Salt Lake City, U.T.
March 20. 1872.
Hon. W.H. Hooper, M.C.
Washington. D.C.
Dear Bro:-Your welcome favor of the 10th ult. after some delay in the blockade was at length received and highly appreciated.
Everything reliable from Washington bearing on our affairs is full of interest at the present time and we are looking with anxiety for the ruling of the Supreme Court in the liquor case as that virtually decides all those difficulties that have arisen under McKean's mal-administration.
The newspapers inform us of the arrival of the State delegation last Wednesday, these gentlemen will be able to give you all the news up to date of their leaving here, since which time it has been singularly still, doubtless owing to the re-active principle operating after the spirited convention and the busy term of the legislative assembly.
We can appreciate your enjoyment of the company of Bro. Cannon and Messrs. Fitch & Fuller to share your arduous labors & I am sure you will find in them powerful auxiliaries. Give them my well wishes & say to Bro. Cannon that his letter from Pittsburg has been received, and that we wish to remind him of his promise to write daily the news that transpires.
We held our State election last monday, everything passed off quietly and pleasantly, the returns from S.L. County so far as received shew for the Constitution 4818. against it 152. The "soreheads" are hiding their weakness in assumed contempt but we apprehend the real cause is disgust at the one sided character of the contest. At a meeting last Saturday, evening they passed resolutions declaring they would take no part in the election but would remonstrate to Congress against admission.
Judge Haydon, Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Stenhouse & another female are talked of as delegates to Washington. We received the copy you sent us of a bill granting certain privileges to an English Railroad and Mining Co. & noted your laconic remark at the end, "what do you think of it"? We think it is a gigantic humbug, and have no idea Congress will ever grant such an unrestricted monopoly. By the way is there no effort being made by the U.P. people to obtain a land grant and subsidy for the U.S. railroad? I have written repeatedly to Mr. Scott reminding him of that part of their contract with us but have received no reply. Bro Eldredge informs me that he brought the matter before Mr. Oliver Ames who promised that he would write to his brother in Washington on the subject; although Mr. Ames seemed to consider the feeling in Congress unfavorable to making any land grants, few else would care much about building railroads. I find mention made of a railroad bill conflicting with one introduced by you, being brought before the House, as we do not fully understand it could you favor us with a copy of the bill.
We are pushing work rapidly on the U.S. railroad, round the point of the mountain, it is an expensive undertaking but it will soon be accomplished, and if we get the iron we expect to be running round the point before the end of May. Bro Sharp accompanied by Bro. Jennings, has gone to Boston to hurry up the iron. They reached Omaha on the 18th that is the last heard from them.
I understand that the "soreheads" claim 500 signers for their late petition against admitting Utah, I am credibly informed that not over 200, and perhaps far short of even that number, actually signed it.
A call has been published in our city papers for a convention to meet in the City Hall, April 5th to elect Delegates to the Republican Convention at Phil. It is also contemplated to send two to the Cincinnatti convention.
The "S.L. Tribune" of to day has a letter signed "Fannie Stenhouse" on the subject of the sisters voting down Polygamy, which is so rich that I send it for your perusal and that of our friends. You will observe the writer says, "I would have respected Brigham Young, had he said it is a divine law, and State or no State, we dare not lay it aside. Then I should have said he is honest" &c. Now, I care very little for the opinions of Mrs. Stenhouse, but I rather think she will have that opportunity to show her respect. I believe she utters her real sentiments, this time at least, and that such would be the feelings of the great majority of the people were we to prove recreant to the trust of that sacred institution.
In this connection I wish a few moments of your serious attention. If you have a copy of the revelation on Celestial Marriage, read it, if you have not a copy, procure one, give it a careful perusal, read it with a prayerful heart, and then ask yourself the question whether we had not better cling to the Lord than hearken to the persuasions of men.
My health continues excellent, for which I feel truly thankful. Bro. Geo. A. Smith & Daniel H. Wells are also well, and join me in sending our very best regards and constant prayers for your preservation and success.
Your Bro. In the Gospel
Brigham Young