Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-06-20
BRIGHAM YOUNG.

A correspondent of the New York Trib-
une, who recently had an interview with
Brigham Young, gives the following in
teresting account of him and some of his
surroundings.
The Prophets House is at the other end
of the block within the same Enclosure.
The. stone wall, with rough sem-pilars
every twenty feet, is twelve feet high, and
effectualiy hides what is behind it; a part
of the space is a garden. From this ele-
waited position you have magnificent view
of the great Valley and the two snowy
ranges. Brigham Xoung's residence, and
that of several of his wives, is, apparently,
a double house, With a connecting building.
The only thing to denote its character is
a rudely carved lion over the balcony, and
a beehive surmounting the observatory
like a little cupola. On the right there is
an archcd gateway, leading into court
yard. An eagle, with extended wings
also very indifferent work OF arts
perched on the keystone of the arch. These
three emblems require faith to make them
imposing. To me the place had decid
edly practical air. Several boys (two of
whom certainly had the Brigham face
were playing about the entrance, and one
49,
streat on velocipede.
| was ushered into a handsome, we'll
furnished room, divided by wooden
screen from dim back office. The floor
was carpeted, "A circular table, with great
globe of goldfish, was in the center, sofas
and chairs were on either side, and the
walls were covered with pictures-por-
traits of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Alpine
landscapes, and a chromotint of Bierstadt's
Sunshine and Shadow" which the artist
had sent to Brigham Young. We took
seats upon one of the sofas, while two or
three trangers-apparently Mormons
from the country-waited on the opposite
one
In a few minutes Brigham Young came
out from his office. AT the first glance you
would take him to be a successful Bank or
Railroad President. and his quick, straight
forward, business-like manner carries out
the impression. After he is seated, how
ever, and you have Il chance of observing
his features more closely, the signs of Il
quality with which Bank Presidents are not
accustomed to deal. begin to manifest
themselves lie is both short and broad
but his thickness gives the impression of
strength, rather than corpulence. Although
sixty mine years Old there is no gray in
his sandy hair, and his small blue eyes are
keen and full of power. His head is large
and approaching to squareness in its form,
and his complexion is Il strong, healthy
red. His thin. firm-set mouth and large
jaws express an indomitable energy. The
general expression of his face is at once
reticent and watchful.
In his greeting there was the blandness
of an acquired rather than Il natural court
esy. His voice is mild, eventoned, and
agreeable, and can imagine that he might
make himself fascinating to women, most
Of whom find peculiar charm in a playful
and purring lion. He said but little at first,
and q though) seemed to be holding
himself secretly at bay for questions which
did not intend to ask. BY and by, when
| referred to the similarity of the scenery
to that of Asia Minor and led the CONVEX.
sation to the resources of the Territory, he
spoke freely and fuently. and gave me
considerable information concerning the
remote southern counties. On all points
of material growth he was frankly COM
municative. While he was talking
studied his face sufficiently to detect the
three chief qualities of his nature-great
prudence, great determination, and great
belief in himself
During the visit, his Oldest son, Mr.
Joseph A. Young, came into the room.
He is tall, blonde, good-looking man of
thirty, very cheerful and courteous in his
demeanor. He is intelligent and practical,
butt venture to say-will never develop
into Prophet. Brigham's brother, John
Young, an old, gray-headed man, also
came, and, soon atterward, hearing a bell
ring somewhere in the interior of the
hOuSe I took my leave CuriOuS tray-
elers, among them some Englishmen, were
calling, shaking hands, and leaving again
during the hour of my interview, and the
conversation was made fragmentary by so
many Interruptions. A register is kept in
the room, and the visitors are always re-
quested to leave their names.