The purpose of this thesis was to determine the public speaking style of Charles W. Penrose. The problem was investigated by using the elements of a speaking situation, the speaker, the speech, the audience, and the occasion. Three speeches were used; namely, "Remarks on Union" given on January 19, 1879, "Women Suffrage" given on June 3, 1889, and "Graphic Glimpses of Pioneer Life" given on February 4, 1924. Seven selected criteria were used as guidelines for the evaluation of the speeches; namely, accuracy, clarity, propriety, economy, force, striking quality, and liveliness.The following conclusions resulted from the evaluation of the speeches using the seven selected criteria. (1) Throughout his life his vital style never seemed to weaken. (2) His use of the direct approach showed his great insight into the needs of the people. This directness emphasized his purpose to stimulate his audiences to right actions. (3) On the whole, his speaking style was accurate, clear, appropriate, economical, and forceful. The speeches showed some striking qualities and an inward vitality compelling the audience to listen.

This thesis examines the compulsory smallpox vaccination controversy in Utah, 1899-1901. It looks at the two smallpox epidemics during 1899-1901 and follows the boards of health attempts to eradicate smallpox primarily by compelling the vaccination of school children.Dr. Theodore B. Beatty, secretary of the State Board of Health, championed the effort to vaccinate all Utahns; however, the opposition led by Charles W. Penrose, editor of the Deseret Evening News, produced anti-compulsion and vaccination information which influenced Utahns to generally oppose vaccination. Consequently, the legislature passed an anti-compulsory vaccination statute over the governor's veto to annul the courts decision that the health boards had the authority to compel vaccination.The research reveals that Utah's opposition to compulsory vaccination impeded medical progress. It also claims that this was the first controversy experienced by the members of the dominant religion in Utah which resulted in the expression of divergent viewpoints.