The Brigham Young Center

REMARKS

of President B. Young. April 25th 1858

Reported by G. D. Watt.

I do not arise to discuss any subject, and the circumstances that brother Taylor was inclined to bring before the people I do not wish to hear them myself, and I know there are a great many here that do not, for we have already seen too much of such scenes.

I want to make a statement with regard to officers of Territories.  It has been the custom for the President of the United States to appoint Territorial officers, such as Governor, three Judges, Attorney, and Marshal for each Territory, and Indian Agents for the States and Territories.  I wish to answer a query that will arise in the minds of the people with regard to Utah being treated different from any other Territory by saying, I presume that there never was a Territory that made choice of their officers but this Territory, or that suggested any thing of the kind to the General Government.

When a new Territory is commenced we see broken down politicians flocking to that Territory seeking for office under the Territorial government, hoping yet to gain the high honor of being appointed representative of that people in Congress.  This is generally the case as we have witnessed with regard to the officers for this Territory.  I shall close my remarks on this point by making one statement:  we have requested the General Government to appoint men of our own choice to be the dispensers of the law in this Territory.  This is perfectly legal; it is our right, no doubt.  The United States government in its several departments has taken the liberty to pick up men who are unacquainted with us, without giving us a voice in the selection of any officer whatever.  The law pertaining to Postmasters is, that no Post Master shall be appointed outside the city or town containing a distributing office, but the general government has taken the liberty not to see this, and has even come down to the appointment of a Postmaster for the Territory of Utah,so as not to have a Postmaster of our people.  They can walk over the law with impunity.  We have not gained a single officer of our own choice through our petitioning.  As to Indian titles I wish to inform the congregation that the Territory of Utah was taken from what is now called   New Mexico, and California.  I do not think the Government intends to extinguish the Indian title from this Territory as it is purchased Territory.  It has been a question before our courts whether it is an Indian Territory or not.  It has been organized into counties, and it is no matter whether they purchased the land from the Indians or not; it does not concern us; but in other Territories they have purchased the lands from the Indians always before they surveyed them; but this has been obtained by conquest and money, and they don't intend to extinguish the Indian title.

It is late, and time to bring our meeting to a close.  I have felt a little mortified to see so much enthusiasm manifested.  I would like to see men and women cool, and not become excited upon any subject.  I will take the liberty to say to my friend Governor Cumming that he may be ensured, and so may everybody, that had it not been for the influence I have over this people, it is not for me to say where the United States army now within our borders would have been this day.  I have used my powers of reason, and my influence to teach the people not to do that they believed to be their imperative duty.  I look forward in hope that all matters will be amicably adjusted, and we shall be in peace here.  It is true the people are moving, the reason of which I can explain before the congregagation, or to any gentleman at any time.  They are removing, and will continue to move the result God knows.  All things are under his control, and all people are before him, and we will do his pleasure, and trust in him, and be willing to be worn out as it is prophesied years ago, and we will take joyfully the spoiling of our goods, and will bear manfully whatever the providence of God shall put upon us; and with regard to our future position pertaining to this world we will see what comes.

Trust in the Lord; do good; walk humbly with your God; love mercy, seek after the good, and eschew evil, and the Lord will never fail to bless that people who love the truth, and deal honestly.

You have heard a Note read here from Gov. Cumming concerning persons who feel themselves restrained in the exercise of their liberties; who wish more liberty, and to withdraw from this community.  What have I said to you?  Have I not told you all the day long that we would help you away.  If there are any such here who want protection  at the hands of Governor Cumming, men or women, will you have the kindness to be manly enough, to manifest it here   if there are those here who feel to withdraw from this community, and who feel restrained in their liberty  by a show of hands.  (Four persons showed hands, two of whom were not in the church)