many considered him a "radical" and the "deseret news" "found it necessary to oppose his operations and criticize his methods with all the force it could command." however, the paper "found itself able to conscientiously to support him for high public office, and to commend his official acts and policies, especially as mayor of salt lake city." in his reply he says, "i assure the mormon people i am not their enemy, but their friend...i openly, and above board honestly and untiringly strove to americanize theocratic utah...though not a prophet, i have been profitable to the mormon people."