The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1865-08-23
Norm ON Women.

Mormon women.
In an interesting letter from Salt Lake
City, from Mr.. Bowles, editor of the Spring.
field Republican, we find some answer ia
this often repeated question
| "HOw do the Mormon women like and
bear polygamys is the question most peo-
pie ask as to the institution. The uniyer.
sal testimony Of all but their husbands il
that it is grievous sorrow sn6 burden:
only cheerfully submitted to and embraced
under religious fanaticism and selfabne-
cation rare to behold, and possible only to
woman. They are taught to believe, and
many Of them really do believe, that
through and by it they secure higher
and more glorious reward in the future
world. Lord Jesus has laid . heavy trial
| upon me- said one poor sweet woman, but
I mean t. bear it for His sake, and for the
glory He will grant me in His kingdom"
This is the common wall, the common so.
lace. Such are the teachings of the church;
and have no doubt both husbands and
wives alike often honestly accept this view
Of the odous practice, and seek and submit
to polygamy as really Gods holy service,
and all associated with them in the future
world. Still good deal of human nature
is visible, both among the men in embrac-
ing polygamy and in their wives in sub.
mitting to it. Mr.. Young's testimony on
this point is significant. O,her signs are
not wanting in the looks and character of
the men most often annointed in the holy
bonds of matrimony and in the we'll known,
disagreement Of the wives in many fami.
lies. In some cases they live harmonious.
ly and lovingly toge ther; oftener, 1t would
seem, they have separate parts of the same
house, or even separate houses. The first
wife is generally the recognized of society,",
and frequently assumes contempt for the
others, regarding them as concubines, and
not wives. But it is dreadful state OF
society to any one Of fine feelings and true
instincts; it robs married life of all its sweet
sentiments and companionship; and, while
it degrades woman, brutalizes man, teach
ing him to despise and domineer over his
wives, over all women. 1t breeds jealousy,
distrust, and tempts to infidelty, but the
police system of the Church ard the com
munity is So strict and constant that it ia
claimed and believed the latter vice is very
rare. The effect upon the children cannot
help being debasing, however we'll they
may be guarded and educated. But it is a
chief failing, even scandal to the Nor.
mons, that plenhfully as they are providing
children, who swarm every where, as did
the locusts in Egypt, they have organized
no free school system. Schools are held in
every ward Of the city, and probably in
every considerable village, in buildings
providing for evening religious meetings,
under the direction of the local bishop, but
tuition fee is exacted for all who attend,
and the poor are practically shut out Ths
anti-poly gamists should agitate at once and
earnestly to reform this evil-it is strong
point against the dominant party, and
weak point in the welfare Of the territory.
It is good and encouraging sign to learn
from intelligent sources that as the young
girls, daughters Of Mormons, grow up to
woman hood they are indsposed to polyga-
my, and seek husbands among the Gentiles
rather than their own faith"