Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1897-10-15
WOODRUFF TALKS OF POLITICS.
Remarks Cause Almost Universal Surprise
and Excitement

Y Remarks Cause Almost Universal Surprise
and Excitement.
r Salt Lake City, Oct 9.-Excitement
t over the remarks made by President
B., MILFORD Woodruff at the close of con-
e ference, touching on politics, has
somewhat abated, yet it is still gen
eral theme of conversation. In all
quarters it has been deprecated as
having been an unfortunate occurrence
The remarks created a futter of ex-
element at the time of their delivery,
which grew when the throng reached
Many Gentiles favored the resurrec-
ton of the liberal party to fight what
they allege TO be an open avowal of
the intention of the church authorities
to assume control of the political lib
critics of church members. George L.
Nye candidate for city attorney on
the non-partisan ticket, an old-time
liberal, withdrew from the ticket, be-
ing unable to longer endorse the non
partisan movement.
President Woodruff, in an interview,
denied that he meant his remark to be
so sweeping, or to carry construction
of which they are capable. He said:
81 did not refer to any ticket. did
not have any particular ticket in mind.
l have not had time to pay much at
tention to tickets. l was simply advo-
eating the principles of non-partisan-
ship in city matters. l have no desire
to pitch into Democrats or Republi-
cans l think parties are needed as p
general thing. spoke spontaneously
and did not mean to say that there
should be non-partisanship in state
and national affairs. l meant that W.
should elect good men to all offices,
but it was about city officers that
was thinking when l urged the people
to unite regardless of party. l had III
mind particularly our heavy city debts
and expenses. 1 want it to be clearly
that l do not want to break
up the parties. l want them to exist
here. / have no intention to urge
that they be broken away from IN
state affairs. 1t would not be wise to
do away with our present party
lines"
There are three stenographic re-
ports out, of the three daily papers,
They are all different in language, but
,he same in import. Following is one
If them.
President Woodruff prefaced his re-
marks by saying that this was probab-
y the very last time that he would
lave the privilege of addressing the
saints at conference. He then refer
ed to comments he had heard, in
which the presidency had been con-
emned for making any reference to
olitics, and expressed surprise that
his was the case.
"The day has come" he continued,
when God requires that you unite
)gether, both in business and in poll
cs, l do not care whether you are a
publican or democrat; you should
mite to elect good men for the govern
ent of the city and the state, and if
gu do not do this you are losing the
ne spirit. Lay aside your democracy
Id republicanism, and as Latter-day
iints unite together and appoint
BOD men. When you do this, God
i'll bless you.
Nov 1 take the liberty, as presi-
mt of the church of Jesus Christ of
alter day Saints, to make these re-
arks, and do not mind what the peo-
e shall say. 1 realize that this peo-
are groaning under poverty, under
fiction, under taxation and under
lngs that ought not to be, and you
Guild unite together. This idea of
lding to party ties amounts to moth
:. 1t is your duty as members of
is church to unite and appoint good
N to rule in this city and state. Do
nr duty and the Lord will bless
L."
Still Going to KIondiIxe