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1871 March 27 Letter J. F. Kinney

Title

1871 March 27 Letter J. F. Kinney

Description

Significant improvements have occurred in Utah, largely due to the railroad. Outside interest in mining brings profits to merchants, and farmers. Salt Lake is overrun with lawyers but lacks a court. Brigham wants Kinney as Chief Justice.

Type

Correspondence

Sender

Brigham Young

Recipient

J. F. Kinney

Date

1871 March 27

Location

Nebraska City, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah

Subject

Railroad
Mining
Business
Legal Matters
Government

Salt Lake City, U.T.
March 27. 1871.

Hon. J.F. Kinney.
Nebraska City.

Dear Sir,

Yours of the 1st inst. has been received. We were well pleased to hear from you, and of your expressed inclination to return to this City.

Many changes have taken place here since you left us, and a very general increase of business, with corresponding signs of improvement in Agriculture, Manufactures, the Arts & Sciences, & all that pertains to the growth of our Territory, are, each year becoming more manifest. The great Pacific Railroad is of immense advantage to us; now we can ship in a few days, instead of months as formerly, all kinds of machinery, & with the well known skill of our Mechanics & Artisans, & the enterprise of the people generally to develop the resources of the country, you may believe me are not slow, -so far as our capital will permit, -to avail ourselves of this advantage.

Mining has recently become the all absorbing topic with certain classes here, and although there is comparatively no excitement among our own settlers, yet, the products of the mines have some bearing upon every capitalist, Merchant & farmer in Utah. The capitalist finds where he can invest, the merchant has sale for his goods, and the farmer is encouraged, for he finds a market for his produce. Mining has not disturbed our Society as it would have done in years gone bye, and the Railroad was neccessary before low grade ores could be shipped with profit.

You are no doubt familiar with the state of judicial matters here, and the muddled mess produced by the impolitic and unscrupulous course of the judiciary. There is a heavy budget of business to bring before the courts, but no court. The City swarms with lawyers, - some of them. men of good ability -- and many more will doubtless come, and there are so many law offices opened here already that it is a matter of doubt with me whether you could make it pay.

With regard to your question, can you be of service in defending Burton; we think you could, but <we> would prefer to see you here in the character of Chief Justice, for which, if it meets with your approval, we are willing to make some effort; We would be pleased to hear your views on this matter, without delay.

Prests. Geo. A. Smith & D.H. Wells join me in best regards

Yours with respect