Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1864-05-27
ODD MOVEMENTS IN MORMON
DOM
In the Union Hedette Of last Friday we find
a long article devoted to certain odd move

In the Union Vedette Of last Friday we find
long article devoted to certain odd move
ments among the militia of Utah. 1t says:
Some time since we referred to the fact that
throughout the Territory the militia were being
mustered with unwonted diligence, and rumor
said that most warlike orders had been received
to place the Inhabitants of the Territory on war
footing. 1t went SO far as to say that orders had
been received from somebody TO hold the militia
in readiness TO move in moments warning with
cooked rations. About the same time, too, the
6urthen of the Tabernacle sermons, and outside
teachings (by some of the leaders, was, to keep
your powder dry" We deemed it proper at that
time TO expose what was the evident intent Of
these quasi warlike proceedings, namely: to keep
the people in an eternal stew. looking for and ex
pecting some attack by somebody, exactly whom.
nobody knew and nobody could tell. We made
1t one business to call the Governor and ascer-
tain the meaning of all this, and whether it was
in pursuance Of his orders, as Commandsr-in-
Chief-but he seemed fully as much at loss az
any body else. a few days afterwards, there was
published-as if in response to our queries, q
somewhat grandiloquent General Order No. L.
dated at Headquarters, Eauvoo Legon-and
signed by Lieut-Gen Wells, calling on the mill.
tia to organize-and be prepared for hostilities,
from reckless savages, or other lawless foes" or
ANY other man." and designating score or two
of Adutants General, Inspectors General, etc.
footing Far be it from to seek to cast ridicue,
or enter opposition to any proper spirit of militia
organization. Our Constitution declares that q
well regulated militia is necessary to the security
Of a free Stale, md the events Of the past three
years have proven how necessary IL is TO the
maintenance of our Government and the preSer.
walton of our Union. But when In time of pro
found peace as at present exists in Utah, when
everybody is engaged In the peaceful pursuits of
the farm house, the shop, or the mine to be thus
Kb,h ,atl &c
would be ridiculous, were 1t not calculated to be
serious.
Our attention has again been called to this sub.
iect by the receipt of letter. which, if the state
ments be true, tends to throw some additional
light on this subject. 1t is from an intelligent and
reliable citizen "a Mormon) of one of the outer
settlements. He says:
There is some excitement here Just now on
account Of Gen Wells order for mastering the
Nauvoo Legion, accompanied by a secret order
putting the militia into service" (The italics are
ours) The service required, is TO guard the
hills, canons, ETC.. and ii party of men should
appear TO inquire their business, order them to
leave and make them do So The whole matter is
simply and uudeniaby to try and prevent miners
from prospecting the country"
Although the Church authorities appear still to
adhere TO their old and now exploded doctrine, OF
preventing the discovery of gold aud silver mines,
we much doubt if the leaders have been rash
enough TO issue any such illegal, unconstitutional
and outrageous Oruer (secret or open,) rs that
mentioned by our correspondent. The mines are
public property, yea, even the lands are public
domain and while the rights of bona fde settlers
are recognized and will be protected TO the utter
most BY the Government neither Church nor
State, nor Militia, Priests Prophets, Generals or
Captains will be permitted to infringe one iota on
the rights of those who desire to develop the
mines, whether they reside here or come hither to
develop the public domain.
Much doubling, therefore, the accuracy of our
correspondents information, We warn militia
Captains and tinselled Generalissimos not TO trte
with so delicate question. Men of loss discre
ton than the Lieut.. General holding subordi
nate positions, may take these secret orders Of
indeed, they have been issued) in earnest, when
in reality they are mere Leather and prunella"-
1t is therefore very unwse and extremely inju
dicious to indulge in such facetie even for the
purpose of fanfaronade. They are likely to pro-
woke difficulties, whieh. all good men would de:
sire TO avoid.
The people may rely upon it that whenever
their rights invaded, there is the least dan
ger from Indian other hoStlities, the troops of
the Government sent here for their protection
| will ever be ready and able TO extend all that
the need. In the meantime, let them perfect
their militia organization, If they 10 desire,
to render aid to the United States should they be
called on, but let them not be scduced into inter
fering with the public or private rights Of others,
miners or prospectors. who came hither to develop
| the country and enrich the people.