The New York herald., 1844-07-17
MOrmnOnlsIn.
TCorrespoudence cfthe Herald. L


ST. LOUIS, July 10, l8A
The recent murder of 10 Smith, the Mormon
Prophet, under such aggravated crcumstan nces,
forces the question upon the mind Of every thinking
individual whether the death of the ostensible
leader ei the Mormons, is to be the signal of their
dispersion ruin, and whether suffering such prese-
cuton, they will increase so wonderfully in num-
bers and power, as they have done. This, though
apparently but of little consequence, is still to every
friend Of liberty momentous question.
Religious fanaticism and ENTHUSIASM in every age (.
has been a stepping stone to power, when rightly
directed by master mind Witness the examples
| Of Mehomet and Cromwell. These illustrations
may be objected to by some, on account ol the ig,
norance and superstition ofthose ages, and the
paratIve enlightenment of our own; but this though
seemingly an insurmountabe bar TO the propaga alton
of any religion, Is reality the principal
| of the success OF Mormonsm. The greatest enem,
ofM ah0metansm, was the superstition of those ages,
| and 10 any other than person Of enthusiastic and
perseverng disposition, would have been imposei.
BILE to overcome II, when after the most laborIous
effort, he turned the current OF that superstition; hs
work was done. Their idolatry and veneralion
centred on him, and religion was founded which II
| destined to endure till the end Of time. Smith had
| none OF these evils 10 overcome; the generality OF
men have at the prese mt time superstions to
fllct with M0rmonlsm. Their god is mann
mon, and if it can be shown them thai
their interest would be promoted by the change,
~.
however ridiculous or dangerous. Among the Nor
mons, however, there is but few OF this class tn,
greater portion ot them are OF the middle class oi
people. Industrious, and really honest in their be
lief, they the exact kind of people to form
IigIon, and they will do it
Converts are focking there from all parts Of the
world, mainly composed OF farmers and manufac
turers and are fast becoming powerful and wealthy
II the advisers OF Smith, the real Mormon leaders
could have restrained him in his s OF violence anc
debauchery, he would not have provoked the anger
Of his adherens, nor aroused spirit Of persecution
among his lawless neghbors, which finally caused
his death
We must all regret to see the majesty ofthe law
violated as il the OF Smith; but slill NJ
far the progress OF Mormonism is concerned, tn,
death OF the ostensbe leader was emost desirable
Smith was a man Of great obstinacy and some
consde rable talent, but OF violent passions and
tremely dlssoue. 1t in one oi his crazy freaks
that The destruction Of the press resolved upon
and all the arguments and entreaties Ot his adviser
were repusrd; the lamentabc consequences rha
they prophesied, cnsued; spirit OF persecution
raised against the innocent Mormons, and Smith
was basely murdered. Ii is to be hoped that assas
sins will now desist from any more treasonablt
commotions, or the consequeRces will he terrible.
II IS absurd, after all the examples Of history, I,
attempt to crush any religion, however ridiculous
by force; It's tendency will inevitably be favorabl,
10 the interests OF any system, whatever may be tn,
object oft. We boast Of our freedom and religion,
federation, but in our actions we lamenably falsil
our promises. The Mormon Prophet was murdered
underline safe guidance of Governor OF lllinolsih
murder deeply staining his character, among thos,
who are!copversant ith the facts III the II III,
murder Of Smith was inte ended TO suDvert Mormon
ism, the assassins have deeply erred. Under thl
guidance OF leaders, who are determined 10 submi
to the laws, Mormonsm is destined 10 flourish snd
yet become the religion OF the land ;. l.. r.
SAD AccrpKsr.-The Eastport Sentinel give
the following account Of dreadful accident which
occurred at Barring Me, the 4h Of July The Csls
Artillery Company, with two field pieces, up
visit and in loading and dischargng their pieces IN.
men at each gun ondo the other In their haste
the men on one ride neglected TO "swab OUT the conse
quence of which was when ramming the next cartridQ
the powder igpited, awfully hanging and burning th
two men eng ged in the act surgeon immediaic
ly called and smputation found necessary. One thu
men, Caleb Nodding of this town. his right arm ane
lett hand amputated the other, Eli sprsgne lost the
thumb Of his left and fore finger Of his right hand Their
| faces were severely burnt.