| 567 We, your committee appointed to wait upon Bro. J. W. Briggs, church historian, with a view to get possession of the manuscript in his possession of church history, beg leave to report as follows:
That two of the committee waited on Bro. Briggs, immediately after the April session of conference of 1886. They were kindly received by him, and he appeared to be in a pleasant mood, and talked freely on church matters.
Regarding the manuscript in his possession he manifested a willingness to put it into the hands of the church; provided he had security, or assurance, that it would be published substantially as written; but entertaining a suspicion, or belief, that it is the determination of some that it shall not be so published, he declines in the following language in a recent communication to give up the manuscript:
"Your kindly expressions of good wishes are appreciated; and were it your committee with E. L. and others of like spirit and purpose I could easily comply with the wishes expressed in regard to the manuscript of history. But it is the conference, whose majority I have hitherto (and still do) arraign for inconsistency and injustice. That majority, the creature of caucus and intrigue, is the party you represent and to whom you must report and deliver whatever is delivered to you. Under these circumstances I must decline to accede to your wishes, but with naught but kindly feelings toward your committee.
"Respectfully,
J. W. BRIGGS."
WM. H. KELLEY,
J. R. LAMBERT,
E. C. BRIGGS, Committee.
-The Saints'' Herald, vol. 34, pp. 296, 297.
This report was spread upon the minutes and the committee was discharged.
Subsequently, in December, 1896, the manuscript in the hands of Elder Jason W. Briggs was upon request turned over to Heman C. Smith, one of the committee on history, with the proviso that it could be used for information in any form desired, except that if it was published as Elder Briggs' production it should be published as written, he expressing himself that the former would be preferable to him, and his preference was followed.
On the 12th a letter was presented and read from Elder M. H. Forscutt, from Omaha, Nebraska, asking forgiveness of the conference for action taken in the conference of 1886.
On motion the request was granted; and he was relieved of disability.
Bishop Blakeslee in his financial report incorporated a letter
(page 567) |
