First Presidency Letterpress: May 1887

First Presidency Letterpress Copy Books

1887—May

Consequences of ending polygamy would be terrible; Utah commissioners sympathetic; Whitney corner purchase; Canadian foothold; Washakie Indian farm land; spending millions in the East; President Taylor's health failing; names and ages of his wives.

	May 2, 1887 to Franklin S. Richards
Nibley's letter	Your letter of the 30th enclosing letter from Brother C. W. Nibley has been received, and his letter has been perused. It is quite interesting, and it is pleasing to know that the brethren are so active in looking after our interest. We return it herewith.
Ending plural marriage would bring terrible evils	The statement of the interview between Brothers Sharp, Smith, yourself and the two commissioners, has also been read and considered. Any good feelings they manifest towards us we appreciate; but when they talk about our doctrine and practice of plural marriage, they touch a subject upon which they are blindly ignorant and their suggestions and recommendations, if accepted by us, would only have the effect to destroy us, and bring upon us more terrible evils than they depicted to you as likely to come upon us if we persist in our course, or than their imaginations can conceive.
Tremendous consequiences of "dispensing with polygamy"	It is very well to talk glibly about compromising and arranging for dispensing with polygamy, as they call it, but they know nothing of the tremendous consequences that would befall us as a people or as individuals, if we should follow their suggestions, or allow sympathy [or?] with their views, to have place in our hearts.
	John Taylor
	May 2, 1887 to John Sharp
Meeting with Utah commissioners Appreciate their sympathy, but out of our power to end polygamy	We are in receipt of your communication of the 29th describing a visit which you and Brother [E.?] Smith and Richards have had with Messrs. Carlton and McClernand of the Utah commissioners. We are much obliged to you for this communication, and are pleased to learn from you of the kind and sympathetic feeling which they exhibited in our behalf; while we know their advice upon questions involving our religion and the proper method of living it is unwise, and utterly out of our power to adopt, while Latter-day Saints; still we can appreciate the motives which prompt them to give it.	Ambrose B. Carleton,chairman of the Utah Commission. Angered the Liberal party in late April by directing voter registration officials not to interfere with legal voterse. Political Deliverance, 46.
Bette the Loyal League be our enemy than God	They can foresee the danger we are in from the plots and machinations of the Loyal League. Political experience teaches them what the results to us will be if our enemies should be successful. But they cannot measure the tremendous consequences which would follow to us if we offended our God by repudiating the commands he has given us.
	John Taylor
	May 2, 1887 to Christopher Layton, Arizona
Arizona colonies	There have been no Church associations organized in Arizona, as we do not know that the law there will permit of their being formed and the necessity for them does not exist to the same extant as in Utah. [He tells him if he wants more settlers in Arizona he should advertize or write articles about Arizona in the Deseret News.]
	John Taylor
	May 6, 1887 to Elders F. M. Lyman and John Henry Smith
Internal problems in Arizona stakes	[They are going to Arizona and John Taylor asks them to look into the case of Bishop John Heunt and the presidency and high council of the eastern Arizona stake] also a difficulty that exists between President C. Layton and his first counselor Brother James N. Martineau of the St. Joseph Stake …also a case between Joseph Cluff who was bishop of one of the wards and the authorities of the stake.
	John Taylor
	May 7, 1887 to President William Budge
William Budge political activities	We see by the paper that your efforts were successful and that you accomplished the end that was talked about by yourself, Brother Williams and President Cannon. Enclosed please find $400.00.
	John Taylor
	May 7, 1887 to James Jack, Esq.
$400 from defense fund	Please send President William Budge, of Bear Lake Stake, in letter herewith $400.00 and charge it to defense fund account.	Budge: President of Bear Lake Stake
	John Taylor
	May 8, 1887 to Elder John W. Deal, Springville
Second anointings	Approved for second anointings.
	May 9, 1887 to Elder Robert Henry Ford
Second anointings for those who are "almost ready to pass away"	[Not time for your second anointings. Fill your mission first.] The most successful missions that have been performed in the Church, have been through the labors of elders who had not received their second anointing. Those who receive this ordinance at the present time are men well advanced in years, who have been faithful for long years in the Church and who are almost ready to pass away.
	John Taylor
	May 12, 1887 to James Jack
Whitney corner for sale	We notice that the Whitney corner is offered for sale. Do we not have a lien on this property through debts of the late Brother Horace K. Whitney? If so, what is its nature and what is the amount? What does Brother Kingsbury ask for the property? Or what does he expect to get from the highest bidder?
Must secure it	If possible, we must secure this land, for its proximity to our own property and to the temple block is too close for to permit it, if we can prevent it, to go into the hands of any one who might prove a disagreeable neighbor. Obtain all the information you can concerning it and let us know.
	John Taylor
	May 11, 1887 to Elder Charles O. Card, Fort MacLeod, Alberta
Charles O. Card applying to Canadian Secretary of Interior	We are in receipt of two letters from you in which you describe your efforts to secure a suitable location for settlement. Your last favor is of a more encouraging character respecting your prospects in that direction than the first and we trust that before this reaches you your application to the Secretary of the Interior has resulted in definite information and the opening up of ways by which you may obtain that which you desire. We shall be glad to hear from you as often as convenient, as we take much interest in your movements and success.
Canada, possible refuge for polygamists	If you obtain a good foothold there upon easy terms, it will be encouraging to many others to seek shelter there from persecution and perhaps to be the means, in the hands of the Lord, in conjunction with our settlements in Mexico, to relieve us from at least a portion of the pressure which our own government has appeared disposed to bring to bear upon us, it seems providential to be thus forced, against our will, to step over the boundaries of our nation on the north and on the south. With prudent management we may obtain a good footing and protection, in both these directions, and places of security for the time being at least.
	As we have remarked to you before we have not been persecuted by the British government, and, so far as we know, our elders have had reasonable protection under the laws of that government as administered in Great Britain. We trust that you and the brethren will be able to succeed in accomplishing the objects you have in view, in the region to which you have gone without arousing opposition and animosity. By taking a prudent course we feel that you will be able to do this.
Minor financial assistance from Church	Respecting the aid of which you speak in your first letter in the purchase of places, we would much prefer to have you secure suitable places without calling upon us for means as the demands are so numerous and frequent from many quarters. Still if you cannot possibly accomplish without too serious embarrassment that which you have in view, we shall be willing to aid you to the extent of $1,000, or perhaps $2,000 in expenditure of any portion of which we shall trust to the prudence and good judgment of yourself and the brethren associated with you.
	John Taylor George Q. Cannon
	May 11, 1887 to President Angus M. Cannon
Eliza R. Snow: Relief Society neglected	The enclosed letter from Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith concerning the neglect which she alleges was exhibited in sustaining the organization of which she is the president, not only at the last general conference but at the late stake conference of S. L. We submit to you that you may see what she says and that you may make such explanations to us concerning it as you can.
	John Taylor
	May 11, 1887 to Elders John W. Hess and [Ted?] Zundel, Washakie Indian farm
Purchase more land for Washakie Indian farm	By letter from Elder Lorenzo Snow, we learn that Mr. Rees has offered 160 acres of land for which he had government title with the improvements thereon and a claim on the water of $1,180.00 or 490 to Bishop Zundel for $1600.00, $1,000.00 down and $600.00 in one year without interest. We write this to you to authorize you to make the purchase, and as we have done too much there to now have it endangered by the sale of this land to parties who might prove disagreeable neighbors.
	John Taylor
	May 11, 1887 to Professor Karl G. Maeser
Can Maeser run BYC, BYA, and Salt Lake Academy?	[Will you be able to take over duties at the college at Logan along with the Brigham Young Academy, and the Salt Lake Academy?]
	John Taylor
	May 11, 1887 F. S. Richards, city
Presiding Bishopric trustees	The paper which you sent out to be signed, nominating the trustees selected by the conference—Bishops Preston, Burton and Winder—to hold title to the general property of the Church, has been signed, and is returned to you herewith.
	John Taylor
	May 13, 1887 President Jesse W. Crosby, [Jr.?], Panguitch
Second anointing approvals	Brothers D. Cameron, John W. Weston, J. C. Davis, Philo Allen, Seth Johnson, Culbert King and Spade Riddle and himself are approved for their second anointings.
	May 14, 1887 Messrs. Thomas G. Webber, James Jack and Hiram B. Clawson, executive committee of Zion's Saving Bank and Trust
John R. Winder to investigate Zion Savings Bank	A letter has been received from Logan, written by parties interested in the Logan and Smithfield Canal Company, making certain complaints against the directors of the company and asking for an investigation into its affairs. We have decided to send Bishop John R. Winder the conduct this investigation and have requested him to call to his aide leading brethren of good judgment, who are not interested in the company. As the bank is the principal creditor, we think that Brother William A. Rossiter should accompany Brother Winder, to render him such aid as he can with his experience and judgement and that he may look after the interest of the bank. Will you please instruct him to attend to this.
	John Taylor
	May 14, 1887 to President M. W. Merrill, Logan Temple
Second anointing approvals	[Authorize second anointings to the deceased wives of Brother W. J. Moss.]
	John Taylor
	May 17, 1887 to James Jack
Buy Whitney corner	We understand that Brother Joseph C. Kingsbury has been offered $9,000 for the Whitney corner. It is desirable that we should control that property because of its proximity to the temple and Tithing Office property. You are authorized to negotiate for the purchase of the property.
	John Taylor
	May 17, 1887 to James Jack
Payment for choir performer	Please enclose in Brother Wuhes letter sent herewith an order on the bishops general store house for $200.00 in produce, which he receives as remuneration for his performance in the choir on Sundays.
	John Taylor
	May 19, 1887 to Bishop Hiram B. Clawson
Form letter for Church's business associates to sign Spending millions in the East	Brother John W. Young has sent the enclosed form of a letter of introduction which he thinks should be signed by ZCMI, Deseret National Bank and other firms of our people who are doing business in the East. He thinks, and very justly, too, that while we are spending millions of money in the East and have established our character in the business world as an honest people, the very least those whom we patronize and do business with can do, is to say so, and tell their representatives in Congress what they know about us, and that we should receive proper treatment.
Expect business contacts to help Church in Congress	The influence of those whom we patronize has not been used as effectively as perhaps it might be. Now appears to be a good time to let the people know that we expect them to use their influence with their representatives in Congress. Letters addressed to these firms, of the character that we enclose, will, at least, give our brethren in the East an opportunity of doing what can be done in this direction.
	John Taylor, George Q. Cannon
	May 19, 1887 to Charles W. Penrose, New York
Visit with Mr. Hill in Independence	The description of your and Brother Gibbs visit to Independence is very interesting, and from what you say we conclude that you made a good impression. It would be well to try and arrange on your return to make another visit there and have further conversation with Mr. Hill. If he has the spirit of investigation, it is a good indication, and it may be that his heart will be open to receive the truth. It is quite a concession for him to admit that the leaders in Utah have faithfully carried on umber Joseph's doctrines and teachings.
	John Taylor, George Q. Cannon
	May 19, 1887 to John W. Young, Charles W. Penrose, C. W. Nibley and George F. Gibbs, New York
Hart finalized immigration contracts	[Glad to hear of the safe arrival of Elders Penrose and Gibbs, and] that any misunderstanding which has arisen concerning our immigration, which your letter now confirms, that the contracts had been closed by Brother Hart before he received any word from us requesting him to consult with Brother Young.
New Judge from California Recommended by California allies Influence of California allies	Respecting the candidate for judge recommended from California, we know nothing personally. Our information is derived from Brother Clawson, who communicated fully the same to Brother John W. Young, at Brother George Q.'s request. There are parties in California who recommend him, whose interest it is, at the present time, to have him do the square thing. We are in a position now, and will be for awhile probably, to use that influence in behalf of the people. Bishop Clawson reports him as a liberal-minded man, of a good reputation, who spoke in strong terms condemning the course of Zane and company.
	John Taylor, George Q. Cannon
	May 25, 1887 to Elder John W. Young, New York
New constitutional convention	I came to the city last night to get information to enable us to answer your telegram of the 21st intelligently. We have just sent off the following dispatch to you: "What advantage in old convention meeting? Might get 40 members, strongest men absent. See Richards letter to Williams about minutes. We feel it better for you to give explanations concerning constitution in writing than to make journey and leave field. Answer quick."
Reasons not to use old convention	I hope this will be satisfactory. It seems difficult to resuscitate the old convention. The leading men in it were polygamists and are absent. It has appeared that to use it might give our enemies an opportunity to throw ridicule upon the movement because of the convention being defunct. But there may be reasons that you have which overshadow this and make it important for the old convention to do the business.
Appearance of spontaneous movement	The question appears to be, in the event of not using the old convention, how can a new one be formed? Perhaps mass meetings might be called by the principal men in the various settlements and delegates be elected and the convention appear as the result of a spontaneous movement on the part of the people.
Stay there	Respecting your coming here: I should be delighted to see you, but after considering the matter, President Taylor and myself thought that your presence there might still be needed, and that you might be able to communicate anything in writing that you wish to say. We have a very good idea of the whole business and the form will speak for itself.
President Taylor ill Cruel to keep him in hiding	President Taylor's health is not good and I heartily wish that something could be done in his case. It seems a most cruel and barbarous proceeding for him to be kept as he is. No man could have taken more pains than he to keep the law. Of course, he did not and will not repudiate his family.
President Taylor's case	I take the liberty of sending you enclosed a copy of a letter which I wrote for Brother Franklin S. Richards to forward to Mr. Curtis, that you may see his case. I understand that Baskin said in Washington that he was indicted for polygamy, and that they could prove it. If they had any proof, it was false. I suppose that they allege that Mrs. Barratt was sealed to him, but as I understand, she is will to swear that this is not the case.
Declining health Thinks he will live longer	He has borne his exile with wonderful fortitude and has had remarkably good health, but of late I can see that it wears upon him, and he has expressed himself concerning it as being tedious. His strong will, however, keeps him up, and I trust he will overcome his present illness and be himself again. This is his own feeling. He is exceedingly hopeful and appears to think there is considerable life before him yet.
Can you win his freedom?	Can you see any way by which his case can be reached and favorable action be taken upon it?	Entry on letting him die a martyr
Beneath government to treat aged men this way	Younger men can stand this very well, but such men as President Taylor and Woodruff, it seems to me, it is utterly beneath a great government like ours to treat them as the officials here have done—men who have lived so long beyond the ordinary age, and especially in a case where there has been such a scrupulous observance of the law.
	George Q. Cannon
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