Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-05-28
Interview Between Speaker SihIhc
and Brigham Young.

SALT LAKE CITY, May 2I.-h lucIn'hS
pewspaper gives the following account OF the
interview between Speaker Blaine and Brigham
Yourg. Brigham wanted To impress the speak
or with the idea that Congress had II" right
whatever to interfere with the local aIialrS OF Il
government OF the Territory III any, respect ].
flat apy attempt to interfere WAS breach OF
faith, and said they should nc LETT just as the
organic law lett them, and have in!l power TO
Jn I'll LEGISLATION without let or hinllranc,:.
The sneaker reminded Brigham lha, lhc
Presidential contest of 1851 was fought on the
direct issue of the right Of Congress to control
domestic institutions OF the Terril cries, and
that MIR. Lincoln was chosen on that ground.
Congress had exercised its power BY abolshlng
tbc relation of master and slave. and that It's
authority was plenary in the premises, and the
extent of its exercise IL matter oil discretion.
The organic act Of Utah was BY lis terms sub
iect to amendment and repeal. and no enact
meut of the Territorial Legislature was o.! tie
slightest validity if Congress chooses to anGuI
Brigham said If that is your doctrine; our
rights aud our Interests demand! that we be adj
mi,ted rs State. We have the requisite popu
lainn, resources, and wealth.
at may be true, Mr. Young, the Spca krr
rcplied. You have tic necessary population
and wealth, but speaking to you with thc frank
ness with which should speak were on the
floor of Congress, | must say hat U'ah car
never he admitted IL 4 State rs long rs the IN
stltution OF poygauly Is upheld aud pracilceI
By the Mormon Church. aud as un!orstoo!
by the great mass of your people.
This remark seemed to nettlc brigham CON
siderahly but he kept his temper, and pro-
cecled to long dissertation on the relative
purity of morals of the Eastern cities in COM
harrison with those Of Utah coutcndi'g that
the superiority was on the side of the latter.
"But, Mr.. Young" responded the Speaker,
what you dcnouncc in the East is done against
law and clandcstinely and is admitted to be
wrong even by those who indulg in it. What
YOU do 10 Utah is not done openly By sanction
of law, but has the approval and command Of
the Church. With such practices and opinions,
radically differing from those of the people Of
the United States, you can not, in my juds-
meDt, ever be admitted to participation 10
the Government Of the Union
"Well, then" said Brigham, what are you
going to do about it? You seem always worry
ing over Utah in Congress and attempting to
legislate for us.
Why" replied the Speaper, what specific
measures Congress will adopt is not for nc 10
say; but will assure you Congress vii! adopt
such measures as 10 its opinion may be ncccs-
sary to maintain the Federal authority III this
Territory; but as to Congress worrying about
Utah, it is my impression the worrying IS all
on the other side. do not think it would be
right nor wise to do anything to pcr>.cutc your
people for what they may consrlentlouSy be-
iieve, however much | may differ from them,
but at the same time | would not leave Oh your
mind the impression that Congress may not at
an carry time lcgisIate in your affair." in just
such manner as they may deem for the general
good