[John Henry Smith]
President Taylor had his article on the Gardo House read again and with slight changes it was approved. Bro. Taylor then went for those who had spoken against his article the day before and he showed much feeling. The item was that at a meeting of the Twelve some years ago a resolution had been passed which gave to the President $2,500 a year according to J. F. Smith's statement but the minutes of that meeting showed that the Resolution gave to President J. Taylor the power to draw from the tithing without limit. J. F. Smith, Wilford Woodruff, F. D. Richards and Moses Thatcher spoke against any such power being placed in the hands of one man and that they wanted that Resolution rescinded when the men who passed it got together. President Taylor said he was in favor of it being withdrawn. Lyman and myself did not speak on that matter because it was an action taken before we were ordained apostles but I will not vote for the President to have an unlimited draw at the tithing.
Some mutual explanations were made and all felt well. When the party of brethren can be got together that Resolution must be taken under consideration. I was somewhat surprised to see the president attempt to bull down the Council after giving them the utmost liberty to speak and he will find such talk will never hold the present Council in awe.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
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