Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-03-22
) 81 COLL, 267 Main Street.

liar with our history. Ii is little over
twenty-one years since we broke our way
into these mountains, having travelled
some thirteen or fourteen hundred miles
from what is called civilization" and
from supplies. In the short time we have
been here it can be said, with truth, of us
that we have advanced faster in ciyiliza-
ton, in making public and private i'm
provements and in adding to the national
wealth, than any other people surrounded
by the same circumstane es, of whom we
have any knowledge. This progress is,
in the eyes of every patriot, commendable
and praiseworthy.
Gentlemen, in coming together to-day
as the Representative of the State OF
Deseret, we have the proud satisfaction
of knowing that we represent q people
capable in every respect of governing
themselves. We, in this country, have
achieved a freedom and independence
such as are rarely possessed by any peo-
pie in these days. We raise our own
bread and eat it; we make our bridges
and streets and pay for them; we erect
our public buildings, develop our re.
sources, sustain our government and Off.
GERS, and are not in debt. That which is
accumulated as income from taxation is
appropriated for the benefit of the peo-
pie. We have no bonds in market for
greedy fnanciers to speculate in, to prove
q cause of embarrassment to ourselves,
or vexation and annoyance to our
children. Our legislators have been wise
enough not to 60 beyond their ability and
burden the people with heavy indebted.
ness, without having resources to refund
the same. Should we be admitted as a
State / look for the same policy to be
pursued !; we shall not fall into debt, but
always hve within our means.
This is the secret of success with men,
communities and nations. Take men in
any capacity whether singly or other
wise, and you will find that if they live
within their means they will be indepen-
dent and powerful 1t 10 so in the case
of single individual, and is increased
ly so with community or nation. We,
as people, have had wisdom enough to
perceive and act upon this. A people or
government that will suffer itself to get
entaDgled through avarice and other
causes, and bring upon its people war
and indebtedness, and then poverty and
distress, proves that 1t is not capable OF
exercising the proper rights OF govern
ment. But nation that can maintain
peace within its borders, and with its
neighbors, exhibits knowledge, wisdom,
aud power that must eventually call
forth the respect sRd admiration OF the
world. Thus far we have been able to
preserve ourselves from such contingen-
cies. 1t is true that war has been made
upon us; but the sword of indignation
has fallen harmless at our feet. Yet our
wisdom did not produce this; it was by
the wisdom asd power of God, which He
imparts unto those who live so as to
receive them that they may preserve
themselves.
1t is not my design to detain the AS
sembly. There is little business neces-
sary to be transacted. When this is at
tended to there will be no further neces-
sity to remain In session. The members
have been long time here in the cspac-
ity of the Legislative Assembly of the
Territory of Utah, and to persons &C.
eustomed to active aud outdoor business
such confinement becomes irksome.
When you return to your constituents,
gentlemen, you can carry with you the
proud consciousness of having striven
with harmony and unison during your
legislative labors to enhance the inte-
rests of our beloved country, and to
maintain those free institutions, and that
peace with which, under Divine Provi-
dence, we have been so long and kindly
favored.
That the blessings of Heaven may rest
down upon you, your constituents, and
the land our God has given US, ia the con-
slant wish of BRIGHAM YoUSG.