I [John Henry Smith] went to Colorado and attended the meeting of the Board of the Mexican Colonization. The question of selling beer at Saltair is one I have given much attention. I wonder if we are not extreme in our views concerning beer. The Word of Wisdom gave the liberty to make mild drinks of barley. We have strong views, but, perhaps, Prest. [Lorenzo] Snow has found us a little strenuous and does not wish to infringe on natural liberties of man. I can not believe it is stupidity which has activated a man of God like Bro. Snow. I want to stand by my chief. There has been some trouble in his family matters but we only know one side. He is determined to get the Church out of debt and we feel to sustain him. I believe the beers used in America are intoxicating. The question is: “Where is the mean line to follow.” The feeling of the brethren was that Danish Beer was not detrimental.

B[righam]. Young [Jr.]: Some men have found fault on the other side and thought Bro. [Francis] Lyman has been so straight on this matter that he leans backward. “Well” said I, “When a man has to pull against others he must lean back to pull well.[”] We must work hard against the tendency to break it. For me Danish beer is a blessing. I can not drink a glass of cold water without having it interpreted [to] lay heavy on my stomach.