Rensselaer Union, Volume 1, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 July 1869 — An Interview with Brigham Young. [ARTICLE]

An Interview with Brigham Young.

SALT LAKE, July 11. Yesterday morning, Gov. Oglesby, Judge Trumbull and several others of the commercial party, called on the Governor of the Territory, Mr. Durkee, and paid their respects. The other Territorial officers called on our party and placed their services at our disposal. At 11 o’clock we called on Brigham Young, at his residence, when the spokesman, Col. Bowen, made a brief address, saying in substance that we congratulated him upon the auspicious completion of the railway, which has relieved the Mormons of their profound isolation, brought them in contact with Gentiles, cheapened the cost of their goods and increased the purchasing power of their labor. He referred to the assistance they rendered in building the road, to the commercial objects of the visitors, and complimented tbe Mormons on their material prosperity. He acknowledged the important art of irrigation which they had taught the Gentiles, whereby the great American desert was made to blossom as the rose, and to yield rich fruits in their season. The Prophet, in behalf of himself and disciples, briefly welcomed the party. He spoke warmly of the aid the Mormons had given in building the railroad, and said their aim was to press on diligently to perform the part allotted to them in the drama of life, having ever in view the rights of man and social independence. Colonel Bowen then introduced the gentlemen of the party, and a general conversation ensued lasting an hour. As Judge Trumbull was bidding adieu to Mr. Young, the latter remarked that on returning to Congress, the Judge might hear of some persons being put out of the Territory, and if done, he might be sure it would be for just and good reasons. If such Federal officials have been sent here as sometimes have come, they would be quietly and orderly put out of Utah for good cause. Judge Trumbull—Before you take any step or that kind, allow me to request you to make known your grievances to President Grant He is a just man, intending to do Justice to all, but he will not permit a violation of law to go unpunished. It will not be safe to molest public officers in the discharge of duty. Brigham Young—What more will he do for us than Johnson did? General Grant has removed the only officer here who was a Mormon, and for no reason save that he was a Mormon. The United States Judges who were here some time ago acted badly. I told them what 1 thought of them, and they left. Judge Trumbull—You will promise obedience to the Constitution and laws of the Union.

B. Young—Adherence to the Union, certainly. One enactment of Congress, however, we shall not obey: that is the one forbidding polygamy. It is not right to interfere in that matter. It is much better for a man to have several wives, and support, honor and cherish them, than it is for a man to deceive one, and cast off, disown and refuse to support her. Judge Trumbull—That is a matter about which we must differ. We think the National Government and the States can rightfully pass laws against bigamy, and justly punish the offense. All the States make the plurality of wives a criminal

offense. B. Young—Yes, all the States have laws on the subject, and Utah, when a State, will have an equal right to make laws protecting polygamy. Until we came here the subject of polygamy was not broached. It was not until we had a convention on the subject. We think we ought not to be interfered with in this matter, as it is nobody’s business but our own. We have about 70,000 people. Congrew thinks we are unable to take care of ourselves as a State. When we number 300,000, as we soon shall, I think we shall be admitted into the Union. Mr. Trumbull concluded the dialogue, remarking that the law, at all events, must be obeyed and upheld, and that the Chicago party were here on a commercial and not a political errand.