History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

658 THE LAST DAYS OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.
Already the apostles had declared their intention of
laying the settlements of Utah in ashes and leading
their people in another exodus; but an effort was made
to save them, and from a source somewhat unexpected.
It was resolved by the leaders of the Godbeite faction
that William Goclbe should proceed to Washington
and state to the president the true condition of affairs.
"Mr Godbe," remarked the latter, after listening to
his arguments, "I am as solicitous as you can possibly
be to preserve the Mormon people;" and then he declared
that he would save them from their leaders by
checkmating their policy. During his visit Godbe
also sought an interview with Cullom, and discussed
with him the provisions of the bill, section by section,
pleading his cause with such warmth and earnestness
that all the animus of the congressman gave way, and
the bill was not brought up for action in the senate.
The substance of the policy recommended by the
emissary of the liberal party in Utah was to establish
over Utah a firm and efficient federal rule, rather than
resort to special legislation or armed interference ; and
in these views the president heartily concurred.
J. Wilson Shaffer of Illinois, an old comrade of
Rawlins, then secretary of war, was the man selected
for the occasion, and on the resignation of Durkee,
was appointed in his stead. 7 At this time Shaffer
was suffering from an incurable disease, and knew
that he had but a few months to live. Nevertheless
he accepted office as a trust from the president.
"Never after me," he declared, "shall it be said that
Brigham Young is governor of Utah." On the 15th
of September, 1870, the annual muster of the Nauvoo
legion being then at hand, he issued a proclamation
forbidding all musters, drills, or gatherings of the
militia, and all gatherings of armed persons of what-
7 The interregnum between Durkee's resignation and the arrival of Shaffer
was filled by secretaries Edwin Higgins and S. A. Mann, to the latter of
whom the women of Utah tendered their thanks for signing the femalesuffrage
bill. See Deseret News, March 2, 1870. For complimentary resolutions
from legislature, see Utah Jour. Legist, 1S70, 183.