Salt Lake City, Utah, .
President W. Paxman,
Dear Brother:
We wrote you by last mail but, being exceedingly busy at the
time, did not answer the two questions you asked in your favor of the 3rd of July
with regard to tracts and the emigration of our Maori converts.
We shall send you an assortment of tracts by the Elders who next
go to your field, and trust that by their means you will be able to accomplish much
good.
Respecting the emigration of the Maoris to this land, we feel
led to say that for the present you had better repress any inclination of that
character. If the work among the Pacific Islanders continues some provision will
doubtless have to be made for their future colonization and development. It is not
improbable that we shall be able to arrange after a while for some suitable place
in a milder climate than ours, a climate the seasons of which would be like their
own, and where it will not cost so much to live as it does in our own northern land.
The Sandwich Islanders are moving here in small numbers; but their position is not
such as is best adapted for their growth in those disrections that are desirable.
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They are employed as workmen in various occupations; but we think they should be in
communities where they can receive better advantages and be able to pay some at-
tention to the cultivation of the soil. We shall keep this matter before us, be-
cause it is one that we are already questioned upon by Brother Joseph H. Dean, who
has attained some success in preaching to the natives of the Samoan Islands, where
he and his wife have gone from the Sandwich Islands. The prospects there for con-
versions are very encouraging, and the steamer that carries this letter will con-
vey three Elders and the wife of one of them to the Samoan group, they having been
sent for by Brother Dean to assist him in his labors there.
In line with this counsel, we think it would not be a wise movement
for Brother Marriott to bring the young Maori sister of whom you speak, as it might
unsettle the people and make them desirous also of emigrating.
By the next steamer we expect the following brethren will sail for your
field of labor: Joseph Peter Beck of Paris; Hugh S. Geddes of Preston; Latimus O.
Taft of Salt Lake City and John H. Thompson ^also^ of this City; and possibly Matthias Fos-
ter of Meadow. By the November vessel two others will follow; they will probably
be Orson D. Romney of Salt Lake City, and Heber J. Waggstaff of American Fork. On the
October boat there will probably also leave William Bromley and George Edwin Wool-
ley of this City. Unless other arrangements are deemed desirable between now and
the sailing of that steamer they will on their arrival labor among the friends and
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relatives of Brother Bromley in Australia. When Brother B. gets through minister-
ing to his friends he will most likely return, and Brother Woolley will be subject
to your instructions as to his future labors. Should Brother Bromley not find it
convenient to go Brother Woolley will report to you for instructions on his arrival
the same as the other brethren.
This morning Brother George Q. Cannon went to the Third District Court,
surrendered himself and plead guilty to two charges of unlawful cohabitation. For
a long time past he has felt strongly impressed that good to the work of the Lord
and to his brethren would result from such a course. He has been impressed that
his surrender would be followed by the lightening of the burdens now imposed upon
the Saints. Thus far his anticipations have proven correct. The Judge acted with
justice and moderation, not only in his case but in these that followed. You may
naturally suppose that his act of Brother Cannon's caused a sensation, and the
course of Chief Justice Sanford has not decreased the excitement. The great ma-
jority feel that both have done well, the rabid few are intensely angry. Should
the Judge continue his moderate course, I am of the opinion that other prominent
men will follow Brother Cannon's example, as it is most desirable for the growth
of the kingdom and the good of the Saints that the leaders of Israel should have
free access to the people to counsel, instruct and teach them as in former days.
We have reason to believe that Brother Cannon will be treated with kindness by
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the officials of the Penitentiary, and allowed such privileges as are consistent
with prison rules.
With constant prayers for yourself and those associated with you,
I am, as ever,
Your Brother,
Wilford Woodruff