Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1857-12-11
The Mormons Again.


The Mormons Again.
In the fall Of 1853, census of the
latter days saints was taken by the or
der Of Prophet Brigham, which show
ed the entire population of the terri
tory Of Utah to be about 1900. In
1884 some $500 proselytes were ad-
ded to the Mormon fold; in 1855,
$500 converts were brought in in
1856, not quite 5000 were added to
the number of the faithful and per
haps about $500 have sworn allegi-
to the Prophet, during the year about
to close. From those figures which
are said to be indisputsble, it would
seem that the whole population of
Utah cannot exceed 10000 souls.
From the peculiar constitution Of Nor
mon society, it may be fairly presumed
that very large proportion of that
population is composed of women and
children. Elder John Hyde, Jr., a
high authority IN matters affecting the
history and resources of the Saints, es-
Inmates that 5000 able bodied men
can be placed in The field in opposi-
tion to the United States forces. The
general rule among nations in which
polygamy is not tolerated is that one
sixth Of the whole population is fit to
bear arms, but with the social system
Of the Mormons, we should suppose
that no more than one in ten of the peo-
pie would be capable Of doing military
duty. We accept, however, the figu-
res of one who has had ample oppor-
tunities for learning the power Of the
Mormon church. But even then, we
do not anticipate that the Federal Gov
eminent will find Young and his fol-
lowers so formidable foe as many ap-
prehend. 1t is very true that Brig
ham has declared his independence of
tho United States, and that he has
staked his all upon the die of rebel
hon, but that he did, when he beliey-
cd that he could effect a safe exodus
from Salt Lake into Sonora. When he
finds that he is hemmed in by the
troops on the California side, and that
his hegira is impossible, he will not
prolonb hopeless contest, but endea-
vor to make the best terms he can.
We believe that Young's defiance of
the Government and his massacre of
our citizens may be traced to his be-
lief that no troops could be sent to pue-
ish him this winter, and that he would
be beyond the reach of Federal Power
before the setting in of spring. 1t is
not for one moment to be supposed
that he ever dreamed of meeting the
United States in fair and open war
Brigham is doubtless consumate
knave, but he is no fool.
1t is gratifying to see men of all par
ties agree as to the necessity of yieor-
GUS measures against The Mormons.
Last Tuesday, Mr.. Seward, in tn
Senate, expressed bis concurrence with
the views expressed by the President
in his message, relating to Utah, and
said the world might be assured that
the Government would not suffer its
name to be furnished, its power insult
ed, and the lives of its citizens de-
stroyed by AN enemy, entrenched
though it be in the Rocky Mountains,
and under the forms of the Constitut
ion.
The qualification we feel is enhan-
ced by the reflection that this is the
first time! the whole country has ever
been unanimous in advocating resort
to arms. In 1912, the Federalists fall
tered ; in ls46, the Wings hung back;
but now, in perfect union the voices
OF all our States call aloud for war.