Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-05-26
THE MORMONS.

From the many laudatory representations which
have been heard and read, of the sterling character
and administrative ability of Major McCulloch, it is
doubtless source Of regret to all who have the in
erests ohunsuity and the honor of the American peo-
pie at heart that he has declined the Governorship
OF Utah, which was rendered him by the Admnstra-
tion. 1t is STATED. however, that the appointment
has been offered to come other gentleman, whose
name has not yet been announced, aud whom, We
have no doubt the administration has ascertalned to
be capsctated for the responsible position.
The presence Of the large body OF troops ordered
to Utah. may possibly have the effect of ntindating
ths Mormons into submission TO the laws OF the 60
vernmeut, and ultimately into an Observance OF the
precepts and practices of Christian people.
TIL. rumor that Brigham Young had sought re-
fuge in fight from his own people, is said to be an
unfounded fabrication So that, however it may
have been hoped, that the evil OF Mormonism was
beginning to effect its eradication there can now
be no doubt that the strong arm Of the Federal Gov
ernluent alone is efficient for that end.
1t ia strange, in this enlightened age, and espe'
cally within the limits of q nation which boasts OF
having successfully and triumphantly exempllhed the
experiment of sefgovernment, that there should
exist people whose social strata, from the highest to
the lowest, are based upon brutshness and bestlay
whose religion is far less innocent and ennobling tnau
that OF the worshpers Of the Gauges, and whose po
tical independence and pride are lost in sbJect SUB
seryience TO the arbitrary edcts of an unprncpleo
u.urper But in the works of nature, moral aud phy
sica notwithstanding the regular laws and unvaryine
rules with reference to which they are generally con-
az
yreement of eleneuts a contradictory combination o
thoughts and things, which dehes phllosophysn pre-
sents anomalies, mysterious as the universe ana 'ne3
plicable as fate. And Mormonsm is one OF these ldio
syncrasies, which, i'll an organized society OF in'eh
gent beings on the American contlnentand WITHIN Inc
Dur view of the most prosperous Republican Govern
ment of the world, is wonderful from Its peculiar
political and religious characteristics, az II s Star
ling rs an ouorrnty in morals. 1t ID desperate o'S
ease upon the body.potc; and can only De cureo
by remedies which act upon the physical facutiee
rather than reason.
1t has doubtless been somewhat source oi en-
barrassment we'll annoyance, to the adm'n's1ra
tion as in an nge with pacific proclvitie' when sucH
outrageous acts Of rebellion against God and man de-
mand redress it is no ordinary undertaking to attempt
to reduce, perhaps more than two hundrea 'housanu
outlaw cd traitors to submission to legitimate gov
erumsnt II, as fanatica, they can bs conciated oS
argument and remonstrancs, or Impressed with awe
by au imposing array OF men under arms' VINO nave
been despatched to subdue them, it is OF course MOI
to be expected that any such scenes OF slaughter viii
be witnessed, es in The event OF resoute resistance
may be- necessary to enact before the drama II
brought to close.
II !, of course the anxious object of the admins
tration to bring Brigham Young and hls horde te
terms, as peacefully possible But there are lndi
cations in the direction of Utah, which encourage tht
on;n;on tba, blank cartridges aud blunt bayonet'
vould be ty no means advisable in accoutering TIT
two thousand troops that are said TO have been or
dsred out. If Brigham Young has engaged the ser
r;oss of ths Indians in that region to aid him in BIZ
resistance there will probably be bloody strug
OLE The character of the country and familiarit,
w;tb its fastnesaes may enable the Mormons TO elm
,,ov their forces with much effect upon the troop
- rho government. And in view Of this, togethe
With tbs fact that the speeder the adjustment of tn
da;cul,y the better it will be for the honor of on
country and for the interests of Utah. is to be sup
oosed that If the Two thousand troops which are ssi
| 70 have been already ordered, should prove insult
cent to force the rsbellious Mormons into almost in
m.dis.e measures, that such a reinforcement wi
follow as will put an end TO the troube at once
Let Brigham and few Of his most fanntical follow
srs be- taken, tried for treason, and sent III sesrcn
Joe Smitb; and the rest i'll soon to defy 10
Federal oficers and quietly resign themselves 10 70
; guardisnship Of the government.