Content preview - You need a premium account to view this content.

Homing Pigeons

WEARY WEEKS of hopeful waiting followed. The sheds were abandoned, families were more comfortably located in El Paso, but expectation of an early return to their homes made it difficult to obtain anything but menial or temporary employment. One by one family heads accepted offers of transportation to places with better opportunities for providing for their families. Hope and faith that political developments would permit a peaceful return and a determination to hold on to properties in Mexico induced some to remain.

Most persistently hopeful among this group was Joseph C. Bentley. He had participated in the priesthood sessions called by A. W. Ivins, and presided over by President Romney, where earnest attempts to decide on future policy were made. He had listened to discussions where the pros and cons of the evacuation and return had dragged on for days and weeks while women, children and lay members waited for decisions. He had heard some justify the Exodus, declaring positively that it was the only means to avoid the use of arms and the probable loss of life. He had heard others declare with equal conviction that had strict neutrality been observed, had wisdom and discretion been used, the departure need never have taken place. He had seen discussion wax warm as both alternatives were aired. He had taken sides with neither extreme. He neither condemned nor condoned,-never placed blame or criticized an act directed by the priesthood. But he did lift his voice to plead for a more patient appraisal, a better understanding of the Mexican people, as the only basis of peaceable resettlement. "They are a naturally good people," he claimed, "kindly at heart but caught in a frenzy of war. Acting in accordance with the rules of war they might have done much worse. Their needs were great, they had no government supplies. Raids on the Mormon people who to them appeared opulent were in keeping with the spirit of warfare no matter where it occurs and was their only visible means of getting war needs. I don't hold it against them or blame them for their apparent hostility to us. I think it is better to give with grace than withhold with force. This is no time to meet force with force. The adage 'A soft answer turneth away wrath' can be sometimes used effectively in wartime as well as in peacetime. It is a policy that must be adopted if peaceful living in Mexico is to be maintained." These pacific opinions he interjected at every favorable opportunity during the trying sessions. Finally in desperation a conclusion was reached that each individual must be guided by his own circumstances in a choice of the course to follow. This decision was consent enough for Bishop Bentley. He immediately made preparations to return. His decision, however, was confided to Elder Ivins, President Romney and other Church leaders lest his move be misunderstood, or be a dangerous precedent for others to follow. He made it clear that he moved on his own responsibility.