The Brigham Young Center

Salt Lake City,
May 3, 1874.

 

Brethren:

 

We are led to call your attention to a few business items connected with this Instruction, and our internal economy as a people, which we trust will receive at your hands careful consideration. A right understanding of our condition will undoubtedly be of service to us in reaching a just and correct solution to the problems that press upon us as a self-sustaining people.

 

The wool clipping season is now at hand, and, so far as we are aware, but little effort has been made to secure this valuable product for the use of our factories. It is estimated this seasons clip will aggregate upwards of half a million pounds, the whole of which can be manufactured into cloth and other woolen fabrics by our looms. But unless efforts are speedily made too much of this important staple will be shipped out of the country in its raw state, to come back to us manufactured into clothing, flannels and other articles of wear Our looms in the meantime will be idle, and remunerative employment, that our brethren are so much in need of, will have been furnished to others, outside of this Territory.

 

Hides and pelts are another staple, of no less importance to the community than that of wool just referred to. But what is the condition of this branch of home manufacture to-day? In reality we have ceased to manufacture leather. As with wool, so with the hides, they have been shipped out of the country and we have imported leather and shoes.

 

Now this Institution should be the factory both home and foreign, for performing such functions as the manufacturing interest of the Territory demands, as whether it be controlling the wool and hides produced, or importing machinery and other necessary foreign products.

 

We would therefore earnestly call upon the brethren throughout the Territory to assist us, by paying what they owe the Institution with the least possible delay, and by subscribing for stock, or by making deposits.

 

Upon all sums deposited for three months and upwards, the Institution is prepared to allow a fair and liberal interest.

 

In conclusion, we would impress upon you the importance of the subjects treated of in this letter, and solicit your cordial aid and support in placing this great Institution in a position to bless and benefit the people in a still greater degree than it has yet done.

Your brother in friend,

 

Brigham Young
President of Z. C. M. I.