Brigham defends servitude in Utah and advocates for a type of segregation to create unity.

Date
Dec 25, 1852
Type
News (traditional)
Source
Brigham Young
LDS
Hearsay
Scribed Verbatim
Reference

"Governor's Message," Deseret News, December 25, 1852, 4

Scribe/Publisher
Deseret News
People
Brigham Young, Cain, Canaan, U.S. Congress
Audience
Reading Public
Transcription

not until the subject of servitude and the relation existing between Master and Servant shall be understood and acted upon, and carried out by all parties on a righteous principle, may we expect quiet in our Nation's councils. When southern Statesman shall learn that Afric's sons and daughters are not goods and chattels, and will attach unto them, that humanity and moral accountability to which they are entitled; and cease to appropriate to an inordinate cupidity, the souls of men; and northern fanaticism learn to know that "Canaan" shall be servant of servants unto his brethren; and that there is but little merit, in subverting the decrees of Providence, or substituting their own kindred spirit and flesh, to perform the offices allotted by superior wisdom to the descendants of Cain. If they wish to do them a kindness, and are actuated by the "higher law principle," let them purchase them into FREEDOM, and place them in their own household, where they can partake of their kindness, wisdom, and intelligence, and also participate in the sympathies of their "Soi disant" friends, thereby obviating the necessity of white servants, who should tread the theatre of life and action in a higher sphere, also obviating that bitter hatred, which the constant agitation of the subject of slavery in Congress, engenders in the bosoms of those who should (being of a common brotherhood,) dwell together in unity. Happily for Utah, this question has been wisely left open for the decision of her citizens, and the law of the last session, so far proves a very salutary measure, as it has nearly freed the Territory of the colored population; also enabling the people to control, all who see proper to remain, and cast their lot among us.

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