The Sun.
London, England, 1857-05-01 00:00:00

rHE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, MA Y 1, 1857

case required; told the missionary our opinion of
a female who could preach such doctrines ; in-
formed her that we were not Jews but Christians;
that we wished the inmates of our house to imi-
tate, not the vices of the patriarchs, but the vir-
tues of the Apostles of Christianity ; and that a
repetition of her attempts to make proselytes in
our kitchen would only insure her being consigned
to the hands of the police. The fact, however,
that at this time of day persons can be found to
believe in JoE SMITH'S revelations and the utterly
contemptible Book of Mormon, to believe in such
a prophet and such a revelation, to believe to the
extent of leaving a home, country, kindred, and
sometimes property, to emigrate to the remotest
wilds of North America, must be acknowledged
to be at once a social marvel, and a painful re-
proach to our supposed advance in education,
religion, and civilisation. America, of course,
furnishes the larger quota to the Mormon state,
and this may serve to assure us that American
education is not so superior to ours as we have
been taught to believe. The States had, how-
ever, the honour of giving birth to the prophet,
and owing probably to this circumstance, and to
the facility of finding a no-man's land in America,
we have to thank her for becoming the Mormon
sink of the world.

Our readers probably remember the first settle-
ment of the Saints at Nauvoo, and the extraordi-
nary energy with which they were founding a
community there ; also how they were driven
thence, and their splendid city and temple de-
stroyed, their founder having perished in a way
which seemed to compromise the good faith of
the more civilised part of the community. • It
was after this attack that they resolved to go far
beyond the haunts of civilisation, and to commence
anew, where the foot even of the Indian had
hardly trod. They had scarcely, however, be-
come fairly settled on the Great Salt Lake
when the discovery of Californian gold placed
their new abode in the direct route of the
overland emigration to the land of unt3ld wealth.
They came thus once more under the direct notice
of the United States' Government, on whose ter-
ritory they had been obliged to locate themselves,
and were therefore treated as all similar districts
are, which are sufficiently settled to form what is
termed " a territory." They came under the
direct management of the Central Government,
by whom their governors and other principal
officials were in consequence nominated.

It would appear that BRIGHAM YouNo, the
" Apostolical successor," as some here would say,
of JOE SMITH, is the present Governor, and to
him all the faith and submission formerly accorded
to the arch-impostor is freely given. He is be-
lieved, however, to be not merely the channel of
mystic power, the effects of which no one sees,
but must believe to reside in a duly advanced
priest ; he is held to possess a permanent inspira-
tion ; he is not even a cleric, or even a prelate,
but a pope, and his not very immaculate concep-
tions are accepted by his Church as revelations !
The Government of Utah is, in fact, a theocracy, in
the belief of its subjects. The Governor happens
to be the high priest of the theocracy ; he is there-
fore obeyed, and therefore also the orders of the
non-Mormon officers appointed from Washington
are not obeyed, if they happen to conflict with
those of Governor, and Apostolic Successor,
BRIGH AM YOUN 4.

It will have been seen, however, in our paper
of Wednesday last, this is not the worst. So
outrageous is the insubordination, that the judge
Lppointed by the Attorney-General has returned
in disgust, and in some alarm for his safety. In
An official document, laid before the Attorney-
General of the United States, and giving the
reasons for his resignation, he states that BRIGHAM
YOUNG is considered the only fountain of law,
And that no law enacted by Congress is held to
be binding ; that all the male inhabitants are
bound by oath to acknowledge no law but that
of " the Holy Priesthood ;" that persons are set
apart by the Church to take both the lives and
property of those who question the authority of
the Church ; and that the Federal officers are
constantly harassed, insulted, and annoyed, with-
out the possibility of redress.
Acts of murder and rebellion are also dis-
tinctly charged on the Mormons. The records,
papers, &c., of the Supreme Court were destroyed
by order of the Church, BRIGHAM YOUNG openly
sanctioning the deed. Criminals who had been
duly convicted of assault with intent to murder, or
of murder itself, were, in defiance of the Federal
Judge; pardoned and taken openly by the Go-
vernor to Church. These men were Mormons.
On the other hand, men who were merely emi-
grants on their way to California, but Anti-Mor-
mons, were convicted, though guilty of no crime
against the law of the States, and brutally treated.
Worst of all, the Judge states that he is compelled,
after due investigation, to believe that the Mor-
mons induced the Indians to murder Captain W.
GUNNISON and eight others with him ; that his
predecessor in office was poisoned by order of the
Church, and that the Secretary of the State was
murdered by the order of BRIGHAM YOUNG.

If them statements, deliberately made, or but
the half of them, can be fairly verified, the United
States Government will, of course, have to act
with decision. The moral enormities of the Mor-
mons, none of them exceeding, we should say not
equalling by much, the enormity and enormities
of slavery would have afforded no ground for r ',-
tack. The Union which can tolerate the violation
of all divine and human laws of marriage in Vir-
ginia could not quarrel with a smaller infringement
on them in Utah ; nor is it more antichristian to
believe in the divine right of BRIGHAM YOUNG to
call his harem of adulteresses, wives, than in that
of planters and slaveholders to call human beings
property. Murder, however, of some of the Go-
vernment authorities, and constant insults to those
who are spared, is a rather different thing. Even
that lover of quiet, Mr. BUCHANAN will probably
have to move. To be sure there were infinitely
worse violations of law and order in Kansas,
but ruffianism and murder installed a pro-
slavery Government there ; this condoned every-
thing. Violence and bloodshed for PIERCE and
slavery, and for BRIGHAM YOUNG and Polygamy
might be equal in wickedness ; but the licentious-
ness and villanies of slavery are a "domestic in-
stitution ;" those of Mormonism must wait for
Pennsylvanian votes, and till Pennsylvania can
gain dollars by them.

Organic Changes—those are the Reforms now
demanded by the country from Lord PALMERSTON.
Not merely superficial modifications—but really
Organic Changes—Reforms complete and corn•
prehepsive.

It is as well to be as plain as possible upon
this vital question, now that the Now House of
Commons is upon the eve of commencing its
i:tbours in earnest. The requirements of the
time have been of late so very clearly indicated at
the Hustings throughout the United Kingdom,
that their character is, as we observed yesterday,
already visible—and it must, before many days
are over, be loudly audible—in the new Parlia-
ment. The political aspirations of the constitu-
encies are embodied more unmistakeably than per-
haps by any previous General Election in the per-

sons of their now rapidly assembling representa-
tives. And it obviously behoves the Leader of
Her MAJESTY'S Government, therefore, to indi-
cate at once the precise length to which the Cabi-
net is prepared to go in the way of Reform without
the smallest show of prevarication. Englishmen,
now that they have responded so generously to
to the frank Appeal of the most popular of all
their living Statesmen, expect to find in him no
longer simply a First Lord of the Jokery, but a
First Lord of the Treasury, who is prepared to
give substantial evidence that his is indeed a
Liberal and Reforming Government.

It has been suggested by a provincial contempo-
rary (Norfolk ltews), whose pertinent remarks we
give in another part of our impression this evening,
that what may be called the minimum of the
wishes entertained by the country in regard to
Reform should be forthwith announced by means of
a delegation from the borough oonstituencies. The I
hint is not by any means one to be laughed away as
merely chimerical. It is seriously entitled to con-
sideration. " Reform Resolutions" like those,
would be a capital pendant to the " Chinese Re-
solutions" adopted at Mr. COBDEN'S suggestion by
the soon afterwards Defeated Majority of the last
Parliament. They ought at least to comprise
amongst the "progressive improvements" im-
peratively required by the Liberals throughout
the country—l. The Ballot. 11. An Extension
of the Franchise. 111. An adjustment of the
Electoral Districts from one end of the land to
the other. The last-mentioned series of innova-
tions involving, of course, the nearest possible
approach to the equalisation of representation.
Numerically insignificant constituencies being
clean wiped out of existence. Kensington and
Chelsea, and such-like populous localities, being
empowered to send one or more members (just as
the case may be) to the re-organised Parliament.
Householders down to five pound rentalled tene-
ments inclusively, in the boroughs, receiving the
Franchise—the same boon being accorded to those
in the counties down to ten pound rentalled tene-
ments. Operating over all those electors and
all their constituencies, that }Egis of
the Franchise, THE BALLOT ! That above
all we take to be the keystone of the arch of these
new Reformers—The Ballot ! It we regard as
the real sine qua non of Reformers. Without the
Ballot all would be the merest delusion. With
it—everything in the way of desirable improvement
afterwards would be readily practicable. Deny
the country the Ballot, and we care not a straw
for all your patchwork changes in regard to tho
franchise and in regard to the constituencies.
Concede the Ballot, and for this session we are
contented. For having once secured that we be-
lieve every other reform would fo4tpw in natural
and inevitable sequence. Again, therefore, we
say that while Reform must be the actuating
principle, the "Ballot" must be the ringing and
inspiriting watchword of the new Parliament !

" Testimonials" we regard with feelings little
less than contemptuous. Generally speaking,
they are merely indicative of what may be called,
without exaggeration, organized humbug and sys-
tematic adulation. But in this, as in other
general 'stiles, there are exceptions. We don't
think, of course, for example, that because a
speculator has had the good luck to clear half-a-
million or so by a series of successful investments,
that he of all men should be rewarded for his tact
by one of these great gew-gaw testimonials. Much
less are we disposed to concur in opinion with those
who appear to regard as the most appropriate re-
cipient of the same Good Things, some enterprising
individual, let us say, who has feasted upon the
luncheons of a Broken Joint-Stock Bank up
to the date of its Breakage, and immediately after-
wards is found (besides this) to have coolly swal-
lowed "a plum" not belonging to himself, but to
the deluded shareholders. But there are, never-
theless, deeds of heroism, we do believe, really and
honestly entitled to some signal tribute expressive
of national admiration. Sir THOMAS Raman was
worthily knighted, for example, in 1839, for his
gallant conduct at Newport during the time of
the Chartist Insurrection. Sir FENWICK WIL-
LIAMS'S defence of Kars, again, though unhappily
rendered by famine and isolation only
the prelude to a compulsory capitulation,
was deservedly rewarded only the other day, as
it were, by a baronetcy. Sir JAMES BROOKE,
the dauntless Rajah of Sarawak, we regard as a
man no less veritably deserving well of his
country. His recent heroism at Borneo, we con-
ceive, entitles him to some conspicuous testimony
of the national regard at the hands of his gra-
cious SOTEREIGN.

His Excellency the Ambassador of France and the
Countess Persigny are expected to town from Paris on
the 16th instant.
His Excellency the Russian Minister and the
Countess Chrepto witch are expected to return to Ches-
ham House from Paris early in the week after next.
The Duke and Duchess of Bedford have arrived at

Woburn Abbey from Carton House, Kildare, where
they have been staying on a ♦isit with the Duke and
Duchess of Leinster. Their graces will come to town
about the middle of this month.
The Marquis and Marchioness of Tweeddale have
arrived in town from Yester House, Haddingtonshire.
His lordship has taken a residence in Grosvenor•
crescent, for the season.

Frances Marchioness of Londonderry will return to

town on Thursday next, from Paris. ✓
The Countess of Jersey and Lady Clementina Villiers
will return to town to-morrow, from Portsmouth. The
noble Earl returns to town to-morrow, from Middleton
Park.

The Countess Dowager Grey and Lady Georgiana
Grey arrived at their residence, in Eaton.square, a few
days since, from Hickleton Park, near Doncaster, the
seat of Sir Charles Wood.
The Earl and Countess of Lichfield have arrived at
the St. George's Hotel.
We are authorited to state that Lady Palmerston's
party for next Saturday is unavoidably postponed.
Lord Lilford has arrived at the St. George's Hotel.

L )rd and Lady Arthur Hay arrived at their new resi-
dence in Chester-square a few days since, from Strath-
fieldsaye, Hampshire, for the season.
Colonel the Hon. James and Lady Sarah Lindsay
have arrived at their new residence in Portman-square.
It was rumoured at the clubs last evening that Lord
Palmerston had promised to introduce a bill,into Parlia-
ment for the removal of the Jewish disabilities.

We believe Mr. Massey will be appointed to the office
resigned by Mr. F. Peel at the War-office.
We have to announce the death of Colonel Manley
Power, of the 85th Light Infantry, who expired at Bath
on Monday last. He entered the service in 1819, and
became a colonel in 1854.
We have authority to state that, in consequence of
the death of her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gl)u•
caster, the State apartments at Windsor Castle will be
closed 01 further orders.
We are informed that Prince Albert, in consideration
of the national importance of the occasion, will certainly
be present at the opening of the Exhibition of Ar:-,
Treasures at Manchester on Tuesday next.

We believe that Captain Sayer, who recently vacated
an appointment in the Adjutant-General's department,
will succeed Lieutenant-Colonel Addison as Deputy-
Assistant Quartermaster-General to the Forces, at the
Wrse Guards.

M. de Morney is now orrecttul in Paris about the
25th of May.
M. Gonzalez Bfavo, Minister of Spain at London,
has arrived at Madrid.
MARRIAGES IN HIGH LIFE.—A St. George's, Han.
over-square, Major Vincect Wi inz, Staff Battalion,
Depot, Parkhurst, was married to Gertrude Elizabeth,
only daughter of Lady Vane and the late Sir Francis
Vane, Bart., of Hutton Hall and Artnathwaite, Cum-
berland. On the same day, at All Saint's Church,
Knight4bridge, Thomas C. Leslie, E.q., youngest son
64 the late William Leslie, Esq., of Warthill, N. 8,, was
married to Henrietta. Marion, youngest daughter of the
late Sir Robert Dalrymple.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF LORDS.—(This Day.)
Their lordships met at two o'clock. The Lori Com-
missioners were the Lord Chancellor, Earl Granville, the
Duke of Argyll, the Earl of Harrowby, and Earl
Spencer.

The LORD CHANCELLOR then ordered Sir A.
Clifford, the Usher of the Black Rod, to summon the
members of the House of Commons to attend at the
bar.

In a few minutes afterwar3s Mr. John Evelyn
Denison, accompanied by his mover and seconder, Lord
H. Vane and Mr. Thorneley, and surrounded by a great
number of new members, appeared at the bar.
Mr. J. E. DENISON then addressed their lordships,
saying that, in obedience to the commands of her Ma-
jesty, the House of Winn:ions had proceeded i❑ the
exercise of their undoubted right and privilege, and had
elected their Speaker, and he had to acquaint their lord-
ships that he was the object of their choice, and with all
humility he now asked for her Majesty's most gracious
approbation of the choice.

The LORD CHANCELLOR raid—Mr. John Evelyn
Denison, we have the command from her Majesty to
assure yon that her Majesty is so fully sensible of your
zeal for the public good, and your sufficiency to die-
charge the arduous duties to which you have been
elected by the memhers of the House of Commons, that
she fully approves and confirms you their Speaker.
The SPEAKER expressed his profound revect and
gratitude, and said he bowed to her Majesty's consumed.
It now became his ditty, in the name and for the House
of Commons of England, to lay claim, by humble peti-
tion, to the free exercise of all those ancient and un-
doubted rights and privileges—more especially those of
freedom from arrest and molestation for themselves and
their servants—freedom of speech in debate, free ac-
cess to her Majesty when occasion required it,
and that her Majesty would be most graciously pleased
to put the most favourable construction on all their
proceedings and actions. For himself, he entreated that
it he committed any errors, they might be attributed to
him, and not to her Majesty's most faithful Commons.
The LORD CHANCELLOR--Mr. Speaker, we
have it further in command from her Majesty to assure
you that her Majesty most readily confirms all the
rights and privileges of her faithful Commons, which
have ever been granted by her Majesty's royal'
predecessors; and with respect to yourself, sir,
thougha her Majesty is sensible that you stand in
need of no assurance, her Majesty will ever put the most
favourable construction upon all your words and actions.
The SPEAKBR then bowed to the Lords' Commis-
sioners and retired from the bar.
The Lords Commissioners shortly afterwards left the
house.

The Lord Chancellor, having divested himself of his
robes as a Lord Commissioner, re-entered the house,
and took his seat on the woolsack.
The swearing in of peers was then proceeded with, and
Viscount EVSRESLE; the late Speaker of the House of
Commons took the oaths and his seat as a peer of the
United Kingdom. The noble Viscount was introduced
by Viscount Combermere and Viscount, Torrington.

HOUSE OF COMMONS=(This Day.)
The SPEAKER took the chair shortly before 2 o'clock.
The hon. gentleman did not wear his official robe. He
was habited in full court dress, with a barrister's wig.
The mace was laid on the table, and not on the floor,
the form observed yesterday.
Sir AUGUSTUS CLIFFORD entered the house,
and, addressing the Speaker, said the Lord Commis-
sioners desired the immediate attendance of the house in
the House of Peers.

The SPEAKER then proceeded to the House of Lords,
accompanied by nearly all the members present. On his
return, and having taken the chair, he said he bad to
state that he had that day been to the House of Peers,
where he communicated to the peers present that the
house had proceeded to the election of a Speaker, and
that its choice had fallen upon himself. The Lords'
Commissioners on behalf of her Majesty confirmed the
choice, and also her Majesty's most gracious
approval. He had, on behalf of the beuse, laid
claim to the ancient and undoubted privileges heretofore
presented by the house, especially the privilege from
arrest, the freedom of debate, and free access to her
Majesty at all reasonable times when the house desired
it, and that her Majesty would put the most favourable
construction upon the words and actions of the Commons,
and the Lords Commissioners had conceded the privileges.
Having made this communication to the house, his next
duty was to subscribe to the oaths.
The oaths having been administered, the hon. gen-
tleman resumed the chair.
_ _

The SPEAKER then informed the house that the
members would be sworn in in the alphabetical order of
the counties.

The Clerk then commenced the list with Bedford
county, and, having read about a dozen names, the re-
spective members advanced to the table and took the
oaths in the prescribed form.