Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1863-03-07
Agents for the Standard.
SATURDAY. MARCH 7, 1868.
The Suppressed Message Of the Governor
Of Utah,

The Suppressed Message Of the Governor
Of Utah.
Governor Harding of Utah, appears to be
the right man in the right place. His mes
sage to the Legislature, delivered December
10th. is an able document, and grapples with
tile "pecular institution
manner which does not suit the views Of the
~Saints," if their action in relation thereto
can be taken as an indication Of their opin-
ions. A joint resolution to print 1000 cop
les was passed by the Legislature, but the
manuscript did not pass into the hands of the
Printer, and consequently it has not appeared
in official form. The Salt Lake correspond
ent Of the S. L. Bulletin, however, gives the
message entire, from which We take the main
points discussed. In referring to the admis-
zion of the Territory into the Union as an in
dependent State, Gov. Harding says:
After tho adjournment of the last session
of this body, in accordance with joint rcso-
luton emallating thercfrom, the people Of this
Territory proceeded to elect delegates TO form
a Constitution of the State of Deseret; and
after such Constitution was formed and adopt
ed, the people proceeded to elect Governor,
Observation-Disclosures and other officers,
amongst which was representative to Con-
gress; and also two United States Senators
were elected. One of the gentlemen elected
rs a United States Senator proceeded to
Washington city and caused to be laid before
Congress the object of his mission. lilo was
treated with that courtesy to which gentle
man on so grave mission should ever be en-
titled. He was permitted to occupy seat
within the bar of the Senate chamber, and
and was otherwise received with the kindcst
consideration In consequence of the late
ness, it could not be expected that more
would have been done than was iii the prem
ises. The Constitution and other documents
were referred to the appropriate committee,
where the matter now rests. That the qucs-
tion will be taken up at the approaching SEES
sion of Congress and acted On il, il'at Si'ilit
of fairness that becomes Il great and generous
nation, have no doubt
am sorry to say that since my soj0urn
amongst you have heard no sentiments,
either publicly Or privately expressed, that
would lead me to believe that much sympa-
thy is felt by any considerable number Of
your people in favor of the Government OF
the United States, now struggling for its very
existence Gin the valley and tho shadow"
through which it has been called to pass. Ii
am mistaken in this opinion, no one will
rejoice more than myself in acknowledging
my error. would, in the name Of my coun-
try, that you, as representatives Of public SEN
tiinent here, would speedily pass such a reso-
1..A: ,vto n
public acknowledgement Of my error, if error
have committed.
have said this in no unkind spirit; l
would much rather learn that the fault has
been OH my part and not on yours.
regret also to say, have found in con-
versing with many gentlemen of social and
political influence, that because the question
Of the admission of this Territory into the
Union was temporarily postponed, distrust is
entertained in regard to the friendly DISPOSE
tion of the Federal Government, and express
sions have been used amounting 10 inuendoes
Mt least as to what the result might be in case
the admission should be rejected or post
poued. Every such manifestation Of spirit
on the part of the directors is. in my opinion,
not only unbecoming, but is based oh an en-
tire misconception Of the rights Of the appli-
cant and the duties of the representatives OF
The States composing the Union.
The Constitution of the United States pro-
vides, in Art. 4 and sec. 3, "That new States
may be admitted by Congress in this Union"
&c. The question properly arises, How and
when are they to be admitted! Not, surely,
upon the demand of the people of the Terri
tory seeking to be admitted, but upon the
consent Of Congress. When that consent
becomes a right to be demanded. depends
on circumstances. 1t is doubtless the inter-
est and policy of the Federal Government to
admit the Territories belonging to it to the
.statxs and condition of States whenever there
b sufficient population to warrant it, and
they apply to Congress with Constitution
yepablican in spirit aud in form.
s.' But still Congress has not only the right
but it is ons Of their general duties, to see
that this great boon is not conferred upon a
people unprepared to enter into the great po-
ktical family on basis that is unjust to other
members Of the Union. Amongst the first
inquiries is that in relation to the population
of the Territory knocking for admission. Is
it such as to entitle State to member in
the House of Representatives II such is
the case, aud the Constitution which has been
adopted as the organic law is such as the
Constitution Of the United States contem-
plates il the same has been adopted in good
faith. and the people are loyal to the constitu-
ton aud the laws, and desire the welfare Of
the Federal Government, then it becomes not
Gully the duty Of Congress to admit such ar-
plcant, but the latter has right morally and