Elder [George] Goddard, in his letter to us which we publish in another part of this Star, refers to a sensational article which recently appeared in the "New York Sun," in which the "Mormons" are charged with attempting to take a certain Miss Coop to Utah against her will. The "Mormon" elders on the S.S. Arizona are also accused of drinking, card playing, and taking indecent liberties with the passengers.

We did not at the time think this foolish story worthy of notice, but finding it copied by many English newspapers, and learning that in some places it had been the cause of much annoyance to the Saints, we mentioned the matter to the officers of the Arizona, who very promptly furnished us with the following statement for publication:S.S. Arizona, Dec. 6, 1884.

We hereby certify that the statement recently published in the "New York Sun," and extensively copied in English papers, in regard to an influence being exercised by the "Mormons" on the steamship Arizona to take Miss Lavinia Coop to Utah against her will, is false. No violence, nor show of violence, was used by any "Mormon" with Miss Coop or anyone else.

We understand that Miss Coop was not a member of the "Mormon" Church, but was going out at her own request to her foster-mother, who is a "Mormon," and who had sent the means for her emigration to Utah.

The story about the elders smoking, drinking, card-playing, and taking improper liberties with the passengers, is false in every particular.

Samuel Brooks, Commander.G. E. Hammill, Purser. [p.793]

BIB: "Some More Lies Nailed," Latter-Day Saints Millennial Star 46:50 (December 15, 1884) p. 793. (CHL)
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