| 383 Woodruff to abandon the contracting of plural marriages. 2
At the time of the passage of this bill representatives of the Reorganization, in the persons of Elders Z. H. Gurley and E. L. Kelley, were in Washington to furnish any evidence necessary to prevent legislation against the church, or its doctrine proper, and labored to the end that whatever blow might fall, it would fall upon the crime of polygamy alone. The people of Utah felt very bitter towards the Reorganization for maintaining this committee there and for other efforts made in the same direction; looking upon it as a species of persecution. In this they were very much in error. Whatever influence the Reorganization exercised by this means was to establish the fact that what was known as "Mormonism" was not a crime, and that separated from the errors of its devotees it was a blessing to mankind. If the influence exercised in this direction had any effect in preserving liberty to those who had believed the restored gospel, the Utah people as well as the Reorganization could, if they would, avail themselves of its benefit.
February 16, Elder Gurley wrote from Washington as follows:
To-day we appeared before the House Judiciary Committee, presented our argument in print, also the Polygamic Revelation, together with verbal statements, etc., etc. We also presented the Book of Mormon, and are requested to furnish the Doctrine and Covenants. Will you please send us one. We thought the committee were happily surprised when they saw the high and radical grounds we took. Mr. Cannon was not there, although the chairman said he would notify him.
Bro. Kelley got up on a high horse when questioned by one of committee, and told them plainly that the polygamic document taught murder, and asked them if Congress could condone that? I think you will understand me properly when I tell you that we "stood by our guns;" and pleasantly too. Judge McBride, and contestant Campbell, of Utah, were present; the former speaking to the question and supporting our ideas.
The Edmunds Bill, which we favor, passed the Senate to-day. We hope to see it become a law. In order to pass this bill, the rules were suspended, etc. Some Senators thought it had been "urged" and
act, said Legislative Assembly may make such laws conformable to the organic act of said Territory and not inconsistent with other laws of the United States, as it shall deem proper concerning the filling of the offices in said Territory declared vacant by this act.
2 See foot-note 1, volume 3, page 363.
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