Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1869-07-23
An Interview with Brigham Young.

Yesterday morning, Gov. Oglesby,
Judge Trumbull and several others of the
commercial party, called on the Governor
of the Territory, Mr.. Durkee, and paid
their respects. The other Territorial Of
ficers called on our party and placed their
services at our disposal.
At II o'clock we called on Brigham
Young, at his residence, when the spokes-
man, Col. Bowen, made brief address, say
Ing in substance thatwe congratulated him
upon the suspicious completion of the rail
way, which has relieved the Mormons of
their profound isolation, brought them in
contact with Gentiles, cheapened the cost
of their goods and increased the purchas.
ing power of their labor He referred to
the assistance they rendered in building
the road, to the commercial objects of the
visitors, and complmented the Mormons
on their material prosperity. He acknowl-
edged the important art of irrigation
which they had taught the Gentiles,
whereby the great American desert was
made to blossom as the rose, and to yield
rich fruits in their season. The Prophet,
in behalf of himself and disciples, briefly
welcomed the party. He spoke warmly
of the aid the Mormons had given in build
ing the railroad, and said their aim was to
press on diligently to perform the part al.
lotted to them in the drama of life, having
ever in view the rights of man and social
independence. CHS
Colonel Bowen then introduced the
gentlemen ofthe party, and general con-
versation ensued lasting an hour.
As Judge Trumbull was bidding adieu
to Mr.. Young, the latter remarked that on
returning to Congress, the Judge might
hear of some persons being put out of the
Territory, and if done, he might be sure it
would be for just and good reasons. If
such Federal officials have been sent here
as sometimes have come, they would be
quietly and orderly put out of Utah for
good cause.
Judge Trumbull-Before you take any
step of that kind, allow me to request you
to make known your grievances to Presi-
dent Grant. He is just man, intending
to do Justice to all, but he will not permit
a violation of law to go unpunished 1t
will not be safe to molest public officers in
the discharge of duty.
Brigham Young-What more will ne
do for us than johnson did? General
Grant has removed the only officer here
who was Mormon, and for no reason
save that he was Mormon. The United
States Judges who were here some time
ago acted badly. I told them what |
thought of them, and they left
Judge Trumbull-You will promise
obedience to the Constitution and laws of
the Union.
B. Young-Adherence to the Union,
certainly. One enactment of Congress,
however, we shall not obey: that is the
one forbidding polygamy. 1t is not right
to interfere in that matter. 1t is much
better for q man to have several wives,
and support, honor and cherish them, than
it is for man to deceive one, and cast
off. disown and refuse to support her.
Judge Trumbull-That is matter about
which we must differ. We think the Ma
tional Government and the States can
rightfully pass laws Against bigamy, and
Justly punish the offepse. All the States
make the plurality of wives a criminal
offense
B. Young-Yes, all the States have
laws on the subject, and Utah, when q
State, will have an equal right to make
laws protecting polygamy. Until we
came here the subject of polygamy was
not broached. 1t was net until we had a
convention on the subject. We think we
ought not to be interfered with in this
matter, as it is nobody's business but our
own. We have about 70, 900 people. Con-
gress thinks we are unable to take care of
ourselves rs State. When we number
100000, as we soon shall, think we shall
be admitted into the Union.
Mr.. Trumbull concluded the dialogue.
remarking that the law, at all events, mus,
be obeyed and upheld, and that the Chi
csgo party were here on commercial
and not Q political errana.