Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1857-06-03
No. SAL BF DONF VIE UTAHi

This is q question Of increasing Importance, and
one which the administration finds involved in much
difficulty The government now being established
in that Territory by Brigham Young andhis followers
is vioatve Of the Constitution Of the UnitedStat
and in defiance of the Federal authorities. If the
reports be correct that we have received, Brigham
Young has, evidently, been working for some time
past with view to probable hOstilities with the
Federal Government, and he is now supposed to be
in possession Of a very formidable military force
andsupplies.
We trust that whatever steps the Administration
may take in the premises will be such as to place
success. at once, beyond question.
twill be exceedingly difficulty to find any man in
civil life to be Governor Of that distracted cOmmu-
nifty who can or will accept the appointment. Utah
has little to offer to any in return for the dan
ger and hardship Of efficient discharge Of
the duties Of Executive Of the Territory would
impose upon him. President Pierce, have
reason to believe, appreciated all this, and
was convinced that the only method by which the
services of an able, wise, circumspect, judicious
and efficient Governor could be secured,-One who
would not fail to administer the laws Of the United
States in justice and in mercy,--was to appoint an
officer Of the Army, and allow him to retain hisrank
in the service That he attempted to do, but was
prevented by the Senate; which refused to confirm
the appointment Of Colonel Steptoe unless he would
resign his commission in the military service.
Colonel SteRtoe was peculiarly fitted by habit and
inclination Of mind not less than by his high public
aud social position for the responsible post. he
was modest and unassuming in his bearing, cOncilia
tingin his department. distinguished as soldier and
wise in action. He had been quartered in Salt Lake
city with large command of federal trool for some
time before his appointment, and by his good judg
meut and discretion had won the good opinion o
Brigham Young and his deluded followers. When
however thealternative was presented him Of chOos
ing between his commission in the army or to b
Governor Of Utah, he wisely chose the former He
however, was willing to serve as Governor of tn
Territory four years-to test in his own person tn
power Of the Federal Government in that communi
ty-provided that at the end of that time he coul,
return to his original rank in the army. Presiden
Pierce could not give that assurance; and thus
by the action of the Senate his valuable service
were lost the country.
Mr. Buchanan is experiencing the same difficult
that INSTRUCTED the action of Gen. Pierce. In thi
Office seeking age plenty Of men can be found va
would be glad to take the Governorship Of Utah o
Of Paudamouium itself, but edificuly is in indin
the right sort who would be willing to 60 upon sue
a mission. We have confidence, however that tn
Administration viii surmount these difficulties b.
pledging to whoever undertakes the task a stron
support from the military arm of the Government
Nothing better in our judgment, could be done tina
to send some able and experienced military Office
in command of a large force in company with tn
Governor when selected.
It is believed that there is large portion of th
Mormon population heartily tired and disguised wit
their own misruIe and prepared for an insurreotiO
against Brigham Young; but they are not willing
by public movement, TO hazard their own lives an
property. But if the United States can give the
absolute protection and secure them in their live
and property against the vindictive revenge
Brigham Young ana his followers, they would, Z
doubt, gladly aid the United States in affecting
civil and political revolution and in bringing th
Territory under the restraints Of civil governmen