23rd I spent the afternoon in the Legislature in the Evening the
committees on Revenue met at the also President
& we had a corcus [caucus] to take into consideration the
subject of the welfare of the inhabitats of Utah. We read
the long Law upon the direct tax and discussed that subject
President Young said in speaking of Govornor you
take a man like him who has been an Editor for 15 years and
you will find him to be a Jackass. He told the story of Brockass
On the steamer going down the river. The Homestead Bill
was spoken of. President Young said the Lord will soon pass
a Homestead Bill. you need not look for the Nation to do much
for us. was of the opinion that the Legislature had not
the power to make laws disposing of Lands & improvements
, & made short speeches. President Young
followed & said you want to go to & call a convention we want
to get up a state government. I believe as I live that that
we should organize a State Government and let it go into
Effect by the 15th March & I have faith to believe that God will
sustain us. This is a secret corcus & I dont want it known
what is done here. I can say this about forming a State Gover-
nment I Believe that does intend to bring destruction
Upon this people if he can and has the power. I want to say
one word with regard to assuming this diret tax I think we had
better let the Government appoint there own officers & collect
there own tax, for I am satisfied that a Legal & Lawful assesor
& collecter cannot be found in this according to this law
for there is not a Free holder in this Territory
