Washington D.C. May 1st, 1890

G. W. Gorton Esg.,

Soda Springs, Idaho



My dear George:

Yours of April 26th just to hand. I do not see why you boys cannot take hold and bring things into shape. I am Chairman of the Territorial Committee, and, after the campaign is organized, will most likely have to give that up, as it will be necessary for me, very likely, to go over the Territory making speeches, etc. Of course, I cannot devote all my time to South Eastern Idaho; nor should it be necessary. It seems to me that now, of all times, our fellows should stand together. It is absolutely necessary that we carry the legislature, for new Mormon laws will have to be enacted under our State Constitution. When we win this fight, it is the end, for, if we get such a legislature as we had last time, we will pass laws which will, eternally, shut out the Mormons, and remove that element from our politics. Then, if we see fit, we can divide on party lines. I am very clear that we should have no Republican Party in South-Eastern Idaho during this campaign. The impression comes to me from those out there that they are determined to organize a Republican Party. This would be unfair, unjust and dangerous. There has never been a time when it was so important to carry the legislature as at present. It seems incredible to me that, after the long and weary and winning fight which we had made for six years, now, when the opportunity is at hand to close it all up for good, on account of jealousies of each other and local differences, there should be a disposition to throw away the opportunity. I cannot believe that our fellows will do this when they clearly understand the situation. At this election, at any rate, we ought to lay aside our personal ambitions and personal desires, stand together, and rally for one grand and final struggle. It will be impossible for me to be Chairman of the County Committee, and it will be impossible for me to do very much in those South-Eastern counties. As soon as our Bill passes both branches, and is signed by the President, I will start for Idaho and see as many of the boys as possible, and endeavor to help straighten matters out. The letters, which I get, show that everything is at 6's and 7's, but there is no occasion for this. The Mormons threaten to vote, but they cannot vote. A law was passed at the last session which provided that they must be out of the church for a year, and must file a certificate with the Clerk of the Court to that effect. Every Mormon will be required to produce that certificate; otherwise, the Registrar, I do not care who he is, will be compelled to refuse his vote. A simple challenge that he is a Mormon, if answered in the affirmative, will exclude him. There is no trouble on this score.

Everything is in elegant shape there and here, and under our State Constitution, and it is only necessary that we keep out local fights among ourselves.

Your friend,

Fred T. Dubois

Senator Fred Dubois	George Washington Gorton