Salt Lake City, U.T.
April 11. 1872.
Hons. W.H. Hooper and G.Q. Cannon
Washington, D.C.
Dear Brethren,
Without having any special matters of importance to bring to your notice, a few items of general news may not prove uninteresting.
Our conference adjourned on the 9th inst. until Sunday the 14th. The brethren have had a very interesting time and an excellent spirit prevailing throughout. It is estimated that some 12000 souls attended conference. Your files of the "News" will give you tolerably full reports of the conference.
My health continues good, for which I feel very thankful. Bro. Geo. A. upon whom the conduct of the conference devolved has done exceedingly well, having spoken several times without any apparent ill effects to his system, his health is greatly improved, and he with Bro Wells who is also well. desires to be kindly remembered to you both, praying that you may have the peace of heaven abiding in your hearts, and be preserved from every snare of the adversary. Be pleased to remember us also to all of our mutual friends.
I would have been much pleased to have attended conference, but it may be as well that I was absent, as the effort of addressing a congregation of from 10 to 12000 persons might have done me some injury. Your letters are very welcomely received and appreciated and read by the prominent brethren with much interest. The atrocious McKean Vorhees bill has come to hand and been published. The copy of Comm. Walker's communication to you on the indian reservations is also received, and when we are apprised that these lands may be legally occupied by our settlers we will see that it is attended to.
Business here is rather dull at present, though not unusually so at this season, but there are prospects of good business, if not checked by unfriendly legislation. The large addition to the Eagle Emporium is measurably completed, and partially occupied by the Institution, it is found to be commodious and convenient. Walker's 4 story hotel is being pushed quite rapidly, and it is said that it is to be ready for occupation in July. Strong efforts will be made to drag business down to that quarter and I hear it stated that an attempt will be made to move the Post Office somewhere in that neighbourhood, also that a Theatre is to be erected on the Houtz lot or in that vicinity. I have leased all that vacant ground immediately opposite the Theatre south for stores &c which will create business in this direction.
Pending the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court matters are very quiet; the "soreheads" are exercised against admission and J.R. Walker & Henry Lawrence have started for Washington to work in their interest. There is no question but the labors of the State delegation will be productive of great good whatever the direct result may be, and one thing is certain, our enemies cannot consistently accuse us with indifference about being admitted.
We do not wish Bro. Cannon to remain in Washington one hour longer than shall be eally necessary, nor indeed any of the delegation, as, if we are not to be admitted now, we will try and patiently abide our time.
I presume you have been apprised of the appointment of Prest. Smith and Bro. Wm. Jennings as alternates to the Philadelphia Convention. Bro. George A. would like to go there and is now holding the subject under advisement.
To-night's mail brought two letters from Bro. Geo. Q. and one from Mr. Fitch, also copy of Wheeler's bill. Another of those precious documents emanating doubtless from McKean and exhibiting the devilish animus with which he overflows. The title of this bill should be amended and made to read "An act to provide for stuffing the ballot box in Utah." I would suggest that you introduce an amendment to the bill declaring that illegal voting in Utah shall be a capital offence, punishable by death provided that the voting of anti-mormons shall, under no circumstance be considered illegal. We publish the bill in to-night's "News"
The internal revenue business alluded to in your letter had been attended to before it arrived.
We feel deeply interested in the success of the "Appeal in Criminal cases" bill and would like to have you urge it through if possible.
We are watching the progress of events here and in the east with great interest.
Your Bro. in the Gospel.
Brigham Young