-- Jan 29, 1901; Tuesday
The Presidency were at the office. Elder Lewis Anderson, of Manti [Utah], called. He stated that Brother [John D. T.] McAllister, on a previous occasion, had asked that $300. be appropriated to defray expenses at the Manti Temple. President [Lorenzo] Snow promised to cover this amount by an order provided the Temple could not meet it.
At 12:30 this afternoon, President Snow invited all the Apostles in the city, the Presiding Bishopric and the church
attorneys to meet with the Presidency to consider the attack made upon him by the [Salt Lake] Tribune. The following brethren responded: Brigham Young [Jr.], John Henry Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Abraham O. Woodruff, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot and Bishops [William B.] Preston and [John R.] Winder, also Attorneys Franklin S. Richards and LeGrand Young and Elder Charles W. Penrose and Bishop Hiram B. Clawson.
After the reading of the different issues of the Salt Lake Tribune containing articles voicing the accusation, the attorneys were asked to express their legal views in regard to the method of procedure. They stated in effect, that without question the accusations formed sufficient grounds whereby President Snow could enter suit for libel against the Tribune. The question then arose involving the wisdom of proceedings of that kind emanating from the President of the Church, some of the brethren taking the view that it would not be proper. Elder Smoot stated that his feelings were that a better opportunity would never present itself in which to measure arms with the vile publication, as President Snow could certainly expect justice at the hands of the courts. After some consideration of the question, the attorneys suggested that in their opinion the better thing to do would be for Senator [Thomas] Kearns to enter suit against the Tribune as he was more nearly concerned, if possible, than was President Snow, and such a course would leave the President from carrying the brunt of the case, furthermore President Snow would still be at liberty to enter suit in his own behalf at a later date if he should feel it wisdom to do so. The attorneys also suggested that it would be proper for Senator Clark to take the same grounds and enter suit. This met the mind of Presidents Cannon and Smith and others of the brethren, and before the close of the meeting it was understood that President George Q. Cannon have an interview with Senator Kearns and explain to him the feelings of the brethren. Brother Francis M. Lyman came in to the office at the close of the meeting, having just arrived from Fillmore [Utah], and was informed of the action taken with which he heartily agreed.
Later in the day President Cannon had an interview with Senator Kearns and related to him what had taken place and the feelings of President Snow and his brethren in relation to the libelous attacks in the Tribune. Senator Kearns replied that he would soon meet with Mr. R. C. Kearns of Missouri and Senator Clark of Montana, and would make it his business to confer with them about this matter. He remarked that Mr. [Patrick H.] Lannan, owner of the Tribune would have to meet the charges. (1)
-- Jan 29, 1901
The Presidency were at the office. Elder Lewis Anderson, of Manti [Utah], called. He stated that Brother [John D. T.] McAllister, on a previous occasion, had asked that $300. be appropriated to defray expenses at the Manti Temple. President [Lorenzo] Snow promised to cover this amount by an order provided the Temple could not meet it. At 12:30 this afternoon, President Snow invited all the Apostles in the city, the Presiding Bishopric and the church attorneys to meet with the Presidency to consider the attack made upon him by the [Salt Lake] Tribune. The following brethren responded: Brigham Young [Jr.], John Henry Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Abraham O. Woodruff, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot and Bishops [William B.] Preston and [John R.] Winder, also Attorneys Franklin S. Richards and LeGrand Young and Elder Charles W. Penrose and Bishop Hiram B. Clawson. After the reading of the different issues of the Salt Lake Tribune containing articles voicing the accusation, the attorneys were asked to express their legal views in regard to the method of procedure. They stated in effect, that without question the accusations formed sufficient grounds whereby President Snow could enter suit for libel against the Tribune. The question then arose involving the wisdom of proceedings of that kind emanating from the President of the Church, some of the brethren taking the view that it would not be proper. Elder Smoot stated that his feelings were that a better opportunity would never present itself in which to measure arms with the vile publication, as President Snow could certainly expect justice at the hands of the courts. After some consideration of the question, the attorneys suggested that in their opinion the better thing to do would be for Senator [Thomas] Kearns to enter suit against the Tribune as he was more nearly concerned, if possible, than was President Snow, and such a course would leave the President from carrying the brunt of the case, furthermore President Snow would still be at liberty to enter suit in his own behalf at a later date if he should feel it wisdom to do so. The attorneys also suggested that it would be proper for Senator Clark to take the same grounds and enter suit. This met the mind of Presidents Cannon and Smith and others of the brethren, and before the close of the meeting it was understood that President George Q. Cannon have an interview with Senator Kearns and explain to him the feelings of the brethren. Brother Francis M. Lyman came in to the office at the close of the meeting, having just arrived from Fillmore [Utah], and was informed of the action taken with which he heartily agreed. Later in the day President Cannon had an interview with Senator Kearns and related to him what had taken place and the feelings of President Snow and his brethren in relation to the libelous attacks in the Tribune. Senator Kearns replied that he would soon meet with Mr. R. C. Kearns of Missouri and Senator Clark of Montana, and would make it his business to confer with them about this matter. He remarked that Mr. [Patrick H.] Lannan, owner of the Tribune would have to meet the charges. Attended ... a special meeting called by Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow to consider the advisability of entering a libel suit againt the S[alt]. L[ake]. Tribune. (2)
Endnotes:
1 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
2 - Journal History; Abraham Owen Woodruff, Diary; January 30, 1901
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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