The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-12-06

th0sity-FeGrs for the Safety Of the United
States Troops-Policy Of Sending Military
Force from California to bring the Saints to Rez-
son-The Mint Prosecutions The Ricochst Of the
Nep York Panic 1Aeairicais in California, &c.
The opinion is general here that ii il the inten-
tion OF the Mormons to resist with force and arms
the entrance of the United States soldiers into the
Territory OF Utah. With this belief are serious fears
for the safety Of the comparatively small body of
troops on their march for Salt Lake City. Almost
weekly we learn Of fresh outrages on the Plains,
which are said to be perpetrated by the ndians but
there are too many unmistakeable proofs Of Mormon
completely with these crimes. The massacre Of over
one hundred men, women and children, composing an
emigrant train from Arkansas, il one Of the most
fearful atrocities furnished by the annals Of the
country, and it is too apparent now the act was
either done by the Mormons themselves, disguised
as Indians, or by Indians instigated by Mormon
hatred and hostility. Indeed, the common talk
among the Saints who have conversed with persons
travelling through their settlements is that the mas
sacre Of these people, coming as they did, for the
most part, from Arkansas was in retribution and in
revenge for Farley Pratts death, which took place
in Arkansas. The oft expressed determination OF
Brigham Young not to submit to the entrance OF
soldiers into Utah, and his well known rebellious
spirit, taken in connection with the massacres that
have taken place recently causes much solicitude
for the safety of the troops about entering that
country. II is well known there numerous
passes and gorges through which they must pass,
that, if held by few hundred men, would afford
means to annihilate five times their number; and
even if the Mormons allow the United States troops
to approach the city of Salt Lake. it would, it is to
be feared, be only the prelude to their destruction
by an overwhelming number of enemies
1t is fortunate the meeting OF Congress Is SO near
at hand. If the Mormons resort to hostites prepa-
rations for grand campaign must be set on foot at
once. Some affect still to believe they will not fight,
but submit to the order of things and seek ano
ther settlement, perhaps in the Russian possessions.
The probability of such conduct is very slim.
The military preparations at Salt Lake, the threats
and defiant language used by the Saints the repeated
their journey to Utah, leave but little hope for
peaceable solution of the difficulty. 1t will become
matter of paramount importance as to how troops and
material are to be transported with the greatest
expedition to the scene OF hostilites. California is
much nearer, and the route from here to Utah is far
less Objectionable and safer, inasmuch as there exist
no passes or ambuscades on the road which might
be used by an enemy to obstruct the march OF
troops, or to surprise. In California there could
in very short time be raised five thousand men
Injured TO danger, and able to cope with Mormons,
no matter how instigated or led-men who are stran
gers to fear accustomed to the of arms, and who
have seen service during the war with Mexico IL
would be hard indeed, to raise army better suit
ed for the service, who could carry more terror
into the ranks of the Latter Day Saints, than one
that could be organized within the borders of our
State. The resources Of California are amply suff,
eent to equip and provision such force, and conve,
them to the theatre Of their operations. Should
happen-thoHgh all must deplore t-that war is 10 |
take place. Congress ought to keep in mind the fire
field there exists on this coast to bring the Mormns
to their senses.
The situation of Utah and the delay consequentou
Ia fba
Western frontier, and thence a march across the
Plains would render operations very difficult andex
pensive. Besides this the opportunities of defend
ing each pass, and the numerous bands OF In
dams knowa to be in alliance with the
Mormons and completely under their guild
ance, who inhabit the country lying between
Missouri and Deseret, are all disadvantages telling
against the plan of conveying troops and material
from the Eastern States across the country To the
Mormon territory. By far the safest mode would
be to send them first from New York by way Of Pa
mama to San Francisco and from here TO Salt Lake.
Time would be gained perils OF the journey avoided,
and no additional expense incurred. And, more.
over troops advancing from California would inspire
more fear among the naughty warriors OF Salt Lake
considerations which win receive the earnest con
sideraion of the War Department, and in the event
a campaign becoming necessary, the superior advan
tages of California base OF operations should no
be overlooked. Here we look upon II a. a ioregone
conclusion. Brigham Young is determined TO resist
to the DEATH and IL IL greatly feared some disaster
will beal the troops IN route for Utah. owing to their
want of strength in numbers.
The United States Graud Jury, recently empan
nelled, has been almost exclusively engaged investi
eating the conduct of persons connected with the
branch mint in official capacities. They have in
dicted Mr.. Haratzthy late mclter and refincr, for
embezzng $4,000 the former Grand Jury having
merely presented him for the offence, and then sim
gularly enough paused and went no further. The
coiner, Mr.. Eckfedt, who was also presented for
perjury committed on the trial Of William Balm,
another mint defaulter, has been relieved from this
serious charge-the present Grand Jury having
unanimously ignored the bills against him-and Mr.
Hiram Graves, clerk In the colncrs' department,
who was likewise presented for perjury. II Ia the
general belief the two last named persons were put
In the unfavorable position Of seeming crminallty
through the influence Of designing men occupying
high stations in the branch mint, as to effect their
removal from the establishment. IL was
thought the government would not retain
persons latoring under the disgrace Of having will
fully committed perjury, and even II tried and &C
quilted the dark stain affixed to their characters
would be enough TO procure their Dismissal These
parties have been banked in their malignant de-
signs, and will now be compelled TO submit to the
odium Of having their conduct exposed. The Grand
Jury. after short examination became satisfied of
the unfounded nature of the charge. We mint is at
present closed for the purpose Of settling the half
yearly accounts, and II would be highly judicons 70
keep il 80 until its management passes into hands
enjoying more Of public confidence than those who
control II at present II requires at is head
Of experience and Judgment, who Is competent to
discharge the 1Utles OF tne once ALL
and advice. Under the circumstances II the need
Of counsel IL felt, IL IL proper enough IL should be
sought by the party who feels its want, but the
general government ought TO make only
such appointments 10 responsible positions
as 10 inspire confidence in the capacity and charac
ter Of the persons appointed. The branch mint In
this city is unfortunate ia the respect referred 10
the principal officer Is very young man. and gene
rally considered unequal TO the task Of keeping
siraight or mcndng the distracted condition Of af.
fairs 20 which the mint has been brought He Is,
therefore necessitated 70 look among those In whom
he has confidence for advice; and ii IL said the real
superintendency Of the mint is vested in two
persons Of whom the President or Secretary Of the
Treasury can have no knowledge. In the present
state of the establishment, when charges are inces-
sanity made affecting the honesty Of nearly every
officer connected with IL, and statements put for.
ward to the effect that the loosest manner of doing
business Il still continued, II becomes duty 70 this
State az well az tn the whole country, 20 apply q
a a. a. H.. - - IL.