Mormon History
Special Privileges of General Joe Smith - 1843
Quincy Whig – December 27, 1843
NAUVOO CITY COUNCIL --
GEN. JOSEPH SMITH -- SPECIAL PRIVILEGES, &c. --
The last "Nauvoo Neighbor." contains several ordinances passed by the City
Council of that city, and among others, one entitled, "An extra ordinance for
the extra case of Joseph Smith and others." The preamble to this ordinance sets
forth, that Joseph Smith has been greatly harrassed by the persecutions of his
enemies, and by the repeated requisitions of Missouri for his person, and
therefore it is enacted, "that hereafter, if any person or persons shall come
with process, demand or requisition, founded upon the aforesaid Missouri
difficulties, to arrest said Smith, he or they shall be subject to be arrested
by any officer of the city, with or without process, and tried by the Municipal
Court upon testimony, and if found guilty, sentenced to imprisonment in the City
Prison for life, which convict or convicts, can only be pardoned by the
Governor, with the consent of the Mayor of said city."
Here is a pretty kettle of fish, truly! -- Gov. Ford must keep quiet hereafter
with his "processes, demand and requisitions," or if his officers should dare
invade the dominions of General Joseph, an example will be made of them
instanter -- the[ir] liberties shall be taken from them forever! The Nauvoo City
Council hath said it! and the enactments of the City Council, are backed up by
the bayonets of the Legion! so says a Mormon. It is, indeed it is, a shame and a
pity, that the locofoco authorities of Missouri and Illinois, will not let the
poor, inoffensive, defenceless, quiet, law-abiding Mormons, rest in quiet
in their new found Jerusalem! Even Gov. Ford shall bestow an act of clemency
without the consent of the "Mayor of Nauvoo," so says this City Council!
This same City Council and "Joseph Smith, Mayor, "have passed another ordinance,
entitled, "An ordinance for the health and convenience of travellers, and other
persons." This ordinance sets forth that the "Mayor of the city, (Joseph Smith,)
be and is hereby authorized to sell or give spirits, of any quantity, as he in
his widsom shall judge to be for the health, comfort or convenience of such
travellers or other persons, as shall visit his house from time to time."
How charitable this towards the "travellers and other persons!" How "convenient"
for the "Mayor of the City" -- General Joseph himself!
This is really an amusing specimen of humbug of the shallowest description, when
it is recollected, that "General Joseph Smith, Commander of the Nauvoo Legion,"
"Mayor of the City," "Prophet in these last days," &c. &c. &c. &c. is a hotel
keeper, and craves the loose change that usually drops from the passing
traveller -- (particularly those who have not taken the "Pledge") -- in
passing through our cities and towns. Truly, 'tis an amusing sight to see the
great (!) and titled (!) men of the earth (!) stooping to the low condition of
retailing Whiskey at a picayune a dram! How art thou fallen mighty
Joseph!