The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-01-10
NEW YORK HERALD.



Curious and Impoi tant from the Far West
Mormon Movement Ia the West similar
TO the FOurierite Movement In the East
We publish to-day several documents and pa
pers, detailing the more recent movements of the
Mormons in the capital of the new empire in the
West, called Nauvoo, or the city of beauty and
bessedness These papers contain full accounts Of
the singular movements of this most singular peo
pie. II appears that the Mormons, under the gu.
dance of President Joe Smith, are constantly en-
gagged In species of border warfare with the peo-
pie OF Missouri, and whilst waging this war in all
sorts OF ways, the Prophet himself is very busy
Tightening the world, by conducting corespon-
oence with the seekers of the trnth in other quar-
ters-thus carrying like Mahomet the sword in one
hand, and his written revelation in the other
II we correctly understand the provisions made
by the City Of Nauvoo il would seem that, in
order to protect the Prophet hereafter from trou-
blesome attempts at kidnapping, or arrest by the
Missouri authorities, they have created tribunal,
and have already in of efficient organization
large military force, by which they mean to carrv
their own views into operation and resist aggres-
sion and annoyance, from whatever quarter they
may be presented And it is thus quite possible,
tiat In case further attempts be made by the Mis-
sonrl authorities to arrest Smith, some physical
collision may take place, and according to all ap-
pearances, they are still intent upon his arrest So
much for the external relations of this new empire
winch has arisen in the West. As respects their
internal condition and their prosperity, it would
seem that the Mormons are waxing stronger
every day, and spreading in all directions.
Notwithstanding all the opposition which
they have met and in spite of all the
~,
morality, ignorance and folly. One of the most
curious deve opments these points, is contained
IN the correspondence which give between the
Prophet and James Arlington Bennett, of Long
Island This singular correspondence is now, we
believe published for the first time in this part of
the country and is particularly interesting and Va
liable at the present moment in showing how the
illogical controversy is conducted in the far west
whilst Drs. Wainwright and Potts are enlightenns
US In so edifying a manner on the same subject
here in the east
This Mormon movement is very remarkable in
another point Of view. The Prophet and his fol.
lowers seem to have good deal in common with
the great Fourierite movement in this part of the
country Yet there some anagonistic prnci
pies also, all hough the general purpose of both may
be the same. Both movements aim at the attain
here, and as much bessedness hereafter as they
can expect to enjoy. The principles on which the
Mormon social organization has been effected, are
IN some respects similar and in other respects dis
similar TO hose of Fourier, as expounded, ilustra
ted and defined by Brisbane and Greeley and their
phllosophic associates. The Mormons have esta.
bllshed capital city, which they call Nauvoo. and
where their great temple is at present in course Of
hare heir ap -, h., L
lied, and which is TO he the great centre of the
new empire now extending itself over the world
But In their social habits and customs they appear
TO retain more OF the present state of society
than the principles Of Charles Fourier would
warrant. The beautiful "sensuous harmonies
and the grand concentrated unity of elemental dis
cord do not appear to be studied by the Mormon
tics. In short they have more good sense, though
less philosophy than the Fourerites. One remark.
able feature, however, common to BOTH is the
manner in which they are endeavorinc 10 subdue
10 their purposes the influence Of the politicians,
Recently, Joe Smith announced that they had made
no selection OF Presidential candidate and meant
10 hold themselves in reserve until they ascertained
which was most friendly TO their cause thereby
clearly giving out the idea that they intended to
hold the balance of power in Illinois and the States
where they had converts and disciples. The Fon-
riertes have been pursuing precisely the same
policy, only they have gone so far as 10 declare
their preference for Mr.. Clay.
On the whole, both of these movements-theo one
in the western and the other in the eastern section
OF the Union, begin TO excite much attention in
the philosophical, religious and moral world And
they are eminently deserving of observation and
study. They are and remarkable develop
mens of human nature, under new circumstances
and with Of those checks or hindrances by
which the despotic governments of the old world
have cramped and fettered the movements of
mind. We believe that we have done much al
ready TO present, with clearness and fidelity, the
views, principles and progress of these extraordinary
movements, and we shall continue thus to exhibit
them as they come forth before the country and
the world.
Posr OFFICE R EFoRM.-John jones' of the "Ma
dsonan," announces that plan of Post Office re
form is soon to be introduced into Congress, am
gives some description of its principal features.
will be quite an ultra reform, it would appear
Amongst other changes, it is proposed 10 abolisl
the privileges now enjoyed by newspapers, OF hav
ing subscriptions transmitted free, under the franl
OF a postmaster, and also to subject their exchan
ges TO postage.
We are perfectly willing that this should b.
done, provided the postage be reduced to low
uniform rate, and that on the principal routes
papers be conveyed in packages at no higher cos
OF transportation than ordinary merchandise. A
to cutting of the free exchanges, that is very ttl
matter indeed. II would only subject paper her
TO the additional expense OF few dollars a week
Certainly we should never allow this consideration
to operate for a moment against great, compre
hensive and thorough reform. Let us have tn
postage reduced, and the department reformed a
once.
MIKE WALSH makes his triumphant cniree int
the city to-day. The respectable body of citizens
known as the Spartan Band" are to meet him OF
horseback and in carriages, at the landing opposite
BLackwell's Island. and with the military comm