Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1858-03-01
From the New York Herald

Interesting From Utah.
. From the New York Herald
Mr.. Bell. Of the firm Of Livington, Kink-
cad 4 Co., Of Great Salt Lake City, having
arrived here within the last few days, dir
rect from Utah. via California, and being
the last Of the "Gentiles'' who left that Ter
rtory. our reporter sought an interview, for
the purpose Of obtaining reliable informa-
ton 90 matters and things generally in Nor
mondom, and submits the following as the
substance Of an interesting talk" with that
gentleman:
NoRALrrY OF TIE npRNoNs.
OF 1ople, Is a community, he repre-
sentS1 honest, sober and very industri-
Gus, fully convinced themselves that they
are the people Of God, and that Brigham is
His Prophet Notwithstanding, there are
plenty Of persons in the Territory who are
far from being ornaments to society, or
models worthy Of imitation. Some Of the
rising generation are fond Of a spree, fun
and frolic not over particular how they
raise shindy, nor at whose expense they
have it. With all their faults, admitting,
he says, the Legality Of polygamy, there is.
taking them all in all. not more moral
community in the world than is to be found
in Utah, nor indeed any so moral, any where
that he knows Of
The peculiar institution" is still in its in
fancy, and some irregularities, doubtless,
occur now and then. Some of the fair sex
have not got sufficiently acquainted with
the traces to run easy, aud will have their
hours Of sadness as u general thing, the
SISTER have us much faith in the righte-
business and divinity Of the principle Of po-
lyamy as the "bretheren," and Herewith
are cOntented
DEATH THE PENALTY OF SEDUCTION
Prostitution, or seduction, is not tolerated
in the Territory. Death is the penalty for
adultery for both parties.
TREATMENT OF GENTILEs.
Outsiders, or "Gentiles," have not been
subjected to abuse or annoyance on account
of negative faith in Mormonism. Many had
come to Utah with the idea that the new
faith and peculiar institution" were mat
ters which everybody had right to criticise
talk about, joke about, ridicule and oppose,
to trouble; but others who gone there and
who have regarded Mormonism and polyg-
amy us matters pertaining to the Mormon
ism and attended to their own affairs, have
lived in peace and been respected by the
community.
FEDERAL OFFICERS.
Mr.. B. says that he has seen federal off,
GERS arrive and seen them leave. He has
watched their proceedings, but never took
part for or against them there. Some fed
eral officers were much respected by the
Mormons, and they had always amicable
Intercourse with each other hence he in
fers that all might have had the same ex.
perience.
SPECIAL COMMISSIONERS EXPECTED.
The present position of Brigham Young,
and the inhabitats Of the Territory, is the
consequence of the past difficulties with
such persons as Drummond-so they be-
lieve. They are, therefore determined to
oppose the approach of the army. Their
labors heretofore have been confined solely
to Gripping the expedition and hindering
its advance, with view to prevent the eff
fuseion Of blood. Mr.. B. had lengthy in
terview with Brigham just previous to his
departure, and assures US that such was his
explanation of the stampeding cattle, DC
Brigham thinks that through the white
the government and Congress will have
time to consider the matter thoroughly, and
if they wish, withdraw the troops and send
in special commissioners. To an investiea-
tion they would never have objected, and
he thinks they will not even now object
n n IN ant hosv
der such circumstances. they will consent :;
and sooner than the army should enter they
will fight. and if overpowered, burn all
their possessions and take to the mountains
Some have thought that Brighams dis.
cou, ses were for effect outside Of Utah, but
our informant thinks to the contrary, and
considers that Brigham's works sustains his
words
MOUNTAIN RETREAT.
This going TO the mountains has been
learned from the Indians The Mormons
could never whip the indiana when thew
retired to the mountains; 90 now they are
are friendly, the red skins have taught
their Mormon brethren mountain warfare,
and there are numerous places, as Brigham
says, where they could retreat and no ar
my could reach them. Echo canon, which
is considered the gauntlet for Col John
ston's army, is really nothing, compared
with many canons leading out FROM Salt
Lake Valley, beyond which the Mormons
will doubtless take shelter.
THE ARMY OF DEEESc..
Three thousand armed Mormons are in
Echo canon. where they have plenty of
timber for fuel and for building shanties -
many of which they have erected for their
comfort during the winter. 1t is not inten.
ded that they should, at any time 60 out
and have a fair stand-up fight with the
troops-if war it must be, gunerilla will be
fashionable.
MANUFACTURING PISTOLS AND GUNPowDER.
Shortly before Mr.. Bells departure he
visited the armory, where mechanics we're
busy in the manufacture of revolvers. They
were turning out Colts holster revolvers at
the rate Of twenty per week. They have
often tried. unsuccessfully, the manufacture
Of gunpowder. but they have now got over
their difhculties. In October q powder
manufacturing company was formed, and
had been presented to Brigham and met
with his approval. Before they REQUIRE it
in the spring, they will have it in album
dance.
COL. JOHNSTON WELL WATCHED.
The commander of the expedition will not
be able to steal march upon them. Scout
ing parties are out in every direction. From
the mountains around the west and south
sides of the camp of the expedition the Nor
mon scouts can see all that 10 going on with.
out incurring risk. The redoubtable Porter
Rockwell tod Mr.. Bell that he and his com.
pany stood on the mountains by the side of
which COL Alexander was marching his
command on the Fort Hall route, and 90