Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1873-05-29
THE MORMONS.
Interview between Speaker Blaine and
Saint Brigham YOung-Utah PO.
lygamy vs.. Eastern NOrals.
What Congress Is Going to Do About
1.-THE Pelygamists Win Have
to Yield to Law.

SALT LAKE, May 29.-The morning
paper gives the following account of an
interview between Speaker Blaine and
Brigham Young:
Brigham wanted to impress the
speaker with the idea that congress had
no right whatever to interfere in the
local affairs or government Of the Terri
tory in any respect, and that they should
be left just as the organic act had left
them, and had full power to do all Iegis-
latiOn without the latter's hindrance.
Blaine reminded Brigham Young that
the presidential contest of 1860 was
fought ON the distinct issue of the right
Of congress to control the domestic in
stitutiOns of the territories, and that
Lincoln was chosen on that ground;
that congress had exercised its power
by abolishing the relation Of master and
slave, and that its authority was plena-
ry in the premises, and the extent of its
exercise matter Of discretion; that the
organic act of Utah was, by its terms,
subject 10 amendment, alteration and
repeal, and that no enactment of ter
ritOrial legislature was of the slightest
validity, if congress chose to aDnul il.
Said Brigham Young: "If that is your
mand that We be admitted as a State.
We have the requisite population. re-
sources and Wealth.
'sIt may be true, Mr.. Young,n Blaine
replied, "that you have the necessary
population and wealth, but, speaking to
you with the frankness with which l
should speak were | on the floor of con-
gress, / must say to you that Utah can
never be admitted As a State so long as
the institution Of polygamy is upheld
and praeticed by the Mormon church,
aud, as l understand, by the great mass
of your people,"
This remark seemed to nettle Brigham
considerably, but he kept his temper
and proceeded to long dissertation on
the relative purity Of the morals of the
eastern cities in comparison with the
morals of Utah, eontending that the
superiority was on the side Of the latter.
"But, Mr.. Young" rejoined Blaine,
"what you denOunce in the east is done
against law clandestinely, and il is ad-
mitted to be wrong even by those who
indulge in it, and what you do in Utah
is not only done openly by sanction of
law, but has the approval and COM
mendation Of the church. With such
practices and opinions radically diff
fering with those of the people of the
United States, you cannot, in my judg-
ment, ever be admitted to participation
in the government of the United
States
"Well, them" said Brigham, 'what
are you going to do about it? You seem
always to be warning over Utah in con-
gress, and attempting to legislate for u.s.
"Why," replied Mr.. Blaine, ''what
specific measures congress will adopt is
not for me to say, but l will assure you
that congress will adopt such measures
IS, in its opinion, may be necessary to
maintain federal authority in these Ter
ritories, but as to congress worrying
about what Utah, it's my impression
hat the worrying is all on the other
Bide. / do not think it would be right !
nor wise to do anything to perseeute |
your people for what they conscientious !
y believe, however much / may differ !
rom them; but at thesam tire l would |
not leave on your mind the impression |
hat congress- may not at any time legis- |
ate on your.affairs I'm just such manner !
rs they may deem best for the general
good"