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Show Notwithstanding that the weather was very inclement most of the time during the continuance of the conference, the attendance at some of the meetings was the largest ever seen in the great Tabernacle. The immense structure was crowded to its utmost capacity at some of the sessions of the conference, by a very interested congregation. The themes dwelt upon by the speakers were those now uppermost in the minds of the great majority of the people of the Territory, such as the late course of Congress, in stripping them of their rights, the refusal of a certain class in our midst, who have grown wealthy on our patronage, to use an influence in our behalf, the course we should pursue towards them in financial matters, &c. The great principles of human rights and human liberty, as set forth in the Constitution were expounded and advocated in a manner worthy of the admiration of our revolutionary sires, and the most wholesome, sound and literal advice was imparted to the assembled thousands. The spirit of the conference was the spirit of liberty, human rights, philanthropy, and the broadest, noblest statesmanship. There was not wanting in the address delivered, that feeling of calm and dignified determination to maintain sacred rights, the manifestation of which, on the part of an innocent but wronged people, cannot but enhance the respect with which all honorable men, contemporaneous or posthumous, will view them. No anxiety nor fear as to the ultimate result of present attempts upon our liberties was manifested, but in place of such sentiments, a calm reliance upon the Providences of Him who overrules all things, was shown, the spirit of the conference in this respect was a strong testimony of the faith the Saints have in their religion and destiny. A considerable number of missionaries were called whose names we gave elsewhere, and a number of interesting and encouraging reports were presented. The conference closed on Sunday afternoon. |