"But here arises a most important question,--a question perhaps that has never yet been asked or fully answered in this country,--How far does the right of conscience extend? Is there any limit to this right?--and if so, where shall the line of demarcation be drawn, designating that which is not forbidden from that which is? This is, indeed, a most important question, and from the tendency of the times, must sooner or later be answered. I cannot, and will not, on this occasion, pretend to answer this question; but will venture the suggestion, that when it is answered, the same rules will be adopted as if the freedom of speech and of the press were involved in the argument. . . . "There can be no limit beyond which the mind may not dwell, and our thoughts soar in our aspirations after truth. We may think what we will, believe what we will, and speak what we will, on all subjects of speculative theology. . . . But when religious opinions assume new manifestations, and pass from the condition of mere sentiment into overt acts,--no matter whether they be acts of faith or not,--they must not outrage the opinions of the civilized world, but, on the other hand, must conform to those usages established by law, and which are believed to underlie our very civilization." In the same Message, the Governor, after giving his views upon the national topics of the day, fully sustaining the Administration and the war, proceeded to discuss all the more prominent subjects of local interest in the Territory. He referred to the attempts to procure the admission of the State of Deseret into the Union,--giving it as his opinion that those attempts were premature. He referred to provisions of the Organic Act, and claimed the right to nominate to the Council all general territorial officers. These had formerly been elected by the Legislature. He recommended a thorough revision and codification of the statutes; a change in the mode of voting; referred to the financial condition of the Territory; adverted to the Indian troubles; advised the organization of a common-school system, and closed by assuring them of his willingness and desire to work with them for the common good and welfare of the people of the Territory. The question of polygamy was boldly met and temperately discussed in this Message, and the people warned against the consequences of disobedience to the Act of Congress. Anything less than this on the part of the Governor would have been simply a neglect of duty. Yet the Mormons were very indignant, and professed to look upon that portion of the Message as exceedingly hostile and offensive in its character. Their religion had been attacked by the federal authorities!