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Show 180 PROVISIONAL STATE GOVERNMENT. , ants, and was divided into numerous* wards; each, at the time of our visit, enclosed by a substantial fende, for the protection of the * young crops: as time and leisure will permit, these will be removed, and each lot enclosed by itself, as with us. The houses pre built, principally, of adobe or sun- dried brick, whicfi, when well covered with a tighfc projecting roof, make a warm, comfortable dwelling, presenting a very neat appearance.. Buildings of a better description are being introduced, although slowly, awing to the difficulty of procuring the requisite lumber, which must always be scarce and dear in a country so destitute of timber. Upon a square appropriated to the public buildings, an immense shed had been erected upon posts, which was capable of containing three thousand persons.; It. was called " The Bowery" and served as a temporary place of worship, until the construction of the Great Temple. This latter is to surpass in grandeur of design and gor-geousness of decoration all edifices the world has yet seen; and is to be eclipsed only by that contemplated in Jackson county, Missouri, - to be erected when « the fulness of time shall fcome," and which Will constitute the; head- quarters or central point, whence light, truth, and the only true religion shall radiate to the uttermost parts of the earth. A mint wa* already in operation, from which were issued gold coins of the Federal denominations, stamped, without assay, from the dust brought from California. > TJie provisional State government, with all the machinery of . ezeoutive, legislative, and judicial functionaries, Was in regular and harmonious action, under the constitution recently adopted. The jurisdiction of the « State of Deseret" had been extended over and was, vigorously enforced upon all who came within its borders, and justice was equitably administered alike to^ « saint" ahd " gen* tile"- as they term, all. who are not of their persuasion. Of the truth of this, as far at least as the gentiles were concerned, I soon had convincing proof, by finding, one fine morning, some twenty of our mules safely secured in the1 public pound, for trespass upon the cornfield of some pious saint; possession was recovered. only by paying, the fine imposed by the' magistrate and amply remunerating the owner for the damage done to his crops. Theft* courts were constantly appealed to; by companies of passing emigrants, who, having . fallen out by the way, could not agree upon the division of their property. t The decisions were remarkable for fairness and impartiality, and if not submitted to, were sternly . enforced by the whole power of the community. Ajppealg for |
