Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1857-07-16
NlisteIIoneous Reo0inp.
THE MORMON PROBLEM.

One Of the most difficult of the vexed quss-
tions likely to engage the attention of the admin.
istration for some time to come, is that involved
in the present state Of affairs in the Territory O.
Utah. The subject can no longer be dismissed
from Executive notice. Once entered upon, it is
impossible to make easy work Of it. A hegin-
ming has already been made; let US hope that it
is in earnest, and will be vigorously followed up
to satisfactory issue. ...a .
This movement of the Feleral authorities to-
ward the sulj lgation OF the rebelous Saints of
Salt Lake Valley will be regarded with no ord-
nary concern, either in this country or abroad
The rapid growth Of tanaticism 50 absurd and 50
monstrous as Mornonism, in the midst of peo
like our own reinforced, it is true, by numerous
accessions of proselytes from other lands) might
well lead thinking men to consider whether ba'-
barsn is not-as distinguished New England
divine attempted to show-one ofour most seri-
Gus dangers as a nation. Our relations to this
strange community Of deluding and delule men
and women, have brought upon US, otherwise, a
double disgrace. The MormonS were once zal.
ously prosecuted. they have long been earelessy
tolerated, aud for both, our people have incurred
odium, The superstituous vagaries Of these LAT.
ter.D,y Siins" even their wilful and shameless
impostures at first manifested, it was better
not to NEEDLE with. On the other hand, the in
EQUITIES of social and political kind, at length re
suIting therefron, which have grown up under
the very ewes of the Government and 50 unmoles
tel that while having power to prevent them the
Federal rulers seem almost to have given them a
sanction, ought to have been at least promptly
dscountenanced, if not suppressed.
We know there are great difficulties attending
the disposal of this matter. We make allowance
for the necessary tardiness, as well as for the natu-
raj reluctance of former Presidents, in this case
The Government for long time, had hut i'm.
perfect information thereon. A knowledge oflhe
state of affairs in Utah has been only graluaIly
attained through occasional reports. or highly
wrong narratives, designed for the hook market
We ought instead, to have had direct ard care
fully digested accounts from an official source
The times Of this ig ORANGE, however, are row, in
great degree, passe AMI such state of facts is
known to exist as to require prompt measures to
Ire-establish and maintain the Territorial govern
ment now SO efectually disorganized by the paral-
yzing influence Of Governor Young and his fanat'
ic supporters.
! Polygamy- the ,oyershadowing evil and infa
my Of Mormondom cannot shelter itself unde
tho wing OF religious tolerance. 1t is, like mur
der and theft, definite and henious crime agains
society, and as such is outawed alike by the com
mon law and by the common sense of christen
dom. Why is it not suppressed A territoria
government, backed by an adequate militar.
force, may accomplish this, though far 'ess easily
than if It had been sooner undertaken. Until thi
L extreme remedy is applied, we beleiye that Uta
d, will continue to be rebellious provinces unless
= indeed, we might expect a more summary solu
: ton of thCs1 difficulties by a special proyidenc
= like that oommsmorated Thy kind of Nonci
1ence,) through saline monument in the ancier
East. Were it necessary, we would gladly e,
y change even more fertile region of solid groun
, for Dead Sea that should wash out this natior
: al disgrace.
Can we expect the Administration to interfel
A against this peculiar institutions The muc
vaunted doctrine Of "pOpular sovereignty" seen
to stand in the way of such action. Wheth
. any measures less extreme will avail, seems
, least altogether doubtful. That the Democrat
y platform, moreover was not intended to justi
absolute rebellion, is tolerabiy certain. Preside
u u Buchanan can consequently, notwithstanding /
~ pledges, very consistently maintain territori
government in Utah, and is bound to do 50,
on whatever cost The embarrassment Of his pli
ng form will be chiefly felt as he proceeds in tie
~, ecution Of this work. ''''"
nd Nothing is clearer, regarding the Mormo
than that they mean to 'be an absolute sovelei
nd as well as a peculiar nation They sought th'