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Show 144 PUBLIC SBftTIltBKT AMONG THE itOBMONS. When it is remembered that within tbe space of four years this country was bqt a wild and. dreary wilderness, where the howl of the wolf and the yell of the miserable Indian alone awoke the echoes of the mountains, and where the bear, the deer, and the antelope roamed securely over- what is now. * compact and populous city; that the physical obstacles to the occupation of a region so unpromising were sufficient to, discourage the most sanguine imagination and. to appal the stoutest heart,- the, mind is filled ' with wonder at . Witnessing the immense, results^ whieh have been accomplished in so short a time, and from a beginning apparently so insignificant. Apprehensions'have been entertained as to the expediency of giving any countenance to the founding, in our midst, of an association, of men so peculiar- in views, and po distmct in principles, manners, and oustoms,' from the rest of the American'people. Serious doubts, too, have been expressed in regard to the policy of appointing Mormons to offices of high trust in the administrate tion of thq affairs of the newly- erected territory; and direct charges have been widely published, seriously affecting the patriotism and pergonal reputation of the Mormon leaders, as well as the loyal feeling* of the people toward the General Government. Such doubts and apprehensions are, in my judgment, totally groundless, and the charged I- believe to be either based* upon prejudice or to . have grown out of a want of accurate information. A residence of a year in Hie midst of the Mormon community, during the greater part of which period Twaa in constant intercourse with both rulers, and people, afforded much- opportunity for ascertaining the real facts of the. case. That a deep and abiding resentment of injuries received and wrongs endured in Missouri and Illinois pervades the whole Mormon community, is perfectly trtfe; and that among many of'the lefts informed, and, I regret to add, some' even whose Intelligence and education otight to have enabled them to form more correct opinions,' this exasperation has extended itself to the General Go- ' vernment, because of its refusal to interpose for their protection at the time of these difficulties, is also true; but, from all that I saw and heard, I deem it but simple justice * to say, that notwithstanding these causes of irritation, a more l< Jyal and patriotic peo- , pie oanhot be found within the limits of the Union, This, I think, was emphatically shown in the promptitude and cheerfulness w^ th which they responded to the call of the Government to furnish a |