The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1865-11-30
Probable Trouble with the Mormons.

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Probable Trouble with the Mormons.
1t has long been apparent to careful OBJ
servers that grave and serious trouble
must in all probability arise from the ex
lstence of polygamy in Utah, and the ar
rogant pretensions set up by its defenders
Recent information from Salt Lake justi-
fics the fear that the feeling of hostility
toward the Government so long entertain
ed by the Mormons is about to culminate
in open defiance 1t will be remembered
that during the visit of Speaker Colfax
aud his party, the Mormon leaders pro
iessed hearty loyalty to the Government
and even declared that the abandonment
of pol ygamy was certain at no distant
day, but it now appears that these were
but lying assurances, meant to deceive
their guests, and that very different tenn
per is now manifested, the leaders preach
ing that polygamy is their religion; to
which they will adhere by force of arms
if necessary. They denounce the Gov
comment of the United States in the most
bitter terms, and unhesiatingly avow their
sympathy with the late rebels. Thus
Smith, one of the twelve apostles, is re
ported as saying, on Sunday, August 2S.
that "the South was right; the Northern
army burned and destroyed everything
in the South, and abused by force all
their women. They would be here some
day to treat the fair women of Utah in IA
ike manner. Old and young should have
plenty of arms God would fight their
battles, and the Saints would be victorious -
Moreover, Brigham Young himself, in a
sermon at the same time, uttered the fol
lowing sentences:
He was ready to fight the Govern
ernment. He had his soldiers, and rifles,
and pistols, and ammunition, and plenty
of it, and cannon too. and would use them
He was ION it y The Governor of this
territory was useless and conld do uoth-
ing. He (Brigam) was the real Cover
nor of this people. and by powers of the
most High he would be Governor of this
Territory forever and ever. If the Gen
tiles did not like this they could leave
and go to hell. Nine tenths Of the peo-
pie of the Territory were Southern sym
pathizers, the North was wrong, and the
people mpathized with the South"
\ long account given by Mr.. Richard
sou, the well known correspondent of trib-
une writing from Salt Lake City, closes
with the following recapitulation
Il have written thus at length because
,he subject is one of grave Importance,
aud ought to be minutely understood. l.
IF the condition of things in Utah was
thoroughly comprehended by every
household in the land, it would produce
IN overwhelming public sentiment which
would force Congress and the Admins
ration into new and effective measures
Indeed it would excite so much indigna
lion that We should be very likely to act
with undue harshness and severity, with
jut wise consideration for the sincerity
md honest intentions of those misguided
masses, and even many of their nominal
eaders. Let US recapitulate
l. Brigham and his associates are liv-
ny in open, defiant violation of the laws
IF the United States.
2. They are teaching to their followers
intense hostility to our Government and
,eople, aud the necessity and duty OF
es:stlng by force of arms any attempt to
make the law operative.
3. They are drilling and arming the en-
ire people into a compact and efficient
military organization.
4, The Government places and keeps
u importan. Federal officers men who
lagrantly violate the law and systemati
ally perjure themselves in taking the oath
# office. Not only does the public inter
st snfer financially, not only are the
nds of justice frustrated, but our high
st lawmaking authority has solemnly
nacted that polygamy is crime, and
he government makes itself accessory to
bat crime"
These statements agree precisely with
hose made by Mr.. Colfax, in his recent
ubiic address at indianapolis, and they
eveal a condition of affairs which can
ardly fail to attract public attention.-
would seem that Congress cannot long
safely delay some decisive action in
eterencc to this subject. The law which
ronounces polygamy a crime, should be
spealed and Utah left to the action of the
atural laws of trade, travel and educa-
on, or troops should be sent without de-
y to the Territory to maintain the
lthority of the Covernment-such of
,ials being at the same time appointed
will see that the laws are faithfully
Iecuted. The country cannot afford to
I'VE laws upon its statutebook openly
olated in the interest of mischieyous
ID debasing institution like polygamy, I
ID the sooner decisive policy is adop !
d the better it will be for all parties 4
ncerned