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"To Get U[tah] in U[nion]": Diary of a Failed Mission
Utah Historical Quarterly
Vol. 51, 1983, No. 4
"To Get U[tah] in U[nion]": Diary of a Failed Mission
EDITED BY WILLIAM C. SEIFRIT
UTAH'S "OFFICIAL" MARCH TO STATEHOOD was nearly fifty years long. Beginning with the 1849 constitutional convention memorializing Congress to accept the newly drafted Constitution of Deseret and to admit Deseret as a state, and continuing until the executive order was signed in January 1896, Utah statehood was a battle fought on almost uncountable fronts. The history of those official efforts is well chronicled. Issues such as free state vs. slave state, female suffrage, national political control of newly created states, home rule, and polygamy were some of the sticking points impeding statehood for Utah Territory; each of these (and other issues less inflammatory) has been described often and frequently in great detail.
But what of other, unofficial and nonpublic statehood efforts? At least one such unofficial — and certainly nonpublic — effort was made and is described here in the words of the principal participant: Charles W. Penrose.
The major events in the life of Charles W. Penrose (1832-1925) are readily available and need only be summarized. English by birth, he was converted to the LDS faith at age eighteen and began thereupon a steady rise in social and church influence. Among his responsibilities may be numbered several mission presidencies (including the British and European), contributing editorship of the Millennial Star, editor of the weekly Ogden Junction, four-term Ogden city councilman, and several terms in the territorial legislature where he was known as a champion of woman suffrage. His relocation from Ogden to Salt Lake City saw his appointment as editor-in-chief of the Deseret News, a position he held from 1880 through 1892 and again from 1899 through 1906. In addition to those activities Penrose wrote a number of pamphlets and hymns.
Like many men of his time and station Penrose was a polygamist; his wives included Lucetta Stratford, Louisa M. Lusty, and Dr. Romania Bunnell (Pratt). Fifteen of his twenty-eight children lived beyond infancy.
Through the years he continued to rise in church responsibility. In 1904 he became a member of the Council of the Twelve; he served as counselor in the First Presidency from 1911 until his elevation to first counselor in 1921.
In his early fifties Penrose thus presented both the image and substance of a devout churchman, accomplished writer, and experienced politician — a man of affairs in Zion. He was therefore a logical choice for a political mission of intense concern to the LDS church: statehood for Utah.
Of the twenty known extant Penrose diaries the one he kept during his 1885 expedition to Washington and New York City is the most insightful politically. His daily accounts of events, persons encountered, the apparent plot to defraud the Mormon church of many thousands of dollars in lobbying funds, the other evidences of political corruption, and his own glancing brushes with a number of persons prominent at the time help illuminate a shadowy episode in Utah history.
In the following diary excerpt Penrose describes how he and Brigham Young, Jr., having been so directed by the First Presidency, move about Washington, D.C, and New York City in January and February 1885, attempting to place $20,000 in church funds where such a sum would help "get Utah in Union." This diary is rich in intrigue and adventure not only because of the purpose of this mission but also because Penrose was about to be indicted for unlawful cohabitation, and U.S. Marshal E. A. Ireland was frequently but a step or two away.
The diary excerpt presented here includes Penrose's entries from January 3 to February 24, 1885. They are reproduced as they appear in his own hand; marginalia and interlineations appear within brackets as do corrections of his infrequent grammatical errors. Editorial deletions from the diary are so indicated, and occasional punctuation has been added silently to enhance clarity.
Penrose almost uniformly identifies participants in the affair here recounted by their initials; he uses abbreviations but occasionally. To preserve the flavor of his style (while attempting to achieve clarity of name identification) his first usage of name initials is completed within brackets; further use of name initials by Penrose is left as in the original. For example, Penrose always uses "B.Y." when he refers to Brigham Young, Jr.
January 3 1885. Arose at 5 o'clock at W. R. Jones. After breakfast bid my wife Lucetta good bye also folks and Will having found way clear went to U[tah] C[entral] depot and boarded Supt [John] Sharp's Special car S.L. Hill in charge. J[oseph] F. S[mith] and M. F[eramorz] L[ittle] had slept there over night expecting me till 2 a.m. Reached Ogden on time, depot Marshal [Oscar] Vandercook on the look out. No interruption. Company consisted of John Taylor , J[oseph] F. S[smith], B[righam] Y[oung, Jr.],
M[oses] T[hatcher], F. M. L[yman], G[eorge] Q[uayle] C[annon], C. M[iller?], Lot Smith, Jesse N. Smith, George Reynolds, Dan Spencer —John Sharp in charge. Had meals and councils in his car, berths in Pullman. Geo. Q. C. returned [to SLC?] from Ogden. [Interlineation: "Matthias F[oss] C[owley], Miller, a lady Kouski on board"] Waited at Green River three hours for train on Oregon Short Line — not a passenger on board. Slept well, lower berth.
Jan 4th Sunday. Council held in Sharp's car. Agreed that half Indian War claim be given to collect balance. Also $25,000.00 towards expenses to get U[tah] in U[nion]. Map marked for arrangement, a S f . n "When is a lunch basket not a Lb.?" At Cheyenne all the party but B.Y., Miller and I went on to Denver for Arizona. We proceeded east 4 hours late. Make up two hours in evening and two in the night. Slept well.
Jan 5. Arrived in Omaha on time. Crossed big bridge to Council Bluffs. At Council Bluffs failed to see Mr. Babcock. Mr Alworth could only give us half fares to Chicago instead of passes. Paid $ 18.75, three half fares. Went by C. and N.W. One night on cars. Rested well except waking with stoppings. Arrived in morning.
Tuesday Jan 6. Arrived at 7 a.m. Hair cut, breakfast. Saw J.M. Hurlburt of Erie road, made appointment at 2 p.m. Took cable for long ride. Wet day, gloomy and dark. Looked like a bad day in London. Went into a rotunda. Saw panorama siege of Paris, very fine. Also Battle of Gettysburgh. Lecture by an Irishman. Had oyster dinner. Met Mr. Hurlburt. Gave us passes to Durand, thence to Detroit, thence to Suspension Bridge with arrangement for pass there to New York. Treated us very kindly. Went to depot, took a "gurney," a singular two wheeled cart with a box — like a miniature cab and removed our baggage to Union Depot in Polk Street. Passed along worst street in Chicago, men robbed every night by sandbag roughs. Returned by car. Took clam chowder etc at Boston Oyster House — a fine place lit by electric lamps. Then went to Dime Museum, saw several curiosities, tatooed man, hairy woman, etc. etc. Went to depot, took sleeper to Durand.
Wednesday Jan 7th. Arrived at 7:30, took a poor breakfast, waited till 9.15 for train for Detroit. Arrived there about noon, went to the House of Correction. Saw the Supt., Mr. Joseph Nicholson, the Asst Sup., Mr. John Fitzgerald sent for Bros. Am[m]on M. Tenney, Peter J. Christofferson, and C.I. Kempe who appeared in dark grey prison dress. Bro Tenney was much cast down, the others cheerful. We had a long conversation and cheered them up. Bro Kempe's cell was changed for a lighter one where he could read. We went through the prison, both male and female quarters, and saw the prisoners at work, the chief employment being chair making. In the evening at the hotel I wrote an account of the visit to the "Deseret News" and also wrote home. At 11 p.m. took train for Niagara and slept on Pullman.
Thursday Jan 8. Arrived at 7 a.m. at Suspension Bridge where we expected passes to New York. None came. Waited for them till afternoon. Took carriage and B.Y. and I visited Whirlpool Rapids where Cap Webb the swimmer was drowned, also the Horseshoe and American Falls. I put on rubber coat and boots and went under the end of the falls being almost blinded and choked with spray. Iron prongs on the boots enable[d] me to climb over the hill of ice. Returned and took dinner at the hotel and no passes arriving took train for Buffalo where we walked around town till evening. Governor [and President-elect Grover] Cleveland arrived from Albany. We took train at 9 o'clock to Albany and slept in Pullman.
Friday Jan 9. Arrived at 6 a.m. in Albany. Went to Brunswick Hotel and took rooms. "Miller" hunted up men interested in our mission. We took a ride out on street cars to West Troy, crossed river by bridge to Troy on the other side of the Hudson in which there were large quantities of drift and block ice. Took a stroll through the town and returned to Albany by railroad. In the afternoon Miller came with a number of questions to be answered in writing. I at once wrote out the replies and then copied them in ink on foolscap paper B.Y. reading them off while I wrote. Finished by six o'clock and Miller took them to the parties. We went to Leland's Theatre and saw "Her Atonement" pretty well played, then returned and slept at the Brunswick.
Saturday Jan 10. After breakfast took cars and rode a couple of miles and return[ed]; went through the Capitol, a magnificent building not yet completed. Nearly $16,000,000 has been expended on it and it will take over $6,000,000 more to finish it. Went up no the top by elevator and into rooms containing museums, relics of the civil war; guns, torpedoes, shells, swords, pistols, dirks, helmets, armor, protraits of horses, flags, etc in great profusion. Went through the Senate Chamber and House, both fitted up gorgeously; also went through the State Library. Returned to hotel after taking an "egg celery" 14 and learned from Miller that we were to go to New York. No letters at Post Office. Took train for New York on the Hudson River route, enjoyed the scenery by the way. Arrived at 7 p.m., took bus for Koch Hotel, found it to be Broadway Hotel between 12 & 13 St. Broadway and a quiet but poor house with a good restaurant below. Took rooms & supper, then a walk and called in at a building looking like a church but which turned out to be a place of entertainment combining a stage performance with public dancing. Two men put on the gloves and we retired. Had a good night's rest.
Sunday Jan 11. Mr. Miller came with a string of important questions to be answered in writing. B.Y. went to hunt up some friends in Brooklyn. I went with him to the boat, Fulton Ferry, and returned by car; then spent the day which turned out a drizzling wet one in my room writing the answers in pencil till five o'clock when I took some dinner and then a walk, posting a letter to [John] Nicholson. Returned but as B.Y. had not come back I took a longer walk. When I returned [I] found B.Y. with his son Albert, R[ichard] Whitehead] Young, and Wm. Chas. Craft of Brooklyn. The latter invited me to go to his house with B.Y. We took the elevated railroad and boat across East River, then Flatbush car and came to his house, a new one he had just bought for his wife to whom I was introduced — Mrs. Lizzie Young's sister — and was kindly treated having a nice place to stay in a pretty brown stone front house.
Monday Jan 12. After breakfast took car and boat to New York; went to hotel and worked on copying Sunday's writing till 3 p.m. when Miller came and took it away. We went to Brooklyn and took dinner with and spent the evening comfortably at Kraft's.
Tuesday Jan 13. After a shave at a barbers took breakfast and crossed to New York. Went with B.Y. to tailor's to get measured for a suit for him. He went to another place with Kraft, I to the hotel; met Miller who expressed the satisfaction of the gentlemen at the writings. B.Y. and I went to Kraft's office, Cliff Street, and through his patent elbow factory. Then to Fulton Market and took oysters, then across river and on to the New Bridge, at least a mile long all suspended on two immense stone piers each with two gothic arches. Two carriage ways on the outer part, two railroad tracks in the middle part and above in the centre a foot way for pedestrians. We walked across, returned by cable railway and went to Kraft's to dinner and thence to the Brooklyn Theatre when was saw [sic; where we saw ?] Riston as "Queen Elizabeth" a fair performance somewhat marred by her Italian accent, then to Kraft's to bed.
Wednesday Jan 14. Went to New York and with C. Kraft to a silk hat place. B.Y. bought one and I was measured. To Dey Street to hunt for Larabee's work, ° unsuccessful. Bought some collars and a tie. Then to hotel. Miller came with some more questions. I wrote answers in pencil. B.Y. copied part in ink. Evening went [to] Madison Square Theatre. Saw the "Private Secretary," a fine and funny performance, been played for four months. Took some oysters, and B.Y. and I occupied the same bed. Wrote home today; wrote to Nicholson and [William C] Spence.
Thursday Jan 15. I copied in ink the rest of the answers, and Miller came and got them. He wanted to know if we were ready with everything. We replied not until we could be perfectly satisfied and communicate with head quarters. B.Y. went to his tailor's; I remained to write. Drizzling wet day, snow and rain. B.Y. returned and then went out to see Dr. Sayer [i.e., Sayre] who gave him a note to Dr. J.D. Bryant, 66 W. 35th St. who gave, him a letter to Col. Lamont. 24 Received letter from Geo. Q. with draft. Took supper and went to Tony Pastor's and saw "Over the Garden Wall."
Friday Jan 16. Miserable wet day. Mr. Miller called, showed us clippings from the Detroit Free Press with an account of our visit to the brethren in prison. This he said was the reason why we had not seen the gentlemen for whom he was working. He expected we would see them Saturday. They were all gone to Albany. I went out to hunt Larrabee's book, did not find it but learned the publishers, Murray St. Went there in afternoon and bought it, B.Y. also. We went by bus to South Ferry and thence by boat to Governor's Island and visited Mrs. R[ichard] W[hitehead] Young, the daughter of H[enry] P[hineas] Richards. The Island is a pretty place, everything in military order. We had a pleasant visit and after supper returned by boat to New York, rain still drizzling. Made up a cypher telegram to Geo Q.C., one dollar for ten words.
Saturday Jan 17. Wrote article for "News" on Bigamy not Polygamy. 26 Mr. Miller came and told us the parties had gone to Albany and would not return till Monday. Wrote to Bro Geo. Q.C. enclosed to Bro Nicholson with article. Went to N. Y. Elbow Co. and Gough's hat shop and got a hat made for me there. Then took some oysters and we went to Brooklyn and spent the evening at Kraft's, Park Place Fifth Avenue. Had a warm bath.
Sunday Jan 18. With B.Y. and C[harles] Kraft went to [Henry Ward] Beecher's Church and heard the great preacher. He read parts of the 7th and 8th Chap[ters] of Romans, made a defence of Anthony Comstock in working against obscene literature, gave out notice of a lecture against Utah by R. G. McNiece and another and preached, after taking up a collection for a society to aid the poor, from Hebrews 4 & 22. "He was tempted in all points as we, yet without sin." He [i.e., Beecher] denied the atonement yet preached Christ. He quoted from the Bible yet covertly advocated evolution — saying that man is animal first and as a basis, to which was suspended the moral and intellectual and finally the spiritual. God, he said, was sinless [and] therefore was waiting till man became sinless and looked with compassion on sinners. He was not eloquent except here and there, but said some quaint things and provoked occasional laughter. He looked [to be] a singular and sensuous old man. Had a fine turkey dinner at Kraft's, then took two cars to Williamsburgh and went to a meeting of the Saints at Americus Hall, 174 Grant Street. Were late and Bro Rogers was speaking on the angel's visit to Manoah. We were spotted as from Utah and invited to speak. I did so followed by B.Y., each briefly. At the close, the President, Bro Flashman, called me by name and said he had met me in Ogden; and Sister Pike, mother of D. Pike, came up and also called me by name, having known me in London and Salt Lake. Made arrangements to have our garments washed and returned to Kraft's and spent the evening. Mrs. K. much opposed to polygamy can't let it alone.
Monday Jan 19. Came to N.Y. by car and boat. B.Y. followed after going to his tailor's. Mr. Miller came and said we would be called upon Tuesday. Received letter from Bro Nicholson and some [news] papers. Glad to get news from home. B.Y. received letter from G.Q.C. with second draft making in all $20,000, I received telegram from F[ranklin] S. Richards that [the] Supreme Court of U.S. had affirmed the habeous corpus against Rudger Clawson, Justices Miller and Field dissenting. Went by car and boat from 10th St. ferry to Greenpoint Williamsburgh and left garments to wash at Bro Flashman's place. Had a conversation with his wife and Bro Stevenson and returned. Walked all the way but across the river. Went with B.Y. to Bijou Theatre and saw Adonis. Very funny and a good burlesque given of Comstock and [Washington ?] Irving. Walked back to hotel.
Tuesday Jan 20. Received a letter from John T. Caine with a list of coming [i.e., newly elected] Congressmen. B.Y. received 2 letters from home. None for me. "News" came to hand. Went to corner Canal Street and bought a frock coat to appear decent as Miller called and appointed 2 p.m. to meet some one from Albany. At time appointed a man came with him calling himself Senator Raymond of Wisconsin. He said we had better send some trusty person to Washington and suggested Miller, that we had lost time and it was getting late in the session. We informed him that we should do nothing until we had some satisfaction, that we had been waiting about doing nothing and had been kept in the dark and were tired of it. He appeared confused and said he would confer further with us before 12 next day. B.Y. went to see his son. Miller returned and tried to explain matters but gave no satisfaction. B.Y. returned with Albert and we took supper and went to Brooklyn to find Miss Sarah Alexander but she was not at home. Returned and called at a museum, saw an ironjawed man, marionettes, and some natural curiosities. Home to hotel.
Wednesday J'an 21. Took new coat back to have altered. Miller came and said he had to wait till Friday. Agreed to meet him at hotel at 10:30 a.m. Had dinner, then went to Grand Central Depot; took train for Albany, arrived 7.45 p.m., found lodgings. Weather intensely cold, streets slippery, sloughing all over town.
Thursday Jan 22. Found Col. Lamont at 146 Jay Street. He denied knowing Miller or anything about scheme, said he was a fraud. Told us where we could find the Governor. Went to 48 Millett St. and Grover Cleveland met us at the door. Had not breakfasted but gave us an interview. He repudiated any knowledge of Miller, said he ought to be arrested. We told him of the situation in Utah at which he seemed very much interested; and other calls coming said we might come again at 2 o'clock. We did so. I fell down on the icy streets, so did B.Y. We found the President-elect and had nearly an hour's good solid talk. Made a good impression, called his attention to many facts and points for which he was thankful. Promised to send him pamphlets, etc. Left well satisfied with our visit. Walked to depot. Train was 40 minutes behind so we just caught it at 3.20 and went to New York arriving at 7.40, took cars for hotel. No letter from home yet. Not getting a good room we went to St. George Hotel opposite. Had good room and fire, also good supper. Sent cypher telegram to Geo. Q. C. Posted journal.
Friday Jan 23. Took breakfast at Broadway Hotel. Went to Greenpoint and got clothes from Flashman's then by car to Brooklyn and visited Miss Sarah Alexander at Mrs. Blackburn's on Jay St. Then to Kraft's where we staid [i.e., stayed] all night.
Saturday Jan 24. Went to New York, received letters from home, first time; answered them. Wrote to Prest. Taylor an account of our proceedings. B.Y. did same to Geo. Q. C. After dinner went to Cortland St. depot and arranged to go to Washington. Called at Abbot's office, he was gone. Returned, telegraphed to J. T. Caine we were coming. Went to Albert C. Young's, West 53rd St. and arranged to have our mail sent on. Took cab and went to depot and took Pullman for Washington. Disturbed night. Trains passing and much shook up. Upper berth.
Sunday fan 25. Arrived at Washington 8.05. Bro Caine met us at depot, took us in carriage to his house; met Mrs. Caine and R[obert] W[allace] Sloan. After breakfast engaged nice rooms at $1 per day at Mr. Sarmisida's, 826 Fourteenth St., N.W.
[Marginal interlineation: "Saw F.S.R. in morning and told him and J.T.C. our business."]
Took dinner at Caine's, went to "Church of Our Father" Universalists, and heard Rev. Olympia Brown preach on "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." She spoke clearly and forcibly from notes showing the uncertainty and feebleness of riches. On coming out saw Mrs. E[lizabeth] Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Mrs. [Harriet Elizabeth] Spofford, and other ladies of the suffrage movement, also Luke [Potter] Poland. Evening visited F.S. and Emily Richards. Met Jocelyn [i.e., Joslyn] Gage, and Mrs. [Laura De Force] Gordon, the latter of California came in to see Mrs. Belva A[nn] Lockwood who lived at the same place but [who] was absent lecturing. Had a long talk with the ladies and also F.S.R. about business. Took a dish of steamed oysters with Sloan and returned; had a good night's rest.
Monday Jan 26. J.T.C. came before I was up stating I was called to go on a mission to England and he was to advise me to proceed. This was startling. But as we had made arrangement to meet Miller and some other work and preparations were necessary I cyphered a dispatch to G.Q.C. telling him so and asking if I was to sail Tuesday or wait a week. Went with J.T.C. to Capitol. Sat in gallery of the House and Bro. Caine pointed out: [Speaker John G.] Carlisle, [Samuel J.] Randall, [Samuel S.] Cox, [Thomas B.] Reed, [William D.] Kelly [Kelley?], [Joseph D.] Taylor, of Ohio, [Adoniram J.] Warner his successor, [Thomas] Olchiltree, [Nathan B.] Eldridge, [John D.] White of Kentucky, and many others; then into the Senate and saw [George F.] Edmunds, [George F.] Hoar, [John J.] Ingalls, [Preston P.] Plumb, [William W.] Brown, [William] Mahone, [George G.] Vest, and many others.
In the evening visited A.M. Gibson 44 and had a long conversation on Utah affairs. He proposed plan to settle and control Nevada, also Sonora, and the importance of getting the political influence of large firms who trade with Z.C.M.I. Talked on the possibilities of Utah getting into the Union. He suggested putting a prohibition clause against polygamy in the Constitution and afterwards repealing it. We said it could not be done. Congress might propose something, and certain classes vote for it, the rest remaining silent. We returned.
Tuesday Jan 27. Took breakfast at the Ebbet House. P[hillip] T. Van Zile 45 sat at the next table. Telegram in cypher came last night saying I could wait till developments were settled before going to England. Went to Capitol, thence to Botanical Garden, National Museum, Smithsonian Institute, and Washington Monument. It is 555 ft. high of a kind of marble 15 ft thick at base, 55 feet square outside. Went up to top in elevator and viewed the city and country from four sides, a magnificent sight. Then into a place adjacent where memorial stones from all parts were stored, not put into the monument. Saw Utah stone but as it had ["]Deseret["] on it no stranger could tell it was from Utah. Took dinner at the Clarendon. In the evening with B.Y. and R.W.Y. went to National Theatre and saw "We, Us and Co." a very humorous play. [House Speaker] Carlisle sat behind me. John T.C. telegraphed to Geo. Q. C. today to know if Guion's would pass me to Liverpool.
Wednesday Jan 28. Breakfasted at Clarendon['s]. An awful morning, snowy and blowing, very cold. Went to John T.'s and read home papers, thence to A.M. Gibson's but he was out. Returned and went to Capitol, attended Supreme Court and heard Ben Butler argue a case. He did not shine much as an orator. Then came on our Utah cases against the Com- missioners. Senator [George G.] Vest made a good argument on the excess of duty of the Commissioners followed by Solicitor General Phillips for defence. He was confused and indistinct and used shallow sophistry. Wayne MacVeagh followed and was very strong and pointed on the lack of authority in Congress to legislate on qualifications of voters when Utah had that right herself. At 4 o'clock the Court adjourned till next day. Learned that Marshall Ireland was in the Capitol. Went with B.Y. and R.W.Y. to St. James Hotel to dinner, then to John T. Caine's, wrote letters home.
Thursday Jan 29. After breakfast at the Clarendon went to John T.'s and while B.Y. took our hats to be repaired, I wrote up for the "News" the proceedings of [the] 28th in the Supreme Court. Then went with John T. to the Capitol. On the way he broached the idea that R. W. Sloan might as well go with me over the sea as to wait longer. In the Supreme Court heard: Senators Garland and Edmunds argue a case briefly. Then MacVeagh resumed his plea on the Utah cases, chiefly on the lack of power in Congress to make election officers judges of a criminal offence, as in Utah, and deciding on the qualifications of voters. He made an eloquent speech on Mrs. Clawson's case. He was closely questioned by the Court but maintained his position that Congress had no right to legislate on this question after giving Utah power to do so. He closed with a pathetic appeal for Mrs. Clawson and the injustice of disfranchising her because of an offence committed by the husband. At close of the case I congratulated MacVeagh on his brilliant effort. Learned that Ireland was in the building and so went to the law library and waited there for F. S. Richards. He not coming I went out and then into the Rotunda where I found him and following him out he told me Ireland was in the Rotunda talking with John T. Caine. After lunch in the Capitol went to Caine's and finished writing up account of the case for the "News." Went with B.Y. and R.W.Y. to [. . .?] Opera House and saw Maggie Mitchell in "The Little Midget."
Friday Jan 30. Received letters from Lucetta and Jessie also W[illiam] Spence. Met Rob[er]t Watson at depot to whom we had telegraphed to come from New York for a consultation. After breakfast with John T. we all went to Mr. A.M. Gibson's and had a long talk about bringing to bear the trade of Z.C.M.I. on the merchants who have political influence so as to use it in favor of Utah. It was finally arranged that John T. and R. W. should go to Philadelphia, see MacVeagh who is attorney for Pensylvania Railroad and try and get political influences of that Co. in consideration of freight business over that road, simply to get our rights as far as the Co. could assist. B.Y. and I returned, went to hatters to get our hats which had been repaired, then to a Dime Museum opposite eleventh St. in Pennsylvania Ave. and saw "The New Magdalene" and a burlesque, with other entertainments all for a dime, another dime for reserved seat, a very fair and full performance. Spent evening with Watson and John T. who went to Philadelphia at about 11 p.m.
Saturday Jan 31. Received letter from Lizzie. B.Y. and R.W. Sloan and I went to the Corcoran Art Gallery, saw fine paintings, sculpture, bronzes, etc., then through the State, Army and Navy Department and then to Bureau of Engraving and Printing where we saw the process of making bank and treasury notes, revenue stamps, etc., hundreds of men and women being employed and the process very interesting. Thence, after R.W.S. had called on Senator Vest with a message for John T., to Ford's Opera House where we saw Pice's Suprise Party perform "a Bottle of Ink," a piece of absurdity not very interesting. Evening sent to Nicholson an article by R.W.Y. on the past history of Agramonte showing up his villainy. Then with B.Y. and R.W.S. to Turkish Bath and has [had?] a fine sweat and champoo [sic], negroes done the work. Had a "coffee soda," a delicious drink and sat up conversing till after 1 a.m.
Sunday Feb 1st. Damp morning. Took breakfast at Clarendon. Fixed up Journal. Went with B. Y., John T. and Sloan to Church of Immaculate Conception. Heard Dr. Ryan preach a thin sermon on "The Last Shall be First," etc., Catholic service. Many negroes in congregation. Walked around prominent streets and viewed elegant houses. Dinner at Clarendon. Evening went with John T. and B.Y. to Georgetown. Saw cemetery where J. Howard Payne is buried. Also large nunnery and college. Went over bridge across Potomac on to soil of Virginia.
Monday Feb 2. Letters from home. Went with B.Y. and Sloan to Navy Yard and on board the monitor Wyandotte. Then to Treasury. On the way, who should step on to the car but J. McKnight, jr. and his wife. I turned my back so he should not see me and remained on the car until B.Y. and S. got out, then after awhile alighted. Returned to looking as we did not want to meet him. Then to John T.'s and in the evening to the Capitol where we saw the House by gaslight. It was illuminated byjets above a glass ceiling finely ornamented, the light shining brightly and yet subdued to the floor below. There a filibustering process was in progress to prevent the passage or debate of the bankruptcy bill. Dilatory motions and divisions and calls for ayes and nays kept the members nearly all night.
Tuesday Feb 3. B.Y. went with John T. and called on President [Chester] Arthur. I staid and wrote suggestions to Prest[-elect] Cleveland. After B.Y. returned I was reading my writing to him when John T. came in excitedly and told me I had not a moment to lose. Ireland was calculating to get me and said he could put his hand on me when he wanted. I did not stay for baggage but started afoot on back street to Baltimore and Ohio depot; arrived just in time to take express to Baltimore. On arriving I took a car for Union depot and bought ticket for Philadelphia where I expected to meet B.Y. later. Waited at a lunch stand till the train started. Ran and got on and into a drawing room car where I ran against B.Y. He thought someone had followed him on train to Washington. So we remained in drawing room car and he got off at Philadelphia giving me his ticket for New York and my valise. I arrived at 9.30 p.m. Crossed to Cortland St. in ferry, took Broadway bus to St. George Hotel, took room for night. Very cold and no fire.
Wednesday Feb 4. Fifty-three years old today. Cold, a damp morning. Went to A.C. Young's before he was up. Took breakfast with him. At the table was Stephen [Longstroth] Richards, Heber J[ohn]'s brother who recognized me. Albert went with me to Desbrosses St., where we got the baggage B.Y. had sent on from Washington and took it to Hotel St. George. I went to Greenpoint [and] saw Bro Flashman who agreed to let me stay there till I sailed. Went to Kraft's in New York and B.Y. not arriving, went to Guion's Shipping Office. Saw Mr. Gibson and learned J[ames] H[enry] Hart had written about my passage. He [i.e., Gibson] said he would give me a berth and keep all quiet. The "Alaska" had not arrived but was hourly expected. [Apostle] John Henry Smith was on board. B.Y. arrived at Kraft's and he went to K's home and I to Greenpoint.
Thursday Feb 5. Went over to N.Y. B.Y. and I went to Guion's to go on board the Alaska, but she had not arrived. Went to Grand Street, saw Robert Watson who treated us to dinner in german restaurant, also took us to hat stores; got me a cap and two soft hats and a stiff hat for B.Y. Went to St. George; met Miller who made apointment at Hoffman House to go see Lamont. Returned to Kraft's after going through Macy's establishment. I went to Greenpoint.
Fri Feb 6. I staid at Flashman's writing all morning. Fixed up pamphlets and suggestions in writing to Prest. Cleveland. Then to New York and after a shave met B.Y. and went to Hoffman House. Miller did not come so went to Victoria Hotel; sent up our cards to Prest. C. Received word that there were too many ahead of us so we sent up writings and pamphlets and returned, I to Greenpoint.
Saturday Feb 7. Went to N. Y. and met B. Y. Alaska not in. Learned from John T. that [Marshal] Ireland was exceedingly mad at my escape from his clutches. Dined with B.Y. at a german restaurant. Then with him and Albert walked up the Bowery and took cars to 27th Street where Miller had appointed by telegraph to meet us. After a while he appeared and took us while Albert waited outside, to Victoria Hotel and up by the elevator to the fourth floor and into a room where a clerk was writing. Miller asked if the Colonel was in. He said "No." "Go for him then," was the request. In a little while a fat, fussy man with a dark moustache, apparently dyed, came in in a hurry and was introduced as Mr. Banks. He said he could only give us a few minutes and in a nervous manner commenced to say that all was arranged; Utah would be admitted; there would be no extra session; the officers named would be appointed; the new Attorney General would be from Missouri, a friend of ours; the present proceedings would all be stopped. But there was a "consideration." It remained entirely with ourselves. We must place $20,000 in Miller's hands. He would vouch for him. When asked what the money was for he said "for Attorney General Brewster." "Should we see Mr. Brewster?" "Yes, through Mr. Miller." I asked Banks if he vouched for Miller, who would vouch for him? He said, "Nobody." Neither Mr. Cleveland nor Mr. Lamont could be seen "for millions."" He showed us a map of the "new State." It consisted of Utah and parts of Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada making a square. The absurdity of the thing showed fraud on its face. A few questions proved the ignorance of "Banks" who soon left as pretending he was going with Cleveland and Lamont to Greystone that evening; and we departed leaving Miller looking on and seeing that his game was up. Thus ended the attempt to defraud us of $20,000 which had brought us on this trip and detained us five weeks. However, good resulted in our interview and correspondence with Cleveland. B.Y. went to Kraft's after a shave and I to Greenpoint. Before leaving we sent a telegram to Pukuniahi. "Miller business a fraud. Particulars by letter. Alaska heard from, [signed] R.O. Stflby."
Sunday Feb 8. Remained all day at Flashman's. Bro T. Miller and his wife — recently married — who was formerly Bro Staine's divorced wife Maggie and who had married and left a man named Sanders, came to dinner. In the afternoon while folks were at meeting, I copied the suggestions to the President-Elect, and wrote a full letter of particulars of our proceedings to Prest Taylor enclosed to Geo Reynolds. Evening, the Millers, Sister Flashman's sister and Bro and Sister Wilkinson spent a pleasant time with us. The Millers invited me to their place. . .
Friday Feb 13. B.Y. came [to Flashman's home] and spent two or three hours, brought me some papers also letter from John T. Caine with introduction to Smith M. Weed, a lawyer of prominence and political influence in New York. We agreed to go and see him. Took dinner with B.Y. at an oyster house and saw him on car to Brooklyn. When I returned Rob Sloan was waiting with letters and a telegram from Caine repeating dispatch to him from Reynolds stating, in cypher, that Ireland had wired for papers to arrest me, that he could get me any time and suggesting I go to Canada. Also note from Robt Watson stating Ireland was in New York and I had better prepare. Had great difficulty in deciphering the telegram as the operator had blundered. R. Sloan agreed to telegraph B.Y. to see me tonight. In evening received a dispatch from him that he had not the address. I wrote to B.Y. the particulars and J.T. mailed it.
Saturday Feb 14. B.Y. came and after consultation concluded that it was our duty to go and see Mr. Weed if possible and risk meeting the Marshal. Took cars and Tenth St. Ferry, went to Broadway, walked to Cortland St. to Coal & Iron Exchange, learned Mr. Weed was out of town. Went to Cliff St. B.Y. got letters from John T. Caine with word that Ireland was to be at Washington for business Saturday and repeating cautions to me. B.Y. returned, and I took Fulton Ferry, walked to Brooklyn City buildings, then went by cross town car to Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint, had a hot bath and then to lodgings.
Sunday Feb 15. Prisoner all day. B.Y. came and spent afternoon. I wrote article for "News." Evening walked to P.O. and mailed letters to Ernest and'Cetta.
Monday Feb 16. Terrible wet day. By appointment went by cars and 1 Oth Street ferry to Broadway and met B.Y.; waited in the rain 15 minutes. Went to Western Union building and tried to find Sidney Dillon and Jay Gould. Learned the former was at home sick with a cold. Took elevated railroad to 23rd and walked to 37th St., No. 5, found Sidney Dillon at home in a splendid house. Received us very kindly, heard all we had to say about Utah persecutions; regretted he had no influence with the administration, said we had better see Jay Gould and tell him, gave us a card to him. We returned, the rain coming down in sheets, but learned after going to all his offices that Mr. Gould was not down town, also by telephone that he was not at his house. Went to Robt Watson's office, say [i.e., saw] Sloan who said he was going that night to Washington [with] John C. Neels[?], Spence Clawson, and T. H. Sears. Wrote to John T. Caine and returned by Fulton Ferry and car.
Tuesday Feb 17. Awfully cold windy morning, therometer 3° above. Went to 10th St. ferry, boat had great trouble to get in for ice, crossed and went by car to Broadway, met B.Y. at W[estern] U[nion] building; hunted for Jay Gould, learned he was at his house. Took bus to (I think) 759 Fifth Avenue., corner 47th St., magnificent house. Gould had gone down town. Returned nearly frozen. After great trouble found Gould, talked briefly with him; he could do nothing to assist us, he was going south for several weeks. Went to Guion's office, saw Gibson. Said two men, Welch and Ritchie, were here to go on Wyoming, were at Temperance Hotel, Beach St. We went to Earle's Restaurant & took dinner. Then to Watson's office, saw Neels also Spencer Clawson, Sears & then Watson; the latter promised to lend me $50, B.Y. to see it returned from T[rustee] in T[rust]. Wrote letter to "News." Received letter from Caine relating Ireland's defeat in Averill case. 60 Walked to 10th St. ferry, crossed and went to F[lashman]'s; received telegram from Sloan that it was understood Ireland had gone home Sunday night. Went with Bro Flashman to Mr. Walsh's to administer to sick child; folks were out. Called at Wilkinson's and had conversation on way home.
Wednesday Feb 18. Snowy, blustery morning, heavy fall. Afternoon clear. Went to near ferry to get some bananas for Flashman's sick child. On return got letter from Caine. Evening sent article to "News" and letter to Ernest and Lucetta. Went with Bro J. Wilkinson to Mr. Walsh's and administered to his sick boy.
Thursday Feb 19. Clear day, very cold. Wrote two short articles to "News." B.Y. and his son Albert came and read me letters from Caine and Wilcken. Geo. Q. on his way to Washington. Went with them and took lunch at oyster house. They went to Governor's Island after making appointment to meet next day at Watson's office, N.Y. I went to Williamsburgh and mailed letter to my Mother with $10.
Friday Feb 20. Very bad cold. Quite a sharp morning. After breakfast went to Grand St. ferry, crossed to N.Y. and thence by car to Watson's office. Met B.Y. and Albert. Watson and Spencer Clawson there. Learned that Deusenberg was in N.Y. B.Y. got $50 for me from Watson. Went to N. Y. Central depot by elevated and took train with B.Y. for Albany at 11 a.m. Hudson River frozen over all the way. Ice hands at work. Hugh ice houses at many points. Reached Albany at 4.05. Went at once to State Treasury and saw Mr. Apgar. Presented letters from Chauncey Black. Well received. He listened to our relation of Utah affairs, gave us a letter to Col. Lamont and enclosed it with a note from me and the introduction and sent it by messenger. We went and put up at Kenmore House, a fine hotel and waited a reply from Lamont. Received note at 9 p.m. saying he was too ill to see any one and suggesting we wait till after inaugeration [sic] to see Cleveland. Had comfortable quarters for the night and excellent food.
Saturday Feb 21. After a fine breakfast went to the "Argus" office and waited more than an hour to see Mr. Daniel Manning, the expected Secretary of the Treasury. Went to the N[ew] Commercial Bank and learned he was in a Directors Meeting. Thence to Treasury building to see Apgar. He was not there. Waited an hour but he did not come. Returned to the Bank and waited a long time, but finally got a private interview with Mr. Manning. He spoke of the prejudice of the country against polygamy and church & state. We explained the situation and the necessity if anything was said on the "Mormon" question in the inaugural of the deprecation of anything in the shape of persecution under the guise of prosecution. Showed there was no union of Church and State in Utah. Mr. M. promised to see Cleveland and place this matter before him as we wished. I went to the Treasury again, Mr. Apgar not there so went to his lodgings and he accompanied me to his office. When he telephoned Lamont for me to learn whether Cleveland had received the written suggestions and pamphlets sent, answer came that Lamont was very sick; the documents had been received, and Mr. C. would be comeatable [i.e., approachable] after the inauguration. After some further talk and explanations with Mr. Apgar I returned and met B.Y. at Kenmore House. Packed up, took an excellent dinner and hurried to depot. N.Y. Central had just gone, so went to West Shore line and took 2.45 train for New York. On the train met Cpt John Codman. He told us he had been writing a pamplet on the "Mormon" problem opposing polygamy but advocating moral suasion instead of force. Urged him to hurry it and send copies to Cleveland, Lamont, and Manning. Arranged to meet him and see proofs at Hotel St. Denis Monday 10.30 a.m. Arrived, crossed Hudson in ferry to 42nd St. Took Grant St. car. B.Y. and Codman got off at 14 St. I went on, crossing at Grand Street ferry and walked to Greenpoint, where Sister Flashman gave me some supper and a bed.
Sunday Feb 22. Washington's birthday; monument dedicated yesterday. Fine day. My cold in throat — bad for several days — somewhat better. Wrote letters for home partly and an article for the "News." Had conversation in the evening with several Saints at Bro Flashman's and had a profitable time.
Monday Feb 23. Went to New York via Grand St. Ferry. Met B.Y. and also Bro W.W. Burton at Watson's office. The latter with his wife were going by the "Wyoming" on a visit to England. I went with B.Y. to St. Denis Hotel but did not see Capt Codman. Left B.Y. to visit him and with Bro Burton went to Guion office, got my free ticket in cabin from Mr. Gibson — Berth No. 2 and Burton got the room next to mine. Returned to St. Denis, took dinner at Broadway Hotel. . . . Went to Albert Young's, did not find him at home. Went to Grand Central, met Deusenberg 8c Pike 61 from Utah. Letters came from home left by A.C. Young, one from "Cetta, from Nicholson, and from T.E. Taylor. The latter stated that each of my families would have $7 a week each in cash while I was away. Felt much depressed over the small amount, and the cutting down of my salary under the circumstances. B.Y., too, felt that it was small business. Took supper with Bro 8c Sister Burton. Went to Greenpoint. Found a telegram there from John T. Caine that Geo Q thought I had better wait until next vessel if I could do so without personal inconvenience. I telegraphed back that I could wait if wanted but I had secured passage 8c Burton was going, "answer quick." Wrote home bidding the dear ones good bye. About 1 a.m. received a telegram to proceed, saying Sloan would remain for [the] present.
Tuesday Feb 24. Packed up, bid Flashman's good bye. They refused to accept any pay for my board. Went to New York. At Watson's found brethren, including Burton, anxious as telegram had come there also for me to remain, but my later telegram settled it. . . . walked to Guion's wharf without baggage and went on board the "Wyoming" where I went into my cramped little room and kept quiet. B.Y. and Albert came later with my baggage. Albert took my letters for home to post. ... At noon we started out to sea. . . .
Thus ended the quest that originally brought Penrose to Washington. But his efforts in the statehood cause continued; in the sixteen days remaining to him before he would actually sail for England to fill the mission upon which he had been called on January 26, Penrose and Young were at least as active in their own efforts as they had been in pursuing "Miller's" scheme. And this was in spite of repeated warnings Penrose received from Caine and Robert Watson that Ireland was closing in on him.
After writing a summary of the attempt to extract the $20,000 in church funds to Cannon (sent via George Reynolds), Penrose decided to attempt an interview with Smith M. Weed, a New York attorney associated with the Union Pacific; he learned almost at the same moment that Ireland had the legal papers necessary to arrest him and that his wife and children had been forced to testify against him back in Salt Lake City. Moreover, some of his friends urged him to flee to Canada. Such were the pressures he felt during the two weeks or so left to him.
A few days after writing his report to Cannon, Penrose managed interviews with both Sidney Dillon and Jay Gould in New York; neither man was inclined to pursue the Utah statehood matter with Cleveland at that time. On February 20 Penrose and Young failed in an attempt to see Colonel Lamont again, but they did manage on the following day to obtain an interview with Daniel Manning, a Cleveland protege who was presumed to be the treasury secretary in the Cleveland administration. Penrose noted that Manning assured the two Mormons that the statehood matter would be placed again before Cleveland "as we wished."
On February 23, the day before he was to sail for England, Penrose learned that his salary had been severely cut and that his families' allowance had been reduced to $7 per week during his absence. He also learned from Caine that Cannon wanted him to wait and leave on the next vessel if he could do so "without inconvenience"; this request was rescinded by an early morning telegram on the 24th. Penrose thereupon sailed for England with forty borrowed dollars in his pocket, an arrest warrant hovering over him, and his families in Utah in severely reduced circumstances.
Penrose's assigned mission in Washington was a failure, but it was not without benefit. He and Young had not succumbed to "Miller's" scheme to extract a large sum of money from the Mormon church in return for a promise of statehood. One may be certain, however, that if believable assurances had been obtainable there is little doubt that the money would have been handed over.
Penrose and his associates did spend their time in Washington and New York to apparent advantage. The meetings with President-elect Cleveland, Colonel Lamont, Sidney Dillon, Jay Gould, and quite probably others certainly did no harm to the statehood cause and may have helped soften Cleveland's opposition ultimately.
George Q. Cannon arrived the day Penrose sailed for England. In his diary entry for that day (February 24) Brigham Young, Jr., notes that he and Cannon had some conversation on the "Miller" scheme and agreed that all that could be was accomplished.
Utah statehood in 1885 was an issue larger than the placement of $20,000 could resolve; Trumbo almost certainly spent more than that in what might have been an easier time, and he could not achieve statehood instantly.
On a more practical level, were the personal and institutional risks worth the hoped-for prize? At the personal level Penrose risked arrest daily and almost certain imprisonment for his polygamous marriages. Nor was Young safe from such charges. What would have been the damage to the Mormon church — and especially to the statehood cause — if "Miller's" scheme had been uncovered, for example, by a reporter such as James A. MacKnight? What could have been the damage if "Miller" or one of his confederates had merely alleged to the eastern press the purpose for which Mr. "Rose" and Mr. Young were in Washington? Could the Mormon church have withstood the revelation that two of its leading members were involved in an attempt to bribe Utah's way to statehood?
Such questions cannot be answered satisfactorily; the answers depend too much on hindsight, on devotion to church, and on incomplete records. What remains unalterable is that the Mormon church tried unsuccessfully to buy statehood for Utah Territory; and there are indications that this was not the only such attempt.
Utah's struggle for statehood is still not completely recorded and understood; perhaps it never will be. But Charles W. Penrose and his brothers in the faith made an important, if little known, effort in that struggle.
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