| 433 assumption by the national legislation of the entire political control of the Territory and the establishment of a commission, with such powers and duties as shall be delegated to it by law.
The condition of the work in England, especially in Manchester District, is described in a letter from Joseph Dewsnup, written from Manchester, August 81, 1883. He stated:
As stated in my letter at the opening of the present year, the official brethren, both in branch and district, have, with few exceptions, proven themselves equal to the occasion, and have manifested a praiseworthy disposition in the prosecution of the work committed to our charge. Especially has this been so in the case of the brethren of Wigan, Sheffield, and Farnworth Branches. I might add that the sisters generally have not been one whit behind the brethren in endeavoring to hold the gospel banner unfurled before the people. Elder John Austin, the president of the Sheffield Branch, writes very encouragingly of the interest manifested by those outside of the kingdom in that place, and speaks with unqualified praise of the efforts of the brethren and sisters in that part of the vineyard. Elder Henry Greenwood, the president of the Manchester Branch, is unremitting in his efforts to strengthen and build up the Saints under his charge; and besides this he is ever ready to sacrifice ease and time in assisting in the work of the district whenever called upon.
The Farnworth Branch is at present under the temporary charge of Elder C. A. Hassall, a worthy man, with a worthy lieutenant in the person of Priest Joseph Ramsey, a man whom I believe to be of unswerving integrity, and an able minister of the gospel of Jesus. These brethren, with the assistance of the sisters and brethren of the branch, are doing a good work in the neighborhood of Bolton and Farnworth, and are instrumental in the gathering of some few into the fold, such as I trust shall be eternally saved.
The Wigan Branch is under the presidency of Elder James Spargo, a humble, yet true and faithful servant of Christ. He is ably and courageously assisted by the brethren and sisters, all of whom are alive in the work of the church, and are hourly making efforts for its welfare that are beyond all praise that I may accord them. They are indeed doing nobly for the cause. Though but few in numbers, they have recently opened a large meeting-room capable of seating three hundred people. They have purchased seats and furniture for the same, and have done an amount of labor in connection therewith that will be to their everlasting credit.
The church building at Montrose, Iowa, was dedicated September 2, 1883. Joseph Smith, J. R. Lambert, and William B. Smith, with many of the local authorities were present. There was also a church dedicated
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