The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-02-21

he was exposed. without entering lato the
merits OF this question, We think that few will
dissent from the opinion that the services rem
dered by Commander Ringgold to the country
entitle him to the most favorable consideration
at the hands Of the government and people.
RAPID SPREAD of MoRMoNIsM-FUTURE DEsrT-
MES OF TIE SEcr.--The rapid increase of Nor
msnism, not only in this country but through
out Europe, is fact, which, however much it
may be deplored, cannot now be disputed. 1t
is attributable at once to its active and admi-
rably organized system of propagandism, and
to the simplicity and accommodating character
of its tenets. Throughout most European
countries agencies are established for the pur-
pose of supply ing the Church of the Saints with
converts and emigrants, and the men chosen as
its local instruments are eminently qualified for
the task They are, generally speaking, men
of talent and education, with vicious tenden-
cies, but at the same time decent respect for
public opinion. To such men the cardinal
doctrine Of Mormonism-poly gamy holds out
irresistible attractions. Held in restraint by
the notions of conventional and religious pro-
priety, by which they may happen to be sur
rounded, they are glad to embrace creed
which protects their vices by convenient re-
ligious cloak. Perverted themselves, they &C.
lively seek to make perverts Of others, and as
their doctrines are agreeable and sit pleasantly
upon the conscience, it is not surprising that
they outstrip, in their efforts, the missionaries
of creeds which aim at q thorny and almost
unattaiDable perfectability.
Formerly, most of the converts to the new
creed were sent out West by way of the Missis-
sippi and the Gila route, or Panama, but the
losses in their numbers, occasioned by the yell
low fever and other local epidemics, have led
to change in this mode of transmission. They
are now despatched overland to their Arabia
Felix by way of Ohio, st. Louis and the South
Pass. An agency is established in New York
for the reception, advisement and guidance of
the newly arrived emigrants; and, in order to
give greater publicity to its operations, and at
the same time disseminate more widely the
Mormon, edited by Elder John Taylor, has re-
Gently been established here. The vignette Of
this publication, as we'll as the opening address
Of its editor make flaming display of loyalty
to the constitution Of the United States, of the
sincerity of which some recent indications in
Utah are calculated to inspire reasonable
doubts. In its broad and well printed pa ges
are discussed all subjects, and items of news
Interesting to the saints, under their various
religious, social, political, financial and COM
mercial aspects. For the edifcation of our
readers-particularly our female ones-we have
transferred to our pages chapter on poly
gamy, which is presented to us in all the force
of theological positiveness as an ordinance from
God himself, and inductively as a most agree
able and convenient relation for man. OF the
soundness of all these conclusions there will, of
course, be great variety Of opinions founded
we are afraid, more or less on the results Of in-
dividual experience within the narrow limits
to which Christianity has reduced the institl-
ton Of mahimony.
According to the evidences before us, the
business operations of the Saints in this be-
same principles as are in favor amongst its
heather population. Like them, they do not
hesitate to carry the business of the money
changer within the porches of the temple and
10 make Thugs sacred occasionally subservient
to their thirst Of acquistiveness. Thus far, the
most Objectionable practices Of the sect have
been conveniently kept in the back ground.
But as its numbers and confidence increase we
cannot expect that its members will always
maintain the same reserve. We think it right
to warn them beforehand, that if they should
outstep the limits they have hitherto observed,
and attempt to indulge here in such luxuries as
dozen or two of wives, they will very soon
find themselves chewing the cud Of reflection
in Sing Sing or Blackwells Island.
There is NO use, however, in attempting to
disgEise from ourselves the fact that the pro-
mitigation Of the doctrine and the practice of
poly gamy by religious sect is an important
and fraught with consequences the
extent of which it is impossible to foresee.
Such q creed as that Of the Mormons, appealing
as it does to the simplest perceptions OF the in
tellect and the widest cravings Of the animal
passions, must have o tendency, in this age of
growing iDfdelity and reviving superstition, t.
make numerous proseytes. Such were the
agencies by which The Accommodation OF old
overran and conquered half the world. Who
knows but that the Mahommetanism Of our own
times may look forward to some such destiny
SERIOUS ACCIDENT At WEST PorsT-Whi,e the first
platoon o: first class cavalry engaged, yester
day morning, their usual exercises In the hall,
accident occurred which having fatal termi
nat Tbs class engaged in cuttirg OF the
heads and running at the rings while their horses
IL aped the bar The hall il very much too small and