and Judges want to place the power in the hands of the United States Marshal of selecting such jurors as he pleases, and that, too, without reference as to who they are, or whence they come. This is what is attempted to be done by our honorable Judges and Governor. Your rights as freemen, and your liberties, are aimed at; and you are to be disfranchised, and your liberties trampled under foot, by strangers, and you will have blacklegs and cut-throats sit upon your juries. Mr. Harding wants to select his own military, and have officers of his own selection to lead them, and then if you do not submit, he will have the authority to say, 'I will make you.' [Uproarious applause, and cries all over the house of 'Can't do it.'] We all know he can't do it, but this is what he is aiming at [Clapping of hands, and great cheering.] When these rights are taken away, what rights have we left? [Cries of 'None.']
"It can scarcely be credited or believed, that any man in his position could so far degrade himself as to introduce such infamous principles, and it is equally a lamentable fact to reflect upon, that men holding the high and responsible position of United States Judges could so far forget themselves as to descend to such depravity, corruption, and injustice. [Applause.] These things are so palpable, that 'he that runneth may read,' and any man with five grains of common sense can readily comprehend them. It is for you to say whether you are willing to sustain such men in the capacity they act in, or not." [Loud clapping of hands, and a universal and emphatic cry of "No!" on the part of the audience.]
Brigham Young's Speech.
At the close of Elder Taylor's speech Brigham arose, and on advancing to the speaker's desk was greeted with vociferous applause, and immediately proceeded to address the assemblage as follows:—
"I have no intention of delivering a lengthy address, but while I am speaking I desire the audience to remain quiet. I know well your feelings, but much prefer that you should suppress any demonstrations of applause to other times and places, when you may have less business and greater leisure.
"You have just heard read the Message of Governor Harding,
delivered to the last Legislative Assembly of this Territory. You will readily perceive that the bread is buttered, but there is poison underneath. When he came to Utah last July, the Governor sought to ingratiate himself into the esteem of our prominent citizens, with whom he had early intercourse, and professed great friendship and attachment for the people of the Territory. He was then full of their praises, and said he was ready to declare that he would stand in the defence of polygamy, or that he should have to deny the Bible; and stated that he had told the President, prior to leaving Washington, that if he were called upon to discuss the question, he would have to take the side of polygamy, or to renounce the authority of the Scriptures.
"In the face of all these professions, what has been his course? While being fair of speech, and specious of promise, and lavish in his expressions of good-will toward us, he has been insidiously at work to prejudice the General Government against us, and in the secrecy of his private room has concocted measures which he urged upon Congress to pass, which, if successful, would deprive us of the dearest rights of freemen, and render us the abject subjects of this man, who has been sent here to govern the Territory. Man, did I say?—thing, I mean,—a nigger-worshipper,—a black-hearted abolitionist is what he is, and what he represents; and that I do naturally despise. He wants to have the telegraph torn down, and the mails stopped and turned by the way of Panama. Do you acknowledge this man Harding for your Governor? [Voices all through the audience responded, 'No, you are our Governor.'] Yes, I am your Governor; and I will let him know that I am Governor; and if he attempts to interfere in my affairs, 'Woe, woe unto him!' [Shaking his uplifted fist in a very excited manner, which was responded to with loud applause, and cries of 'Yes, you are our Governor.']
"Will you allow such a man to remain in the Territory? [Voices, 'No; put him out.'] Yes, I say put him out. Judges Waite and Drake are perfect fools, and the tools of Governor Harding, and they too must leave. If all three do not resign, or if the President does not remove them, the people must attend to it.
"If they could get the power, as they want to do, to have the Marshal choose jurors of cut-throats, blacklegs, soldiers, and desperadoes from California, and we are to be tried by such men, what would become of us?