Among the emissaries of the Church who were deputed to "reach" President Roosevelt, was our old friend Ben Rich, the gay, the engaging, the apparently irresponsible agent of hierarchical diplomacy. And I should like to relate the story of his "approach," as it is still related in the inner circle of Church confidences. Not that I expect it to be wholly credited--not that I doubt but it will be denied on all sides--but because it is so characteristic of Church gossip and so typical (even if it were untrue) of the humorous cynicism of Church diplomacy. When President Roosevelt was making his "swing around the circle," Rich was appointed to join him, found the opportunity to do so, and (so the story is told) delighted the President by the spirit and candor of his good fellowship. When they were about to part, the President is reported to have said, "Why don't you run for Congress from your state? You're just the kind of man I'd like to have in the House to support my policies." And here (as the Mormons are told) is the dialogue that ensued: Rich: "I have no ambition that way, Mr. President. For many reasons it's out of the question although I'm grateful for the flattering suggestion." The President: "Then let me appoint you to some good office. You're the kind of man I'd like to have in my official family." Rich (impressively and in a low tone): "Mr. President, I'd count it the greatest honor of my life to have a commission from you to any office. I'd hand that commission down to my children as the most precious heritage. But--I love you too much, Mr. President, to put you in any such hole. I'm a polygamist. It would injure you before the whole country." The President (leaning forward eagerly): "No! Are you a polygamist? Tell me all about it." Rich. "The Lord has bestowed that blessing on me. I wish you could go into my home and see how my wives are living together like sisters--how tender they are to each other--how they bear each other's burdens and share each other's sorrows--and how fond all my children are of Mother and Auntie." The President: "Well--but how can women agree to share a husband?"