| 419 from the disabilities imposed by said letter of instruction to foreign powers, from the late Secretary of State, Honorable W. M. Evarts, and that you will in such way as may by you be deemed proper, convey to the proper officials of said foreign governments, the information herein set forth, that we may be freed from the disability and suspicion complained of.
9. The members of the Reorganized Church are scattered in church organizations, or congregations, throughout the United States and Territories; largely in the states of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Michigan, and Indiana, and for their character for loyalty, etc., as herein set forth, inquiry may be made of the representatives of those States, Honorables James F. Wilson, J. W. McDill, W. P. Hepburn, John A. Kasson and others of Iowa, specially referred to.
10. We suggest to your honor, that an effective aid may be given to the legislative and judiciary departments of the Government in suppressing the evils known to exist in Utah, ostensibly fostered by the dominant church there as a part of their religion, if this distinction between the Reorganized Church which we represent, and the Utah Mormon church, be formally recognized by the Government, and officially noticed by your honor in the manner asked for by us.
For the prosperity and future success of our country we shall ever pray.
JOSEPH SMITH, }Committee.
Z. H. GURLEY, }
Several appeals were entertained and heard by committees appointed for the purpose.
The Church Recorder reported the aggregate of names on church record to be fifteen thousand and sixty-one, being a net increase in the last year of four hundred and twenty. A resolution was presented from Pottawattamie District, through delegate C. A. Beebe, requesting President "Joseph Smith to resign the editorship of the Herald that he might devote more of his time to preaching." This was discussed at some length, and disposed of by the adoption of the following substitute:
That it is the wish and desire of this body that President Joseph Smith be retained as editor of the Herald and Hope, but that no work be required of him by the Board of Publication, but that which comes strictly under the duties of editor; so that he may have more time to devote to his duties as president of the church.
The following preambles and resolutions were presented by the Quorum of Twelve and ordered placed in the minutes:
First. Whereas, We believe that marriage is ordained of God, and that the law of God provides for but one companion in wedlock, for either man
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