with the 119th quarterly conference of the stake, which was presided over by Elder Reed Smoot. During the meeting Elder Smoot spoke on the power and influence of the program.55 At the meeting of the high council and stake presidency 26 March 1939 it was decided to investigate a two-story building to accommodate a canning and sewing center.56 The 125th quarterly stake conference convened on 26 May 1939 and was attended by Albert E. Bowen, of the Quorum of Twelve, and Harold B. Lee. The Saturday evening session, which commenced at 8:00 p.m., was devoted tochurch welfare. Each member of the stake welfare committee was asked to report on his or her responsibility and what they had done. President Randall spoke on the general plan followed in the stake and then was followed by Walter D. Francis, who spoke on the organizations in the different wards and the problems confronting the ward and stake committees; May D. Rich explained the activities of the relief society in the welfare work; Dorothy Bertoch spoke on the canning and sewing centers; Bishop Horace Heiner then talked about the disbursements of commodities to the wards and their needy. The remainder of the time was given to open discussion and questions on the work. This part of the program was handled by Elder Lee.57 An important part of the Security Plan was work projects to raise various agricultural crops. At a meeting with the bishops on 7 June 1939, the stake presidency asked them to support the planting of one acre of cauliflower. Stanley B. Rose volunteered an acre of his land for the project, and Walter Francis was asked to supervise the project. The bishops were asked to have ward members donate the labor for the planting and harvesting of the crop. That same year squash was also raised and canned in the stake.58 Prohibition Of all the issues of public debate, none affected the Saints' lives with more force than the debate over Prohibition. On 17 and 18 June 1933, the people were publicly asked to "take a stand on the Eighteenth Amendment and support the First Presidency regardless. . . of personal feelings." On the same day, Elder Reed Smoot also warned the people of the Valley of the dangers inherent in the return of beer sales to Utah.59 As early as 1908 the prohibition of alcoholic beverages had become a political issue in Utah. The Utah legislature finally approved prohibition in 1917 and by 1920 it was a law nationwide with the passing of the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Alcoholic beverages began to be produced illegally and sold by people who became known as "bootleggers." This illegal traffic was soon dominated by professional criminals who made millions. People throughout the nation began to demand that the Eighteenth Amendment be repealed. President Heber J. Grant spoke out against these critics, saying that "the Eighteenth Amendment was 'one of the greatest benefits that has come to the people of the United States.' He countered arguments of increased crime with the statement that 132