The Portland daily press., 1873-05-29
Interview between Speaker Blaine and
Brigham YOuny

A Salt Lake City despatch gives the follow
ing account of an interview between Speaker
Blaine and Brigham Young. Brigham wanted
to impress the Speaker with the idea that Con
gress had no right whatever to interfere with
the local affairs of the government OF the ter
ritorv. that any attempt at interference was a
breach Of faith, and he said they should be left
inst az the organic laws left them, and should
have full power to do all legislation without let
or hindrance.
The Speaker reminded Brigham that the pres
idential contest of 1861 was fought on this dis
tinct issue of the right of Congress to control
the domestic institutions of the territories, and
that Mr.. Lincoln was chosen on that ground;
that Congress had exercised its power by abol-
ishing the relation of master and slave. and
that its authority was plenary in the premises
and the extent of its exercise matter of dis
creton; that the organic act of Utah was by
repeal; and that no enactment of the terrific
rial Legislature was of the slightest validity if
Congress chose to annul it.
Brigham said, 'If that is your doctrine our
interests and rights demand that we be admit
ted as State. We have the requisite popula-
ton, resources and wealth.
at may be true, Mr.. Young" the Speaker re-
Piled that you have the necessary population
and wealth, but speaking to you with the frank
ness with which should speak were on the
floor of Congress, must say that Utah can
never be admitted State so long as the insti-
tuition of polygamy is upheld and practiced by
the Mormon church and, as I understand, by
the great mass of your people"
This remark seemed to nettle Brigham con-
siderably, but he kept his temper and proceed
ed to a long dissertation relative to the purity
of the morals of eastern cities in comparison
with the morals of Utah, contending that the
superiority was on the side of the latter
'But, Mr. Young" rejoined the Speaker,
"what YOU denounce in the east is done against
the law clandestnely, and is admitted to be
wrong even by those who indulge in it. What
you do in Utah is not only done by sanction of
the law but it has the approval and command
of the church, With such practices and opin-
ions, radically differing from those of the peo-
Judgment ever be admitted to participation in
the government of the Union"
"Well, then" said Brigham, "what are you
going to do about it? You seem always to be
worrying about Utah in Congress and attempt
ing to legislate for u.s.
why" replied the Speaker, what specific
measures Congress will adopt is not for me to
say, but will answer you that Congress will
adopt such measures as in its opinion may be
necessary to maintain the federal authority in
this territory, but as to Congress worrying about
Utah, it is my impression that the worrying is
on the other side. do not think it to be right
nor wise to prosecute your people for what they
may conscientiously believe, however much I
may differ from them, but at the same time
would not leave on your mind the impression
that Congress may not at an early time legis-
late in your affairs in just such manner as they
may deem best for the general good"