10 THE ACORN Another marvelous thing in nature is the effect of heat and cold on liquids. Heat expands water, and cold contracts it down to four degrees centigrade, when it again expands, sometimes with such force, that great damage is done. If this were not the case and water continued to contract as the temperature lowered, the ice would be so heavy it would sink to the bottom, and during one of our severe winters the rivers and lakes would become a solid block of ice from top to bottom. During our short summer the sun would not be able to thaw them out, thus a draught would be caused and all forms of life would soon die. For a long time it was believed that this law applied only to water but it has since been proved that it refers to other substances. Iron, for instance, when hard (in reality frozen) takes up more room than when in a liquid state. The laws governing this are unknown to us. We cannot comprehend this all wise power that overrules the welfare of all nature, if we could, we would be greater than the power itself; but we can realize, at least partially, the great debt of gratitude we owe for the love and protection He gives us. Laying of the Corner Stone The corner stone of the much desired addition to the Weber Stake Academy was laid October 19, 1906. On account of the weather, the entire program could not be held out of doors; so after the dedicatory prayer, the program was completed in the study hall. At 1 o'clock members of the Board of Education, the faculty, friends of the institution, and the students met in the study hall. The classes in their successive order with the class of '05 in lead, marched down to the new building and the program began by the choir's singing, "O God Beneath Thy Guiding Hand." Our principal, Apostle David O. McKay, offered prayer. The corner stone was then placed in position by the following representatives of classes: William Manning' 05, Olive Belnap '06, Arthur Budge '07, William F. Driver '08, Burton Driggs '09, Victor Sears '10 and Haskell Lamdin of the Preparatory Department. Then all marched back into the study hall, where the program was continued by the choir's singing, "Call to Arms." Prof. Bradford, who presided, then introduced Bro. Heber Scowcroft, who spoke of the great necessity of having spiritual training introduced into our schools. He said that although he paid taxes for the support of THE ACORN 11 Public Schools, he was more than willing to support such an institution as the Weber Stake Academy. In conclusion he said "All hail to the completion of the new building!" President C. F. Middle-ton was the next speaker. His good advice to the students was seasoned with much wit and humor. Following him came President L. W. Shurtliff. His theme was: "The Patrotism of the Mormon People," and the climax was reached when he presented the school with a large American flag, which he desired should be hung in the study hall, to show that the students of this institution are patriotic. William Manning '05, Principal David O. McKay, and Sister Harriet E. Woodmansee each spoke a few moments. After the gift of President Lewis W. Shurtliff had been acknowledged by the students, "My Country 'Tis of Thee" was sung with much spirit. The services were concluded with prayer by our former principal, L. F. Moench. What a Competent Judge Thinks of Our Lecture Course Mr Wilford McKendrick, Chairman Weber Stake Academy Course of Lectures: Dear Sir: There has just come into my hand a prospectus of your Lecture Course for this season, and am wonderfully surprised at the list of magnificent things you are presenting for the intellectual advantage of intelligent Ogden. One thing in particular is strikingly noticeble in looking over this wonderful array of talent its utter lack of mediocre attractions. Every number is filled by people of national reputation, by 'top notchers' as we say in speaking of the best. Your committee has certainly not made the mistake that so many committees do, by saying, "Our people are not prepared for the best," and proceed to give second rate attractions, and in consequence the people of Ogden remain second rate; but you and your committee must think that the people of Ogden can appreciate the best, deserve the best, and must have the best. I understand that some of these men have appeared in Ogden before, and their reputation in the past will recommend them for the future; but I do want you and your committee to put forth every energy, "and you will never regret it however strenuous the effort," to have every young man and woman in your city, every student in school, academy or university, hear John B. De Mott in his greatest of great lectures, "Harp of the Senses." If you haven't room in your auditorum for both old and young, "For all should hear it" ask the old to stay at home so that every young