The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-03-05
BALTIMORE.
FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1853.

In presenting, in this days issue, continuation
of the succnct account which we have proposed to
give, from time to time of the successive steps by
which Mornonism has risen to its present DANCER
Gus and embarrassing importance we take the occa-
sion to add few considerations to the remarks
which have already been made in these columns
suggested by the recent defeat in the Senate of the
military policy ofthe Administration, so far as that
policy has reference to Utah.
After the clear and satisfactory exposition of our
relations with the Mormons in the Presidents Mes
sage, the general feeling was one of surprise that
he should have contented himself with recommend
ing the apparently inadequate provision of only
four new regiments. That the Mormons were in
state of actual and defiant rebellion was clear.
That this rebellion if not crushed in its inception
would result in the secession of Utah from the con-
federacy, and in the establishment of an ndepend-
ent, hostile, and formidable empire in the very
heart OF our territory, was equally obvious to any
man OF ordinary comprehension. That the proba-
6tlay, even, of such catastrophe, involving meal
eulabe mschiefs to the people of the entire Union
and threatening the most disastrous results to the
Republic, would naturally draw to the subject the
earnest consideration of our legislators and lead
them to the promptest application of the appropriate
remedies, was expected by all who had not as vet
lost every confidence in the character of our public
men for patriotism and common sense, to say
nothing of political sagacity
To say that the people are disappointed by the
mode in which Congress in its wisdom has seen fit
thus far to dispose of the Mormon question, is but
tame expression OF the general feeling throughout
the country, so far as it can be collected from the
public press. That sentiment is universally one of
Indignation. 1t is not SO much the defeat of the
particular measure alluded to, as the general STYLE
and tone of the debates upon the whole question.
that has provoked, and justly provoked, decided
and general reprobation.
As general rule, the debates in both Houses
during the present session. have not risen above the
level OF a shallow and fippant discussion They
have not been characterized by one 1.-THE of the
ability of the ordinary newspaper leaders and edi-
torial paragraphs of which they have been merely
the feeble echo No original views have been pre-
sented no comprehensive or practical statesman
ship has been manlfested-in short nothing has
been said or done that was either useful or bril-
liant. Weeks of the session were allowed to pass
away in frivolous and idle talk about matters of
trif1ing Importance, while every day thus wasted
felt to be of vital consequence to our little army
in Utah, then, and now, in need of immediate re-
enforcement and supply.
When the momentous questions growing out of
the Mormon rebellion did at length receive BASS
ing notice at the hand of the House. it was upon
an absurd and childish motion to inquire into the
the propriety of expelling DR.. Bernhisel, the Nor
DELEGATE from his oJ:a
the only debate at all approaching to general dis
cussion of the Utah question which has vet taken
place in the lower House. And what discussion
Quibbes and technicalites about presuminp and
assuming state of rebellion, when the stubborn
facts were within the knowledge of every member
of the House in all their alarming significance,
characterized this, the first and only debate in the
House upon the Utah question.
With the natural instincts of small politicians
members of Congress have devoted themselves first
last and exclusively to the Kansas question. |
Chacun son govt. We will not quarrel with |
honorable gentlemen ON the score of taste If
members prefer to drag in, upon all occasions. in |
season and out of season, the fat stale and I'M
profitable Kansas question, of which the public |
have long since grown heartily tired and sick, we
have no right to be offended at their strange pref
erence.
But it is not mere matter of taste The yalua-
BILE time which is being wasted upon this Kansas |
squabble, which is but mere question of the day.
belongs to the public, and is so much taken from |
subject of far greater and more pressing import
ance, and pregnant with consequences involving
the honor and integrity of the Republic