In holy phrase, transacted villanies
That common sinners durst not meddle with."
As Trustee in Trust for the Church, Brigham Young is in his element. Here his genius shines preëminent, giving him the character, at home and abroad, of a good, as he certainly is a successful, financier.
But here, upon the outset, let no one be misled by the words employed to designate the capacity in which he handles and manages the funds of the church. It is called a "trust," because he is supposed to use the money for the benefit of the church.
But this Trust is very general and indefinite in its character. It has no prescribed duties or conditions. It has no guards or limits. It has no prescribed nor acknowledged mode of accountability.
Many years ago, attempts were made at the General Conferences, to exhibit a balance-sheet of receipts and disbursements. These were confused and unsatisfactory; and lest they should be too closely examined, they have of late years been entirely abandoned,—the increasing faith of the saints in their leader rendering it entirely unnecessary that any explanation should be made of the disposal of their funds.
Again: a corps of clerks are employed in the tithing-office, and are paid out of the public tithing-fund salaries ranging from $1000 upwards. They are supposed to keep a complete system of accounts, showing all the receipts from this net-work of fiscal veins, and all the disbursements through the various arteries of the religious body. But beyond the receipt and deposit of moneys, and the keeping of the tithing account with individual members of the church, the duties of these clerks are merely nominal. Each has another part to perform. The reader will smile to be informed that these clerks are really the principal stock actors in the Salt Lake Theatre. Having but little office business, their time is thus turned to a good account, reading novelettes and newspapers, a plentiful supply of which may be found in their several offices. The theatre is the private property of Brigham, and the proceeds go into his own pocket, disconnected with any real or imaginary embarrassment arising from the relation of Trustee. Hence it will be seen to be good "financiering" for the tithing-clerks, under pay of "the church," to perform for the benefit of "Brother Brigham." Should they fail to comply with his wishes, he has only, as "Trustee in Trust," to dispense with their services. This may be mentioned as a notable instance of the "shrewd financiering" of Brigham Young.
These clerks simply keep the accounts with individuals, and receive and deposit the money and property paid in to the tithing-fund. They also keep the accounts of laborers on the temple and other public works.
It is needless to say they are entirely under the control of Brigham. According to the Mormon creed, the temporal affairs of the kingdom should be entirely directed and controlled by the Aaronic Priesthood. The presiding Bishops of this priesthood are agents to perform the will of the head of the order, who is the President himself.
To keep the public mind quiet and satisfied, it is stated from the pulpit that the accounts of Brigham Young, as an