Heber J. Grant -- 1887-1889

[March 8, 1887] In the evening, March 8th, President Cannon, Apostles Richards, Young, Lyman, Grant and Taylor met with a few members of the Legislature at the residence of President Joseph F Smith in the 17th Ward. The appropriation bill was the question under discussion. We felt that it was necessary to pass the bill be concurrent resolution. The meeting was a long one, and the matter was discussed very freely and frankly on all sides. It was anything but an easy matter to get the members of the Legislature to view this matter as we did.

[March 9, 1887] Presidents Cannon, F. M. Lyman and myself met with all of the members of the Legislature that we could possibly get together at the County Court House, where the same matters as were discussed the evening previous were gone over more fully. There were many of the members that could not see the matter as we did, and were not in favor of passing the Appropriation bill by concurrent resolution. As near as I could judge, those of the members that were faithful and energetic in keeping the commandments of God felt disposed to so pass the bill, . . .

[March 11, 1887] Brother Richards remarked that many of the people were anxious to subscribe for the purpose of assisting President George Q. Cannon to pay the $25,000 bond. Brother Lyman then led out with the proposition that the bond be paid by the Church, and every one of the brethren endorsed his proposition, which was unanimously adopted I can say that there has never been anything of a financial character in connection with the history of the Church that has been more painful to me than the position in which Brother Cannon has been placed regarding this bond. It has been humiliating in the extreme to me, and must have been humiliating beyond expression to him to be calling upon the people to aid him to pay his bond by purchasing books from him. It was his official position in the church that caused him to be placed under such heavy bonds, and to my mind, simple justice demands that the Church should pay said bond.

[March 20, 1887] After the adjournment of the evening meeting, I went down to the St George Temple where I had a long and interesting visit with President Wilford Woodruff, I gave him an account of the meetings that had been held regarding the disposing of Church property . . . Gave him an account of what had been done as far as I was posted, asked him a question regarding the deeding of the Gardo House and told him I understood that Pres[iden]t Geo[rge] Q. Cannon had said it was not absolutely necessary that the Pres[iden]t of the Apostles would be made Pres[iden]t of the Church in case Pres[iden]t Taylor should die and then the First Presidency was again reorganized. He did no give me his opinion.

[April 5, 1887] Received a long letter from President Wilford Woodruff in answer to a question I asked him regarding the deeding of the Gardo House the last time I met him. I read Brother Woodruff's letter to Apostles John Henry Smith and F. M. Lyman They both agreed with his conclusions. While I am willing to have things go the way that President Woodruff suggests, whirl I do not think it is absolutely necessary that in case of the death of the President of the Church and the subsequent reorganization of the First Presidency that the President of the Twelve Apostles should be made the President of the Church. When I answer Broth[e]r Woodruff's letter I shall request him to point me to any revelation that states that this must be the case.

[June 14, 1887] . . . I learned that President George Q Cannon was at President Taylor's office. I called and had a chat with him. He expressed regrets that I had not arrived home a few days sooner; said that they had had a very important meeting that they would have like to have had me attend.

[June 20, 1887] Attended meeting at President John Taylor's Office President George Q. Cannon, Apostles Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher, John W Taylor Heber J. Grant and some fifty or sixty of the leading brethren from the various Stakes were present. The matter of the holding of a State Constitutional Convention was discussed; also the propriety of incerting some Provision in the Constitution punishing polygamy and bigamy. The general feeling, as expressed by nearly all present was in favor of obtaining a State government if possible for Utah. The above meeting started about 11 oclock. Just before the meeting Pres[iden]t Geo[rge] Q. Cannon explained to Brothers Taylor Richards. Thatcher & myself that Pres[iden]t Cleveland was willing to sign a bill admitting Utah into the Union provided a provision was put in our Constitution prohibiting bigamy and polygamy Pres[iden]t Cannon then explained that the matter had been placed before Pres[iden]t John Taylor by by brother Cha[rle]s W. Penrose who had just returned from Washington and that the two provisions necessary to be put in our constitution were read to him (Pres[iden]t Taylor) and that he was very clear that it was the proper thing for our people to do, to adopt the provisions proposed by Cleveland. Pres[iden]t Cannon said he did not say anything to in the least influence the President in making his decision, that he did not even so much as express his own opinion, said that he explained to the president how some of the brethren felt regarding the proposed provisions, viz like it was going back on our religion and that God would condemn us for legislating that what He had proclaimed to be a virtue was a crime, etc, etc, said that the president answered that the brethren must not be too particular Pres[iden]t Cannon read us the two provisions proposed and said that not only Cleveland but some seven other leading democrats knew of the provisions and approved of them. Att[orne]y Gen[era]l Garland being one of the seven. Pres[iden]t Cannon charged us that we must be extremely careful that we did not allow it to get out that Cleveland or anyone in the east knew anything regarding our holding a convention, & it must not be known that the provisions came from the President, it must appear that our delegates to the Constitutional Convention had framed them. Pre[iden]t Cannon explained that Brother John W. Young, Cha[rle]s W. Penrose and Cha[rle]s W. Nibley had been laboring at Washington on the matter of getting Utah into the Union, Pres[iden]t Cannon expressed pleasure that the President (John Taylor) was so clear that the provisions as proposed should be adopted, After Pres[iden]t Cannon had fully explained matters to us we attended the meeting of the fifty or sixty brethren that had been called together where the calling of a convention and the adopting of a provision to prohibit polygamy and bigamy was fully and freely talked over and there was no one present that raised any opposition to such a provision, some declined to speak, the feeling all that spoke was that it was the best thing we could do under the circumstances and that it simply meant that in the future, should we get into the Union that we would be punished by our friends and not our enemies. Pres[iden]t Cannon stated that it would take quite an amount of money for us to get into the Union, said we were not going to purchase our way in, but the there would be large sums of money needed to spend in a legitimate way, F. Armstrong, James Sharp, W[illia]m W. Rutter H. R. Clawson and myself were appointed a Committed to raise the needed funds, some said we would need $1000,000 what on earth we need of so much unless we are going to purchase our way into the Union is something I can’t understand.

[June 24, 1887] I called at the Pres[iden]t's office where I met Apostle Moses Thatcher and we had along talk regarding church matters, We did not feel to approve the way Pres[iden]t Cannon had acted in the fall of his son John Q. In fact we found a good deal of fault with the way he had treated his brethren the Apostles and with many of his official acts. We felt a lack of confidence in his official acts that I sincerely wish was not the case, Unless brother Thatcher and myself have greatly misjudged Pres[iden]t Cannon I am confident the Twelve Apostles will object to his succeeding Pres[iden]t Taylor and I am of the opinion that he expects to be his successor. Unless my present opinion shall undergo a wonderful change I can't possibly vote to have him succeed Pres[iden]t Taylor, I am inclined to think nothing short of a revelation from the Lord will make me feel like sustaining him. I regret more than words of mine can tell that my confidence in the second official of our Church should be so limited, Unless I am greatly in error no man can rule in the Church and Kingdom of God unless he is willing to fully and freely accord to them all the rights and privileges belonging to his brethren. The gospel gives the most perfect liberty to all men to do right Pres[iden]t Cannon unless I have misjudged him likes power very much and this is why I hope he will not succeed Pres[iden]t John Taylor. Pres[iden]t Woodruff holds in his letter to me of March 28/87 that the Pres[iden]t of the Apostles must be made the Pres[iden]t of the Church in case of the death of our present president. I don't care to express an opinion publicly or even to him but I feel very strongly impressed that Pres[iden]t Joseph F Smith will be the successor to Pres[iden]t John Taylor, and I will wait patiently to see whether I am mistaken. My impressions may be more than half brought about by my wishes to have him made our next President. The Spirit may have nothing to do with them but I think it has.

[June 25, 1887] Attended the mass meeting at twelve o'clock held in the Salt Lake Theatre to elect Delegates to the State Constitutional Convention. Nearly everybody seemed enthusiastically in favor of statehood.

[June 26, 1887] I hope it may not be long before Pres[iden]t Joseph F. Smith is home. I have felt that he should not have been sent away. Why there is any more danger for him to be with Pres[iden]t Taylor than there is for Pres[iden]t Cannon to be there I don't fully understand, I have felt that Pres[iden]t Cannon did not want him home. Certainly hope I have made a mistake in so judging.

[June 29, 1887] In the afternoon I dropped into the office of President John Taylor, where I met George Q. Cannon, George Reynolds, Franklin D. Richards, Lorenzo Snow, Charles W. Penrose, Le Grand Young, John R. Winder, Junius F. Wells, A. Miner, A. M. Cannon, James Sharp, Elias A Smith, William W. Riter, John T. Caine, and Franklin S. Richards. Among other things, the brethren talked over the organization of the Constitutional Convention tomorrow. This morning President Cannon communicated to Brothers F. D. Richards, Lorenzo Snow and myself the fact that President John Taylor was dangerously ill. We thought that it would be best not to make this fact known in view of the fact of the Constitutional Convention that was about to assemble and the important measures that would undoubtedly be adopted by them; also in consideration of the coming celebration of the Fourth of July . . . Of course the brethren all felt solicitous that his life should be spared until such time as he could be at liberty to once more mingle with the Saints. The brethren decided that they would like the following officers for the Convention, viz. John T. Caine Pres[iden]t. H. M. Wells Secy Rob[er]t W. Sloan asst. Robert Harris DoorKeeper, Heber Cutler Messenger, Ja[me]s T. Hammond 1st Vice Pres[iden]t and E. G. Woolley 2nd Vice Pres[iden]t.

[July 3, 1887] . . . I have felt for along while that Pres[iden]t Cannon was expecting to succeed Pres[iden]t Taylor, Pres[iden]t Cannon thinks I am the most ambitious young man in Utah, and I think there is not limit to his ambition. I have but little confidence in Pres[iden]t Cannon's management of affairs financially. I get up out of bed a[nd] prayed with all my heart and soul to God that he would help me to overcome my feeling of ambition that was calculated to lead me from Him or the path of duty . . . I wish I had perfect confidence in Pres[iden]t Cannon but I have not and I can’t change my opinion unless I see something to inspire me with confidence. I feel to honor and respect him in his position and I sustain him with my faith and prayers. My confidence in Joseph F Smith is perfect. I know of nothing that is necessary to increase it. After the death of Pres[iden]t Taylor I expect Pres[iden]t Smith to have much more power and influence with the leading officials of the church as well as the people than pres[iden]t Cannon, Perhaps I am prejudiced against brother Cannon & in favor of brother Smith but time will tell whether my opinions are correct.

[July 5, 1887] This evening I had a long talk with Brother John Nicholson on the Provision of the new Constitution prohibiting polygamy. Brother Nicholson felt very much hurt indeed over the action of the Convention, and thought that a very grave mistake had been made.

[July 6, 1887] [GQC] notified me that he expected to hold a meeting with Apostles Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher and John W. Taylor and myself some time during the day, and that he would inform me as soon as he learned that Brother Thatcher had arrived . . . I spent the day attending to ordinary business matters, but received no notice of the meeting that Brother Cannon spoke of . . . In talking with President Cannon this morning over the Constitution adopted by the Delegates for the proposed State of Utah, he said that he considered it the most important move that the people had taken during his lifetime.

[July 7, 1887] Called at my office for a few minutes and at 9:45 went to the office of President Taylor, where I met George Q. Cannon, Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher, John W. Taylor, and William B. Preston. Brother Cannon stated that he had called the meeting together for the purposes of discussing the propriety of holding a meeting with the Delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Before deliberating upon the subjects that were to be brought before us, we knelt down, and Brother Cannon offered prayer. President Cannon stated that President Taylor's earth was in such a precarious condition that he was utterly incapable of attending to business natters; and stated that it was necessary for us, as leading officials in the Church, to take such actions regarding financial and other matters as we considered for the best interest of the people, without consulting President Taylor. President Cannon referred to Brother John W. Taylor as to the condition of his father, Brother Taylor having recently paid him a visit, and he (Brother Taylor) endorsed the statement of President Cannon to the effect that President Taylor was utterly incapable of attending to business matters. We decided that the Church should assist the Ogden Herald $1,750 or $2,000, provided these interested would raise a like amount, which would place them on a firm financial footing. President Cannon stated to us that during the business transactions regarding church property, which were attended to during the months of March and April last, that he had to arrange these affairs on his own responsibility, as President Taylor was not able to remember the various transactions. He stated that he had kept a daily journal of what had happened as a protection to himself, and that he would read this to President Taylor and get his sanction. He stated that many of the transactions that had met with the approval of the President would be forgotten by him, and he would assert that he had not approved of any such movement; and that it was many times a difficult matter to get him to sign papers of transactions that had met with his approval, on account of their having passed entirely from his mind.

In conversing over the action that had been taken by the Delegates, President Cannon, Brother Thatcher and Brother John W. Taylor expressed themselves as perfectly clear regarding the movement the was being made to get Utah admitted into the Union. About 5 pm we held a meeting with the Delegates of the Constitutional Convention. The Delegates were all present with the exception of three or four. Prayer was offered by Brother Lorenzo Snow. President George Q. Cannon spoke to those present, assuring them that their action had the hearty approval of the First Presidency of the Church and of all the apostles that could be reached. He said that he considered the action that had been taken the most important move, up to date, that had been taken by any body of me since he became associated with the Church. Brothers Lorenzo Snow and Franklin D Richards also expressed pleasure with the labors of the Delegates, and believed with all their heart that they had done the right thing. Brother Richards stated that if he were able to vote, that he should vote with a great deal of pleasure to endorse their action. Brother Moses Thatcher, myself and John W. Taylor also expressed our approval of the action that had been taken by the Delegates. We urged upon those present, in going home to the people, not to argue as to the right or wrong of their action, but simply, in a quiet way, to get their friends to understand that their action had the approval of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles, and to ask them to seek to the Lord for a testimony that this move was all right. It was stated by them that they were well aware that no man ever became convinced of the truth of the gospel by arguing the question. What we wanted was that the people should be prayerful and humble, ad become convinced by the inspiration of the spirit that this move had the sanction of God. President Cannon in the most forcible manner, gave them to understand that no Latter-day Saint would offend his Creator voting for the adoption of the Constitution which had been framed by the Delegates. I felt very much pleased, indeed, that we had the privilege of meeting with the Delegates, as many of them dreaded to return home to their friends and associates on account of the criticisms that they felt sure would be made regarding the labors they had performed.

Pres[iden]t Cannon read us some telegrams that had been received from John W. Young also the answers that had been sent, These telegrams were regarding money matters and they were not calculated to inspire me with any additional confidence in brother John W. Young's management of financial matters and my confidence in him heretofore has been wonderfully poor. I trust he may make a full and satisfactory report of how all the money forwarded him is spent but I have strong doubts of his doing so, Bro[ther] John R. Winder called on the brethren and read a list of names that his committed were willing to nominate as delegates to carry the Constitution to Washington and asked and asked us which of the brethren we would prefer. Franklin S. Richards, E. G. Woolley and W[illia]m W. Riter were named as our preference or P. T. Farnsworth in place of W. W. Riter provided Riter could not go.

Brother Thatcher asked me if I had noticed the remark of Pres[iden]t Cannon to the effect that he had done the Church business transacted last March and April on his own responsibility as Pres[iden]t Taylor was not capable of attending to business matters, I stated that I had and he (Thatcher) asked me not to forget the statement as someday he thought these transactions might be investigated as from what he had learned they were not all as straight as they might have been. During our meeting this morning when only Pres[iden]t Cannon and the Apostles were Present President Cannon spoke freely regarding the poor health of Pres[iden]t Taylor and read a letter [to Erastus Snow and others calling them toward home; Grant asked about Joseph F. Smith] Pres[iden]t Cannon seemed to me to be very much annoyed at my remark, He spoke up said he had written to Pres[iden]t Smith as plain as he knew how to write and referred to Apostle Franklin D. Richards having seen the letter. Brother Richards spoke up and said we would no doubt soon he that Pres[iden]t Smith was on the Continent. I sincerely hope so but for the life of me I can't see why the simple mention of Pres[iden]t Smith's return should annoy Pres[iden]t Cannon. We were talking all freely before I spoke of Pres[iden]t Smith's return and then it seemed like "a wet blanket" had been thrown on our conversation. For fear I was in error I had been mistaken in my opinion that Pres[iden]t Cannon was annoyed, about half and hour after my remark I asked brother Moses Thatcher if he had noticed it and he answered yes, that he had noticed it very plainly. I wish I could feel that Pres[iden]t Cannon is not jealous of Pres[iden]t Smith and that he did not like to have him away, but would sooner have him at home, but for the life of me I can't get away from such a felling. For the past three years or nearly so Pres[iden]t Smith has be buried on the Sandwich Islands and I have felt Pres[iden]t Cannon liked to have him there or some other place away from Pres[iden]t Taylor so that he (Cannon) might stand a better chance of getting everything done to please him. It may be my own feelings and not the Spirit's impressions but I do feel & feel it strongly that George Q. Cannon after the death of Pres[iden]t Taylor will never see the day that he will be as big a man with the people of God or have as much influence with them as Joseph F Smith. Tomorrow I shall write a letter to Pres[iden]t Joseph F. Smith, telling him of the remarks of Pres[iden]t Cannon and brother Richards and congratulate him on soon meeting his family & friends. I shall be perfectly delighted to see him again. There is no man on this earth that I love any more than I do Joseph F. Smith nor one in whom I have more perfect confidence. I feel to say with all my heart and soul God bless him.

[July 12, 1887] [Cedar City] In the afternoon held a meeting with about twenty of the leading brethren. Gave them to understand that the State Constitution met the unqualified support of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles, and urged upon them the necessity of seeing that every registered voter of the People's Party turned out at the coming election, and cast their vote in favor of the Constitution. Requested them not to mention the fact of my meeting with them, as it might be construed by our enemies against us, as they would say that this movement was a Church movement instead of a political one. Gave them to understand that the Convention had acted in good faith without instruction from the Authorities of the Church. Also gave them to understand, as already stated, that their action received the approval of the Authorities. There was a very good spirit prevailed at the meeting, and all those present expressed themselves in hearty accord with the movement.

Pres[iden]t A. K. Thurber of the Sevier Stake, called in at Brother Lunt's. I had a little talk with him, explaining to him the object of my mission south. He was just on his way home, where he expected to meet Apostle John W. Taylor.

[July 14, 1887] [Riding to St. George with Anthony W. Ivins] Discussed the movement to obtain Statehood and a great many other matters. His prejudices were somewhat aroused against the movement; but he said he was perfectly willing to endorse any and all movements that were considered by the First Presidency for the best interests of the people.

[July 15, 1887] [St. George] in the evening attended a meeting in the Tabernacle of the leading brethren of the Stake, and had similar to that at Cedar City. Found theat the brethren generally endorsed the movement for Statehood.

[July 18, 1887] [Beaver] At one o'clock held meeting with the leading brethren of the Stake at the residence of Bro[ther] Murdock. I explained the object of my visit south, and the brethren were unanimous in expressing themselves as ready and willing to support the Constitution proposed for the new State, and to do all in their power to get the people to vote for it.

[July 19, 1887] [Filmore] A meeting was held at Bro[ther] Robison's house of about twenty-five of the leading brethren of the Stake. I had very good liberty in explaining to them the object of my visit south. There was perfect unanimity of feeling, and all the brethren felt to fully endorse the State Constitution movement.

[July 25, 1887] . . . I arrived in Saint George the evening of the 14th and about 8:30 I called at the place where Pres[iden]t Wilford Woodruff was stopping I talked with him until nearly 12 oclock, I explained fully the movement to obtain Statehood, gave him an account of the labors of John W. Young. Cha[rle]s W. Penrose and others in Washington, Pres[iden]t Woodruff said he had not felt like expressing any opinion on the matter, Said he had had no impressions against the move. We had a long talk regarding the sickness of Pres[iden]t John Taylor and the changes that would of necessity take place in case of his death. He told me of a number of dreams that he had had since the middle of April that had impressed him with the idea that Pres[iden]t Taylor was not going to live long. I expressed my opinion of the way Pres[iden]t Cannon had treated our quorum, in plain terms and said that I had much more confidence in Pres[iden]t Joseph F Smith than in Pres[iden]t Cannon and that I never expected to see the day after the death of Pres[iden]t Taylor that Joseph F. Smith would not be a greater man among the latter-day saints than George Q Cannon. Pres[iden]t Woodruff seemed to share my opinion that Pres[iden]t Cannon had not treated our quorum with as much respect and consideration as he should have done, and also seemed to fully endorse my good opinion of Pres[iden]t Smith, Pres[iden]t Woodruff favored bringing Pres[iden]ts Cannon and Smith back into our quorum in case of the death of Pres[iden]t Taylor, Pres[iden]t Woodruff said he would be willing to have Joseph F Smith made the Pres[ident] of the Church provided the quorum of the apostles should wish it but as near as I could judge he had no idea that such a thing would be done. Pres[iden]t Woodruff expressed himself as having no desire to become the President of the Church and I am convinced that he is perfectly sincere in what he said. I know that some of the members of our quorum are of the opinion that in case of the reorganization of the First Presidency after the death of Pres[iden]t Teylor and before the death of Pres[iden]t Woodruff that Bro[ther] Woodruff must be made the President. I have no such a feeling. I feel that Pres[iden]t Joseph F. Smith will succeed Pres[iden]t Taylor if the First Presidency is reorganized. There is no man living on this earth that I love any more, if as much as I do Joseph F. and it may be my love for him, and not the impression of the Spirit that has given me such a very strong feeling that he is to be the next President of our Church, Of course I know that Pres[iden]t Woodruff must be the President of the Church while the First Presidency remains unorganized, and if the brethren decide that he is to be the Pres[iden]t of the Church when the First Presidency is reorganized then I shall be perfectly satisfied. I have unlimited confidence in Pres[iden]t Woodruff and can sustain him with all my heart Not having perfect confidence in Pres[iden]t Cannon may also have had something to do with bring me to the opinion that Pres[iden]t Jos[eph] F. Smith would succeed Pres[iden]t John Taylor, Pres[iden]t Woodruff felt that John Taylor had been the right man and in the right place but at the same time he could not endorse in his feelings Pres[iden]t Taylor's mining schemes; felt that church funds should not go into mines. Felt that Bro[ther] Joseph F. Smith should come home, Did not endorse the manner in which A. M. Cannon had run things in the Salt Lake Stake, Felt determined to do his duty in case of the Pres[iden]t’s death. Felt that the Gardo house was a great mistake and wanted it closed after the President's death, Felt that, as he knew little or nothing regarding the way church funds had been handled an auditing committee should be appointed to fully investigate matters. As stated, I talked with Pres[iden]t Woodruff until nearly 12 oclock. There were many other items that we talked about but the above are the main ones, and all that I could now recall . . . asked me if I had any idea of what we could do with the Gardo house. Could not said in answer to a question from me that he favored the move for statehood said it changed matters very much in his mind after hearing my explanation. . . . Stated that many years ago he had dreamed that he was present at the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple, also dreamed the same thing in April last when dreaming of Pres[iden]t Taylor's sickness, I never enjoyed anything more than I have my visit with Pres[iden]t Woodruff. To me it is delightful to meet a man whose whole ambition is to know the mind and will of God and who desires with all of his heart and strength to carry out that will after learning it . . . I am not naturally possessed of the great humility of spirit that I see and admire so much in him.

I had a number of talks with my cousin Anthony W. Ivins regarding the movement which was being made to try and get Utah into the Union, He felt very much opposed to the sections in our Constitution proposing to punish polygamy and thought we were compromising God given principles for the sake of liberty. There is nothing under heaven that I know of that I am not willing to do sooner than compromise or relinquish any of the principles of the gospel. To agree to punish one's self, instead of allowing our enemies to do it is not to relinquish or compromise anything in my opinion and in as much as I have an assurance in my heart that I will not offend my Heavenly Father by supporting a constitution that punishes man for keeping His laws I am in favor of the constitution which has been adopted And shall do all in my power to get the people to adopt it. My cousin informed me that he had written me a long letter and among other things he had expressed his opinion, of the Constitution framed for the proposed state of Utah in anything but favorable terms. He desired me when I heard from Pres[iden]t Joseph F. Smith to write his opinion of that portion of the constitution prohibiting polygamy. He felt confident Pres[iden]t Smith's first impression would be against the measure. After my conversation with my cousin he became satisfied that the state movement was the proper thing do although he regretted very much the necessity of doing anything of the kind. . . .

[July 27, 1887] . . . I have learned that the reason Pres[iden]t Cannon did not tell the brethren Pres[iden]t Smith was coming home when I spoke of it some weeks ago at one of our meetings was that he did not think it wisdom for many to know of it for fear of its getting out and thus making it more difficult for him to reach home without our enemies finding it out. Bro[ther] Thatcher and I were mistaken in thinking he did not care to have Joseph return We misunderstood his being annoyed when mentioned the matter.

[July 29, 1887] In the evening at 7:30 attended a meeting in the Presidents Office (after funeral) Presidents Cannon and Smith, Apostles Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher, Heber J. Grant and John W. Taylor and Counselor D. H. Wells were preset. In as much as there was not a majority of the quorum present to assume charge of the affairs of the Church, and Brother Cannon and Smith having expressed a delicacy in continuing to act as the presiding authority, an expression was taken to the effect that it was the sense of those present that Presidents Cannon and Smith continue to act in their present capacity until each time as a majority of the quorum of the Apostles could be present.

[August 3, 1887] This morning at 10 o'clock attended a meeting at the President's office, Pres[iden]t Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, George Q. Cannon Joseph F Smith, Moses Thatcher, F. Lyman and John Henry Smith myself and John W. Taylor were Present Prayer offered by Geo[rge] Cannon. Pres[iden]t Woodruff stated that he was the only apostle now living that had received his endowments at the hand of the prophet Joseph Smith said it was a saying and perhaps a true one "Once a man twice a child" and supposed he was now in his second childhood. Said he desired the love and confidence of his brethren and that the desire to do right filled his heart. Said he was the only apostle now living that had listened to the charge of the prophet Joseph when he said "I have had great sorrow of heart for fear I might die before I had given the Apostles their endowments, I have lived to give the twelve apostles their endowments and to seal upon their head every key and power pertaining to the Church and Kingdom of God that I have received and the time has now arrived when I roll off the responsibilities of the Church and Kingdom of God upon the twelve and you have got to round up your shoulders and bear it off before God, angels and men."

(The above is as near as I can recall the words of the prophet from what Pres[iden]t Woodruff said)

Pres[iden]t Woodruff said that at the time the above charge was given by the prophet that he stood on his feet three and one half hours, and that he ( Woodruff) to the day of his death should not forget charge of the prophet as it was still ringing in his ears. Pres[iden]t Woodruff stated that God had sealed upon Joseph every key that had ever been bestowed upon man since the days of Adam and that Joseph had sealed all of the keys and powers upon the twelve that he had received (taped it all)

(W. W.) He had felt strong desires that our temples might be preserved from our enemies and had pray earnestly to God that they might not be defiled and his hopes and faith were that they would be protected. He said he much preferred to stand with his brethren of the quorum than to have two counselors chosen and stand with them as the President of the Church. He desired that all of the financial affairs of Pr[esiden]t John Taylor should be audited and that a new set of books should be opened for his administration. If we were to organize the First Presidency that would not take away any of the authority of men holding the apostleship. . . . He felt that he was in his dotage but he hoped that his principles were correct . . . He is as humble as a little child and as near as I can judge has no ambition other than to know (and do God's will) In my judgment there is not a man that has more power or influence with God than Pres[iden]t Woodruff, but there are many of us that have not nearly so much influence. [Long discussion of reinstatement of George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith into quorum; the latter had strongly expressed desire when put in presidency in 1880--Grant said some things needed clearing up first regarding GQC--mainly that he had encouraged Angus Cannon to set down on Grant. Then Thatcher discussed the wrongness of the First Presidency seeking to humiliate the Twelve through stake presidents.]

John Henry Smith Pres[iden]t Brigham Young had told him that he had never done any thing of importance without first getting it endorsed by seven of the Apostles, and that in case of his (Brigham Young’s death that John Taylor, then the President of the quorum of the Apostles was the man to lead the Church. He fully endorsed all of the remarks of Pres[iden]t Woodruff. (JFS wanted decision on their status and FML moved that GQC be restored to his former position, seconded by MT, who then moved that JFS be restored to his, seconded by HJG.) (George Q. Cannon objected to the motion being put . . . (Cannon did not want J. F. S. restored until Cannon had had charges against him settled.) He did not think any one man could deprive him of his priesthood (said the one man with much feeling, and as near as I could judge had reference to Moses), He said if a thunder bolt had fallen at his feet from a clear sky he would not have been more surprised, he desired all of the brethren to say everything that was in their hearts, desired it all said, felt that he was on trial. I stated that I was in favor of restoring Pres[iden]t Cannon to his place in the quorum and then investigating all matters that we might think were wrong, said there were some things in the handling of the John Q. Cannon case, but thought GQC could clear them up as had at time there was a similar feeling when HJG was pres[iden]t of Tooele stake. Cannon quite warm that things could carry on for so long and not be stated to him) Pres[iden]t Cannon stated that it had been a great trial to have to labor almost alone on account of the sickness of Pres[iden]t Taylor and that he had desired very much to have brother Joseph F. at home. Stated that hardly a day had passed for some weeks but what he had put on his Temple clothes and supplicated God for his aid in discharging the duties devolving upon him, said he knew God had be with him and that for four months he had virtually been the President of the Church. Pres[iden]t Cannon made the remarks about God being with him and President of the Church of the past four months with considerable force, but they fell dead on me & and I had no testimony that the Lord approved of them. They feel upon my heart like the boasting of a man as to his own ability and I was glad to have Pres[iden]t Cannon explain some few minutes later that in speaking as he did he did not claim that the authority or prerogative of the President were his during the past four months. I felt that Pres[iden]t Cannon had been rebuked by the Spirit for claiming to have acted as the President of the Church and was glad to see that he was willing to explain Pres[iden]t Cannon said that he did not desire to be one of the one of the First Presidency of the Church and that he had boiled(?) with pleasure the day when he could roll off the responsibilities of the office and that when he had it shown to him that he was to be an apostle that he had prayed that he might not be called to that position. I wish that I could believe in my heart that Geo[rge] Q. Cannon was sincere in stating that he desired to roll off the responsibilities of the Presidency. "Judge not, etc, but in my heart of hearts I can't help feeling that instead of wishing to roll off the responsibilities that he desired to become the President of the Church. George Q. denied every having made any charges against the twelve apostles to Pres[iden]t Taylor at the time the Logan Temple was dedicated or any other time. (F. M. Lyman and J. W. Taylor both mentioned Angus Cannon being tyrannical, unsubmissive to apostles and that seems to be the cause of GQC problem, along with a ruling that apostles cannot adjust affairs of a stake without First Presidency approval.)

[All but 2 of brethren stayed to hear GQC explanation of the John Q Cannon affair] John Q's adultery, defalcation, lying, forgery, etc, were all talked over, Pres[iden]t Cannon admitted that he had given his consent to the divorce of Annie Cannon and that he had also given his approval for his son Abraham H. to marry John Q. and Louie, although as soon as he had given his approval for Abraham to do the marrying, he felt it was a mistake and tried to recall the written consent he has given but it was too late. He claimed that he had consented to the divorce of Annie and the marriage of Louie for the purpose of screening Louie and to protect the good name of Pres[iden]t Wells. [Denied trying to have Judge Smith and Junius Wells remarry them to cover Abraham and sacrifice them.] These explanations changed matters very much indeed to my mind as it had liked to me as thought an attempt to sacrifice Junius had been made . . . He admitted trying to cover up John Q Cannon's stealings from the church and that he & his son Abraham had made good John Q's defalcations to the amount of nearly ten thousand dollars. There was a great deal of talk by most of the brethren present, Pres[iden]t Daniel H. Wells said more than anyone else, and expressed his opinions freely and frankly but entirely without bitterness as near as I could judge. (D. H. Well's snake dream) George Q. Felt that John Q. had repented, Bro[ther] Wells did not feel so, Pres[iden]t Cannon said he was on hand to do what ever the brethren asked him to. They all gave him the right hand of fellowship. I was the last to shake hands with and to say that I fellowshipped him, I did this because I felt that I could not afford to be separate from my brethren but in my heart of hearts I cannot and I do not approve of Pres[iden]t Cannon's course in this matter, I am willing to forgive him and to fellowship him in our quorum, but the way I understood Pres[iden]t Cannon he felt that he done the right thing with the exception of counseling Abraham to do the marrying, I feel that the transaction was "patched up" and in my heart I don’t approve of such a disposition of the case. The brethren one and all as near as I could judge did not approve the course of Pres[iden]t Cannon but they felt to forgive and sustain him. If a person's position is not a correct one I can't see any need of forgiving the party so long as he feels that he has done right. I am almost ashamed of myself that I did not stand until I was satisfied and yet I do not wish to be prejudiced against anyone or lacking in mercy. I have not perfect confidence in Pres[iden]t Cannon and I regret it more than words of mine can tell. I wish to God my Heavenly Father that I had the same confidence in Pres[iden]t Cannon that I have in Joseph F. Smith, Wilford Woodruff and others of my brethren. I dislike to write on such a painful subject and will therefor stop. . . . At our private meeting where Pres[iden]t Cannon was explaining his position on the John Q. case brother Moses Thatcher denounced in strong terms the course of Apostle Franklin D Richards when he came to Logan and covered up the crimes of Frank Cannon, some warm feelings were manifest by Bros Thatcher and Richards. I felt in my feelings to sustain the position taken by Moses.

[August 4, 1887] Attended meeting at the President's office. All of the brethren were present who attended meeting yesterday with the exception of Brother Joseph F. Smith, who was quite sick and could not attend. Prayer was offered by Brother Lorenzo Snow. The efforts that were being made to obtain Statehood for Utah were fully discussed and it was decided that we do all that we possible could to accomplish that desireable end. The labors of John W. Young at Washington and in New York were fully discussed and in addition to the money already forwarded to him, it was voted to send him another five thousand dollars, All of the brethren present expressed their lack of perfect confidence in the manipulations of Brother Young. A long letter from Brother Young was read detailing the organization of the North American Exchange Co. of New York, and the good that would be accomplished by the organization of said company. I expressed my utter lack of confidence in the good that was to be accomplished by this company, also my lack of confidence in the manipulations of affairs by John W. Young, and made a motion that Moses Thatcher be selected to go to New York and labor in connection with Brother Young, My motion was opposed by President George Q. Cannon. He thought that it would be a great mistake to send Brother Moses, or anybody else, to labor with John W., unless John W. had first been consulted and had approved of such an arrangement. I said, of course John W. would not approve of such and arrangement, as he did not care to have anybody interfere with his manipulations. I was in favor, however, if he would not labor with any man that we as a quorum might send to work with him, to dispense with his services. There was a great deal of talk of John W.'s matters by all of the brethren, but no final action was taken on my proposition to send Brother Thatcher to New York.

[August 7, 1887] Brother Moses Thatcher and myself talked over at some length the explanations given by Pres[iden]t Cannon at our meeting held on the 3rd and we were both agreed that notwithstanding the denial of Pres[iden]t Cannon that he had not tried to belittle the authority of the apostles in their labors in the stakes and also to encourage the idea that an apostle's proper place was in China, Japan or some other place in the world, that he had really assumed both of these positions. I learned that brother Moses did not endorse Pres[iden]t Cannon's actions and counsel in the John Q. Cannon case but that he (Thatcher) had extended the right hand of fellowship to Pres[iden]t Cannon because he was willing to forgive any of his brethren when they had made a mistake and said to our quorum that they were on hand to anything our quorum might require of them.

[August 11, 1887] . . . I wish I had more confidence and then I might feel well over the loss of the books. I feel that to protect the Church against the United States is not the only reason why the books have been lost, Time will tell whether I am correct or not, as the books will be found after the lawsuit.

[August 12, 1887] [Discussing Albert Carrington petition for rebaptism, which Thatcher and Joseph F. Smith strongly oppose.] President Woodruff requested the brethren to express freely and frankly their feelings. Stated that Albert Carrington had never been with us for years in spirit; that we knew for many years before he was disfellowshipped that he was dead. Taking all sides into consideration, and looking forward to an endless eternity, president Woodruff preferred to forgive rather than to meet God, after he had passed from this earth, and have it said that he had no mercy. That Albert Carrington had forfeited ever right in the Priesthood, there was no question. But did we have the right as Apostles to refuse baptism to a penitent man? He hardly felt that we should assume such a position, (Snow opposed to point, then agreed with W. W.) (F. M. L. felt that if he were to do as Albert Carrington had done he would be damned eternally) (John W. Taylor cited Section 64 that all were required to forgive. GQC cited section 42 that we shall not forgive, but saw nothing prohibiting rebaptism to a repentant sinner.)

At our meeting today Pres[iden]ts George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith explained that the late First Presidency had been negotiating with some influential parties with a view of securing their aid in the Statehood movement. These parties were not willing to negotiate with our quorum fearing that when twelve men knew of the transactions they might get out and that the minute they did then the parties would drop the entire matter. George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith and Moses Thatcher were nominated as a committee to carry on the negotiations. I nominated Moses and objections were raised to his acting(?), it was thought Pres[iden]t Woodruff should be on the committee and his name was substituted for that of Brother Thatcher, the objection to Bro[ther] Thatcher was not against him or his ability, the brethren thought that it was a mistake not to have the President as one of the Committee. Pres[iden]t Cannon stated that the parties with whom they were negotiating could secure the press of the country, that is the leading papers in New York, other cities, to write articles in favor of our admission into the Union for the sum of $74,000 cash and an additional $70,000 after we were admitted. He stated that these figures were only about one third the amount originally asked & that the papers considered their figures very light, indeed, the reduction was brought about by the influence of the parties with whom the brethren were negotiating. These parties are not members of the Democratic party and in as much as John W. Young had obtained the influence of the Democratic administration in favor of Utah’s admission in the Union and the brethren generally felt that if we got influential aid from the other side that success would be almost sure to crown our labors. The general feeling was that we go ahead and do all in our power to get into the union. Moses Thatcher introduced a motion that from Sept. 1/87 that the following amounts be paid the brethren each to aid them in living (old $5,000, others $2,000) not considered salaries, not begin to reach the amounts most the brethren could get for their services.

[August 13, 1887] An appropriation of $100,000 was made for the committee on Statehood, vis Woodruff, Cannon and Smith, to expend under the direction of the quorum. Pres[iden]t Woodruff, stated that he desired every dollar expended by the committee reported to our quorum, Pres[iden]t Cannon expressed the same desire. [Considerable discussion of church attorney salaries being higher than brethren's, especially Grant's and Thatcher's.]

[August 15, 1887] It was decided that the Cassia Stake should not be organized until after the October Conference. The feeling of the brethren was to put Horton D. Wright in as President of the Stake provided his faith in plural marriage was all right.

[August 19, 1887] At 11 AM attended meeting at Pr[esiden]t's Office of Finance Committee viz Francis Armstrong, James Sharp, W. W. Ritter, H. B. Clawson, John T. Caine and Heber J. Grant. Caine was absent The above committee were appointed at a meeting held at the President’s office June 20/87 We met Pres[iden]ts W. Woodruff, Geo[rge] Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith and had a long chat with them as to how they thought we could best raise the funds needed to aid us in getting into the Union. After meeting with the Committee [Maeser led chat on education matters.]

[August 30, 1887] State Finance Committee had another meeting, called on a number of parties but failed to find them in. I had a long talk with John Sharp about his assisting the committee in their efforts, He promised to do something but would not say how much. He referred to the position taken by himself before the courts at the time he was up for unlawful cohabitation He justified him self, He felt that the Deseret News had attacked him and done all in its power to destroy his influence, I told him I could not sustain his position . . . George Romney promised the Finance Committee something on the State movement.

[August 31, 1887] Armstrong, Sharp & I called on Hy Dinwoody and he promised $6,000 to our State Finance Committee (then went to quorum mtg, decided to get an attorney from the east to aid our local attorneys in the suit of the US against the Church.) Bro[ther] Thatcher said to me today that he had not yet read an account from Geo[rge] Q. Cannon regarding the Beck and Bullion minesale I remember at one of our meetings since the death of Pres[iden]t Taylor that Geo[rge] Q. Stated that the Reserve of three fifths held by Pres[ident] Taylor had been assigned to him and that this three fifths was subject to our quorum. He did not feel that it was his right to hake disposition of these funds. Moses Thatcher asked the question if there was any objection to the starting of a Bank, a number of the brethren spoke an the subject all seemed to favor starting another Bank that would be under the control of faithful members of the church, George Q. Cannon favored arranging for Zion's Savings Bank to do the Banking for our people Moses Thatcher and I went for the "straw" character of the Savings Bank in the plainest terms. Geo[rge] Q. resented our remarks, and did not like our finding fault and thought it was easy to find fault etc, etc. (Erastus called it a rotten bank) Moses & I thought such institutions as Zion's Savings Bank brought discredit upon the leading officials of the Church as it was looked upon as a Church institution, (Grant said he favored) having our institutions just what they claimed to be (referring to backing?) Pres[iden]t Cannon referred to Brigham Young's starting the Bank and thought we could all sit at the feet of Brigham Young and learn financial lessons. Bro[ther] Erastus Snow did not care to go back to B. Young to bolster up a bad institution. It disgusted me to find brother Cannon trying to defend a straw institution (crossed out rotten) and claiming that his and other outlawed notes were just the same as cash, although admitting that perhaps some of the notes were not good. Nearly every move George Q. Cannon makes decreases my confidence in his sense of honor, in financial matters . . . The Bank question came up again and George Q. Cannon made a motion that any of the brethren were at perfect liberty to engage in the Banking business. I made a motion that the capital of Zions Savings Bank be paid up in cash, George Q. opposed my motion and it was "set down on". (Vows to accomplish it anyway, GQC can set down on him as often as he likes.) . . . A number of letters to and from John W. Young were read. I wish I had confidence in Him but I have not and never hear his name mentioned in connection with our efforts for Statehood but what It decreases my faith in the success of our efforts. If the Lord is going to use a man with a dishonest financial record, to give the people liberty, it looks to me as though He was placing a premium on dishonest methods. (notes on last page of this entry Have misjudged Bro[ther] Cannon regarding Bank . . . and Think I have misjudged Bro[ther] Cannon in thinking he did not wish to see the Savings Bank changed to a cash basis . . . )

[September 4, 1887] Had a long chat with brother Erastus Snow on the Statehood movement. John W. Young's past record was freely and fully talked over and the remarks that were made were anything but flattering him (HJG hopes brethren never have cause to refer to his financial position like that).

[September 7, 1887] [Council meeting] Thatcher suggested, that inasmuch as John W. Young had written that he could not reach Jay Gould in our efforts for Statehood, that John Sharp or some other party that had influence with Gould should go east and interest Gould in our behalf. Feeling was that Gould’s influence should be secured but no action was taken. Telegrams to and from John W. Young and Cha[rle]s W. Penrose regarding the employment of Broadhead or Mc Donald as Church attorney in the suit of the United States against the Church and PEFund Co. It was decided to employ Mc Donald. (Discussion of Mexican lands) adjourned. I had a long talk after our meeting with Joseph F. Smith and F. M. Lyman, John Henry Smith and Erastus Snow were present a portion of the time during talk. I expressed my lack of confidence in George Q. Cannon in plain terms and my regrets that Jos[eph] F. had not sustained my proposition to place the Savings Bank upon a firm and honest foundation. Joseph said he had said nothing in our meeting but he had made up his mind to favor putting the Bank in a solid condition, at the first Director's meeting that he might attend. I went all over a number of points why I lacked confidence in Brother Cannon. I am convinced that Brother Jose[ph] F. Smith is as firm for the right as he has always been from his youth. There is no man in the Church that has shown more moral courage all his life or who has stood up with more firmness for the right than Br[other] Smith. I was glad indeed to have a free and frank talk with brother Smith and my confidence in him is as perfect as it can be.

[September 8, 1887] George Q. Cannon moved that a corporation be formed to hold the titles to lands in Mexico. Carried Jos[e]ph F. Smith understood that the lands in Mexico were purchased to aid the poor people that had to flee to Mexico for safety. He had never favored the Church purchasing and holding lands. He favored selling or giving the lands to the people. Geo[rge] Q. Cannon moved the B[isho]p Preston carry out the instructions of the Presidency about moving our cattle and sheep from Arizona and New Mexico into Mexico. Moses Thatcher, Jos[eph] F. Smith, John H[enr]y Smith each favored calling me, instead of allowing them to come and go, when we desire to establish settlements. (had just read letter from Card North of Mont. (Brethren, especially F. D. Richards and Erastus Snow criticise the voluntary basis of recent settlement compared to the calls that went out in Brigham's time, Grant too) (Snow) felt that Bro[ther] Franklin had struck a keynote which most of the Twelve have experienced during the administration of Pres[iden]t Taylor and that his policy of only using volunteers had discouraged the labors of our quorum. (discussion of salary, Snows wanted to try to get along without) Moses Thatcher did not feel that what we drew was full compensation for services.

[September 9, 1887] William B. Preston thought our entire system [of tithe collection] was incorrect and unjust and desired a change to a cash basis. We receive $750,000 per annum in tithing and this sounds big but it is no such an amount, as it is not worth more than $500,000 as the prices are too high, then the great amount of clerical work and waste of perishable articles would cause the tithings to shrink to about $250,000 and if the facts were shown the great gov[ernmen]t of the US would not be trying to take our property as there would not be so much of it as they now imagine George Q. Cannon said he could not vote for the question at present as he did not think it would take well with the people. Moses Thatcher thought we should decide what is right and then lead the people and not let the people lead us. (Thatcher wanted toe books in the hands of the auditing committee rather than one man.) He would rejoice when the day came that there were not so many secrets among us. Joseph F. Smith did not want to know where the books were . . .

Adjourned . . . I did not like the sprit manifested today by Bro[ther] Cannon. he was angry that the brethren had talked as they had regarding the books or I misjudge him. (F. M. Lyman had wanted books in hands of committee, E Snow and Richards not.)

[September 12, 1887] I met Pres[iden]t Woodruff Joseph F. Smith George Q. Cannon & George Reynolds. Bro[ther] Smith had a long talk with me regarding my feelings respecting George Q. Cannon and advised me to go to Bro[ther] Cannon and have a free and frank talk with him. After my talk with Bro[ther] Smith we-- Geo[rge] Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith & myself--met as the Committee (on Zion Savings Bank) . . . When we came together brother Cannon brought up the matter of my lacking confidence in him, but I did not enter into details. He said he had always wanted the Zions Savings Bank capital paid up in cash and that he had done all his power to get it done. I was glad to hear this as I had felt that he had defended it as it now stands. He said that it could not be defended in its present condition. I am always glad to learn that I have been in error when misjudging my brethren.

[September 13, 1887] Called in at the President's office this morning where I met Wilford Woodruff, George Cannon, Joseph F. Smith & some of the clerks . . . This eying again called in the President's Office where I met the three brethren named above also Erastus Snow. The matter of my lack of confidence in George Q. Cannon was brought up and talked over quite freely and Bro[ther] Cannon stated that if my opinion of him was correct that he was unworthy to be a member of our quorum. The matter was dropped to come up when Bro[ther]s Lyman, Thatcher & John H[enr]y Smith were present. Bro[ther] Cannon said that unless his brethren had confidence in him he could not act on Committees for our quorum, He felt very much hurt indeed at the remarks that head been made regarding the church books being placed in the hands of the Auditing committee at one of our recent meetings. Felt that these remarks reflected on his honor . . .

[September 21, 1887] The book matter came up again. Pres[iden]t Woodruff, Jos[eph] F. Smith and Franklin D. Richards said they voted against their own judgment at one of our recent meetings when it was decided to place the church books in the hands of the Auditing Committee, I felt that there was no need of Bro[ther] Cannon's bringing the books back and placing them in the hands of the Chief Clerk and so expressed myself. I did not think our vote required him to place the books where they would be in danger, Bro[ther] Cannon got quite warm at what I said and remarked " You will be damned if you do and you will be damned if you don't" Said he had heard all he wished to of this matter and thought the same spirit was manifested here tonight was shown the day the vote was taken that books should be placed in possession of the Auditing Committee. Bro[ther] Cannon said he did not care to answer in the same spirit. When the matter came up after the Att[orne]ys had gone (they had advised against bringing books out) Pres[iden]t Woodruff said he wanted a vote on this matter before we separated but after Bro[ther] Cannon's remarks and his expressing himself against voting thinking it would be an unwise thing to do the matter was allowed to pass without a vote. All of the brethren that expressed themselves approved Bro[ther] Cannon's action in restoring the books to the Chief Clerk and thought under the circumstance and considering the remarks that were made at the time our vote was taken that he could not in justice to himself have done any less. I am sorry to stand alone in feeling that Bro[ther] Cannon should have retained the books until he had arranged with the Committee and they called for them, I always like to be one with my brethren. I sometimes wonder if my lack of confidence in Brother Cannon does not blind my judgment and cause me to disapprove of his acts in my feelings when they are really worthy of my approval. I hope and pray earnestly that this is not the case. Several of the brethren expressed themselves in favor of the books being again placed in the hands of brother George Q. Cannon to be again lost by him (Abraham worked hard to make a place for them, carry them back and forth?) I made up my mind firmly to vote against this if it came to a vote, but it did not. Bro[ther] Cannon said that he had returned the books as a matter of self protection and stated that he had had enough experience during the past few weeks to convince him that he must protect himself. Remarks like this suggests the idea that Brother Cannon's brethren are trying to take an unfair advantage of him. God being my witness I do not wish to take the advantage in an unfair manner of any living man, much less of one of my own quorum. I shall rejoice beyond expression when the day comes that everything will be free and open in our quorum and the most perfect confidence shall exist between each and all of us.

[September 18, 1887] [Refers to a statement of GQC] This issue should surely come, perhaps the sooner the better. We can never claim the blessings of heaven, the approval of God or the companionship of the Holy Ghost while things remain in our Quorum as they are; for while the head is feverish the whole body must be sick. We cannot expect union in the body when the head is divided; nor confidence among the people where it does not exist among their leaders. “A house divided against itself cannot stand. . . . Moses Thatcher

HJG [agrees completely] [work cannot prosper] so long as there is not the utmost confidence existing in our quorum. I pray to God this day with all my heart and soul for His spirit to teach me His mind and will in the matters that are sure to come up regarding my lack of confidence in Bro[ther] George Q. Cannon, and above all I pray for His aid to help me to make full and complete amends if I have been in error and to help me be more charitable in the future.

[September 28, 1887] I went to Ogden this morning in company with Francis Armstrong, Ja[me]s Sharp, W[illia]m W. Riter, and John T. Caine of Finance Committee on Statehood. We spent day trying to raise funds but did not meet with much success.

[September 29, 1887] Attended meeting of our quorum at the President's Office at 10 am Pres[iden]t Woodruff was sick an could not attend, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith Moses Thatcher, B. Young F. M. Lyman John H[enr]y Smith and myself of the quorum were present also clerk L. John Nuttall. A document without date or signature but supposed to have come from the Administration at Washington was read. This document stated that in view of the fact that the people of Utah had adopted a Constitution for the proposed State of Utah in which polygamy was prohibited, that unless those of our people that came before the Courts of Utah on the charge of Polygamy and Unlawful cohabitation shall promise to obey the law against these offenses: that it will be impossible to bring the Congress of the United States to believe that we have been honest in adopting a Constitution prohibiting polygamy, & that we as a people when coming before the courts must not refuse to obey the laws and thus have to go to the penitentiary. A document prepared by our Attorney Bro[ther] LeGrand Young covering the ground of the suggestions contained in the paper from Washington was read. Bro[ther] Young’s paper was to be used by our people coming before the courts and the parties were to promise that they would not live with any of their wives until there was a change in the laws allowing them to do so. There was a good amount of talk indulged in by the brethren but it was the almost unanimous opinion that no latter-day saint could make any such a promise and still be true to the covenants he had made with God and his brethren when in the House of God and having wives sealed to him. The feeling was that if such a promise was necessary as a condition to our securing Statehood that we at once give the Administration at Washington to understand that we could not accept of it, and that if it was necessary for us to make any such a promise that the sooner we stopped our efforts for statehood the better. A number of letters were read to the Council on unimportant matters.

. . . After our meeting I had a little visit with F. M. Lyman & Moses Thatcher told them of Cannon investigation that was coming.

[October 5, 1887] This morning attended a meeting of our quorum at the residence of Francis Armstrong. Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, George Q. Cannon, Brigham Young, Joseph Smith, Moses Thatcher, F. M. Lyman, John H[enr]y Smith, J[oh]n W. Taylor and myself of the quorum were present E. George Reynolds. Pres[iden]t Woodruff said he had prepared an Epistle which he requested Bro[ther] Reynolds to read. The item referring to the action of the Constitutional Convention was referred to a special Committee to report amendments or a substitute for what had been written. The reading of the Epistle & the discussion on it occupied the entire morning. After lunch, Pres[iden]t Woodruff referred a lack of confidence existing among us and stated that he wanted us to be one and felt that of a men under heaven we should be united. If he had hurt the feelings of his brethren or any one of he was sorry. Said that unless we were united we could not expect and we would not have the blessings of God to attend us in our labors. Bro[ther] George Q. Cannon expressed his pleasure that an opportunity was afforded to have an explanation of some misunderstandings that he felt existed. From remarks he had heard of brother Grant and others making he felt sure there was a lack of confidence in him that he felt should not be and that he desired to know the cause of such feelings. The love and confidence of the brethren was really all there was worth living for, said that if he had done wrong and had offended God as any of his brethren he should know it and where there was a lack of confidence he was entitled to know the reason. Said he was willing to ask the forgiveness of any of his brethren and if need be to go down on his knees, although he had no desire to humiliate himself before his brethren. He did not know that he had done wrong. He had supposed that he had the confidence of his brethren. He referred to our meeting at Bro[ther] John R. Winders' farm held about a year ago when we voted that the Church should pay his bond of $25,000 He was melted to tears with a feeling of gratitude for the kind expressions on that occasion. He said he was never so tried when he was told by Pres[iden]t Taylor to forfeit his bond. Said that since Pres[iden]t Taylor's death he had suffered more than ever before in his life (while he made this remark I noticed that it was with difficulty that brother Cannon restrained his tears.) If he had any feelings against any of his brethren he would go to them and that the Lord knew that he was willing to make amends and meet thing wherein he had offended. Moses Thatcher said he had waited for some of the older brethren speak He felt thankful for this opportunity. He confessed to having feelings that were not pleasant and that he should like very much to get rid of. When Pres[iden]t Woodruff announced his views regarding the order of the priesthood he had desired an expression from Pres[iden]t Cannon on the subject because he did not know whether he was in harmony with these views or not. He referred to the remarks of George Q. regarding the Apostles at the time Logan temple was dedicated and had been greatly surprised to hear from Pres[iden]t Cannon that he made no such remarks, when Pres[iden]t Taylor had said he had. He referred to a letter on the Mutual Improvement Asstus(?) that had offended him. Felt an attempt had been mad to sacrifice him when he was telegraphed to Nephi, to return on the train at the time he and B[isho]p Preston were starting south. Had felt shocked to hear Pres[iden]t Cannon announce that he had virtually been the President of the Church for four months prior to the death of Pres[iden]t Taylor. . . . He related a number of things that had caused him to distrust Bro[ther] Cannon, such as an attempt to keep knowledge from our quorum of the financial affairs of the Church, the loose conducting of Church business- the article in the Juvenile correcting his teachings without mentioning names and the subsequent denial that he (Moses) was referred to. Said he had had extreme difficulty fasting and prayer to follow the lead of brother Geo[rge] Q. Cannon. He said he wanted his interest in the Bullion Beck & Champion Mine turned over to our quorum as the successor of John Taylor. He referred to the returning of the Church books by Bro[ther] Cannon & thought he should not have returned them without consulting our quorum, F. M. Lyman and myself expressed ourselves as thinking they we returned out of spite. W. Woodruff, Joseph F. Smith and some of the other brethren said in their opinion brother Cannon did just what they should have done if in his place. There was a great amount of talk on the book question. Lorenzo Snow said there would be the most perfect confidence in this quorum. We should be one. There had been no differences named but what he could drop entirely. If he could not would fast and pray until he could. Felt there was never a more important time that he present. Objected to bringing up things that had transpired in the affairs of Pres[iden]t Taylor now that he was dead. He felt Jos[eph] F. and Geo[rge] Q. had done the very best they knew how. Now is not time for us to disagree. We should let these little matters go. Erastus Snow said he would feel much better satisfied if said a few words He heartily endorsed the feeling manifested by brother L. Snow and he hoped brethren could become united like two drops of water. Felt these matters should be settled if possible outside of our quorum Union is necessary to please the Lord and gives us power against our foes Referred to our efforts for statehood and that a lack of Union on our part might defeat our efforts. Felt it was most important we should be one. He felt there was a necessity for vending on the part of some of the brethren. Brigham Young felt that no man in Israel could have done any better than brother Cannon and he had heard nothing but what he could wipe out from his feelings without any difficulty. Felt the necessity of our becoming one, and was confident we could not triumph over our enemies and God will not approve of our acts until we become united. Prayed God to help us to do so. F. M. Lyman did not think we were together as often as it would do us good to be. Had never had any hard feelings against brother Cannon, but his confidence had been shaken in him. He did not feel to set up his judgement against his brethren bu he would tell what had effected his confidence. Pres[iden]t Cannon's course in dealing with John Q. Cannon case. His connection with the Iron Manufacturing Co. His attempt to get the Legislature to pass the appropriation Bill over the Governor's veto and then to rush the money all out of the Treasury. Felt but for his advice regarding getting the money out of the Treasury the brethren would have passed the bill. Felt in case the advice of Bro[ther] Cannon was not accepted the brethren would expect to suffer more or less from the manner they would be treated by him, and stated as an example the fact that Pres[iden]t Cannon did not wish any man to be returned to the Legislature that did not act on his advice regarding the appropriation Bill He had not felt perfectly free to express his feelings for fear he might be made to suffer. I followed brother Lyman and freely and frankly expressed my feelings and explained wherein I had lacked confidence in Bro[ther] Cannon. His endorsement of Zions Savings B[an]k and then saying it would not be defended. His action in getting Pres[iden]t Young to change his will after he had deeded one half of all of his property to the Church, His transactions in the Iran Man[u]f[acturin]g Co. getting his stock at a discount and asking the people to pay Par. His telling R. W. Young that I wished to be Probate Judge after he had heard me say I did not want the office. His writing D. H. Wells and Jos[eph] F. Smith and endeavoring to impress upon them the idea that John Q. had fallen in an unguarded moment and that the other charges against him were lies as he had had his brother Angus M. Investigate them. When really he had refused to hear Angus' report. His bringing back the Church books and placing them in danger when there was no need of his doing so. His lack of confidence in the members of our quorum as shown by his actions although constantly expressing perfect confidence. He could not trust Erastus Snow to make purchase in Mexico. His giving me to understand he thought it would be an appropriate thing for me to be elected Mayor of Salt Lake & then giving Richard W. Young to understand to the contrary & that I was aspiring for that an other positions. His snub of not calling on me to speak at the Logan Temple dedication. His snub when I hunted up S. W. Sears record and reported it to our quorum. His lecture when I expressed the opinion the Church was asking too much of the City for their property in City Creek Canyon. His remarks about perfect freedom of the delegates to the convention when George M. Cannon was chosen Co. Recorder, when he knew they had been given to understand that the presidency desired Geo[rge] M. to have the office. His instructing Ja[me]s Jack to stop paying the expenses of our quorum in traveling among the stakes, at the time his own & the Presidents expenses were being paid. His afterwords saying it was the Pres[iden]ts orders and then afterwards claimed to have been virtually the Pres[iden]t of the Church for 4 mo. or during the very time the order to stop paying traveling expenses was given. Bro[ther] Wells was not satisfied with the explanations of Geo[rge] Q. on the John Q. case and yet our quorum forgave Geo[rge] Q. The foregoing were among the reasons given by me why I lacked confidence in Bro[ther] Geo[rge] Q. Cannon and while they were not of very great importance they had all tended to destroy my confidence in him & his sincerity. After I had finished talking Erastus Snow said he had no feelings against any of brethren and desired every feeling of an unpleasant character done away with. He desired a free and frank expression on all subjects. He did not feel that he was perfect neither did he feel that his brethren were perfect. John Henry Smith fellowshipped each and all of his brethren but he could not say that he had perfect confidence in all of them. He had the most perfect confidence in each and any one of them. Some things had occurred that were not pleasant He had felt that Pres[iden]t Taylor held him off at arms length. When Pres[iden]t Cannon made a proposition that was straight he always looked to the right and left for the outcome. He had felt that Bro[ther] Moses had been sacrificed when he was sent to Ogden. He had felt that Geo[rge] Q. was not anxious to have the Apostles among the people but would rather have them out of the way. He had not appreciated being sent as an errand boy and seeing other parties that were simply clerks used to fill important missions. He did not appreciate being sent with brother Grant to "blackball" members of the legislature that had not followed the counsel regarding the passing of the appropriation bill over the Governor’s veto. He did not agree with the policy of George Q. Cannon but had perfect confidence in his integrity. In fact he did not question but what any man present would give his life for the work if necessary. He felt after balancing material up and down that we had better cry quits. F. M. Lyman referred to Bro[ther] Cannon's asking him & B. Young to get out into the world and preach the gospel instead of stopping around and taking chances Now that Bro[ther] Cannon was a member of our quorum he wished to know if he felt like picking up and getting out into the world to preach until he was called. Bro[ther] Cannon had treated him very kindly and he had no hard feelings against him or any of his brethren. Bro[ther] Cannon had been his ideal of a man until late years but he regretted that his confidence had been shaken. John W. Taylor said it so happens that there are thirteen apostles and I feel like the 13th one. I don't take any stock in all this talk about brother Cannon and he had felt very great sympathy for Pres[iden]t Cannon and it grieved him to have such small things brought up by the brethren against each other We are mortals and he did not suppose we needed charity taught us as we are apostles. He felt that George Q. Cannon was pure and honest in his heart. He felt we should confess our faults and not accuse our brethren. He felt all of our difficulties should be arranged before we entered Conference If the head is not right, how can the people feel right. Wilford Woodruff said that before calling upon Bro[ther] Cannon to answer the many charges made against him he desired to give a few of his views. He had traveled much with the Prophet Joseph Smith and he was a mighty man of God, but he had many enemies. Joseph Smith stood responsible before high heaven for all of his acts. He had traveled with Brigham Young in poverty and in wealth. Bro[ther] Young also stood responsible before heaven. Pres[iden]t Taylor and I differed in our views but he was responsible to God & not to me, and this the key upon which I wish to treat all these matters. No man could alter the opinions of Pres[iden]t Taylor. If we get through and go where our brethren are we will be satisfied He felt we should treat brother Cannon with consideration He has his failings, if he did not he would not be with us He certainly should be united and should feel to yield our spirits, if we did not feel to forgive and become united the Spirit of the Lord would not be with us. George Q. Cannon regretted that Bro[ther] Nuttall was not present or the office journal as his statements in the past had not been credited. He therefore regretted not having others present to prove what he said. Whether the brethren belie it or not I did not wish to be one of the First Presidency and would have been glad not to have been chosen. I begged of you not to place me on the confidential committee of three on Statehood and I did not desire to act on the committee Regarding the Ja[me]s Jack matter of Gas stock It had been arranged to satisfy Pres[iden]t Taylor He had already told the brethren that he could not hold the stock of Moses in the Bullion Beck Co after the remarks that had been made. Although some of the brethren thought I desired to have brother Joseph F. Smith on the Sandwich Islands this was not the case & I should have been pleased to have had him with me as it would have been a great relief He disclaimed any ill feeling in sending Moses to Ogden to make the speech at Ogden which really deprived him of the liberty he had enjoyed prior to that time He repudiated any knowledge of the telegram calling Moses from Nephi, claimed that he did not influence Pres[iden]t Young to change his will He did advise him to leave a portion of his property to schools. Erastus Snow asked if he Cannon remembered that he did not favor calling into question the transaction of Brigham Young and that he (Snow) had remarked that from brother Cannons's position we virtually when electing a Trustee in Trust made him a present of all of the people's tithing. Brother Cannon did not feel that his position justified such a conclusion as Bro[ther] Snow arrived at. Bro[ther] Cannon continued his remarks and explained that order to protect himself he had returned the Church books and disclaimed acting as he did because he was piqued. Claimed that he could not influence the ideas or opinions of Pres[iden]t John Taylor and inasmuch as the general policy adopted by Pres[iden]t Taylor had been carried out during his administration he did not think he (Cannon) should be held responsible by his brethren for mistakes in the Pres[iden]t's administration. He felt his advice to his son John Q. was as good as he could have given and he was sorry the brethren could not approve of what he had done. The Lord knows I have had to suffer enough in my feelings over the fall of my son without having to add to it the ill will of my brethren. I admit that I did wrong in sending word to my son Abraham to do the marrying and was on hand to make whatever amends the brethren desired, Regarding the advice to members of the Legislature about passing the appropriation Bill He (Cannon) had only carried out the wishes of Pres[iden]t Taylor claimed that he was opposed to Frank J. Cannon being made County Recorder of Weber Co. and also to Geo[rge] M. Cannon having the place here. He felt my charge regarding his remarks to Richard W. Young was one of the most serious that could be made. He denied any ill feeling against me or any intentions of injuring my by his remarks to Richard and wished he could recall the conversation. He read the revelation given Pres[iden]t Taylor on the Iron Manufacturing Co etc. I say to brother Thatcher (and then around all present separately) if I have hurt any of your feelings I humbly ask your pardon, Your lack confidence in me and I would like to change and labor in that place or position where you would have confidence in me. Erastus Snow proposed that we now forgive one another and that all that had passed be forgotten. Moses & I expressed ourselves as not being perfectly satisfied and preferred not to vote until we were. We could overlook all personal matters, I find in reading over my notes that I have omitted copying what Franklin D. Richards said. He felt we had undertaken to trim a tree the wrong way. He asked that when any one of the brethren had anything against him that we come to him and explain our feelings. He felt Bro[ther] Thatcher & Grant were lacking in mercy and altogether too exacting and remarked "let him that thinketh he stands take heed least he--fall Prize(?) the good feelings of the brethren above every thing and loved the brethren as he loved his life. Bro[ther] Cannon during his remarks aimed to answer all of the points mentioned by me many of them I am delighted to say were answered to my entire satisfaction but on the other hand regret to record that I was not perfectly satisfied with all of his explanations I regret more than words of mine can express that I have not the most perfect confidence in Brother Cannon and I am sorry indeed to feel that my brethren look upon me as lacking in mercy and too exacting also t my charges against Bro[ther] Cannon are unworthy of notice and too small to be mentioned. I hope and pray for wisdom from God that I may not fall because of a lack of mercy or on account of becoming self righteous and seeking occasion against my brethren. With the help of the Lord I am going to try and become more merciful but I hope also for moral courage to say I am not satisfied unless I am. After our meeting adjourned which was not until after 12 oclock midnight I dropped a line to my wife Augusta telling her she has misjudged my letter of the 24th . . . Our meeting adjourned until tomorrow night to meet at the President's Office. I am truly and sincerely sorry that our long meeting did not result in our coming to a perfect understanding and complete restoration of confidence.

[October 6, 1887] [After session of general conference in morning] At 7:30 attended meeting of our quorum same brethren present as were at our meeting last evening. Franklin S. Richards reported his trip east and his visit with Ja[me]s O. Broadhead and other attorneys. It was decided to employ Broadhead and adopt his line of policy in dealing with the Government suits against the Church (they in past have not liked ex-Sen. McDonald's) The committee to report a change of item(?) regarding State Convention submitted a report but we were not united in adopting it and it was decided to let the report go over until tomorrow night. Erastus Snow thought we treated some subjects too lightly Several of the brethren expressed themselves as agreeing with brother Snow Bro[ther] Richards thought we should all concentrate our feelings to the mind and will of the Lord would come to us through our President. Pres[iden]t Woodruff said I am only one man but I cannot have the mind and will of God so long as we are not united. I know as God lives that we will have power if we are united and that we will not have power until we become united. As a quorum it is our duty to forgive on and nother(?) He wanted the brethren to come together. He felt there was necessity for more prayer by all of us. We had stopped our talk last night before we had arrived at a place where we could pass a vote of confidence. F. M. Lyman said he had expressed his honest sentiments. and he felt after our talk of last night if Bro[ther] Cannon was willing to forgive him then he was willing to forgive brother Cannon and if in the future he should differ with brother Cannon then he would go to him and make known his differences and try and settle them before bringing them before this quorum. He was perfectly satisfied and desired brother Cannon to feel allright towards him. he felt we should pray more and was sure the Lord was pleased when we relied on Him. He felt to be one with his brethren and to be free and frank with them on all subjects. He asked in the name of the Lord that we might become perfectly united. Bro[ther] Geo[rge] Q. Cannon said he accepted the remarks of Bro[ther] Lyman in the spirit in which they had been made, He felt that many of us made errors and if the brethren could remember any good things that he had done they had failed to mention them. I was beginning to feel that I was a pretty bad fellow, I have no desire to hunt for the bad traits of character in my brethren. He felt that his brethren were the best men on earth. They said some hard things about me last night, some of which were not true. I only desire my brethren to have the Holy Ghost and then I am willing to do anything they may require. Moses Thatcher said that when brother Cannon said last evening that he was going to transfer Pool stock in the Bullion Beck & Champion Co to the parties subscribing that that satisfied him on that point. He had felt that brother Cannon did not desire the brethren to have a knowledge of Church affairs and that he had opposed reforms but in the future, in as much as he had denied this he (Thatcher) was willing to forgive brother Cannon and desired his forgiveness and would feel allright in the future unless something should be done to cause him to again have feelings of distrust. George Q. Cannon said he did not profess to be perfect but he had tried to straight forward and honest in all of his business transactions. Considerable questioning back and forth followed ah this point between George Q. and Moses but their remarks were not calculated bring them any nearer together. Erastus Snow felt both George Q. and Moses were both altogether too sensitive in accusing each other and becoming offended at a word when no offense was intended. He however desired the brethren to speak freely and frankly of all of their difficulties and then sincerely hoped they might be settled. Moses Thatcher said he was willing to drop the matter and to forgive and be forgiven. I said that I was perfectly willing to forgive brother Cannon if he would forgive me but in making this statement I did not wish the brethren to feel that I endorsed the methods of brother Cannon or that I had that perfect confidence that I wished I had, I did not doubt his integrity to the work of God. I had felt that brother Cannon would get angry at honest criticism (not wrong) . . . Our meeting ended with a much better feeling than that of last night. I feel much better than I did last night and while I have not perfect confidence in the methods of George Q. much if not all of the hardness in my heart against his methods has gone and I feel much happier now that I feel to fellowship him. I shall try in the future to remember the good qualities of my brethren and to forgive and forget their failings so long as I am convinced that their hearts are honest and what I look upon as failings or only a difference of opinion. If future acts of George Q. shall be of a character to inspire me with perfect confidence I shall be truly delighted and shall indeed feel that I have misjudged him and shall sincerely regret the same. I can never look back upon the experience of last night and tonight with any degree of satisfaction. I am glad to have the feeling of fellowshipping Bro[ther] Cannon in my heart, but I do regret that there was even any ill feelings or distrust in my heart and while I feel to forgive I am sorry indeed that I am not perfectly satisfied instead of feeling that I am willing to forgive. I would have been delighted could perfect confidence been inspired. I feel condemned however for much of my feelings against brother Cannon and am sure that I am not charitable enough and I shall pray earnestly to God to aid me in being charitable and forgiving. God knows I have no desire to find occasion against my brethren all I want is to have what I think is wrong made right and if I am wrong I hope for wisdom to make amends. I desire to have the Kingdom of God first in my desires and affections and ask God's help to do this.

[October 7, 1887] At our quorum meeting it was decided to say nothing in the Epistle regarding the Constitutional Convention.

[October 10, 1887] [Referring to the memos] I find that in making up my record for the 5th that I missed recording the following remarks of the brethren viz Moses Thatcher said that in as much as some of his aged brethren had felt that he was too sensitive, he was willing to accept correction from any of them He said he would willingly consecrate all he possessed if he could be relieved from the great responsibilities he was under on account of his calling as an apostle, but he continued I do say however, that I distrust the methods of Geo[rge] Q. Cannon and I also know that the people have the same distrust. I have proven my trust in the work of God both with my means and my acts. I had the confidence of Brigham Young during his life and also the confidence of John Taylor until late years. It was with difficulty Moses restrained his tears when talking as he felt keenly the lack of confidence existing at the present time. Erastus Snow I speak frankly and I can say that there is a distrust in the hearts of the people caused by certain treasures that they think Geo[rge] Q. is responsible for. He was sure many of the leading men felt this way. Franklin D. Richards felt deep regret that we were not united even as a drop of water. Sorry apostles should have any feelings towards each other When Bro[ther]s Cannon & Smith were restored to our quorum, one thing after another was brought up against brother Cannon, and it did seem to him the brethren were trying to pile things upon him. When the John Q. matter was brought up instead of trying to aid him to stand up under his great affliction we seemed to try and see how much we could heap upon him. It looked like the brethren felt to say "Now we have a chance let us pile it on." He had voted against his own conviction to have the Church books delivered to the auditing committee so as to be one with his brethren. He felt sorry that the brethren distrusted Geo[rge] Q. he had the most perfect confidence in him and in all of his brethren. Wished we could get in a place where we could dress in the robes of the priesthood and pray as a quorum to almighty God for his blessings. He asked which of us would have done better had we been placed in Bro[ther] Cannon's place Joseph F. Smith said as brother Cannon has asked the brethren to express their feelings against him, he was happy to say he had no bitterness or ill feelings in the matter and his only interest was to have the brethren become united. Personally he had good feelings towards Geo[rge] Q. Cannon and confidence in him and his integrity of heart. Felt many things were attributed to Geo[rge] Q. that should be attributed to Pres[iden]t Taylor. I have not lost confidence in brother Cannon nor any of any of my brethren. I feel that there men here are prayerful, honest men. I feel that the brethren should be perfectly frank and honest in telling their feelings. Am of the opinion this matter will never be settled unless every man shall tell all there is in his heart. Wilford Woodruff felt that brother Cannon had made all the explanations any honorable man could be asked to make and he was satisfied and felt the brethren should be Joseph F. Smith felt that in much as brothers Thatcher and Grant had said they were not perfectly satisfied he did not feel that the matter would be settled if they were to say they were satisfied Wanted these things settled finally and forever when they are settled He felt that there must be some mellowing down of the brethren's feelings before a settlement could be arrived at that would really be a settlement. W. Woodruff then adjourned our meeting. (The above remarks belong to my record for Oct 5/87.)

[October 11, 1887] At 10:30 attended a meeting of our quorum. Each of the brethren present subscribed $600 for State movement, I was greatly disappointed that some of them did not give more.

[October 23, 1887] [Quorum business] then John W. Young gave an account of his labors on the state movement in New York and Washington. At our meeting of our quorum this morning I made a verbal report (recommending church houses Gardo, Cannon etc nothing be done about them now) (then he goes back to the above subject) I am free to admit that my confidence in John W. Young is not as strong as I wish it was and it seemed to me that in making a report of his labors to us at our meeting today that did all he could to impress us with the importance of what he had done & was very careful not to give any credit to Bro[ther] John T. Caine. I maybe in error. He expressed himself as being in a position where he could return to Salt Lake and attend to his own affairs and turn over his work in the east to anyone we might as a quorum name. (I felt it would bot be a bad thing to have him do so) He asked an expression from the brethren regarding his future labors and spoke of what money had been sent to him and that it would require a large amount more. A number of the brethren expressed themselves as not having the most perfect confidence in the wisdom of John W. Young in expending money. John W. Taylor expressed it as his opinion that it would be much better if all of our business in relation to a State was transacted through the Council of Fifty. Pres[iden]t Woodruff said it would be all right for the Council of Fifty to meet and attend to this matter but under existing circumstances it would not be safe to have them do so. Geo[rge] Q. Cannon stated that parties that had subscribed for the state movement, in some cased had said they would not do so if John W. Young were to expend the money. Brigham Young moved that John W. Young be discharged from any further labors in the East in our attempts for Statehood. John W. Young said personally he could second the motion of B. Young but he spoke in such a manner that I felt he was displeased at the remarks made and really had no desire to discontinue his labors, D. H. Wells complimented John W. on the success of his labors and desired to have him continue but reminded him that the people did not have confidence his financial methods. He said they don't think I am a successful financial man and thought John should not get angry, and not feel like working nor feel that he was the only man the Lord could work through because there was not perfect confidence in him, Erastus Snow asked John W. if he really had faith in the success of our efforts for Statehood and John answered that he had unbounded confidence that the movement was bound to bring good results to us as a people even if we failed to get into the Union. He felt our action would test the honor of the nation and if they did refuse us Statehood a great responsibility would rest upon them. I then expressed my feelings to the effect that if some one could be sent east to labor with John W. that the public had perfect confidence in as to the expenditure of money, that it would be a good thing. John W. then expressed himself as entertaining the same opinion regarding me as I did towards him . . . I demanded an explanation then and then and said I would not vote for any means to pass through John W.'s hands until he had substantiate his insinuations that I was not strictly honest. I defied him to place his hands on one single financial transaction in my life where I had not been honest. Lorenzo Snow felt the result of our labors was in the hands of the Almighty and that it would be glourious whether we became a state not.. John W. Young felt that Geo[rge] Q. Cannon should go east as he was a tower of strength in Washington and that he was the one man that could do more for us than any one else in the Church. He denied having any intention of carrying the idea that I was not honest in my financial dealings. His opinion of me then is not the same as mine of him as I do not think he is strictly honest in his financial dealings.

[October 26, 1887] [Council meeting] The matter of John T. Caine going to Washington with the State Constitution was discussed at length but no decision was reached, John W. Young did not want the Constitution presented to the President of the United States until he has been seen and we had learned in what manner he (the President) desires to come to him, whether public or private, I took no stock in John's ideas and thought John T. should start at once for Washington I think John W. wishes to present the Constitution himself, John W. Young spoke of the coming state elections in November and thought we should take an interest in helping the Democratic Party in New York and that we should aid them in paying the expenses of the same, thought a few thousand spent just after election would help us, Geo[rge] Q. Cannon did not favor our using money or mixing up in local politics He said our expenses were over 50,000 a month and it looked to him as though we were bound to get in debt. W Woodruff did not favor our spending any money on the N York elections. George Q. Cannon felt that his Position as one of the Committee on state move was the most responsible one of his life and he feared a failure because we were divided among ourselves. And if such was the case and because of it we failed a terrible responsibility would rest upon us. He felt that John W. should go back east again and labor for statehood but that in case he did go that his duties should be fully defined also that before anything was done that the duties of the committee would be clearly understood, He desired everything defined so there would be no misunderstanding. No one man could take the Kingdom and run away with it and he felt that John W. should not think that he has it all to do in this matter. If he goes east he goes not to dictate but to labor under the direction of this quorum. The duties of this state committee are the most important of my life and God knows I didn’t desire to occupy my present position If we obtain Statehood God will have the credit, Wilford Woodruff Neither John W. Young nor any living man will have the credit. Don't favor throwing money to the right nor the left of course money would have to be sued. Said when John W. goes east and finds a power at work that he knows nothing about he must not be surprised. Feel to give John W. the right hand of fellowship to go east and continue his labors. Had confidence in the quorum of the Apostles and did not wish to keep anything from them. Related the success in keeping Grand Army meeting at St Louis from passing resolution against us. Geo[rge] Q. Cannon referred to John W.’s telegraphing some months back for $10,000 and that when he was asked by wire what for he answered back for as to send some one East in who we had confidence. He felt whoever was acting should not draw money without consultation and first telling what it was wanted for. Daniel H. Wells I feel to say to John W. God bless you and go ahead with your labors. We have appointed a committee and are responsible for their acts. John W. Young when I meet with my brethren and listen to their remarks I feel like a little whipped dog. Nothing discourages me in the world, I can meet their opposition and go on laboring. I think the best way is for you to release me from this labor. The responsibility is very grave. Have not the heart to go on with it. John W. Taylor made a motion that all money spent in this move be under the direction of the committee after some talk the motion was put and carried, Lorenzo Snow could not see why there should be any objection in the mind of brother John W. To going back east and laboring Could not see from remarks made yesterday and today why he could have any objection to returning. None in this quorum feels to find any fault with you and you have heard expressions of confidence. It was with difficulty that I kept from saying that I had confidence whatever in John W. Young and that I felt we would have better chances for success if he did not go east but I am getting tired of being looked upon as a fault finder and one lacking in charity and always looking for the bad and not the good qualities of my brethren. I have no confidence in John W. Young and feel in my heart that a great responsibility rests upon our quorum for sustaining him as he is continually bringing discredit upon us and our cause by not being strictly honest in his financial dealings with men of the world that he has made his and our people's friends by his pleasing address and winning ways. When we stop sustaining men that are not above question in all their dealings then God will bless us more abundantly than wow if I am not mistaken. John W. Young said he had tried to do just as this quorum wished. He felt the fullest understanding should be arrived at. Referred to strangers coming in our city and being stuffed with stories about us and that no one thing was being done by us to prevent it, thought a committee should be called to sustain them, George Q. Cannon said for years he had deplored the condition of the hack drivers in our city. He felt we had allowed the enemies of the people to come in and cut dirt from under feet, but hardly felt that we could do anything in the short time now before us until after a decision was obtained regarding statehood, I then referred to business of Grant Bros. Co. and to the facts that had been found with me for running a business that required men to work on Sunday and for keeping open the business on that day. Said the business was not paying and would no doubt . . . A motion was put and carried that the brethren approve of my continuing the business, provided of course that it could be made to pay. George Q. Cannon expressed his sorrow that we did not have house of entertainment and he felt that a company should be formed to build such a house.

[November l, 1887] In October 1882 I was called to be an apostle by a revelation given through Pres[iden]t John Taylor Geo[rge] Teasdale was called at the same time as an Apostle and S. B. Young one of the First Pres[idents] of Seventies.

[November 5, 1887] [Strong letter to June Wells] Indulgence is mistaken kindness, whether extended to one's self or another, as a general thing.

[November 6, 1887] [Tooele conference, besides regular duties, collecting money for statehood, $1,000 from John C. Sharp and 1,000 from Bennion boys of Vernon] ($2,500 from Andersons of Grantsville) ($2,000 Rydalch of G) (several others of 500 to 1000. Wrathall $2,500) (1,000 another Bennion, $500 Pehrson).]

[November 9, 1887] [Wrote Woodruff] In behalf of our Committee, I have met with Very good success in this County-- better the in any other; have secured $15,000.

[November 14, 1887] Met John T. Caine, he had just retd. from Washington where he had gone to present to the President the Utah State Constitution. President Cleveland informed brother Caine that our people had done all that anyone could reasonably ask in adopting the State Constitution punishing polygamy I am glad the President feels as he does as it gives me additional faith that we shalt be successful in our efforts for Statehood. Bro[ther] Caine was delighted with the success I had in Tooele County, in securing subscriptions for our State Committee.

[December 10, 1887] [Kaysville] Yesterday and today have succeeded in getting a number of the brethren to subscribe to the Statehood fund. Returned home on the evening train.

[December 29, 1887] Meeting at 11:30 at President's Office. W. Woodruff, Geo[rge] Q. Cannon, Josh[e]p[h] F. Smith, H. G. Grant, John W. Taylor, John R. Winder, John Sharp, S. R. Teasdel, F. Armstrong, John Clark, H. B. Clawson, W. W. Riter, Junius F. Wells and Francis Cope were present. The advisability of as inviting a number of members from the minority party to the City Council at our coming election was talked over. Most of those present were in favor of doing so. In fact all were but some did not favor it because they thought it just, but simply because they thought it was good policy under the circumstances to do so. I favored it because I thought it was just. I think we can afford to be liberal even to our bitter enemies. A motion was unanimously carried to give the minority party one Alderman and two councilors roved they would accept of these offices. W[illia]m W. Riter, John Clark & Sam[ue]l P. Teasdale appointed a Committee to talk with some of the leading men in the minority party and learn how the proposition would be received by their party. I am of the opinion that much of our trouble as a people could and would have been avoided had we been more liberal, as a people and also as individuals. We have not only failed to extend consideration to our enemies but in many cases a few men have taken it upon themselves to think for our own people and have acted like they do not trust their own friends but must think and act for all Especially has such been the case in the affairs of Salt Lake City and County. I wish we could be liberal before we are forced to be for considerations of policy. Failing to grant the most perfect liberty to all is in my opinion failing to live up to the gospel in its fulness. I feel it is our ignorance and prejudice and not the requirements of the gospel that causes us to fail in granting liberties even to our bitterest enemies. I am as much opposed to aiding and supporting our enemies as it is possible for a man to be, but I am willing to grant the representation in our City, County and Territorial government where they are good and substantial citizens. I am not willing to grant favors of any kind to the loud mouthed political adventurer that a temporary residence in our midst. John Picett.

[January 7, 1888] Meeting at 2 pm in President's Office Wilford Woodruff, Franklin D. Richards, George Q. Cannon, Jos[eph] F. Smith, John W. Taylor, myself and 12 or 15 members of the next Legislature present. Quite an amount of talk indulged in of needed legislation. The officers for the House and Council talked over W. W. Riter for Speaker and Elias A Smith for President seemed to be the choice.

[January 16, 1888] . . . Afternoon called at B[isho]p Preston's office Called at the Pres[iden]t's office Learned that there had been a quorum meeting this AM and that the City officers at the next election trade had been talked over. [Been with sick baby for several weeks.)

[January 23, 1888] This evening met a number of the Legislative brethren at Pres[iden]t Woodruff's office. Woodruff, Richards, Cannon, Smith, Lyman, Grant & Taylor of our quorum were present. It was decided to pass Marchall's Bill providing for elections in Cities by Wards and not as a whole, so that the liberals might have a representation in the City Council of Salt Lake at the coming election in Feb(ruar)y /88 Decided not to approve of the Governor's appointees for Territorial Auditor & Treasurer Romney, Winder, and I met Arther Stayner at B[isho]p Preston's office this afternoon & once more listened to his arguments in favor of manufacturing sugar.

[March 5, 1888] Quite unexpectedly to me I found that a number of the members of the Legislature had arranged to meet Pres[iden]t Woodruff and Bro[ther] Cannon this evening and I concluded in connection with Lyman and some others to remain and meet with them I can't help feeling hurt to have Pres[iden]t Woodruff meet with the Legislature and ignore act(?) of our quorum except George Q. Cannon.

[March 6, 1888] This evening (7 Apostles, not presidency except GQC) met with members of the Legislature in the Social Hall meeting lasted until about 12 oclock. Decided not to Bond the Territory for very much over 150,000 not to appropriate but 30,000 for building purposes to the asylum and to introduce a substitute bill in the Council for Allen's educational bill. [Still against accepting gentile treasurer, auditing]

[March 7, 1888] Called on Father Scanlan, Rev ___ Iliff, G. B. D. Miller, Geo[rge] M. Scott, Geo[rge] Y. Wallace, W. J. McCormick and others and asked their support for the proposed substitute for Allen's Educational Bill. Some favored it and others were strange in their opposition to the measure. All admitted the justice of the proposed measure but their opposition was based on the ground that it was unamerican. It makes me feel disgusted with men when they will admit the justice of a measure then oppose it because it does not happen to be popular with the great majority of the people in our country.

[April 7, 1888] Our Quorum . . . met in the Presidents office and partook of Bread and Wine together in remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ, Each and all of the brethren spoke. Asking for forgiveness and granting it to each other was the main thing in each of the brethrens remarks. [Thatcher and GQC present.]

[May 17, 1888] [At private Manti temple dedication] Geo. Q. Cannon . . . prayed . . . that our efforts for Statehood might be successful . . . Our government is taxing our property and I cannot say what the result will be but I have earnestly prayed to the Lord that our temples might be preserved and I have had a strong testimony that our enemies would not take our Temples. God has set his hand to establish this work and no hand can stay it. . . . GQC then spoke 22 minutes. He delivered a very powerful testimony and promised the brethren in the name of Jesus that the day would come when they would have their liberties. It was with great difficulty that he restrained his feelings when he started to talk. heart was so full that it was hard to keep back the tears.

Pres[iden]t Woodruff arose and referred to our people taking the oath of office and further purpose of voting, Said they had not done wrong in doing so It was no renunciation of our faith by taking the oath. Some people thought we were going to give up plural marriage and that our efforts for Statehood were all right and that we were not going to go back on any principle of the gospel He said "We are not going to stop the practice of plural marriage until the coming of the Son of Man."

[May 19, 1888] [Manti] This afternoon brother Lyman read a long and interesting letter to John Henry and me from Joseph F. Smith. The letter plainly stated he had a lack of confidence in the honesty of John W. Young.

[May 23, 1888] I regret more than words of min can tell the absence of a majority of the members of our quorum from the dedication and my gratitude will know no bounds when in the kind providences of our Heavenly Father our quorum can meet as they did before the raid under the Edmunds Tucker bill started. No pen can picture the sufferings and heart aches our people have undergone. I take no pleasure in thinking about them or writing anything on the subject.

[June 10, 1888] After dinner much to my delight I met Joseph F. Smith and Cha[rle]s W. Penrose who were just returning home from Washington where they had been laboring in the interests of Utah being admitted into the Union.

[July 3, 1888] Alexander Badlam Pres[iden]t of the Bankers and Merchants Mutual Life Ins. of California called on me and expressed the desire for me to accept their agency. I asked Mr. Badlam a number of questions and from his own admissions I could not have any confidence in him or his company. . . . By accident I have learned that Badlam is one of "our friends" as George Q. Cannon calls them that is doing so much to get us admitted as a state. I have less confidence than ever of success since learning this. It is one of the untold mysteries to me that George Q. Cannon will employ such men as Alexander Badlam to work in the interests of our people in the efforts for Statehood, and trust him with the secret workings of our efforts and not be willing to trust the members of our Quorum. W. Woodruff, George Q. Cannon and Jos[eph] F. Smith are a committee having in charge the expenditure of all moneys for Statehood and from my information Badlam is the head man in spending money to secure the influence of the leading newspapers of the country in our behalf. I would give almost anything if Badlam had inspired me with his honesty as my hopes for the freedom of the people would be greatly increased. I shall hail the day with unbounded delight when the members of our quorum shall be of such a character that their will be perfect confidence so that the combined wisdom of all may be had in each and every effort for the advancement of the people. Meeting Badlam has made me sad and disheartened on the state movement. I would to heaven we had some strong honest men marking for us instead of such a man I think he is.

[July 23, 1888] The brethren showed me a telegram from Washington from Franklin S. Richards stating that the Solicitor General had approved of the compromise settlement in the Government suit against the Church for the purposes of an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States, also stating that no attempt would be made by the Government to try and take our Temples and meeting Houses. I was delighted with this news . . .

[August 27, 1888] Attended a meeting of our quorum in the Gardo House A letter from John W. Young was read regarding the forming of Democratic Clubs etc Pres[iden]t Woodruff expressed himself as decidedly opposed to forming Democratic Clubs. John W. Made some remarks regarding or political matters and a committee of three was to be appd. to report.

[September 15, 1888] Bro[ther] George Q Cannon informed me a few days ago that it was his intention to surrender himself to the court and go to the penitentiary for "unlawful cohabitation" He said he had had assurances that he should not be sentenced for more than six months. I certainly think it is wisdom for him to purchase his liberty at this price. [Sentenced for 175 days; fined $450.]

[September 17, 1888] Judge Sanford seems to be quite a fair minded man and I hope for a new era in our Court proceedings in the future.

[September 26, 1888] Report of Committee Thatcher, Richards, and Winder on John W. Young's letter about Banking, Democratic Clubs etc. Rep[or]t set forth the fact that any of the brethren were at liberty to engage in Banking as per resolution passed some weeks ago at on of our meetings. Did not favor a change from People’s Party to the Democratic Party. Had no objections to organizing clubs for teaching democratic principles. Recommended that we make no investment in the New York Star.

[October 1, 1888] [At Provo manufacturing company] I have done any amount of preaching to the saints urging upon them necessity of sustaining Home manufacture and it has been a source of regret that so little heed has been paid to my remarks.

[October 5, 1888] Woodruff, Snow, Richards, Smith, Young, Thatcher, Smith & Grant were present and attorneys Broadhead, Young, Richards, Sheeks & Rawlins, had a long talk regarding some stipulations that Prosecuting Att[orne]y Peters demanded be inserted as finding of facts in our Church suits, the stipulation related to our faith in polygamy and were put in for the express purpose of giving the government a chance to steal all of our personal property in case of a decision in the Church's favor by the Supreme Court of the United States. We decided that the Att[orne]y's tomorrow should make the best terms they could but that it would be much better to consent to the stipulation requested than to allow the government att[orne]y to take any testimony in the premises. After our decision the Att[orne]y's withdrew . . .

[October 7, 1888] [General conference] John Nicholson and Thatcher talked) Bro[ther] Nicholson made some remarks regarding the present condition of our affairs in Utah that were entirely uncalled for in consideration of the policy decided upon by our quorum and some of the leading brethren. [Criticizes him for making his opposition public.)

[October 8, 1888] Had a chat today in B[isho]p Preston's office regarding political matters and the few brethren present were in favor of the Chairman of the People's party sending out a circular letter at once so as not to have a split in the ranks on account of the recent action of some parties in forming Democratic organization and nominating Samm[ue]l Thurman for Congress . . .

[October 10, 1888] John R. Winder presented a letter (at quorum meeting no names mentioned) to be forwarded to the different counties in the interest of the Peoples Party. It was approved.

[October 15, 1888] This evening in company with Cha[rle]s W. Penrose I called on Bro[ther] Joseph F. Smith and we talked with him regarding the necessity of our people paying $25,000 to the Democratic fund to aid in the election of Pres Cleveland. He was decidedly in favor of our doing so and suggested that I remain and make a second collection from our statehood funds instead of going to Emery County on Wednesday as per my former programme.

[October 16, 1888] Bro[ther] Franklin S. Richards went out to the Penitentiary this afternoon and as Pres[iden]t Cannon's att[orne]y had a private interview with him and he was decidedly in favor of our aiding in the election of Grover Cleveland for President.

[October 17, 1888] James Sharp and I spent the morning in making collections for the Statehood movement. At l pm we called on John W. Young and he gave us a written promise to pay us $5,000 within 10 days, James then left to get his dinner and I remained and talked with John W. until nearly four o'clock, He said he knew I lacked confidence in him and desired to know wherein I thought he was not honest. He made a number of explanations that cleared away some of the things I had had in my heart against him and was glad indeed to have him do so, but I still lack confidence in him and I wish very much indeed that such was not the case. I promised to have another chat with him.

I look upon John W. Young as one of the brightest men in the Church and I would give anything within my power were he as careful in his financial methods as I fell he should be. I hope he is a better man than I give him the credit for. I know that he always pays his debts when he has money. His intentions are I think good but overeaches and many times fails to make good his promises.

[October 20, 1888] Sharp and I did some more colleting this morning . . . I called on friends and made some collections this afternoon I got $5000 promised from Moses Thatcher this afternoon. At the President's office this afternoon Bro[ther] Thatcher expressed himself as being confident Grover Cleveland would be elected President of the United States in Nov. He said write it down. I earnestly hope he is correct but I am free to admit that I have some doubts in my heart.

[October 22, 1888] Attended a meeting this evening at the office of the President. There were present Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Joseph F. Smith, Moses Thatcher, H. J. Grant, John R. Winder, Rob[er]t T. Burton, F. S. Richards, Sam[ue]l R. Thurman, Cha[rle]s W. Penrose, A. O. Smoot, W[illia]m H. King, W. D. Johnson, Warren Dusenberry. The meeting was called at the request of Thurman, King and Dusenberry as they thought they had been misunderstood in their action in forming a Democratic party and nominating Thurman for Congress. They explained their connection with the convention held in Ogden in the Spring and that after being kicked out of the convention and then going into another building and adopting resolutions of their future intentions--were in duty bound to go & form a Democratic Party. They thought they would do great things in dividing the Liberal Party but would not hurt the People's Party. I took quite extensive minutes of the meeting but don't consider it worth while to record them as most of the remarks were "bosh" to my mind as I have no idea of their drawing enough votes from the Liberal Party to be worthy of consideration.

Pres[iden]t Woodruff and the others that spoke expressed it as their opinion that a great mistake had been made and that the Herald was partially to blame for it if not entirely but they did not feel to find fault with brethren but thought their motives were all right, they however felt that the brethren should not try to draw votes from the People's Party but should get out of their mistake as best they could . . .

[October 23, 1888] Ja[me]s Sharp and I spent the morning making collections on State move. Jas and I called on John W. Young but failed to get his $5,000 subscription to State move, he explained that Pres[ident] Woodruff thought the 25,000 sent east to aid in Cleveland's election should go to John T. Caine. John W. Young did not think so, and gave some of his reasons for not agreeing with Pres[iden]t Woodruff. We agreed to meet tonight as 6:30 then went to President's office to meet Pres[iden]t Woodruff and John W. Young brother Woodruff was not there as John W had not been able to get him word.

[October 24, 1888] James Sharp called and informed me that Pres[iden]t Woodruff did not wish John W. Young to have anything to do with sending the money Sharp and I had collected and that he Preferred that John W. send his own subscription and that it would be better for us to have nothing whatever to do with it. On my way to the office I called on John W. and much to my delight I found that he had made out his own check and was going to forward it with a letter to Chairman Barrum of the Democratic Committee. He read me the letter and wanted to know what I thought and I said it was allright with me. I was saved the necessity of telling him Pres[iden]t Woodruff did not care to have him know anything about or have anything to do with our affairs. I am sorry we can't feel free to trust Bro[ther] John W. Bro[ther] James Sharp telegraphed John T. Caine $20,000 today to be used in aiding to reelect Cleveland.

[October 31, 1888] [Lorenzo Snow opposed decision of Idaho people to withdraw from church to vote.] If a mistake had been made he thought the sooner we retreated the better. The Lord had revealed plural marriage and all of our troubles had come out of that he was in favor of giving the Lord a chance to aid not felt He would do so. Thought we must stop somewhere in always following the policy plan a make a correct and true record to be handed down to our children such a one as was made by Daniel of old.

[November 3, 1888] The Utah Democrats had a grand rally tonight at the Walker Opera House I did not go.

[November 13, 1888] At 10:30 attended a meeting of our quorum W. Woodruff, L. Snow, F. D. Richards, Jos[eph] F. Smith, Moses Thatcher, John H[enr]y Smith, H. J. Grant, Cha[rle]s W. Penrose, John T. Caine, F. S. Richards and L. John Nuttall were present . . . Pres[iden]t Woodruff suggested that we defer action on this matter until afternoon and talk now on our chance of Statehood. John T. Caine said he did not know what our chances for Statehood were and could hardly form an opinion without first having a consultation with the leaders of the Democratic party. Quite an amount of talk was indulged in and the general feeling was that if the Democratic Party would make the admission of Utah a Party measure and take it up with a zeal & earnest desire to put Utah into the Union that it could be accomplished. All that spoke were decidedly in favor of making a strong effort statehood between now and March 89. Pres[ident] Jos[eph] F. Smith spoke in warm praise of the labors of Richards and Penrose at Washington last spring and fall and said he could have testimony that the Lord blessed them. (Discussed attempt to remove Berry as judge and decided it would be a mistake to try to get Cleveland to remove him.) On motion was decided to send a committee to Washington D.C. to labor for Statehood. Concluded that Penrose and Richards would be enough for the present and that they should start as soon as convenient. Concluded that we would give the brethren to understand that we would place no restraints upon them coming into court and pleading. Thatcher, Snow and Richards were appointed a committee for the att[orne]ys to consult with in these cases. Some remarks were made about the course of W[illia]m Bromley of American Fork and none of the brethren felt that we could sustain him and the general feeling was that a new Bishop would be selected. While on this subject Lorenzo Snow remarked that children were coming along all the time and he could not condemn anyone but the felt sooner or later we would have to come up and face the music and come up to the law of the Lord, Carried, Richards and Penrose wanted to know what policy they should pursue in Washington this winter, Much fault had been found with their past course and many of their remarks, Moses thought we many times allowed ourselves to be influenced too much by what people said He felt we should be prayerful and when we had decided an a line of action that we should pursue it with out regard to what people said. He endorsed what our brethren had done at the time they were in Washington, Jos[eph] F. Smith said the Spirit of the Lord was clearly manifested in aiding the brethren while before the committee on Territories. He endorsed their past actions. Cha[rle]s W. Penrose could see nothing for us to do but pursue the same course as heretofore Moses said he especially endorsed the labors at Washington after John W. Young was succeeded by Jos[eph] F. Smith. Jos[eph] F. said that while he full sustained the brethren and endorsed their words and acts and was on hand to heartily cooperate in state move, yet there were many things said at Washington that he could not have said as he could not bring himself to feel it was not a command for us to enter into plural marriage. Caine, Richards, and Penrose said they had always informed people that the Leaders of the Church considered plural marriage mandatory but that those that had not entered into it plainly showed by their acts that they did not agree with this position. On motion of Jos[eph] F. it was decided that we approve of the past course of our brethren in their labors at Washington and that we will and do approve of a continuation in the future of the same course. Franklin D. Richards and . . .

[December 2, 1888] As nearly every person that invested in the herald did so from a feeling of loyalty I would like to see them rewarded by having the paper turn out a financial success. . . .

[December 3, 1888] [Quorum meeting without First Presidency] Bro[ther] Moses brought up the matter of his affairs with the Bullion Beck & C. Mg. Co. and said he was not able to get his dividends and his "pool(?) stock" as Reynolds would not pay him without an order from Pres[iden]t Geo[rge] Q. Cannon, Some months ago at a quorum meeting Cannon had said Thatcher need trouble himself no further regarding the pool stock and had said you can have every dollar of your pool stock" I am sure this statement was made, Moses answered that he was perfectly satisfied. Moses said I say today as I have often said when I get this matter settled I will lay all my stock personal & pool(?) at the feet of this quorum and they can take any or all of it for the risks the Church has had in this matter. Moses got quite warm while talking on this matter and said he felt like placing the matter in the hands of attorney and had refrained from doing so at the request on the counsel of Jos[eph] F. Smith, Moses requested that word be sent from this quorum asking Bro[ther] Cannon to live up to his promise and pay Moses his dividends on pool stock, It was finally concluded as the sense of council that Moses had better visit Bro[ther] Cannon himself and also call on Geo[rge] Reynolds instead of sending any word to him from this council. I wish the matter had not come up as it again puts a doubt in my mind as to the dealings of Bro[ther] Cannon. I had hoped that all matters of distrust had been ended & explained away and that Pres[iden]t Cannon would give no room for complaint in the future.

[December 4, 1888] [Quorum meeting] The political situation was taken up and great fears were entertained that we might some day have our enemies in control of the Legislature. The feeling was that we should do all we could when visiting the different conferences to wake up the saints to the necessity of attending to their political duties.

[December 12, 1888] Francis M. Lyman went into court today and entered a plea of guilty in an unlawful cohabitation charge against him.

[December 18, 1888] [Quorum meeting] A number of letters were read, Some telegrams from Washington were not calculated to increase our faith in Statehood. Quite an am[oun]t of talk on political matters. Concluded it was wisdom for us to try and stop our young people from joining what is known as the party of "Young Democracy".

[December 20, 1888] Attended a meeting of our quorum this evening. Woodruff, Snow, Richards, Jos[eph] F. Smith, Young, Thatcher, Lyman, John H[enr]y Smith, & Grant present also Clerk Nuttall. Pres[ident] Woodruff stated that he had a document to read that had come from our friends in the East. He did not know just who it was from. There were times when the Spirit of the Lord should be with the Apostles and this was one of them. We all knew of the plank in our State Constitution regarding polygamy. The document I have to read to you tonight is of the same nature. It is of the greatest importance that we follow the inspiration of [last 4 words penciled in over "we decide by the"] Spirit in arriving at a [last 4 penciled in over "what decision to make"] regarding same. Clerk Nuttall then read the document and after it was finished at the request of Bro[ther] Snow it was read a second time. After the reading Pres[iden]t Woodruff said he wanted all of the brethren to express themselves. There was some talk as to who should speak first and it was concluded to start at the youngest men. The Document was to be forwarded to the Latter-day saints asking them to conform their lives to the Laws of Congress. It was quite lengthy and gave many quotations to sustain the position of our people’s taking such a course. These quotations were mostly from the Doctrine and Covenants but were not quoted correctly. There was nothing promised even if such a course should be taken by the people. The Documents was to be signed by the leaders of the people. When called upon to give my opinion I only spoke about a quarter of a minute, saying unless there was some more to be gained than was shown in the Document I certainly could not approve it. John Henry Smith said unless the Lord shall ask us to back down I cannot submit to any such document. Francis M. Lyman said that he did not feel that the Lord would justify us in abandoning any principle of the gospel such as Baptism, the revelations that say where the Lord gives a command and the people not of us prevent the saints from fulfilling same he thought referred only to temporal matters, such as the building up of the center Stake of Zion or the erection of a Temple. It would take the word of the Lord through, that man (said Lyman pointing to Pres[iden]t Woodruff) before I could accept any such a document as the one read to us. Moses Thatcher said he did not feel the document read was from the Lord. The Spirit is never misleading and there is never a doubtful meaning. the Quotations from the Doc[trine] & Covenants as given in document read are no quotations in reality and are misleading, As yet we have not gained one single point on account of what we have heretofore yielded and I don't believe we would be sustained by the Lord in accepting any such a document Before I could ask the people to live according to the suggestions contained in the document read I would have to have the word of the Lord through the servant of God whose right it is to speak saying it was a revelation from God for us to take any such a step or asking such a thing of the people. Joseph F. Smith said he was a long way off in his feelings from giving up his family and confessing to the world that he was willing to yield the doctrines of Christ up because of the acts of men or their laws. He never expected to be required by the Lord to take a position where he would acknowledge to the world that the laws of the land were superior to the laws of God. (fam L[a]st words) Have never been able to see how a confession of such a nature could be made unless it came to us as a Revelation from God, in the same manner as the one to the Prophet Joseph regarding the building of Center Stake of Zion and the Temple in Jackson Co., Missouri. The people failed to carry out the Order of Enoch and God gave a command to suspend the law. We have been yielding and stretching our consciences so we could retain the City and County governments and not allow them to pass out of our hands. We took the oath for that purpose. If we keep on to be consistent we must yield everything. To my mind it has come to this point now, that we must yield no more. I feel we should take a stand right here and never yield another point or come out and say we will not in the future carry out the commands of God because we are prevented by our enemies. I confess that I don't believe that the Temple will be built in Jackson Co. during the life of any of the generation when revelation was given. I cannot hope that Bro[ther]s Woodruff, Snow and Richards will live to go back and see the Temple built although it would be pleasing to me to feel that such could be the case, I believe the Lord has suspended that revelation, United Order was a failure because we were not united enough as a people. I don't care a drot for the content of the paper that has been read to us There is a point to my mind that we have reached where we must take a manly stand and stand the consequences no matter what they may be. Don't propose to abandon my family nor ask others to do so, If we don't take a stand now I feel we will have to yield our manhood before we get through yielding. Am willing to stop right here and think it is a good place.

Brigham Young confessed that he had yielded more than he wished he had. The document read didn’t promise anything. I have but one answer for this document and that is that it don't come from the right source, It is opposite and contrary to the word of God, If we yield as requested by this paper the next day we will be called upon to abandon the Priesthood, I am willing to stop right now. I don't believe in that document, Franklin D. Richards There is absolutely nothing promised us in this paper, Have no favorable impression whatever regarding the contents of the paper that has been read to us. Manual labor and not principle is what is referred to in the Revelation of the Lord where he speaks of work not being done and it will no longer be required of the Saints. He refers to manual labor and not the principles of the gospel. Suppose we were to take such a step as is proposed those of our brethren that have been to the Penitentiary would naturally a why did you not think of this counsel sooner and save us from suffering in the "Pen" If we take the proposed step I should then look for a demand that we stop exercising the functions of the priesthood. I hope to live to see matters in Idaho healed up and what we can see in Idaho should teach us a lesson and cause us to feel that we must not yield more, I feel we have got to a point to stop at. I have lately felt that we were not doing our full duty in sending the gospel to some of the nations of the Earth that have not heard it. Hope we may not incur the displeasure of the Lord for slackness in this regard. I say inqualifiedly no to the proposition contained in the document read to us. Lorenzo Snow felt just as the brethren had expressed themselves. If it were not for the sacrifice of principle he would like to do this thing just to show to those of world who were our friends that it did no good as this evidence might cause them to investigate the principles of the gospel. Our enemies are even now beginning to say they don't care anything about plural marriage but it is the exercise of the priesthood they are opposed to. He could not endorse our taking the proposed course although he would really like to see the experiment tried. Pres Wilford Woodruff said he was thankful for the union of expressions and spirit manifested by remarks of the brethren. Had we yielded to that document every man of us would have been under condemnation before God. The Lord never will give a revelation to abandon plural marriage. I do not feel to find any fault with what has been done in the past in yielding. I feel it was right for Bro[ther] Taylor to counsel the people to take the test oath. We cannot deny principle. There is a place for us to stop. We must not judge our brethren because they do not act just as we feel they should after thy came out of the penitentiary. No man is justified in deserting his family, but every man is at liberty to do as he thinks best, I am not going to judge my brethren My mind was made up when I first read this document, I will say to you if we were to come out and say we had abandoned polygamy tomorrow it would not get us a State government. God will hold the nation responsible for what suffering they bring upon this people. We have got to stand and trust in the gospel. Do not feel under condemnation for past yielding. We have come to a spot to stop. I want this matter to rest & desire the brethren to say nothing about it. We have got to stand together. Joseph and Hyrum laid down their lives we won't have to fare any worse than they did. We must trust in the Lord and do the best we can. I pray the Lord to bless you all . . . I enjoyed the meeting this evening in very much indeed. Especially the remarks of Jos[eph] F. & Pres[iden]t Woodruff. I delight in the position of standing upon the promises of our Father in Heaven and taking the consequences. (pray for courage to stand trials if they come) in (illegible) the J. W. Young other document and also subsequent

[February 22, 1889] [Discussion of threat that cohabitation sentences would serve if retried as adultery cases.] There was considerable discussion regarding the Idaho Test Oath case, now in the Supreme Court, and the question as to whether we should try to get it advanced on the calendar or not was debated, and it was finally concluded to take no action, as in case of an adverse decision it would be very detrimental to our people in Idaho and adjoining territories. [$550 appropriated for political work he had been called upon to do in the interest of the people politically in Idaho--John Donelson.] [Also he and some brethren took ride to Saltaire, Nephi Clayton told them if proper freight rates acquired, could sell several hundred car loads of salt per year to packers at Omaha.]

[March 13, 1889] This afternoon I attended a meeting of the Quorum of the Apostles President Woodruff brought up the remarks of John W. Taylor at the late conference at Nephi and asked for an explanation. John W. Made some warm remarks and set down on the actions of the brethren generally in the policy that has been pursued for some time past. He said that any man that said that polygamy is not mandatory is a liar and the truth is not in him. Went after the action that had been taken in Idaho in which the brethren had withdrawn from the Church. All of the brethren made remarks and claimed that in the sense that John T. Caine had referred to polygamy it was a "dead issue" viz politically.

[March 24, 1889] [Visiting Gusta in Provo] It is a great trial to me that I have so little chance to visit with Gusta and Emily and I shall truly thankful when there shall be a change in the present state of affairs in Utah.

[March 25, 1889] Upon my arrival home I found my wife Lucy quite worked up on account of my having sold my home to Byron Groo as he was not a member of the Church and people were talking about it and making remarks that were anything but complimentary. I told her that I would get Pres[ident] Woodruff to approve the sale as there was never a rule that there were no exceptions to, and as Byron Groo was a friend of our people and was employed in writing in their defence there would be no objections to my selling to him. I called at the Gardo House where I met Bro[ther]s Woodruff and Cannon, J. F. Smith, and F. D. Richards and they approved of my sale to Byron Groo, although they said that if I had not sold that it would have been better on account of the talk of the people not to have done so, but they thought that there was not the least wrong in the sale that I had made.

[March 29, 1889] A few of us met at J. H. Moyles' office and discussed a petition to President Harrison protesting against the return of Zane to the Supreme Bench of the Territory.

[April 1, 1889] We decided on our protest to the appointment of Zane. I took the petition up to the office of Pres[iden]t Woodruff and he had the brethren there approved of the petition.

[April 3, 1889] This morning I attended a meeting of the Apostles at the Gardo House. It was a treat to have Brother Geo[rge] Teasdale with us again after so long an absence. There were a lot of letters read and the matter of the difference between Brothers Thatcher and Cannon over Bullion Beck and Champion Mining matters was brought up by Pres[iden]t Woodruff and he expressed a desire to have this matter settled and all others that there might be existing in the Quorum as he wished us to be united in all things. A number of letters relating to this business were read and Bro[ther] Thatcher expressed himself to the effect that he had no doubt that the matter could be satisfactorily arranged by him and Bro[ther] Cannon. [Lyman still in pen, Taylor and Young also absent.]

[April 5, 1889] President Woodruff said that he felt that the time had come to organize the First Presidency and that the Lord required it at our hands. One reason why the Presidency should be organized was that it was almost an impossible thing to keep a majority of the Apostles together to transact business. He called upon all of the brethren to freely and fully express themselves. He felt that a First Presidency and not the Quorum should conduct the business of the Church. He closed his remarks by moving that Wilford Woodruff be President of the Church and that he name his counselors (F. D. Richards, George Q. Cannon, Brigham Young, Joseph F. Smith agreed as did John Henry Smith, Moses Thatcher, Lyman (by letter), Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, Daniel H. Wells all for Woodruff) The motion of Bro[ther] Snow was then put and unanimously carried. President Woodruff said that he had reflected a great deal and had made the matter a subject of prayer as to who he should take for his counselors and had concluded to take the same counselors as Pres[iden]t Taylor had . . . George Q. Cannon felt to thank Pres[iden]t Woodruff for the manifestation of confidence expressed in him by the selection of himself for one of his counselors, but he had felt the administration of Pres[ident] Woodruff would be stronger if her were not chosen . . . Unless I can accept the position with the heart felt and full support of my brethren I can not accept it, unless it is the mind and will of the Lord that I should do so. Pre[sident] Woodruff said that by the word of God to him that it was His will that the Presidency should be organized and also that he should select bro[ther]s Cannon and Smith for his Counselors . . . Lorenzo Snow said that he sincerely approved of the selection of bro[ther] Cannon . . . Moses Thatcher said that he was glad to hear that the Lord had manifested to Pres[iden]t Woodruff that Pres[iden]t Cannon should be one of his Counselors and that he regretted that he had not also manifested the same to him . . . (would go by Woodruff's manifestation). Said that there was some of the people that lacked confidence in some of Pres[iden]t Cannon's financial moves. Lorenzo Snow said that he did not doubt the statement of Bro[ther] Thatcher but that made no difference as the same feelings existed against the Prophet Joseph, against Brigham Young and every other man that done his duty. Wilford Woodruff will not escape as some of the people will be sure to find fault with his administration. Geo[rge] Q. Cannon said that the remarks by Moses confirms me in my position that I should not be selected as one of the Counselors of Pres[ident] Woodruff. I want the brethren to freely and frankly express themselves as I do not want to take this position and have my hands tied. I think that I have the confidence of the Latter-day Saints but I may be mistaken. Wilford Woodruff said that he knew that Pres[iden]t Cannon had the confidence of the saints. We spent three days and nights about a year ago confessing brother Cannon's sins and nothing that was brought up against him stood and I don't feel like going over that ground again. Brigham Young said that he could not understand the position of Bro[ther] Moses he had said that he acknowledged that the mind and will of the Lord had come to us through the President and then he had brought up things that were passed such an action on Moses' part hurt his feelings and were some thing that he could not understand. Jos[eph] F. expressed preference if given choice of mission to China and to be counselor would take the former. He did not want any position in the church, but he was willing to work he was satisfied that the Lord was with Pres[iden]t Woodruff in his selection of Bro[ther] Cannon and he could sustain him with all of his heart, and he was glad of the privilege to sustain both Bro[ther]s Woodruff and Cannon. Did not think that we should cast Moses out of our affections simply because he had not had the manifestation that Pres[iden]t Cannon was called of the Lord . . . Heber J. Grant said that he did not think that brother Young was justified in making remarks that he had done regarding Moses I did not think that there was any blame to be attached to a man simply because he did not have a manifestation of the Lord on some subject . . . The vote on the counselors was put and unanimously carried.

[April 6, 1889] This evening attended the theatre the Home Dramatic Club put on the play "The World." The play is one of the most sensational the club has ever given and there is no chance for any acting of any moment.

[April 8, 1889] As soon as conference adjourned the Presidency, Apostles and Presidency of different Stakes met at the President's office and some instructions were given principally on the political situation and the necessity of the people being united in political matters. John R. Winder Chairman of the People's party made some remarks.

[April 10, 1889] [HJG upset that brethren, especially Moses unflattering of him on his offer to buy Whitney corner, afraid that since HJG took so many chances it might some day fall into hands of enemies.]

[May 15, 1889] . . . I think more of my credit than I do of my life [some light remarks taken seriously by Grant that Thatcher has said in this regard today].

[May 31, 1889] At two pm Attended a meeting of the Apostles in the Gardo house I was mouth in our prayer circle. After the circle there was quite an amount of talk about the manner that the Herald was continually pitching into the different leading men of the nation. Pres[iden]t Woodruff said that the Herald was doing more harm to our cause than even the Tribune. Said that there was no need of its writing as it did about Pres[ident] Harrison and Sec[retary] Blaine. I agreed with what was said and promised to have the Directors of the Co. Take the matter up . . . (in meeting of directors of Herald) I brought up the matter of the editorials that were written on the Pres[iden]t of the US and other leading men of the nation and it was the opinion of those that were present that the editorials of this nature were a mistake and that they did us more harm than good and the executive committee were instructed to talk with Mr. Groo and see that there was a change in this regard in the future . . . This evening Burton and I had a chat with Groo as to the policy that the Directors wished pursued in the future in the editorials on leading officials of the country.

[June 3, 1889] At noon attended a meeting at the Presidents office of the leading men of the different stakes and the chairmen of the different County committees. The object of the meeting was to talk over the coming election for members of the Legislature and arrive at some agreement not as to those that should attend but as to which counties were entitled too which representation and which should be left out. The meeting lasted until six o clock There was a good feeling present and at the request of some of the brethren the parties that those who were present would like for members of the legislature were named. This was only done in a very few cases.

[July 9, 1889] At ten o clock attended a meeting at the Gardo house of a number of leading brethren of the county. The object of the meeting was to talk over the political affairs of the county as there seemed to be a wide spread feeling of dissatisfaction existing among the people especially in the outside portions of the county that if that part which is not in the limits of Salt Lake City It was voted that we do what we could to try and get two selectmen for the county that were not residents of the City. It was said that the chances were that a large number of the parties that would come to the legislature would be men of little or no experience unless there was something done to get others to fill their places It was decided to try and have Jos[eph] Barton come from Kaysville. B[isho]p Preston and I were requested to go to Springville and if possible get a stronger man than Abra[ha]m Hatch for the council and if there was a weak man coming from Emery and we could not get a strong one there to see that Hatch came in place of the Emery man. Bro[ther] Preston and I took the 350 train for Springville. In the evening we had a talk with Lyman Wood, Joel Ricks and others and their feeling was that there was not as good a man as bro[ther] Hatch to be found in Springville.

[July 10, 1889] Had a chat this morning with the Delegates from Wasatch [in Springville] and told them that while we felt that Emery was entitled to representation that unless there was a stronger man than Don C. Roberts put up that we hoped that bro[ther] Hatch could get the nomination. We chatted with the Emery delegates and told them plainly that we felt that their man Roberts should not be returned. When we heard that they would then change to Bro[ther] Reid we said that we had no preference between him and Bro[ther] Hatch. Shortly before noon we left for Provo as Bro[ther] Preston and I had a Directors meeting to attend there of the Provo Woolen Mills Co.

[July 12, 1889] At three o clock attended a meeting at the Gardo House where we had an extended talk on political matters.

[July 23, 1889] At the Nephi conference nearly all of the remarks of Bro[ther] Morgan and myself were on the necessity of the Saints being united in all things whether political or spiritual. We urged on the saints the necessity of honoring the priesthood of God that was on the earth. It was somewhat hard to speak to the saints which convinces me that there is no that union in Nephi that there should be.

[August 6, 1889] I called at the President's Office and met him and his Counselors, they were as much surprised as I was at the vote yesterday and seemed to think that there was the greatest danger of the city going out of the hands of the people at the next election . . . It makes me good and blue to think of the prospect of the Liberals having the control of our city.

[August 18, 1889] [Lewisville, Idaho] In the evening there was a Priesthood meeting. Bro[ther]s Ricks, Rigby, Jacob S. Spori and myself were the speakers. I made what would be called a red hot talk on the subject of sending our children to school to those that were not of us and that were trying to lead our little ones away from us.

[August 29, 1889] Woodruff, Cannon, J. H. Smith and I were the only ones present After prayers we had quite a talk as to the ideas that were entertained by some of the brethren on the coming of a man like unto Moses to lead the saints out of bondage, and also the idea of some that this man had already come and that he was Brigham Young.

[September 2, 1889] At eight oclock attended a Primary meeting in the City Hall. There were thirteen delegates elected at the meeting to attend a convention of the People's Party at the City Hall next Thursday evening at 8 oclock. I was elected as one of the delegates. There were a number of speeches made by those present as to the necessity of all doing their best to see that our party carried the next city election. I was among the number that spoke.

[September 5, 1889] This evening attended a meeting of the Delegates to the Convention of the people's party in the City Hall. All that was done was the effecting of an organization I was selected as 1st Vice Pres[iden]t of the convention. Heber M. Wells was selected as the Pres[iden]t.

[September 7, 1889] This evening attended the People's Convention in the City Hall.

[September 25, 1889] This evening attended a meeting of the Delegates of the People's Party in the city hall. There were a number of parties spoke among the number was James Sharp and he made an excellent speech and one that was in the interest of the people’s party and one that I hope all that listened to it will appreciate and try and carry out in the coming election. He said that there had been said some very hard things about the present City Council in the meetings of the convention but he did not care to hold those things in his heart; he was on hand to work for the best good of the people. Said that when we stopped respecting the priesthood that we were gone. Wish that I had a copy of his talk as it was fine.

[October 9, 1889] At ten attended a meeting in the Assembly Hall there was a call for funds to aid in the coming political fight I agreed to pay $200.

[October 10, 1889] At ten there was a meeting of the Apostles in the Gardo House, Prayer by A. H. Cannon. Pres[iden]t Woodruff said that there had been an effort since the death of Pres[iden]t Taylor on the part of the Apostles to transfer all of the financial affairs of the church to the Presiding Bishop and his counselors. Said that the proper place for the funds of the church was to have them under the control of the Presidency and the Apostles. He made a number of remarks that would reflect on the action of the Salary Committee that had acted before the formation of the Presidency. He felt that we had now got the Cart before the horse and it was therefore hard shoving. He called on all that were present to express their feelings in the premises. Pres[iden]t Cannon said that in as much as he had not agreed with the brethren in their actions in financial matters at the death of Pres[iden]t Taylor that he would for the present be pleased to be excused from saying anything. Joseph F. Smith said that as he understood things that the Presidency of the Church preside over every thing in the Church temporal and spiritual He was emphatically opposed to the secret manipulation of the funds of the church as this was calculated to cause distrust. The Presidency and the Apostles should know everything that was done and we should learn to keep the counsel of our doings to ourselves. All tithings should come through the Presiding Bishop's hands. He did not believe in ignoring the Presiding Bishopric any more than he did in having the Presidency of the Church ignored. All men should be respected in their places and positions. The Presidency preside over all things. President Lorenzo Snow and all of the Apostles said that they had never for one minute taken the position that the Presidency of the Church should not have all of the funds come through the hands of the Bishop. I said as one of the Committee that had made the report that there had never been such an idea in the minds of the committee so far as I had the least knowledge to have the funds of the Church placed in the hands of the Presiding Bishop. He was simply to receive them and hold them subject to the orders of the Presidency. Geo[rge] Q. Cannon said that the present arrangement hurt his feelings said the President of the Church could not so much as get a dollar to mend a desk without applying to the Bishop, this was to his mind a humiliating state of affairs. Several of the brethren said that they did not see it in this way and could not see that it was any more humiliating to ask the Bishop for what was wanted than to ask his clerk in case he had one. We all agreed that all of the funds were subject to the order of the President and that there was no need of his stating on his orders what the money was for unless he wished to do so . . . I did not take the least bit of stock in the idea that there was an attempt to humiliate the President of the Church and take the least grain of honour or authority from him . . . Pres[ident] Snow said that he felt that the brethren should think of nothing else nor pray without asking for aid to help in securing the next election. He felt that he would sooner lose a good portion of the territory rather than have Salt Lake City fall into the hands of the Liberal Party.

[October 10, 1889] We also were to suggest to the Presidency that they have the different members of the Apostles that could do so remain in the city until after the election and hold meetings with the saints in the different wards instead of attending conferences, and that they do all that they could to get the saints to do their duties and political matters. It was agreed that we should ask the Presidency to meet with the members of the People's Party in the city council and see if there could not be something done to give employment to a lot of new voters.

[October 11, 1889] At ten met at the Gardo and John Henry Smith reported the action of the brethren in their meeting last night. The President did not give any decision in the matter. Pres[iden]t Cannon said that he favored both the College and the gotel planes (proposed the same time as the above) It was agreed to meet with the City Council at 4 pm I had a chat this morning with F. S. Richards and he felt that there should be something done to get a first class man to give all of his time to the duties of Sec[retar]y of the City Central Committee. I agreed with him and said that I thought that the best man that I knew of for the place was R. W. Young. He said that he was the man that he had desired above all others for the place but there was no chance to get him as he was going to start to New York in the morning for John W. Young. I said that I felt that we should have John W. or release him as it was of much more importance to my mind that he remain here.

[October 12, 1889] Met at the Gardo at ten with the City Council. Pres[iden]t Cannon, JW Young, John H[enr]y Smith and Geo[rge] Q. Cannon and Fredrick Kesler were the speakers, the benediction was offered by AM Cannon. At 4 pm attended a meeting of the City Council in the Gardo House. There was a long talk regarding the best plans to have some work done for the City but there was nothing arrived at.

Met at the Gardo with (brethren above) and I chatted over the matter of RW Young's going east and it was decided that he had better remain although it would be a loss to him to do so. JW Young said that he would much sooner give him $1,000 to go for a month than to have him remain. I met senators --- Morgan and David Turpie.

[October 17, 1889] At three met with the members of the city council and there was a long chat as to the best plan of action to furnish employment. It was decided that the best policy was for the present City Council to make all of the improvements that they could that would be beneficial so that in case there was a change in the city council that the Liberal party would not have any money to spend. (Preceded by prayer circle of the Apostles at the Gardo, no names).

[October 18, 1889] At ten met at the Gardo House and there was a statement of the financial condition of the city read by recorder HM Wells. From this statement, it was learned that there would be ample money on hand to spend from $50,000 to twice that amount on the improvement of the streets and in building places in the canyon for the storing of water. All of those who were present thought that these expenditures should be made. It was the feeling of those that were present that the best thing that could be done was for the present City Council to sell the Warm Spring property provided it could be done to some one in the People’s Party who would keep a respectable place there. The general feeling was that it should fall into the hands of HM Wells. Wells said that in case he got the place that he would have Armstrong and McCune as his partners. It was voted as the sense of the meeting that the property be sold to Wells. I was surprised to have Pres[iden]t Cannon seem so willing to sell to McCune as it is not long ago that he thought that he was not good enough to have an interest in the Street Ry Co.

[October 29, 1889] [Commented that his coop wagon and machine company has been growing all the time, that when started most of business done by gentile concerns, now only Lowe and Studebaker.] I wish that ever business in the city and territory was in as good a condition and if possible better. Our people came here and opened up the country and I hope and pray that they will always lead in every thing. I shall work to this end to the best of my ability.

[November 4, 1889] I received word this afternoon that in case there were any witnesses that I wished to get out of the way that I had better do so as the Grand Jury were looking into my affairs. I sent Briant Wells to Woods Cross this evening to move Emily. This evening I attended a meeting in the 13th ward of the Political Club. John H[enr]y Smith and myself were the speakers.

[November 8, 1889] This evening I went to Centerville on the train intending to spend the day there tomorrow with Emily and the babies, but at the depot I was seen by Tho[ma]s Harris and I learned from Bro[ther] John Woolley that he is the worst person in Centerville to give our folks away to the Marshal and I therefore concluded that it would be better for me to change the location of the folks so I asked bro[ther] Woolley to drive us to Woods Cross which he kindly did. I shall be glad when the day comes that I can repay some of the favors extended to me by my friends.

[November 12, 1889] This afternoon at 4 I attended a meeting at the Gardo House. The meeting was called to see what the best action to take would be to head off the efforts that were being made to prevent the members of the church from becoming citizens.

[November 14, 1889] At 7:30 attended a meeting in the Gardo House. There are some lively times in the Court and we hardly know what way to turn. I feel that it is better for us to suffer rather than to allow any of the endowments to be revealed. It is too bad that we should be placed in such a position as we are in today. There is no worse lie on earth than the one, that there is something in the Endowments to make a man a traitor to this Nation . . . [or oaths that avenge Smith's death.]

[November 17, 1889] . . . I went to one in the Gardo House. Pres[iden]ts Cannon and Woodruff were there. There was a long talk as to the best course to pursue in the case in the Courts. Monday will be a big day judging from present indications.

[November 23, 1889] [Manassa] This evening I had a chat with Bro[ther] Thatcher and I learned that his ideas as to the resurrection of the Prophet Joseph and his leading the people back to redeem the Center Stake of Zion were not as I had supposed they were. I was glad to have the chat as I had been misjudging him.

[December 3, 1889] I see from the papers rec[eive]d today that there is to be a large hotel built on the corner of Third South and First East Streets. I am sorry that there were not some steps taken by our folks to build a large hotel before those not of our people should occupy the field. It seems to me that we always wait until the field is occupied and then have a hard fight on our hands to regain the ground that we have lost . . . I cannot help feeling that we should lead in all things and that under no circumstances should we allow those that are bitterly opposed to us to occupy the ground in any direction that we are capable of occupying. . . . a copy of the Denver News from which we learn that Judge Anderson has decided against the naturalizing of any more of our people. He claims that all that have been through the Endowment House have taken on themselves oaths that are not in keeping with a proper feeling towards the Government and that such oaths are treasonable in their nature. His decision is an outrage. . . .

[December 6, 1889] This afternoon attended a meeting of the Presidency and Apostles at the Gardo there were also present a number of the leading men in political matters. Most of the city central committee. The subject under discussion as what would be the best thing to do under the circumstances to counteract the effect of the recent decision of Judge Anderson. After a long chat and the expressions of all that felt as if they wished to say anything, the matter was left for the Presidency and Apostles to decide on. I was positive in my feelings that the best thing was for the leading officials of the Church to deny the charges that were contained in the decision of Anderson . . .

[December 12, 1889] We approved of the Manifesto to be signed by the Apostles declaring that there is nothing in the Endowments that is treasonable or contrary to good citizenship in this Republic.

[December 13, 1889] On account of the many disappointments . . . to those on the underground it is almost impossible for a person to make his plural wives think that he cares as much for them as he should.

[December 28, 1889] I called at the Gardo and the brethren were anxious that I should get up a letter from the business men endorsing the Manifesto of the Apostles.

[December 29, 1889] Spent the getting signatures to the business mens’ letter. I submitted the letter to Pres[iden]t Cannon before I started out to get signatures and he approved of it. The letter read as follows (we have carefully read the manifesto and knowing its absolute truth in every particular, endorse it. Furthermore those of us who have received our endowments solemnly and emphatically declare that in those sacred religious ceremonies, no oath is imposed or obligation taken that can be construed into disloyalty to the U.S. gov[ernmen]t. . . .

[Copy of letter dated 2 Dec. 1889 to presidents of stakes and counselors calling for fasting and prayer for entire church.] We need not describe at any length the reasons there are for making in this way this united appeal to our Great Creator. They are familiar to you and to all the people. It is easy to perceive that we are menaced with a total deprivation of our rights as freemen and as citizens, because we are members of the Church of the Lamb of God. Look which way we will and there appears no earthly help of which we can avail ourselves. But we can turn to the Lord in perfect confidence that he will hear and help us. We think the fast should be from sundown on Sunday the 22nd to sundown on Monday the 23 rd . . . We should pray for the plots and the schemes which are being framed for the purpose of robbing us of our civil and political rights and of obtaining control of our cities, counties and Territory, to be confounded, and their authors to be thwarted in their evil designs.

We should pray for all who conspire, in any manner, to injure or destroy the works of God, or to take from the people their rights and liberties, to be defeated in their wicked purposes. We should pray for the unfavorable action of courts and of officials to be overruled in such a manner that no injury will be done to Zion.

We should pray for the Executive of our nation, for the Cabinet, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Judiciary and the people of our nation to be so Influenced and controlled that their hearts will be softened towards the people of God, and that they may not be inclined to listen to the slanderous reports and falsehoods which are circulated concerning us, and which may be brought before them: and that all the officers of our nation may be inspired with such wisdom, justice and mercy that they will fill their stations so as to gain the love and esteem of the people and the approbation of the Lord. In the event of the decision of the Supreme Court not being rendered before the Fast Day concerning our property which has been seized, we should pray to the Lord to so move upon the hearts of the Judges that they will be strengthened and filled with courage, so as to render a righteous decision . . . In closing, we suggest to yourselves and to the Saints that however much we may feel aggrieved at the acts of men towards us, we should not pray for their condemnation. Let us confess our own sins and pray that we may be forgiven for them and leave other sinners to the Lord, who has said that Judgment is His, and He will repay. Praying to the Lord that He will fill you and the Saints under your presidency with His Holy Spirit and give unto you the spirit of faith and prayer, we remain your Brethren.

There is nothing that is more beneficial to the saints than to engage in fasting and prayer as they receive a testimony that the Lord is near them and that He has not forgotten his people.

[December 30, 1889] [Francis Cope just died, a true Latter- day Saint.] It is not generally known that he had a second wife. He told me of the fact a day or two before I left for my last trip to Colo. . . . a public loss as there is little doubt in my mind that his death will result in the loss of employment to our people of a quite a number that are at the present time engaged on the lines of the Union Pacific R.R. in Utah.

	Diary Excerpts of Heber J. Grant, 1887-1899 [Note: The following excerpts from the diaries of Heber J. Grant are provided for research purposes only, not for copyright publication. The originals are currently in LDS church archives; all quotations should be verified against the original sources.] 1887-1889 1890-1894 1895-1898 1899

Diary Excerpts of Heber J. Grant, 1887-1899