Year: 1877

The obsequies of the Mormon Prophet
were conducted yesterday in accordance
with the previous arrangements, there being
nothing remarkable in the funeral beyond
the vastness of the multitude which such an
occasion was calculated to call forth. How
large proportion of the attendants were
real mourn ers it is impossible to know,
but even among such the expected
change Of administration and uncer-
tainty as to its nature perhaps held
larger place in their minds than grief at
the loss of q man who has ruled them with
the rod Of despot rather than with fatherly
tenderness. There is not Mormon family
which has not felt his rapacity, and there
may be CLEANS Of hope that his heavy exac-
tions, professedly for ecclesiastical purposes
but really to feed his grasping avarice, will
be alleyiated under the administration Of Il
feeblcr if not more generous successor. The
slnothered elements ofrevolt that have existed
under his inHexible tyranny will feel that
a load has been lifted and indulge i'll quiet
hopes of milder regime. If the new chief
should inherit Brigham's absolutism there
will probably be an open mutiny against
him before he gets firmly seated. The inno-
the regularity of the election and embarrass
the new incumbent with disputed success
sion than to shake off new yoke after it is
once fastened upon their necks. The
next few weeks will be o period
of watchfulness and apprehension among
that portion Of the Mormons who would
prefer to live in greater freedom and escape
burdensome pecuniary exactions. 1t will
quire some little time for the ambition
and pretensions of rival leaders to be de-
veloped, the death Of Young having been 50
sudden that there has been no opportunity
for forming plans or sounding proposed asso-
ciates. If the community should split into
factions over the succession that would be
very hopeful symptom for the early over
throw Of Mormonism.


Brigham's s WILL when it comes to be pub
lished, may throw some light on his own in
tentions in relation to the successorship,
for it is hardly to be supposed that it will
relate merely to the disposal of his property
If the rumor should prove to be correct that
he has designated his son John for the
Presidency Of the Church opposition
would be more likely to come from
jealous apostles than from the body
of the people. In that case John
could strengthen himself against the
priesthood by making concessions to the
people and relieving their burdens. This
would weaken the institution quite as surely
as strife of factions. 1t would abate the
influence of the aggressive fanatical ele-
ment and lead the people to attend more to
their material interests than TO their
peculiar faith. The son will be wealthy,
and it may suit his disposition to enjoy
his vast estate like gentleman.
A ruler Of that character would diffuse
tastes among the people that would arrest
the growth Of polygamy, which would be
forborne in practice though its rightfulness
might be retained as an article Of belief.
Let the succession 80 as it may there will
undoubtedly be great changes in the Nor
mon community


Brighams directions about his coffin and
burial, which were read in the Tabernacle
yesterday, are curious proof OF minute
care for his personal appearance after death.
His anxious desire to have ample room in
his conin with cushion upon the bottom,
is an elaborate preparation to enjoy his last
reposc. After further equally minute and
curious directions about his grave he says,
peace and comfort and have good Sleep"