Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-06-25
THE M0RMONs.

II How Brigham Young's Wives Live.
The new work on the Mormons give 8
the following ae1- % sl--r
The internal arrangement Of affairs at
the harem is similar to that of young
ladies boarding g-school. Each woman
having her own room, her affairs are all
centered there. The culinary depart
ment is under control of such of the wives
as Brigham from time to time appoints.
She is the stewardess, and carries the
keys. A cook is employed--generally a
man--and several servants besides, who
are all under the control of the steward
ess.
When the meals are prepared and
ready the bell rings, and each woman,
with her children, if she has any, files
down 10 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
ofthe day, arranges her rooms and sits
down to her sewing or other work, as the
case may be.
A sewing machine is brought into
requisition, and one of the number ap-
pointed to use it For the benefit of
those who want sewing machine, it may
be well to state how this one was pro-
cured
One day man from st. Louis came
to offer one for sale, stating that his price
was ninety dollars Brigham bought it,
promising to pay the man whenever be
should call The man being poor,
called in few days. He did not get
his pay. He called again a number of
times with the same result One of the
wives became quite indignant, and said !;
IF | was in his place would never ask
it from one so high in the priesthood.
He had better give it to him than ask pay
Of him" The poor man never received
his money, and as soon as he could get
the means, left the territory. This is the
manner in which the Prophet becomes
possessed of much ofhis property.
Most OF the women spin and weave
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 little out-ef-door ex-
ercise. At parties and theatres Brigham
and one OF two Of the favored wives sit
together in the Kings box" but the
remainder of the women and the children
sit in what is called "Brigham's corral
This is in the parquette, about the center
of the area. The Prophet goes down
once or twice during the evening to the
corral, and chats for few moments with
one and another, but in short time he
can be seen beside his dear Amelia
again.
At the Mormon parties much gaiety
prevails. Appearances are maintained,
somewhat, by paying more respectful de-
ference to the first wives on such occa-
sions. Gentiles, with whom the saints
are on good terms, are well received,
and kindly entertained at these parties,
and all join in giving themselves up 10
the influences of mirth and festivity.
Dancing is not only a favorite amuse-
ment, it is more it is cultivated to such
an extent that it becomes a passion
Brighams women, though better
clothed than formerly, still work very
hard They are infatuated with their
religion and devoted to their husband
If they cannot obtain his love, they con-
tent themselves with his kindness, and
endeavor TO think themselves happy.
As religion is their only solace they try
to make il their only object If it does
elevate their minds, 1t deadens their sus-
and as they are not per
mitted to be women, they try TO convince
themselves that i is Gods will they
should be slaves.
A mnsic-master, dancing master and
a teacher of the ordinary branches of
education are employed in the fam
ily school Also teacher Of French
His children have much better adyan- !