115 years ago today - Dec 9, 1905

[George F. Gibbs to Reed Smoot]
On Friday the brethren all met and considered the question of resignations [of two apostles], and the telegram sent you that day was the result of their deliberations. In coming to that conclusion their idea was to put off action, and great relief was experienced in the conclusion. I sent you a telegram myself, and that was done to help you to frame your mind to, in my opinion, their inevitable conclusion at last. Since then, or about two hours afterwards your long telegram was received in which you say you are quite certain you will not be expelled [from the Senate], and that the general feeling is that the case will not be re- opened unless material testimony can be produced.... And I feel to say to you, at this early consideration of the subject, that if you will cast aside for ever all thought of making a sacrifice of zoanthropia [i.e., John W. Taylor] whimper [i.e., Matthias F. Cowley] you will begin to see your way brighten, for such a thing cannot be done simply in hope of avoiding drastic legislation, nor for the purpose of convincing friends that the ziamet [i.e., Joseph F. Smith] is honest. ... Senator, don't destroy this until you are ready to do so, as you may have to look at it again. This is the word to you. It would be the word to me if I were in your place; and if you will let the spirit of this note burn in your heart, I will promise you again the ram will come, for he must. I'm praying that you may have strength as your day, as that is all you need. Yahoo.

[George F. Gibbs, Letter to Reed Smoot, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

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