Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1859-01-05
,S$$sySlAa.sSr,ss aYNsx.zzHE S&J
s~ 40
~ .H w
MSslslsW
Tie AIermons.

The message OF President buchanan unsatsfae-
t'ry an all ats parts seems nowhere unsats nc
tory than ia that portion Of il which relates to these
pSop!e. II is evident 10 mind that they present
the case Of an "imperiUrs in imperfo' as strong
ly AZ il could possibly exist, and that nothing
yet done by the Government has the smallest tenden.
cy TO alter the relations of the two parties Brig
ham Young il, Tor tie moaaent yanquished prince
but he by no means rencunccs bis title, ceases 10
claim tho allegisucoo OF hs followers. The bs-
tween the high contracting parties has bccn ended by
a truce, such as is -usually male by Soyeregns
when they agree, Tor the sake OF their subjects to
bury the Ratchet and brighten the chain of peace.
Tue President tells Congress that there is great
contrast between the condition OF Utah now and its
condition year ago. At that time, he says, i,
was in open rebellion against the General Govern
ment, and that Government was called on by the
duty it owed TO the people and States of the Union
TO suppress the rebellion at all hazards aud by any
means within its power To accomplish an object
OF such vital importance to the Interests Of the whole
Union, new Governor was appointed aud de-
tachment OF troops seet to support him and the 9TH
er Federal officers who went along with him. Upon
the approach OF these troops, Brigham Young, as
Stunning the style Of the autocrat, which he undoubt
edy is, issued proclamation, forbiddng their entry
into the Territory over which he claimed rule by
new species of divine right; and threatening them
with the worst eztremties OF war If they ventuted
to do it, 10 defiance OF his warning. II was not long
before these wsrlike threats followed by decis
the character Of which it was impossible TO mistake.
In order to deprive troops Of shelter from tue
inclemency Of winter rapidly approaching, the
Mormons evacuated and burnt down forts Bridger
and Supply. These hostile movements were followed
by others Of character even more decidedly az.
gressve Several trains belonging 10 the army were
cut off, exposing the troops to imminent danger Of
starvation; and but FOR the skill aud determination
OF General Johnston, our troops would have been
compelled 10 make a most disastrous retreat. pur-
sued by the enemy whom they had been sent to sub
due. Finding at last, that their chance Of resisting
the forces Of the Government every day becom-
ing more hopeless, the Peace Commits siouers whom
the President had sent before having moreover ar
rived, they at last consented to yield the point
Since that time the President ia happy say, peace
prevails and the laws are obsyed but how long
this delectAbe is to continue he does not ven
ture to predict. We undertake to say 1t will last
exactly as long the troops continue to hold nos
session of the Territory, and not day longer Tho
Mormons arc in the condition of people upon
whom a lsw which they sbhor is forced, at the
point Of the bayonet. They obey it because they
cannot help themselves. Tuey submit in sullen &C
<z1ssHcsnra rsserying "a themselves tho right Of
throwing on the yoke At the frst favorable opbortn
nifty.
1t IS remarkable that the President observes a pro-
found silence with regard to the difficulty which lies
at the bottom OF the whole Mormon complication
We sliude, OF course, to the habit Of polygamy
which forms the snbstratum of their abominable
creed Ii is the source Of all the pecuarlties OF the
Aoruons, OF all their rebellions against the law and
of the insPpeasabe hostility which exists between
them aud tho rest &C ire people who hive under th
laws Of the Union. Yet it is impossible that the
questions arising out of this institution should not
come before Congress, as soon petition shall have
been presented for the admissi of Utah. In fact
we see 1t stated IN than one OF our exchanges
that bill for the suppression of poygamy in that
III fated region sill be presented, during the presen,
session Of Congress- to the House Of Representatives
The President, who does not like difficulties that are
really difficulties, though he has no obi 4cton to a
little bluster against England or France. when he
knows there is danger In it, passes the subject IN
entire silence. Now the Constitution IL VIC are not
mistaken, positively requires him to bring to the
notice of Congress all matters affecting the welfare
of the Union. Aud what could possibly affect il
more than this? In such a case, he Is the first man
who ought TO speak. His position does not allow
him to hold TO the non.commttal policy which he
proclaimed two years ago. He is no longer the
Cincinnati platform" but the President Of these
United States He is the President not alone of the
Democratic party, bot OF the whole nation. This
point IS about to be brought up and it is one Of er-
treme delicacy, involving others which may lead to
dangerous issues II ia his duty to direct the aten-
ton Of Congress to It, the most important likely
to arise during his administration.
TIE Menfee noeffine