New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-08-20
THE MORMON PRESIDENT.

Sail Lake Correspondence Boston Advertiser
Although TAYLOR is generally regarded both by
his followers and opponents rs tDc ATTEST OF llymg
saints and wise inferior either to smith or
YOUNG he has not gained any reputation beyond
the limits OF the Territory. il may he that the
comparative quiet OF Ulah since the death of
Yang and the less demuusfratve character of his
successo.. have contributed To the Presidents Iea-
tive obscurty. The whole world was acquainted
with the founder and tue conilnnator Of Mormon
ism, while the fame OF the existing President OF the
Church is almost entirely local. But the restricted
reuOwn of TAYLOR does not dcrOgatc from his mental
capacity or force OF character. lie IS remarkable
man and the incidents of his lie have been 50
dramatic. and, in q way. so romantic, that his
career ana development comprise personal and
psychical interest.
He is not an American. as Smith and Young were
they were iboih New-Englanders, natives OF Yer
mont having been born ut MInthOrpc, WestmOTe-
land, England. lie seems u nave Aad few cduca-
tional advantages, a his parents were III very
humble circumstances, but 10 have been possessed
of unusual INT lIIg"nCe ana shie"dnesS, very
strong Will and q most resOlute and energetic dis
position. Always of reflective serious turn. lie
read a good deal, mainly ethical and theological
works. and WAS industrious and thrifty from his
lOyhoOd. OF his early antct milo Is known,
and he ~ not inclined 10 be communicative on
matters wholly concerning himself. IL is thought
he was . mechanic IN ineland, ana followed Il
trade and WAS an excellent workman, unit! he left
Europe Not twenty-five then, he settled IN
Canada, where several Of his brothers and sisters
had preceded him. lie soon wendell his way 10
Toronto and formed an intimacy with several men
who. like himself had investigated various schemes
They were persuaded, hc particularly, that Chris
tianIty had been corrupted that many of its ideas
and doctrines were ancient and Obsolete and that
the new time and the New world needed q new
religion. which could not be much longer deferred
TAYLOR was a constant student of the Bible and OF
pOemic writings on the proper Interpretation OF
disputed passages lie agreed with none oil the
coEtrO yersasts but drew from continued reading
of the Scriptures, definite conclusions of MS own.
and expended them 10 his ASST, ltcs, with " hOl
they hal great weight. lie appears 10 have been IN
a similar frame OF mind to Joseph smith, v hQ has
declared thar he began when Only fourteen 10
ponder upon the Importance OF ms preparation for Il
future state. and that no went FROM one church TO
another with result but an increase Of DcrpeXity
and "A rcpulsiOn from AL accepted creedS.
He Invaluable IN organizing this community
and contributing TO the aterial .and remarkable
success II now enjoys. For years lac was Speaker
OF the lerf ioIdi lousc "i H. PicNrh ho mas
been superintendent OF schools, anu Probate Judge
OF the adjoining county OF Utah. When Brigham
Young died five years ago. Taylor was by seniority,
the chief Ot the council Of twelve, and really the
head OF tho Church. The apostles controlled it's
affairs for several years; 3ut on the restoration Of
the first Presidency Taylor was elected President.
and Joseph T. Smith and George &. Cannon his
assoc ates faylOT, who will De seventy four tho
lst OF November next, does not seem nearly 50 old
beng strong. erect, IN complete health and III full
possession Oh all his mental faculties. lie Is a
natural leader, and might be picked out here by Il
stranger - the great mogul of the Mormons. None
of the saints that ] have seen has 50 marked and
individual "A face IL is heavy. somewhat coarse
hut full OF intelligence, strength, lepOse, and con
N6ys the impression of great reserved force. He
looks more like a " csteTn man than u Britain. It's
HAIR IL still thick, nut gray, almost white is his
beard, which Is allowed u grow only under his
chin HIS nose aud month large, but well
shaped his brew broad ana high, his eyes dark and
full of ire particularly when he Is .anim ated. lie
IS broad-snoudored, about Six feet high, OF dark
complrxion and dIgnIied and impressive port. His
voice is deep and clear he has extraordinary vigor
of statement, being simple and direct, yet teryid,
md is considered the iabest and most convincing
speaker whether in or ont of the pulpit, IN the
whole hierarchy without much general literary
culturc, he is well versed In whatever Is useful 10
him, and never touches upon subject with which
he Is not intimately acquainted InqnestiDnably
zcalot III all that appertains to the Church, his
ZeaiOtry Is not apparent under ordinary circum-
stances, when he appears to be entirely q man OF
tho world. Not one OF the living saints has done
as much as he to establish. strengthen aud extend
their peculiar and, III many respects. pcrnIclous
doctrines.