Delaware State journal and statesman., 1866-06-15
now BRIGHAM YoUNo,s WIVES
NTTfnN

A Mrs Waite, who has lived in Utah. has
written book In which she describes the
me OF the women in that Territory. The
following is an extract from the chapter on
brigham's wives:
Ihe internal arrangement of affairs at
.the harem is very similar to that of young
iauies boarding school, Each woman hav.
ing her own room, her affairs are all centered
there.
The culinary department is under the
control Of such of the wives as Brigham from
'ime to time appoints. She ia the stewardess
and carries the keys. A cook is employed-
generally mainland several servants be-
side''who are under the control of the stew
ardess
When the meals are prepared and ready
the bell rings, and each woman, with her
children, If she have any, flies down to the
dinner table, and is seated as before stated
Each, on rising, has her children to attend
to, and get ready for breakfast; this over she
commences the business of the day, arranges
her rooms, and sits down to her sewing or
other work, as the case may be.
A sewing machine is brought into requi-
sition, and one of the number appointed to
uso 1t.
Most OF the women spin and make their
everyday clothing, doing their own coloring
They are quite proud of the quantity of cloth
manufactured in their establishment every
year. All work hard, and take but very lit
tic out.of.door exercise Parties and the
theatre are the favorite amusements. At the
theatre, Brigham and one or two of the ia.
yorite wives sit together in the "King's
box, " but the remainder OF the wsmen and
the children sit In what is called "Brigham'a
corral" This is in the parquette, about the
centre OF the area. The Prophet goes down
once or twice during the evening to the COZ
raj, and chats for a few moments with one
and another, but in a short time he can be
seen beside his dear Amelia" again.
At the Mormon parties much gayety pre-.
walls Appearances arc maintained somo.
what by paying more respectful Difference 10
the first wives on such occasions Gentiles
with whom tho saints are on good terms arc
well received and kindly entertained At these
parties, and all Join in giving themselves up
20 the influences OF mirth and festivity. -
Dancing ia not only iavorite amusement, 1t
is more; it 10 cultivated 20 such. an extent
that 1t becomes passion.
Brighams women, though better clothed
than formerly, still work very hard. They
are infatuated with their religion and deyot-
ed to their husband. If they cannot obtain
his love they content themselves with his
kindness, and endeayor to think themselves
happy. As religion ia their only solace,
they try to make 1t their only object. If it
does not elevate their minds, 1t deadens
their susceptibilities; and as they are not
permitted to be women, they try 10 convince
themselves that ii is Gods will they should
be slaves.
A music teacher, dancing master, and a
teacher Of the ordinary branches of nm
English education are employed in the ia
mily school, also teacher of French. His
children have much better advantages than
any others in the Territory. Dancing and
music are the leading accomplishments, and
everything else is made subordinate 10 these