched only by their great respect and admiration for him. Truly the family honor their father as they do the memory of their devoted mother. President Clark’s concern is ever for the welfare of his family to the latest generation. His eulogy to his mother entitled "To Them of the Last Wagon,” is an inspiration. It discloses his great affection for his mother. It likewise reveals the philosophy of life she must have taught him. I quote from this writing: In living our lives let us never forget that the deeds of our fathers and mothers are theirs, not ours; that their works cannot be counted to our glory; that we can claim no excellence and no place, because of what they did; that we must rise by our own labor, and that labor failing we shall fall. We may claim no honor, no reward, no respect, nor special position or recognition, no credit because of what our fathers were or what they brought. We stand upon our own feet in our own shoes. There is no aristocracy of birth in this Church; it belongs equally to the highest and the lowliest. For as Peter said to Cornelius, the Roman centurion, seeking him: "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him" (Acts 10:34-35). The people of Grantsville, his birthplace, claim him as their own, and do homage to him as he frequently returns to his home there. They are his neighbors and kinsmen. The great, generous heart of this man has preserved for future generations the old school in Grantsville where his father taught and where he went to school on weekdays and worshiped on the Sabbath This building, now restored to its original condition with some modern improvements, will long stand to his memory as a mute evidence of his love of home and community. His neighbors among whom he grew up have reciprocated with a love and esteem that is shown in many ways. Lately, at a testimonial, the people of Tooele County tendered a distinguished service award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the public life of our nation and as a member of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Clark can express his thoughts in words that are clear and simple and with a meaning unmistakable. Even his poetry discloses his command of language and far more important, the depth of his soul. His most important religious work is On the Way to Immortality and Eternal Life. This treatise on the apostasy and the restoration of the gospel is unsurpassed in the writings of the Church. It is a work of rare scholarship written with forthrightness and conviction. J. Reuben Clark, Jr. has the moral courage to say without faltering what he knows to be right and the physical courage to do as he says. To the Priesthood of the Church, he has throughout the years, called their attention forcibly to the theme nearest to his heart: "Except ye are one ye are not mine." His ministry has been characterized by a firm, resolute, continuing determination to bring unity into the lives of the Church membership, as well as into quorums and other organizations or the Church. Repeatedly he has emphasized that "we cannot be one unless we are one in spirit, in belief, in knowledge and in action. There is no other way." With this concept of unity always uppermost in his mind, he could never fail to fulfill the high calling which is his. Above all, he has and bears a powerful, enduring, convincing testimony of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, the divine mission of the Savior, the restoration of the Priesthood of God given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, and the presence here upon the earth today of a true prophet of God, whom he stands ever ready to serve as he may be directed. The testimony which he last publicly bore at our recent conference when the First Presidency were sustained by the Priesthood and people in solemn assembly, follows: My Brothers and Sisters, I begin by bearing again my testimony that this is the work of the Lord, that Joseph Smith is a prophet, that those who have followed afterward have been his prophets, and that the one whom we have sustained is the ninth in regular succession, as a prophet, seer, and revelator to this Church and to the world. I know that Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer of the world, I know that he is the first fruits of the resurrection, and that by and through him we are redeemed from the fall, and thus able to overcome the results or the fall and get back into the presence of our Heavenly Father. |
PRESIDENT J. REUBEN CLARK, JR.
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Widtsoe, John A. "President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., A Defender of the Gospel." Improvement Era. August 1951. pg. 560-563, 592-595.
President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. A Defender of the Gospel By JOHN A. WIDTSOE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE TWELVE Grantsville, Tooele County, Utah, (population today 1,536) is one of the many little settlements founded by the Latter-day Saints when they set out to conquer the inhospitable and unfriendly desert in the Great Basin of North America. These towns became unwittingly social and economic experimental communities in which many of the problems that vex the nations were solved successfully. Out of them have come many of the strong men who have fostered the Church throughout the years. The communities were much like large families; all knew one another; the sorrows or joys of one were the sorrows or joys of all. The towns were also melting pots of many nationalities. Americans, Scotch, and English, Germans, and Scandinavians, with a sprinkling of representatives of other lands rubbed shoulders there in the toil of subduing the desert. Everybody had to work, from childhood up, or starve. The desert was an implacable foe licking its chops to defeat the invaders. It did not want to be tamed. Life was very simple in these little towns. Simple food and simple pleasures were the order of the day; but there existed also high ambitions. The cement which held them together was the gospel of Jesus Christ restored by the Prophet Joseph Smith. The guide in all undertakings was the same gospel. Every family prayed together daily; every social gathering was opened and closed with prayer; the day's labor was understood to be a contribution to the latter-day building of the kingdom of God; all serious conversations centered upon the eternal truths of existence, for which any price would be paid. Life in these settlements approached the hopes of men throughout the ages. No wonder Grantsville and the towns like it produced men great before God and powerful before their fellows. It was into such a community (Grantsville) that Joshua Reuben Clark, Jr., an Apostle of the Church since October 1934, and member of the First Presidency since April 9, 1933, was born September 1, 1871. It was in such an environment that he was trained; with such ideals he began his life's work. No wonder that as the youth carried out the plan of his life's work, he succeeded and won the acclaim of his fellows. He was wellborn. His father Joshua Reuben Clark, patriarch in the Church, was a veteran of the Civil War who came to Utah on his way to Montana, was caught by the truth of the restored gospel and returned to Utah. His mother was a daughter of Edwin D. Woolley of famous pioneer stock. A persistence in the young man's character and a high ambition drove him on. Toil did not matter. He loved it; he was used to it. He was taught the dignity and necessity of work and has practised it all his life. He loved learning. He would have knowledge and would pay the price for it. So he moved from Grantsville's school (he has restored the building) to the Latter-day Saints University, now closed, then to the University of Utah where the regulation that required six years to graduate took its defeat from the sharp-witted student who graduated in four years. He was valedictorian of his class, editor of the school paper, president of the student body, leader in student affairs, and walked off with all available collegiate honors. Naturally he became a marked man among his fellows. The redoubtable Dr. James E. Talmage, later a member of the Council of the Twelve, recognized the qualities of mind and character of the young man and made him his assistant in the museum then in the making and also later when Dr. Talmage became president of the university. It was invaluable training to be under the tutelage of this great man, who loved accuracy so well that the letter "S" upside down on a page tore into his very soul. Pitifully small was the allowance for the service rendered, but it was a welcomed addition to the support of the learning-hungry, ambitious boy from Grantsville. After graduation he married the girl of his choice, Luacine Savage, daughter of C. R. Savage, prominent pioneer and founder of the movement to honor old folk. Throughout their lives together she carried nobly her part in the responsibilities and honors that came to them. She helped raise to useful, respected maturity their son and three daughters. When she died in 1944, a host of sorrowing friends spoke of her virtues, her competent, intelligent, ladylike qualities, and her devotion to the work of the Lord. Five years of school teaching followed his university work, in Heber City, the Salt Lake Business College, and one year as principal of the Branch Normal School ( now the Branch Agricultural College) at Cedar City. The good will he won in these places has followed him down the years. But, as happens to all young men of ambition, he sought further preparation for life. So with borrowed money he crossed the continent with his wife and two small children, to Columbia University in New York City, to study law. There his power of logical analysis and his intellectual industry were recognized almost at once. From the earliest years he has had the ability to dig down to the bottom of things whether in statesmanship or religion. He became one of the editors of the Columbia haw Review. When one of the eminent professors was writing books, Elder Clark was called in to help, that is, to gather data, to arrange, and to edit. This not only helped eke out his slender purse but was also good training for the man who later was to do notable work in governmental and Church affairs. At length, the coveted LL.B. degree was won in 1906. Now he could really begin his professional work. His country needed him. His reputation had preceded him. So he stepped from the law school into the post of assistant solicitor for the state department under Elihu Root, then United States secretary of state. After four years of distinguished service there, he was appointed, in 1910, solicitor, the chief legal officer of the department of state, ranking as an assistant attorney general. Some years later, after he had gone into private practice, he was appointed under secretary of state, the second chief nonelective post in the department. During this service in the state department he moved more and more into the field of international law, in which he became a foremost authority and is so recognized today. Scores of cases of national importance, with his memoranda and conclusions, have been handed down to help workers in the state department and others of the present day. J. Reuben Clark, Jr., the Grantsville boy, won from his work in the United States state department an international reputation. In 1913 he entered private practice in New York and Washington, D. C, but in 1917 he was called into official service again, commissioned a major in the Army of World War I and assigned to the judge advocate general's office. There he rendered help in formulating selective service regulations, in the procedure of demobilization, and in disposing of a barrage of problems arising as World War I went on and ended. It fell to him to formulate and rewrite the second selective service plan. In recognition of his war service he was awarded three silver chevrons and the Distinguished Service medal. However his love of the gospel and for his beloved homeland led him and his life companion with their family back to their home heritage, the surroundings of their youth. In 1921 he transferred his law practice to Salt Lake City. For five years he maintained his Salt Lake offices, constantly interrupted by calls for assistance from the federal government. In fact, after his resignation from the state department he received appointments and calls for help which occupied much of his time. There are so many of them that it seems useless to repeat them. They range from the settlement of international difficulties to personal claims of citizens against this and foreign governments. In 1927, Dwight W. Morrow, ambassador to Mexico, asked Elder Clark to become his legal adviser, since serious Mexican conditions needed solution by a well-informed and trustworthy person. While in this position he rendered outstanding service. From 1928 to 1930 he served as under secretary of state. He served less than two years but gave great service which is still recognized and used in governmental offices. Notable among them is his memorandum on the Monroe Doctrine, representing the views of the state department and the administration of the doctrine which today is one of the bulwarks of world peace. In 1930 he was appointed U. S. ambassador to Mexico. During his three-year service he helped settle many an international controversy, such as the oil rights of foreigners in Mexico, the correct boundary lines between Mexico and the United States, the settlement of individual claims between the two countries, the division of the waters of the Rio Grande. Best of all Mexico and the United States worked together as friends during President Clark's ambassadorship. President Clark has rendered great service to his country as well as to his people. He served with distinction and to the satisfaction of seven presidents of the United States. Few can claim such a record. We have the right to be very proud of his achievements. His life is a stimulus to every ambitious boy. He has had the joy of having his work appreciated. Distinguished men, men of affairs, have spoken and written about him in terms of praise. Even a partial list is impressive: Philander C. Knox, secretary of state; Huntington Wilson, assistant secretary of state; T. W. Gregory, attorney general; Charles E. Hughes, secretary of state and chief justice of the Supreme Court; Frank B. Kellogg, secretary of state; Matthew C. Brush, railroad executive; Charles A. Stone, president of the American Cooperation; Herbert Plummer, writer; Dwight W. Morrow, senator, ambassador, and successful businessman; Howland Cox, writer for Christian Science Monitor; Herbert Hoover, president of the United States; William Waterburg, president, Pennsylvania Railroad; Will Rogers; Otis Rubio, ex-president of Mexico; S. Boiling Wright, steel manufacturer; Newton D. Baker, secretary of war. Numerous influential newspapers and magazines have carried articles concerning President Clark. The high nature of President Clark's civil work is well attested by such an aggregation of eminent men and publications, which could be greatly enlarged. The words of praise spoken by these men and publications could well be the envy of all. The University of Utah did itself proud in conferring the LL.D. degree on President Clark, its academic son, in 1934 in recognition of his abundant services to his country. Despite this remarkable career in governmental affairs President Clark's loyalty to the Church is his foremost characteristic. During his years in Washington and New York, his was a Latter-day Saint household, full of faith in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. There was no attempt to play down his devoted attachment to the Church, its beliefs and practices. Though his children were reared away from the stakes of Zion, they lived as Latter-day Saints and in their lives are faithful to their gospel teachings. In this never-wavering faith in the doctrine of the restored gospel today as yesterday is the superlative strength of J. Reuben Clark, Jr. It is not so well-known that throughout his life President Clark has been a close student of the gospel. In the midst of multitudinous duties for State or Church, he has found time for daily communion with scriptures, ancient and modern. His thoughts have centered upon Jesus the Christ, with whose life and teachings he is unusually familiar. The times of the Christ come to life as he speaks of them. His recent book, On the Way to Immortality and Eternal Life, shows not only an intimate acquaintanceship with the gospel, but also reveals many of the most noticeable phases of his character. Neither is it well-known that President Clark has distinct writing ability. Many of his reports to the state department are used as textbooks in government circles and elsewhere. His latest book carries an enviable clarity of style. And when he speaks, it is with a driving force which leaves a long impression upon the listener. In the latter part of his life when he might reasonably have expected to draw for his life's labors the reward that the earth gives, he was called to serve in the First Presidency of the Church. That meant the laying aside of mundane things. He knew that it would mean the laying aside also of many a cherished professional hope; but ever since he kneeled daily in his boyhood home, he has known that God's cause is the greatest on earth. He resigned the ambassadorship to enter a larger position. That he knew. His faithful service in his Church positions is well-known to all the people of the Church. He has given to the Church every power that he used when in the service of the government. He has brought his acute analytical mind, his organizing ability, and his vast accumulated experience to serve the developing tasks of the growing Church. He has been the foremost supporter of the welfare plan of the Church, the chief helper in placing Church finances on a budget plan. He has insisted on conformity with the revealed word of God in all Church activities. He is a Rock of Gibraltar among the waves of unbelief. He has opinions; they are usually strong, from which he finds it difficult to retreat; but underneath is as warm a heart for humanity as ever beat in human breast. His friends who know him remember him as one, who amidst the vicissitudes of life, loves the gospel of Jesus Christ first of all and above all else. Therefore, the people of the Church love him and trust him. Therefore, in place of the things of the earth that he lost when he obeyed the call to Church service, he has a large credit on the books of God. To be in accord with God is the greatest of human achievements. The Church members are proud of J. Reuben Clark, Jr., and glad to have him among them. And so he toils along, living out his own adage that it matters not what your position may be, but how well the work is done—and his work is well done. Now, if he finds an hour for relaxation amidst the strenuous duties of the First Presidency, he goes to Grantsville, his boyhood home, where he has a farm and a farm home. There he takes delight in the livestock and the growing crops which he holds are the basis of human prosperity, or he rests in his Salt Lake City home near his children and grandchildren, recalling the happy days of yore spent by the sun-bathed meadows of Grantsville on the shores of Great Salt Lake. He is grateful for the goodness of the Lord to him. The life of J. Reuben Clark, Jr., of which the merest sketch is here given, is notable in its every activity and a lesson for all who would attain greatness before man and God. Words of Guidiance
By PRESIDENT J. REUBEN CLARK, JR. FROM B.Y.U. COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS, JUNE 7, 1949 Work is the nearest substitute for genius, and genius without work is barren. If more people had to work for a living, instead of talking for it, the world would be better off. Work for your living, the experience and habit may come in handy some time. Beyond price are the worth and strength of men's trust in our integrity; their idle praise lends us no help. A wise man learneth his own strength, but a fool thinketh he hath no weakness. The censure of just men is our disgrace; but the jealous, cavilling of the unrighteous is our honor. The bigotry of unbelief is just as tyrannical as the bigotry of belief. Men are prone to condemn and deride in others the abilities and qualities of character they do not themselves possess. Do not declare as a vice in others a trait you claim as a virtue in yourselves. Dignity is often the cloak with which vanity enshrouds mediocrity. Neither a facile pen nor a glib tongue is a necessary counterpart of wisdom. It is greater, infinitely so, to lead men's minds than to conquer their bodies or control their wills. Modesty and virtue are now going at such a premium that many people are closing out all they have. The peace of an upright heart is more precious than place or power or riches. Out of the mists and shadows of history comes the certainty of revelation—the voice of God. Build around yourselves an impregnable fortress of righteousness, and then depart not from your citadel. For your social contacts: Weep not too much over the parting guest, lest he remain on and so dull the edge of hospitality; nor be too gay at his going lest he mistake your feeling and believe he has overstayed his welcome. |
The family of J. Reuben Clark, Sr., about 1892. Left to right, front row, Mary Louisa Woolley, John, Samuel, Alice, Lucille; back row, Esther, Elmer, J. Reuben, Jr., Edwin, and Frank. Gordon, the youngest child, was born in 1893.
The birthplace of J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Grantsville, Utah.
Two early photographs of President Clark.
J. Reuben Clark, Jr., lower right, was graduated from the
University of Utah in 1898 with a bachelor of science degree. Others in graduating class were: Ralph Vara Chamberlin, Mary Elizabeth Connelly (Mrs. Andrew Kimball). Second row, Ray Riggs (Mrs. David O. McKay); Herbert Thayer Hills, Albert Johannsen. President Clark's wife and children about 1919. First
row, J. Reuben Clark, III; Luacine (Mrs. Orval C. Fox); back row, Marianne (Mrs. Ivor Sharp); Sister Clark; Louise (Mrs. Mervyn S. Bennion). President Clark as a major in the Judge Advocate General's Officers' Reserve Corps. 1917-1918. For his service he received the Distinguished Service medal.
President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
President Clark (left) at the time he presented his credentials
as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Mexico in 1930 to President Ortiz Rubio. In 1926, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., as acting Secretary
of State, with President Calvin Coolidge and Walter S. Gifford, president of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, on the occasion of opening the telephone line between the United States and Spain. President Clark as a delegate to the seventh International Conference of American states, Montevideo, Uruguay. He is sixth from the right on the front row. Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, is at the extreme left on the front row.
President Clark with his brothers and sister. Photograph taken recently in President Clark's library at his home.
The First Presidency of the Church from 1934 to 1945: President Heber J. Grant (center). President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., left, and President David O. McKay.
President Clark served in important government positions under seven presidents of the United States. President Herbert Hoover appointed him Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mexico in 1930.
Making friends with two of the colts raised on his farm.
Operating the valve which regulates the flow of water from an artesian well on his farm in Grantsville.
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"Some Highlights in the Appointments of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr." Improvement Era. August 1951. pg. 592.
Some Highlights in the Appointments of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Under Theodore Roosevelt--
Assistant Solicitor for the Department of State Elihu Root, Secretary of State, Philander C. Knox, Attorney General
Under William Howard Taft--
Solicitor for the Department of State Philander C. Knox, Secretary of State, George Wickersham, Attorney General
Committee to Report on Assistance of Red Cross Societies in Civil Warfare
Chairman of American Preparatory Committee to Represent the United States on the International Preparatory Committee for the Third Hague Conference
Counsel for the United States before Tribunal of Arbitration Under the Special Agreement of August 18, 1910, between the United States and Great Britain
Under Woodrow Wilson--
Special Counsel for the United States, before the American British Claims Arbitration Tribunal on questions of international law involved in state succession and cable-cutting cases
Counsel in charge of United States Agency, American-British Claims Arbitration
Major, Judge Advocate General's Officers' Reserve Corps
Under Warren G. Harding--
Special Counsel for Department of State, Conference on the Limitation of Armament, Washington, D. C.
Expert Assistant to the American Commissioners
Under Calvin Coolidge--
Agent of United States, General Claims Commission, United States and Mexico
Special Counsel to Agency of United States, Mixed Claims Commission, United States and Mexico
Under Secretary of State
Under Herbert Hoover--
Special Representative, with rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, at the inauguration of Pascual Ortiz Rubio, President of Mexico
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mexico
Under Franklin D. Roosevelt--
Delegate of the United States to the Seventh International Conference of American States, Montevideo,
Uruguay
Committee for the formation of the Foreign Bondholders Protective Council, Inc.
Some Highlights in the Appointments of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Under Theodore Roosevelt--
Assistant Solicitor for the Department of State Elihu Root, Secretary of State, Philander C. Knox, Attorney General
Under William Howard Taft--
Solicitor for the Department of State Philander C. Knox, Secretary of State, George Wickersham, Attorney General
Committee to Report on Assistance of Red Cross Societies in Civil Warfare
Chairman of American Preparatory Committee to Represent the United States on the International Preparatory Committee for the Third Hague Conference
Counsel for the United States before Tribunal of Arbitration Under the Special Agreement of August 18, 1910, between the United States and Great Britain
Under Woodrow Wilson--
Special Counsel for the United States, before the American British Claims Arbitration Tribunal on questions of international law involved in state succession and cable-cutting cases
Counsel in charge of United States Agency, American-British Claims Arbitration
Major, Judge Advocate General's Officers' Reserve Corps
Under Warren G. Harding--
Special Counsel for Department of State, Conference on the Limitation of Armament, Washington, D. C.
Expert Assistant to the American Commissioners
Under Calvin Coolidge--
Agent of United States, General Claims Commission, United States and Mexico
Special Counsel to Agency of United States, Mixed Claims Commission, United States and Mexico
Under Secretary of State
Under Herbert Hoover--
Special Representative, with rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, at the inauguration of Pascual Ortiz Rubio, President of Mexico
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mexico
Under Franklin D. Roosevelt--
Delegate of the United States to the Seventh International Conference of American States, Montevideo,
Uruguay
Committee for the formation of the Foreign Bondholders Protective Council, Inc.
"Career in Brief of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr." Improvement Era. August 1951. pg. 594.
Career in Brief of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
September 1, 1871—Born at Grantsville, Utah, the son of Joshua Reuben and Mary Louisa Woolley Clark.
1891-1898—Clerk for Curator of Deseret Museum. (In the words of Elder James E. Talmage, the curator, this was to be regarded as a foreign mission.)
1894-98—Did six years work in four at the University of Utah, and being awarded a Bachelor of Science degree.
September 14, 1898—Married Luacine Annetta Savage in Salt Lake Temple.
1898-1899—Principal, Heber City High School.
1899-1900—Teacher of English and Latin, Latter-day Saints College, Salt Lake City.
1900-1901—Acting Principal, Southern Branch, State Normal School, Cedar City, Utah.
1902-03—Principal, Salt Lake Business College.
1903—Began at Columbia University Law School.
1905—Admitted to New York Bar.
1906—Received LL.B. degree, having specialized in mining law.
1906-1910—Assistant solicitor for the department of state.
1907-1908—Assistant professor of law, George Washington University, Washington, D. C.
1910-1913—Solicitor for the department of state.
1911—Admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.
1911—Admitted as a member of the bar of the Court of Claims.
1911—Appointed member of committee to report on assistance of Red Cross Societies in Civil Warfare.
1912—Appointed chairman of American Preparatory Committee to represent the United States on the International Preparatory Committee for the Third Hague Conference.
1912—-Member, American Society for Judicial Settlement of International Disputes.
1913—-Appointed counsel for the United States before Tribunal of Arbitration under Special Agreement of August 18, 1910, between the United States and Great Britain. ($5,000,000.00 claims.)
1913-1921—Private Law practice in New York and Washington, D. C.
1914-—Counsel in Charge of United States Agency, American-British Claims Arbitration.
1917—Commissioned Major in the Judge Advocate General's Officers' Reserve Corps, assigned for service to the Attorney General of the United States, at the latter's request.
1918—Awarded three silver war service chevrons and the distinguished service medal.
1918—Author, Emergency Legislation and War Powers of the President.
1919-1920—Active in League of Nations controversy.
1921-—Special counsel for department of state, conference on the limitation of armament, Washington, D. C.
1921-1926—Private Practice, Salt Lake City.
1923—Chairman, New York committee, Outlawry of War.
1925—Appointed to the general board, Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association.
1925—Consulting counsel for the federal government in the Cayuga Indian case— American-British claims commission — claims of nearly $1,000,000.00.
1926—Agent of United States, General Claims Commission, United States and Mexico.
1927-1928—Legal adviser to Ambassador Dwight W. Morrow, Mexico.
1928—Author, Memorandum of the Monroe Doctrine.
1928-1929—Under secretary of State.
1930—Special representative, with rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, at inauguration of Pascual Ortiz Rubio, President of Mexico.
1930-1933—Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Mexico.
April 6, 1933—Sustained as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.
1933—Delegate of the United States to the Seventh International Conference of American States (Pan-American Conference) Montevideo, Uruguay.
June 5, 1934—Received an honorary LL. D., University of Utah.
1934-38—President, Foreign Bondholders Protective Council, Inc.
October 6, 1934—Sustained an Apostle and as First Counselor in the First Presidency.
October 11, 1934—Ordained an Apostle by President Heber J. Grant.
1936—United States representative on Committee for the study of International Loan Contracts (League of Nations).
1936—Member, committee of experts on codification of International Law (Pan- American Union.)
1938-1945—Chairman, Executive Committee, Foreign Bondholders Protective Council, Inc.
May 21, 1945—Sustained as First Counselor to President George Albert Smith.
1946—Author, story of the Boy Christ, Wist Ye Not That I Must Be About My Father's Business?
1947—Author, To Them of the Last Wagon.
1949—Author, On the Way to Immortality and Eternal Life.
April 9, 1951—Sustained as Second Counselor to President David O. McKay.
Since 1933 President Clark has made 984 addresses, has published forty-nine articles in national and Church publications —this does not include addresses which have been published— and four poems. Such national publications as Vital Speeches, the American Bar Association Journal, Commercial and Financial Chronicle, Robert Morris Association Magazine, the Encyclopedia Britannica, New York Sun, American Journal of International Law, as well as others. are included.
During ten years President Clark spent over four years away from home on business assignments from the First Presidency. Spent in week, two week, or month periods it meant being away from his family for that much time.
Career in Brief of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
September 1, 1871—Born at Grantsville, Utah, the son of Joshua Reuben and Mary Louisa Woolley Clark.
1891-1898—Clerk for Curator of Deseret Museum. (In the words of Elder James E. Talmage, the curator, this was to be regarded as a foreign mission.)
1894-98—Did six years work in four at the University of Utah, and being awarded a Bachelor of Science degree.
September 14, 1898—Married Luacine Annetta Savage in Salt Lake Temple.
1898-1899—Principal, Heber City High School.
1899-1900—Teacher of English and Latin, Latter-day Saints College, Salt Lake City.
1900-1901—Acting Principal, Southern Branch, State Normal School, Cedar City, Utah.
1902-03—Principal, Salt Lake Business College.
1903—Began at Columbia University Law School.
1905—Admitted to New York Bar.
1906—Received LL.B. degree, having specialized in mining law.
1906-1910—Assistant solicitor for the department of state.
1907-1908—Assistant professor of law, George Washington University, Washington, D. C.
1910-1913—Solicitor for the department of state.
1911—Admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.
1911—Admitted as a member of the bar of the Court of Claims.
1911—Appointed member of committee to report on assistance of Red Cross Societies in Civil Warfare.
1912—Appointed chairman of American Preparatory Committee to represent the United States on the International Preparatory Committee for the Third Hague Conference.
1912—-Member, American Society for Judicial Settlement of International Disputes.
1913—-Appointed counsel for the United States before Tribunal of Arbitration under Special Agreement of August 18, 1910, between the United States and Great Britain. ($5,000,000.00 claims.)
1913-1921—Private Law practice in New York and Washington, D. C.
1914-—Counsel in Charge of United States Agency, American-British Claims Arbitration.
1917—Commissioned Major in the Judge Advocate General's Officers' Reserve Corps, assigned for service to the Attorney General of the United States, at the latter's request.
1918—Awarded three silver war service chevrons and the distinguished service medal.
1918—Author, Emergency Legislation and War Powers of the President.
1919-1920—Active in League of Nations controversy.
1921-—Special counsel for department of state, conference on the limitation of armament, Washington, D. C.
1921-1926—Private Practice, Salt Lake City.
1923—Chairman, New York committee, Outlawry of War.
1925—Appointed to the general board, Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association.
1925—Consulting counsel for the federal government in the Cayuga Indian case— American-British claims commission — claims of nearly $1,000,000.00.
1926—Agent of United States, General Claims Commission, United States and Mexico.
1927-1928—Legal adviser to Ambassador Dwight W. Morrow, Mexico.
1928—Author, Memorandum of the Monroe Doctrine.
1928-1929—Under secretary of State.
1930—Special representative, with rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, at inauguration of Pascual Ortiz Rubio, President of Mexico.
1930-1933—Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Mexico.
April 6, 1933—Sustained as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.
1933—Delegate of the United States to the Seventh International Conference of American States (Pan-American Conference) Montevideo, Uruguay.
June 5, 1934—Received an honorary LL. D., University of Utah.
1934-38—President, Foreign Bondholders Protective Council, Inc.
October 6, 1934—Sustained an Apostle and as First Counselor in the First Presidency.
October 11, 1934—Ordained an Apostle by President Heber J. Grant.
1936—United States representative on Committee for the study of International Loan Contracts (League of Nations).
1936—Member, committee of experts on codification of International Law (Pan- American Union.)
1938-1945—Chairman, Executive Committee, Foreign Bondholders Protective Council, Inc.
May 21, 1945—Sustained as First Counselor to President George Albert Smith.
1946—Author, story of the Boy Christ, Wist Ye Not That I Must Be About My Father's Business?
1947—Author, To Them of the Last Wagon.
1949—Author, On the Way to Immortality and Eternal Life.
April 9, 1951—Sustained as Second Counselor to President David O. McKay.
Since 1933 President Clark has made 984 addresses, has published forty-nine articles in national and Church publications —this does not include addresses which have been published— and four poems. Such national publications as Vital Speeches, the American Bar Association Journal, Commercial and Financial Chronicle, Robert Morris Association Magazine, the Encyclopedia Britannica, New York Sun, American Journal of International Law, as well as others. are included.
During ten years President Clark spent over four years away from home on business assignments from the First Presidency. Spent in week, two week, or month periods it meant being away from his family for that much time.
"President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Attains 85 Years, September 1, 1956." Improvement Era. September 1956. pg. 624, 660.
President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Attains 85 Years of Age September 1, 1956 President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.'s first talk in a public meeting, according to his father's diary, was a biographical sketch of the life of Christ. He was fifteen years of age at the time. He must have taken to his subject. Over the years the Church has been made rich by thoughts that have come from his tongue and pen on Jesus the Christ. President Clark will be eighty-five years of age September 1. As a youth in his native Grantsville, Utah, he served -as treasurer of the Primary Association and as president of his deacons' quorum. Coming to Salt Lake City for an education, he obtained work as clerk for the curator of the Deseret Museum. In the words of Elder James E. Talmage, the curator, this was to be regarded as a foreign mission. He served here from 1891 to 1898. In 1894 he entered the University of Utah. He did six years of prescribed work in four years. He was graduated June 15, 1898, with a bachelor of science degree. He ranked first in his class scholastically and was president of the student body, managing editor of the Chronicle (student newspaper), and secretary to the president of the University of Utah, Dr. James E. Talmage. At the University of Utah he first met David O. McKay, a fellow student who was graduated in 1897, the year before J. Reuben Clark was. In 1898 he became a teacher in the Salt Lake City Twentieth Ward Sunday School, and assisted in organizing what was said to be the first graded Sunday School in the Church. That same year, on September 14, 1898, he married Luacine Annetta Savage in the Salt Lake Temple. He embarked upon a teaching career, serving as teacher and as principal of several schools in the state. Then in 1903 he became a student at Columbia University Law School. He obtained his bachelor of laws degree June 13, 1906. The year before he had been admitted to the New York Bar. While in the East, he carried a missionary certificate to preach the gospel to the people of the United States, signed by the members of the First Presidency, President Joseph F. Smith and his counselors, Presidents John R. Winder and Anthon H. Lund. He served the federal government by appointments from seven presidents of the United States. They were Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. In August 1920, he decided to bring his family back to Utah. Soon his law offices in New York City and Washington, D. C, were closed, as he expected his third office, in Salt Lake City, to take his full time. But the call to government service soon came again, and his activities in the 'twenties read like a capsule university course in political science and history: In 1921 he served as counsel and expert assistant to the American Commissioners at the conference on the Limitation of Armament; the American-British Claims Arbitration 1924-25; the American-Mexican Claims Commission 1926-27; he was with Dwight Morrow in Mexico 1927-28; and in 1928-29 he was the US Under-Secretary of State. He had become counsel for the American International Corporation in 1913, where he served through 1923. On June 7, 1925, he was appointed a member of the general board of the YMMIA, a position he held until April 1933. As a member of that board, on February 17, 1926, he became a member of the advisory editorial committee for The Improvement Era. He became the teacher of the advanced theological class in the Salt Lake City Twentieth Ward Sunday School in 1925, and worked out and had printed a Harmony of the Gospels, for use by the class. Over the years, and with countless more hours of study, the "harmony" became the groundwork for President Clark's book, Our Lord of the Gospels. Throughout the years he spent in the East (Solicitor for Department of State and Under-Secretary of State) and in Mexico (he was appointed US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mexico in 1930), one finds him maintaining standards and affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While US Ambassador to Mexico, under President Herbert Hoover, President Clark preferred his lifelong habits of quiet study to extensive social life. It was here in Mexico that he worked out the outline and material which has become the book Man, God's Greatest Miracle. When his son, J. Reuben Clark, III, was on a mission, President Clark wrote him a series of letters on the Holy Ghost. These found their way into the columns of the Millennial Star. Called by President Heber J. Grant into the First Presidency at the April 1933 general conference, President Clark has served three Presidents of the Church as a Counselor: President Grant, President George Albert Smith, and President McKay. He has served as a member of the First Presidency over twenty-three years—longer than anyone has held this high office in this dispensation. After spending a full day at the office, he goes home to work in his library of religious materials at home. His latest book, Why the King James Version, as well as On the Way to Immortality and Eternal Life, and Our Lord of the Gospels were written during his evenings at home. It hardly seems possible that President Clark is eighty-five this September 1. But looking at it another way, he has accomplishments that it would take an average person many lifetimes of "four score plus five" to duplicate. The Era family, its editors and subscribers, take this opportunity to join President Clark's ever-widening circle of friends to say "many happy returns of the day." |
Romney, Marion G. "President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., First Counselor in the First Presidency." Relief Society Magazine. August 1959. pg. 492-497.
President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., First Counselor in the First Presidency Elder Marion G. Romney Of the Council of the Twelve FRIDAY, June 13, 1959, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. was called by President David O. McKay to be his first counselor. The whole Church is pleased with this well-deserved honor. The high office to which he is now called will not be strange to President Clark. He has already served as first counselor to two former Presidents of the Church — President Grant from April 6, 1933 until his death in 1945, and President George Albert Smith from May 21, 1945 to April 4, 1951. Since April 6, 1933, he has served continuously as a counselor in the First Presidency of the Church — a longer period of service in this capacity than that rendered by any other man in this dispensation. During these years of devoted service, he has become well known and greatly loved by the entire membership of the Church. Because President Clark's brilliant record of able ser\ice in both the Government of the United States and the Church is so well known, I shall not attempt to review it here. I do desire, however, to point out some of the gifts and virtues possessed by President Clark which have made this service possible and contributed to making him the great prophet-statesman that he is. Mormon, explaining how the sons of Mosiah '1iad waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth," says that ''they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. ''But this is not all"; he continues, "they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God" (Alma 17:2-3). I have always thought that one of President Clark's greatest gifts was a sound understanding — the product of a superior mind, an abundance of common sense, and a prodigious capacity for and will to work. One must associate with him to appreciate the power of his intellect and the soundness of his judgment. With incisive penetration his mind quickly cuts through the irrelevant and superficial and goes at once to the heart of the matter at hand. LONG before he became a member of the First Presidency, these gifts were discovered and appreciated by his associates in the world of affairs. While he was yet in school, his work on the Columbia. Law Review was "... characterized by a keenness of analysis and a vigor of treatment coupled with a rigid adherence to the rule of discussing the single point for which a case is treated. . . ." Referring to President Clark's work under him in the Department of State, Secretary Philander Chase Knox said, “I am doing him but justice in saying that for natural ability, integrity, loyalty and industry I have not in a long professional and public experience met his superior and rarely his equal. ... It would be difficult to secure the combination of sound judgment (and) natural aptitude" he ''possesses." . . . “In my judgment" he "is perhaps the soundest international lawyer in this country." . . . ''Were I President," he said, "I would make (him) Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court," adding "that no one could have gone there better equipped at the start." In saying this "he did not exclude Marshall." During his presidential campaign, Governor Landon said that, if elected, he would make President Clark Secretary of State. Such men as Presidents Coolidge and Hoover of the United States, Calles and Ortis Rubio of Mexico, Secretary of War Newton D. Baker, Attorney General T. W. Gregory, Judge Advocate General E. H. Crowder, Secretaries of State Charles Evans Hughes, Henry L. Stimson, Cordell Hull, Ambassador Dwight W. Morrow, and countless other prominent men have recognized, and made public record of their high appraisal of President Clark's "sound understanding." The eminent jurist and authority on international law, John Bassett Moore, wrote Ambassador Morrow, "Clark is an able man. He works hard, thinks straight, and has the capacity of getting at the bottom of things. He is one of the few men to whom, after listening to their statement of a case, I feel justified in giving an opinion without reading all the documents myself." On another occasion Mr. Moore, as he went over the files in the Department of State said, "I was amazed at the amount of creative work he has done." Mr. Morrow himself said that "next to Mr. Moore" he considered President Clark the most eminent authority on international law in the United States. PRESIDENT Grant recognized his abilities when he first called him into full-time Church service. President McKay at the time wrote President Clark, "with your host of other friends we are proud of the excellent service you have rendered our government, not only as Ambassador to Mexico, but prior to that appointment when you served the United States in various capacities in Washington. Yours is a record of great achievement." Dr. James E. Talmage in Tho. Relief Society Magazine for May 1933, page 260, said, "A mighty man has taken his place among the leaders of this people. . . . "Brother Clark has been and is a profound student of both the history and doctrines of the Church and he is justly recognized as one of our able theologians. Among his distinguishing characteristics are an unusual capacity and an indomitable desire for work. . . ." In President Clark's more than twenty-five years of service in the First Presidency, he has devoted his great powers unstintingly to the building of "the kingdom." It is amazing how much he has accomplished. At a time in life when many men are in semi or total retirement, he has consistently spent a full working day in the office — always carrying his full share of the load. In addition, through industrious research and painstaking study, mostly during the late hours of the night, he has made a rich contribution to the literature of the Church. The manner in which he has done this calls to mind Longfellow's lines: The heights by great men reached and kept Were not attained by sudden flight, But they, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night. AMONG his literary contributions are: ( 1 ) Wist Ye Not That I Must Be About My Father's Business. Of this work William J. Graham, Vice- President of the Equitable Life Assurance Society, wrote: Since dictating this have had the profitable pleasure of reading your volume and I found it so engrossing I never laid it down. It is an engaging tale to me, highly informative on the Passover about which I craved information and uplifting throughout as you are brought to see the whole scene thru the eyes of the Holy Family. Let me congratulate you on this readable contribution to Christian literature. (2) To Them of the Last Wagon, about which many of us feel as did Sister Priscilla Evans when she sent President Clark this message: Alone at the farm during the closing session of the recent Conference, I listened to the addresses by radio. Aware that you would be one of the speakers, I had notebook and pencil before me, to take verbatim, as I have often done before, your words of wise counsel, of warnings, of exhortation, of testimony. But at the close of your talk, book and pencil lay untouched — no record was' there. But within my heart and mind was recorded, for as long as memory lasts, your soul stirring, imaginative tribute to all the unmentioned and unnoticed followers of the "brethren wav out in front." As I listened, tears came unbidden, for you seemed to be speaking for me, and I am sure this is true of hundreds who listened. (3) On the Way to Immortality and Eternal Life. Arnold Crompton said of this book in The Christian Register, April 1950: Speaking simply and persuasively, he shows himself to be an astute scholar of Mormonism as well as careful thinker. . . . singularly free of carping and bigoted criticism. . . . The book is worthy of careful study by Unitarians, because it reveals the personality and the faith of one of the outstanding religious leaders in America today. It is an excellent introduction to the contemporary position of one of the most influential religions in the American scene. Of the series of radio addresses included in this book. President Stephen L Richards, then Chairman of the Church Radio, Publicity and Mission Literature Committee said: It was one of the most outstanding presentations the Committee has ever sponsored and it brought, we believe, the largest number of responses from the listening public we have received, at least in recent times. (4) Our Lord of the Gospels, of which Walter Mathesius, former manager of Columbia Steel Mills, and his wife, wrote President Clark: Humbly we admit that to grasp the full importance of your text may be a rather difficult task for our lay-minds. Yet even a preliminary scanning reveals the magnitude of your labor of love and holds out the promise of a clearer understanding for the life of Jesus Christ, compared to what we have had through unguided reading of the New Testament. (5) Why the King James Version. This is an able, valiant, and scholarly defense of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ, his gospel, and the revealed scriptures as contained in the Bible. It is a work of great significance in combating the faith destroying activities of the "higher critics." "WORK is to be re-enthroned as the ruling principle of the lives of our Church membership," said the First Presidency in announcing the purpose of the Welfare Program. It would be difficult to identify one who, in his life, more perfectly exemplifies this redeeming principle of work than does President Clark. In addition to his ''sound understanding" — the product of an inherited superior mind, an abundance of common sense and a prodigious capacity for and will to work, there are other virtues which have contributed to the effectiveness of President Clark's great service. One of these is loyalty. President Clark has an intense love and loyalty for his country. For meritorious and outstanding service during World War I, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 1922. His defense, advocacy, and reverence for the Constitution are part and parcel of his religion. He accepts as fact the statement of the Lord that ... I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood (D&C 101:80). His strong loyalty and love flow from him to his friends. Scores of them have been cheered and comforted in times of sickness and distress by his daily solicitation for their welfare. Great is his loyalty to the Presidents of the Church with whom he has served. Their interests, desires, and feelings are always his first concern. Time and time again when in their absence matters of importance have been submitted for decisions, he has said in effect, ''the proposed solution seems all right, but before taking action we must find out how the President feels about it." Another mighty fortress in the character of President Clark is his abiding testimony, his fixed and certain faith. The power and frequency with which he bears witness to the truth of the gospel and all it entails is reminiscent of Peter's statement to the saints in his day, as recorded in the first chapter of his second epistle. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance , . . Moreover I will endeavor that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance (II Peter 1:12, 13, 15). As an example of President Clark's witness, I quote the following from his October 1956 conference address. My whole soul rebels against this emasculation of Christianity. Jesus did live. First, there was the great plan in heaven; that did actually occur. All that we know about it took place there. There was the plan; the earth was formed; Adam came; the human family followed. We came here to prove ourselves. Finally, Christ was born in the Meridian of Time. He lived. He taught. He gave instructions. He was crucified. Then on the morning of the third day, he was resurrected, thus bringing to each and every of us the blessings of the resurrection. We all shall be resurrected. . . . I bear my testimony as I have already indicated to the truthfulness of the gospel, to the restoration of its great principles, to the restoration of the priesthood, to the conferring of all of these things upon the Prophet Joseph, to the passing down from the Prophet Joseph through the Presidents of the Church until the present, that our President of the Church, President David O. McKay, has all of the rights and the prerogatives and the powers and authorities that were conferred upon the Prophet Joseph. I bear you this testimony in soberness ... in the name of Jesus. Amen ( Semi- Annual Conference Report, October 5, 6 and 7, 1956, pp. 95-96). In conclusion, I repeat that President Clark, like the sons of Mosiah of old, is endowed with a sound understanding and like them he has searched the scriptures diligently, that he might know the word of God. But this is not all; he has given himself to much prayer, and fasting; therefore he has the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when he teaches, he teaches with power and authority of God. (See Alma 17:2-3.) Such are some of the gifts and virtues of J. Reuben Clark, Jr., First Counselor in the Presidency of the Church — a man of true nobility. |
PRESIDENT J. REUBEN CLARK, JR.
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"President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Receives Honorary Master M Man Award." Improvement Era. September 1960. pg. 636-637.
PRESIDENT J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., RECEIVES HONORARY MASTER M MAN AWARD. On September 1, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. observes his 89th birthday. He is loved and admired by the entire membership of the Church and by all others who have enjoyed the privilege of knowing him. At the Master M Men-Golden Gleaner dinner at June conference, President Clark was presented the Honorary Master M Man award. The tribute paid to President Clark at that time, and his response, follow: TRIBUTE: Beginning as a humble boy in a small town. President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. had a love of learning that drove him to pay the price in hard work and sacrifice to receive an education. Dr. James E. Talmage, for whom he worked in his undergraduate years, said that he possessed—"the brightest mind ever to leave Utah." He was for five years a teacher. Then, again driven by a desire to learn and achieve, he left with his wife and two children, on borrowed money, for Columbia University, to take up the study of law, graduating three years later with high honors. Distinguished in public service, this small town boy from Utah became a foremost authority in international law, and received executive appointments under seven Presidents of the United States. He was Solicitor, and Counsel for the Department of State in International Arbitrations and Conferences, Under Secretary of State, legal adviser to Dwight W. Morrow, Ambassador to Mexico. Finally, he served with distinction for three years, himself as Ambassador from the United States to the government of Mexico. Dwight W. Morrow said of him, "You are the least impressed by mere wealth of any man I know." He also had a military career, being appointed Major in the Judge Advocate General's Officers' Reserve Corps, and Adjutant to the Provost Marshal General, Enoch H. Crowder, receiving the Distinguished Service Medal. Always faithful to his membership in the Church, he answered the call to become a member of the First Presidency in April 1933. Here he has given his wholehearted devotion to service of men and of God. His thoughts have centered on Jesus the Christ, and as a scholar and author he has shared not only with Latter-day Saints, but also with all the world his witness to the divinity of the Savior. President Clark, we are proud of one of our own, who, through his own hard work, has risen to positions of honor and dignity as a scholar and statesman. You have shown us that a poor country boy, starting without powerful friends, can, by his own steadfast effort, achieve greatness. As members of the Church we have looked to you for guidance and for truth. We have appreciated your great leadership. We have loved you for your graciousness to all who have met you, for your deep humility in the gospel. You have received many high degrees and titles of honor, but none was ever given with greater love than we feel. We are humbly proud that you are our Honorary Master M Man. This title is given from the young people of the Church in gratitude to one who has always had the power to reach them and to teach them. President Clark, we express to you our love in the simple, golden words of Tennyson- May all love. His love, unseen but felt, o'ershadow thee. The love of all thy sons encompass thee. The love of all thy daughters cherish thee. The love of all thy people comfort thee. Till God's love set thee at his side again! RESPONSE BY PRESIDENT J. REUBEN CLARK, JR. I am deeply moved, more deeply than I have ever before been moved in my life before an audience. I address you as fellow members of celestial families, either in your own right, because you have been married for time and eternity with a promise of a destiny that exceeds any promise made to any other people, or as families of parents who have been so sealed and who now look forward to the time when they, too, shall take over the building of other celestial families— a destiny which cannot come to any outside of the pale of the Holy Priesthood of this Church. I thank you for the great honor, quite unearned so far as your activities are concerned, which you have conferred upon me tonight. I am grateful beyond measure therefore. I cannot in honesty feel to accept all that has been said about me. I know myself too well. I have tried always so to live that I would not bring disgrace upon my people, and I want to assure you that in such opportunities as have come to me, I have only once, and that was in the giving of a rather small recognition that came to me ( looking at my whole life ) , been reminded that I was a Mormon. I have always found that it paid me great dividends to be a Mormon. Any man or woman who belittles you because of your faith either does not understand your faith or is not worthy of your notice. Such opportunities as have come to me for service, have come unasked and unsought. I never wanted or tried to get but two jobs in my life—I lost both of them, and I have been grateful ever since for that. You know, it is astonishing how much you can accumulate in way of recognition in a long life if you just live for it—I mean only in years. [Laughter.] I again say I am grateful to you for this recognition, unearned so far as your activities are concerned, because I have had no opportunity. I again thank you. May God bless you. May he inspire you to live the lives that you profess in the future as in the past. I always think that there come out of such lives a peace and a joy of living that can be obtained nowhere else. The Master told Nicodemus that he was sent to the world to save it, and not to condemn it. The last night before the morning of the day which closed with the crucifixion, he was speaking to his disciples when he gave the message that comes to each and all of us who follow him: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27.) God grant to each and every one of us the life which will bring to us that eternal peace of which he spoke. May he prosper your great cause. May he help you to lead the youth in the paths they should go. This is my prayer, and I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. |
Lee, Harold B. "President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.; An Appreciation on His Ninetieth Birthday." Improvement Era. September 1961. pg. 630-633, 689.
PRESIDENT J. REUBEN CLARK, JR. An Appreciation on his Ninetieth Birthday September 1871 - September 1961 BY HAROLD B. LEE OF THE COUNCIL OF TWELVE The writing of a biography of our illustrious leader must be left to one more skilled and better informed than I, although by his own description of a perfect biography, that task would be simple enough if one were to keep it within the limits of his definition of what he has said it should be. This was his formula: "Born? Yes. Died? No." This brief writing in commemoration of the ninetieth birthday anniversary of our revered venerable leader and servant of God, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., contains a few simple observations and reflections of my own, with a humble appraisal of his towering strength among us for the quarter of a century during which time it has been my good fortune to have been intimately associated with him. It seems almost incredible that the span of one man's years should encompass so much of the history of this Church. But so it has been during the lifetime of the subject of this writing. In the year 1871, when President Clark was born, federally appointed Territorial Judge J. B. McKean was making himself obnoxious to the Saints in Utah by his absurd court rulings under guise of judicial authority. President Brigham Young was being held temporarily as a prisoner in his own house, guarded by United States marshals on a fictitious indictment, which was subsequently dismissed. The first Utah edition of the Book of Mormon was printed this same year, and Martin Harris, one of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon, had recently arrived in Utah to make his home. Here he remained until his death in Clarkston, Utah, in 1875. Ground was broken in the autumn of this same year by President Brigham Young for the construction of the first temple in Utah at St. George. The Utah Southern Railroad Company was organized and ground was broken for the Utah and Northern Railroad at Brigham City. Within the next six years following young J. Reuben Clark's birthdate, the full program of the Young Men's and Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations was made universal throughout the settlements of the Saints. President Young and his counselors, George A. Smith and Daniel H. Wells, in this year, renewed their covenants by baptism at Ephraim, Sanpete County, and invited the Saints, generally, to follow their example. The new Z.C.M.I. building on Salt Lake City's Main Street was opened for business 1869. The Edmunds anti-polygamy law was passed by Congress, and the Dr. T. DeWitt Talmadge in a sermon at the "Brooklyn Tabernacle" in New York suggested the annihilation of the Mormons by the Ft. Douglas artillery. Such were some of the stirring events which serve to give us something of the historical setting in this far western territory at the time of his birth and during his pre-school years. His having been born in the small country town of Grantsville, Utah, on the eastern fringe of the Great Utah Salt Desert, of a solid, God-fearing, pioneer family; and having been tutored in this community life in his first years, may have had more influence in shaping the course of his life than many realize. From the early historical records of Grantsville, during the time of his earliest childhood, I quote a few facts from a Deseret News article under date of June 23, 1873: "Grantsville is one of the most beautiful places in Utah; it is a city of orchards which, combined with well-matured shade trees and generally comfortable looking dwellings, give it an air of comfort at this season of the year, especially, that is real inviting. The public buildings are a credit to the people. The meeting house is commodious and is neatly furnished and painted. . . . The choir is a good one . . . the Sunday School is in excellent condition . . . the superintendent and his assistants appear to take great pains in teaching the children who are very proficient, especially in answering questions relative to theological matters. . . . There is one branch of industry in which Grantsville appears to be ahead of probably any other settlement in Utah—that is in the matter of improved livestock. At every turn on the streets, animals possessing unmistakable indications of superior blood can be seen." The eminent historian, Edward W. Tullidge, in 1874 records something else which seems significant: "The fact stands well to the front in the history of the early settlements of Utah, that the hardy pioneers who located them, after making some necessary preparations to raise food for their families and to shelter them from the elements, turned their early and earnest attention to the education of their children. Grantsville has not been behind any of the first colonies of Utah in this manner. At an early period the leading citizens began to reflect seriously on the necessity of something better for the education of their children than the ordinary school district, although these were kept up to the best practicable standards." This desire for improvement was manifested by action of the city council as early as April 25, 1874. At that date a committee which had been previously appointed to make arrangements for organizing a public institute of learning, made a written report. Out of this action came the organization of the "Grantsville Educational Association," and a board of directors was elected. In the unique document which defines the purposes of such an institution and the building of an adequate building, we read this: "for we need the use of it as soon as we can possibly have it, as our youth of both sexes are increasingly and rapidly merging into manhood and womanhood without the degree of graded school education which the age in which we live and circumstances in which we are presently placed, can furnish them." (Grantsville Ward Historical Record, 1887.) From out of an almost reverential respect for those who were instrumental in his early education in Grantsville, President Clark, a few years ago at his own expense, had this pioneer school building restored to its original state and dedicated to the memory of these early pioneers of progressive education. Among these was his own father who was one of the able teachers who provided advanced education for their children far beyond that usually provided during those early pioneer days. How much of his insatiable thirst for knowledge, which was destined to make him an internationally recognized authority in constitutional law, a distinguished public servant, an eminent author, and apostle of the Lord, was instilled in him during his early childhood by the influences of his home and this progressive intellectual community, we can only surmise. The story is told that when a baby brother was born to the Clark family, a good aunt who came to help, remarked of him perhaps a bit sarcastically: "Here he is reading again!" This early diligence and methodical application as a student won for him from Dr. James E. Talmage, another of our great scholars, the superlative commendation as he left to go East to pursue his studies, "He possessed the brightest mind ever to leave Utah." In this appraisal, those who know him best will readily agree. In the universal sweep of his great intellectual vision he had few equals and perhaps no superiors. He once said of his grandfather on his maternal line, Bishop Edwin D. Woolley: "He was so eloquent in political discourse that even his enemies came out to hear him." So it has been with this grandson of Bishop Woolley. Even those who violently disagree with his views are intrigued by his eloquence, his forthrightness, pure logic, and penetrating insight into the center and core of whatever subjects he undertakes to expound. I once had a young university student of political science voice to me his vigorous disagreement with President Clark's lecture in 1952 before an audience sponsored at the University of Utah by the Institute of Government on the subject "Our Dwindling Sovereignty." In this lecture, President Clark had declared that he was "pro-Constitution, pro-Government, as it was established under the Constitution, pro-freedom, pro-full and complete independence and sovereignty, pro-local self-government, and pro-everything else that has made us the free country we had grown to be in the first 130 years of our national existence." In the domestic field, he had also declared in this lecture: "I am anti-socialist, anti- Communist, anti-Welfare State, etc." I replied to this youthful budding political science student critic perhaps somewhat sharply, "Yes, I suppose it would be difficult for a pigmy to get the viewpoint of a giant. When I go to hear world authority on some subject as I did the other night with you and many others at the University of Utah, in listening to President Clark on the subject of international affairs where he is a recognized authority, I go to learn and not to criticize. It would be well if you would do more listening to men of his stature and less criticizing." When I read the early Grantsville acclaim of their forward strides in the purebred livestock industry, I have 'little wonder but that this early example influenced his decision to invest his life savings in a Grantsville ranch and then set about to excel in his own livestock herd improvement program, for which he was honored earlier this year by his fellow-livestock men of the state of Utah, who acclaimed his herd of cattle as "one of the finest in the state." They gave him a citation which declared him as the "prime factor in a marked improvement in the cattle of the entire country." All the years of his childhood on the farm in Grantsville were not productive and economically profitable because of the uncertainty of enough moisture in drouth years. In 1879 an article appeared in the News: "The crops of all kinds including fruits are very light in Grantsville this year; scarcely enough are raised for home consumption. . . . The wells are nearly all drying up and will have to be dug deeper. . . . The stock raisers here are all preparing to drive their cattle to where they can get something to eat . . . the myriads of sheep that have been herded here for the past few years, have almost destroyed our range." ( Deseret News, Sept. 25, 1879. ) Was it possibly the ever-present threat of the lean years in a western frontier territory bordering on the Great American desert and the experience of a lifetime in learning the fundamentals essential to temporal security which prompted him to declare in an official statement to the membership of the Church in his conference address in April 1937? "Let us avoid debt as we would a plague; where we are now in debt let us get out of debt; if not today, then tomorrow. "Let us straitly and strictly live within our incomes, and save a little. "Let every head of every household see to it that he has on hand enough food and clothing, and, where possible, fuel also, for at least a year ahead. You of small means put your money in foodstuffs and wearing apparel, not in stocks and bonds; You of large means will think you know how to care for yourselves, but I venture to suggest that you do not speculate. Let every head of every household aim to own his own home, free from mortgage. Let every man who has a garden, garden it; every man who has a farm, farm it. "Let us again clothe ourselves with these proved and sterling virtues—honesty, truthfulness, chastity, sobriety, temperance, industry, and thrift. Let us discard all covetousness and greed." (Conference Report, April 1937.) We heard him reply in answer to a question as to why he had put his life's savings into his presently owned Grantsville ranch: "This is all I have to leave to my family when I die, and if they are not too lazy to work it, they won't starve. I have told them that when the first atomic bomb is dropped here in America, that they are to go out there on the ranch and stay until it is over." This last seemed not only to be wise counsel, but also a prophecy. His only son, J. Reuben Clark, III, is the family steward of this practical and foresighted legacy. Today as we visit him in his lovely, gracious old home, kept so under the loving and unselfish ministrations of his faithful daughter, Louise Clark Bennion, and under the constantly concerned watch-care of his other daughters, Marianne Clark Sharp and Luacine Clark Fox who are next-door neighbors, we seem to be continually impressed with an abiding spiritual power beyond his own natural powers which prompts rare and precious pearls of wisdom which he imparts to those of us who pause to listen. President Brigham Young has left us something which seems to be especially true in the rich spiritual and intellectual atmosphere which surrounds President Clark as he approaches his ninetieth birthday: "If we live our holy religion and let the Spirit reign, it will never be dull or stupid, but, as the body approaches dissolution, the spirit takes a firmer hold on that enduring substance behind the veil, drawing from the depths of that Eternal Fountain of Spiritual Light, sparkling gems of intelligence which surround the frail and sinking tabernacle with a halo of immortal wisdom." (Journal of Discourses 9:288.) It is from this "Eternal Fountain of Spiritual Light" that we hear him say with conviction: "We must not 'business-cize' the Church. The Church must not be run like a business. We must never forget that the Church is the kingdom of God. In the Lord's sight, all things are spiritual, and we would do well to keep this in mind." He was reminding us again of what someone else has said: "Rarely before has mankind had such urgent need for the guidance and healing qualities of spiritual insight because rarely before has man been so confused and frightened. His independent nature and fearless defense of that which in his heart he knows to be right, prompted this recent utterance: "There is always a grave danger lest we over-regiment our Church leaders in their responsibilities. Our objective today must be as it was in the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith, we teach them correct principles and they govern themselves.' We must always emphasize the fact that our leaders in stakes and wards and missions, as well as General Authorities, must constantly seek the Spirit of the Lord and be guided always thereby in their work." Wouldn't it be wonderful if all of us could say truthfully as we heard him say the other day: "I have committed no serious sins in my life, so I'm not afraid to meet my Maker. Whatever I have done in my life, I can honestly say, 1 always did my best.'' His reading habits may be summed up in one simple statement that always had been and is now his rule: "I never read anything not worth remembering." Perhaps it would be fitting if I conclude this brief writing by repeating something which was said of him at a testimonial dinner given him by the officers of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of America in New York City in 1958 upon his retirement after twenty-five years as a director of that society. In this brief statement may be summarized my appraisal of what his life has exemplified to those of us who know him intimately: "You men have known him [President Clark] as your fellow director principally for his attainments in worldly affairs. You have glimpsed the workings of his great mind. You have occasionally seen flashes of his sterling qualities of character: his honesty, sobriety, his virtue, his integrity. . . . When on occasion you sound the depth of his soul you will find two dominant spiritual motivations. To him the framework of the Government of this nation was God-inspired, and the Constitution is almost as much to him as revealed scripture. The words of Van Dyke suggest his love for America: 'The glory of the present is to make the future free. We love our land for what she is and what she is to be.' "But there is even a more deeply rooted conviction in his spiritual nature. For fully half a century he has studied deeply into the life of Jesus of Nazareth as the Savior of mankind. I have known of no one who seems to have 'met' more intimately, by means of spiritual forces within him, this great life of Jesus of Nazareth whose birthday we commemorate within a few days. "President Clark has become acquainted with Jesus, first through an almost divine quality to feel another's sorrows as though they were his own. His loyalty and tenderness towards a friend or toward little children almost transcends human feelings. "He has 'met' Jesus at the Mount where the matchless Sermon on the Mount was delivered because there is no part of that great utterance but which continuously re-echoes within his soul. He has met' Jesus in Gethsemane when his own soul was troubled as was that of Jesus when the lights and shadows of his own life helped him to touch divinity. "Out West he has always stood to all of us, and wherever he is known, as a symbol of never-ending striving no matter what the odds. These words seem aptly to apply to him and appropriately to this occasion. 'Whatever choice you have chosen for yourself it will not be a chore, but an adventure if you will bring to it a sense of the glory of striving. If your sights are set far above the merely secure and mediocre in one's personal life as in world affairs, appeasement can be the shortest road to failure.' "This and much more has been what President T. Reuben Clark, I Jr., director of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, counselor, statesman, lawyer, friend, brother, and man of God, has symbolized to those who know him. Truly in his advanced years it can be said of him as was said of the great leader Moses: 'His eyes was not dim, nor his natural force abated.'' (Remarks of the writer at testimonial dinner by Equitable Life Officers, New York City, Dec. 17, 1958.) So now, I conclude this writing which has come from the "overflow" of my deep esteem and affection for my great personal friend and leader, I join with the hosts of his friends and admirers throughout the Church and outside the Church membership, and in this and other countries in extending to him my prayers to the end that he may continue to live among us as long as life shall be sweet unto him. He is experiencing what all who reach his advanced age may find as has been said so well by another: "To live life to the end is not a childish task." But we gratefully and sincerely assure him that even after he has gone to his eternal reward, as long as our memories last, his shall always be a living presence to guide each of us by his example and his teachings On the Way to Immortality and Eternal Life. |
Brown, Hugh B. "In Memoriam - President J. Reuben Clark, Jr." Relief Society Magazine. December 1961. pg. 788-792.
In Memoriam President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. 1871 - 1961 MAN OF FAITH President Hugh B. Brown Of the First Presidency THE request to write about a beloved brother and associate is accepted gratefully, though with hesitation. I'm grateful for the opportunity to draw attention to the sterling worth of a giant soul, but no writing or words could add luster to his illustrious life. His life is his eulogy I hesitate because President Clark's stature was such that no single article, in fact, no biography could do him justice though it should be written by a modern Boswell. His date and place of birth, his education, marriage and family life, his distinguished public career and devoted and efficient service in the Presidency of the Church were all noted and published when we celebrated his 90th birthday and later mourned his passing. As we attempt to analyze and assess his sterling qualities and call attention to the threads of gold which lent a sheen to the pattern of his life, some basic characteristics seem to stand out from the many which might be noted. His steady course from childhood to four score and ten demonstrated what Longfellow noted: ''How far the gulf stream of our youth may flow into the arctic regions of our lives." FAITH: Faith was the rock foundation upon which his character was built from his earliest childhood. His own faith, inspired and buttressed by that of his parents, saved his life on several occasions when he was but a child and in later life his faith, coupled with the saving faith of others, wrought modern miracles. I quote from one of his General Conference talks: As I think about faith, this principle of power, I am obliged to believe that it is an intelligent force. Of what kind, I do not know. But it is superior to and overrules all other forces of which we know. It is the principle, the force, by which the dead are restored to life. His great faith and discriminating sense of values prompted him, without hesitation, to accept the call of President Heber J. Grant. To quote his law partner and Church associate, Albert E. Bowen: ''His numerous influential and powerful friends in the East have found it difficult to understand his abandoning offers of lucrative association and worldly prominence for the relative obscurity of his position in the Church, with its absence of all chance for material emoluments — but President Clark does not look upon this as a sacrifice, neither does he pose as a martyr to the cause." STAMINA: It has been said that stamina is what enables the thoroughbred to go the extra mile, to endure to the end. This quality is a compound of faith, courage, determination, and self-confidence. He possessed all these to the N'th degree. SENSE OF VALUES: His predecessor as an ambassador to Mexico, Dwight Morrow, a very wealthy man, said he had never met a man who was so completely unawed by money or those who possess it. We who were very close to him were often amazed at the clarity with which he saw straight through sham and pretense, how he remained aloof and impervious to the little arts and devices by which little men sought to ingratiate themselves. Again quoting Brother Bowen: His powerful mind had a way of brushing aside all the overburden of superficiality or deceptive gilding and laying the basic issue bare at the roots. He knows, too, how ephemeral worldly honor and public plaudits are. He is not seduced by them away from the central purpose of his life. SPIRITUALITY: While President Clark was an intensely practical man, and loved the good earth, he was always deeply spiritual. In fact, he believed all things to be spiritual, that all converge into one grand unity, that the material world in which we live is governed by spiritual forces, and that all experiences gained in the realm of truth are intended to be preparatory for what lies ahead. He placed at the disposal of the Church all his experiences, training, power, and outstanding abilities. He disdained, in fact, despised, subterfuge, sham, insincerity, and pretense. INDUSTRY: His associates, both in the Government office and in the Church, knew him to be one of the hardest working men in public office. We who were privileged to see some of his work in the law office recall his taking off his coat, going into the library at 5:00 p.m., when the rest of the staff left for home, and finding him there when we returned for work the next morning. He thought nothing of an all-night search for cases and precedents. He was never satisfied until he had tapped all the facets of legal knowledge available on the case in hand. Among President Clark's distinguishing characteristics were an unusual capacity or an indomitable desire for work. He seemed to have a virile and irresistible energy. HUMILITY: While much of his life was spent in high office, and while he was the subject of praise and adulation, the art of blandishment did not affect him. He was a truly educated man, but his education seemingly tended to emphasize to him the limitations of his knowledge as he glimpsed the vast unknown. His humility grew in large measure out of his lifelong study of the life of the Master, which life he consistently emulated. On one occasion, when President Clark was introduced to an audience with somewhat effusive reference to his distinguished career, he said, ''If I could believe one half of the things that Brother has said about me were true, I would be very happy indeed. But we all know ourselves better than anyone else knows us, and we can take our measure, if we will, and have the good things that are said about us be as the end that we shall try to reach." At the time President Clark was sustained in the First Presidency, he made the following statement in General Conference: I am deeply aware of and deeply grateful for the great honor that people have bestowed upon me. I am also aware that a responsibility equally great comes with that honor. May I say that just now I am thinking more about the responsibility than about the honor. Should any of you have hopes about my work in this high office to which I am called, I trust I shall not too much disappoint you. If any of you have misgivings, I can only say that your misgivings can hardly be greater than my own. I am keenly conscious of mv own deficiency. I come late in life to a new work. INTEGRITY: An incident will illustrate his honesty, integrity, and fidelity to high ideals, even when away from the Church and in high public office. He, of course, having been raised in the Church, had personal convictions about the use of liquor and tobacco. The prohibition law was in effect in the United States when he was ambassador to Mexico. He knew that the embassy, including the land it occupied, were strips of the United States Territory. He therefore made the public declaration that "while I am ambassador to Mexico, no alcoholic liquors will be served in the United States Embassy." This was long before he was called to the First Presidency. His rugged honesty, physical stamina, and capacity for work were due, in part, to his early life on the farm in Grantsville. ONE may ask, "What did he leave to posterity in addition to his example of devoted service?" Any student of Church literature will find some of its richest volumes written by President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. If you read the little booklet, "To Them of the Last Wagon," you will be impressed, as some commentators were, a few of which we quote. "Soul stirring, imaginative tribute to all the unmentioned and unnoticed followers." "Gripping and inspiring recitals of the trials of Mormon pioneers." "Classical excellence was a source of unbounded pleasure. Fine Biblical style of feeling and of writing." He also published a work known as "Wist Ye Not That I Must Be About My Father's Business?" of which Dr. John A. Widtsoe wrote, "The Author, with great skill, has made the visit real to us who live far away from it in time, a real gift to Bible students." And another author said, "I am intrigued by the vividness of the narrative and awed by the completeness of the research." No more scholarly work has been done on the New Testament gospels and Third Nephi than was done by President Clark in preparing, "Our Lord of The Gospels," and his radio series, later published in book form, "On the Way to Immortality and Eternal Life," is in a class by itself. Later he published a most valuable work on "Why the King James version." He also published many treatises, analyses, and State documents while in the Department of State. Indicative of the estimate in which his associates held him, may we quote a few tributes from distinguished associates. President Hoover said of him, "Never have our relations been lifted to so high a point of confidence and co-operation, and there is no more important service in the whole of foreign relations with the United States." Henry L. Stimpson, Secretary of State, wrote: ''Your distinguished service as an American Ambassador to Mexico has reflected signal credit upon our Department of State." A lifetime friend, law partner, and associate in the General Authorities, Albert E. Bowen, wrote of President Clark as follows: The personal endowment and qualities which have made possible his varied and distinguished achievements are perhaps three, with their corollaries: First, a vigorous and discriminating intellect. His is the rare power of penetrating through all confusing, superficial envelopments to the root and marrow of confronting problems. Second, a prodigious power of work, a constitution which seems able to respond to any demand that may be made upon it. Work is his location and his avocation, his pursuit and his pastime. Three, an uncompromising, undeviating honesty — intellectual and moral honesty. "Face the facts" is a characteristic expression of his. He spends no time in working upon schemes of deviation. Having been surrounded with abundant opportunity for graft and acquisition, he has come through without the smell of fire upon his garments. To him sham and pretense are an abomination. Senator Philander C. Knox wrote of him: I regard him as one of the soundest and most diligent lawyers of my acquaintance. He has specialized in international, commercial, and legal affairs, and, in my opinion, it would be difficult to secure the combination of sound judgment, natural aptitude, and special training that Mr. Clark possesses. I regard his views and opinions on the vital questions involved equal to those of any man in America. In speaking in the Senate today I shall put in the record an analysis of the treaty made by Major Clark with the observation that it displays the most thorough grasp of the intricate subjects involved, yet presented and made by a man possessing one of the ablest analytical minds I know. Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes, when Secretary of State, wrote to President Clark about some work he had done for the Department of State: You brought to the task not only the great advantage of your ability and aptitude and your experience as a former solicitor of the department, but energy and sympathy with the objects we were trying to attain, which made your association with our work a matter of the utmost personal satisfaction on my part. President Clark served under eight Presidents of the United States in the Department of State and as ambassador. He also served as counselor to three Presidents of the Church. During forty-six years of his life, a gracious, lovely lady stood by his side. Her never-failing faith in him, her encouragement and self-sacrificing loyalty, sustained him through the lean years of their early life and she carried her full share of the load. Her beauty, poise, and queenly bearing refined the atmosphere of the distinguished international society in which they moved in later years. They were parents of three lovely and highly gifted daughters and a worthy son. Let us sav of our esteemed colleague what Antony said of Brutus: His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand and say to all the world, ''This was a man." |
PRESIDENT J. REUBEN CLARK, JR.
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