[George Q. Cannon]
Council met at 10 o'clock this morning and the following dispatch, which was received this morning from Washington, was read:
These questions will be asked by Senate Committee Friday morning. How shall we answer? Will delay do, or shall we evade or equivocate? First: Do you think it is the honest intention of your people or of the majority of the people to abolish and suppress polygamy? Second: When you say your people acted in good faith in adopting Constitution, do you mean that it is their intention to abolish and suppress polygamy, or that it is merely their intention to prosecute those who violate the provision of the Constitution on that subject? Must be answered by Thursday sure.
... Bro. Penrose drew up a dispatch ... it was voted for unanimously:
"You know the situation. Answer as guided by Spirit at the time. Be firm and courageous. If by suppression of polygamy is meant the outrages now committed, answer should be No. If full enforcement of the law against future polygamy is meant, the answer is Yes. Intentions can only be deduced from actions and guarantees. Make interrogators define their questions, then your replies can be made suitable. You have our faith and support. You represent monogamous and voting citizens and can speak as we cannot. Go as far as may be necessary consistently and you will not be censured. Preserve political as distinct from Church attitude. Penrose says desired head will come sure."...
... Bro. M. Thatcher reported to the Council a proposition of Sister Lucy D. Young to sell the Bee Hive House and property to the Church. The price last named was $30,000./. This question was referred to the Committee ...
Discussion followed about an amendment to the U. S. Constitution prohibiting polygamy. I opposed this and gave my reasons therefor, and Bro. Jos. F. Smith made a motion that it be the sense of the Council that we do not favor such an amendment to the Constitution. Another motion was made that an Enabling Act be prepared to present whenever necessary.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
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