Daily union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1865-1866, 1866-03-08

representations Of Interested Persons-HOw
Uncle Sam is Swndled-The Question Of
Polygamy-solutions Proposed-The True
Remedy.
Correspondence of the Chicago Republican,
GREAT SALT LAKE CRY, UTAH TERRI
TORY, February. 1861 have observed of
late with considerable interest the various
discussions throughout the States, both in
the newspapers and in Congress, relative to
the situation of affairs in this delectable land
Nor is this remarkable when due cOnsidera-
ton is given 10 our surroundings. This is
land wherein saintsare prOportfOnately more
abundant than sinners in the ranks of
bounty-jumpers. Here Brigham, the Lion
of the Lord" receives direct from Heaven,
and communicates to the chosen people,
revelations illustrating alike obscure ques-
tions in theology and mooted points in the
culture of sorghum; the infallibility of the
Mormon priesthood and the superiority of
clingstone peaches; the Christianizing
effect of the practice of polygamy, and the
price at which dried apples shall be sold to
the Gentiles; the proper construction of the
Constitution of the United States as regards
religious freedom, and the value of mercurial
pills as a remedy in bilious disorders.
CONDITION OF SOCIETY. b.
The city of Great Salt Lake is the repre-
sentative city of the Territory, the Paris of
Utah. The ideas prevailing in the States
regarding the Territory are derived, in
great measure, from the statements of public
men, or journalists, who have spent a few
hours or days in this city, picked up iGfor-
nation regarding the ways Of the Saints
from conversation with interested parties,
and disseminated the results Of their oh
servations by lectures or through the public
prints. From the fact that much of this in
formation is derived from what | have
termed interested sources, some ideas have
obtained currency which | do not consider
correct. One of these ideas is, that the peo-
pie of this Territory are not a law-abiding
people; that the enforcement of the laws
and the preservation Of order would be inn
possible were it not for the presence of the
United States troops. This leaving out of
view for the present the question Of polyga-
my, is entirely inc0rreci. / have spent
much time in OF: newer Territories, and must
admit that almost every species of crime is
there Of much more frequent occurrence than
in this Territory. Rufianism il promycly
suppressed by the authorities, and life and
are here equally safe as in any Of
the Northern States An occasional murder
or robbery takes place, but in most cases the
criminals are apprhended and brought to
Justice, and almost invariably such crimes
are shown to be perpetrated by the roughs
and gamblers of our mining Territories,
en- rome for more genial fields OF labor. The
inhabitants of the Territory, as a class, are
quiet and industrious.
The contrary idea, however, is indus
triously disseminated by many Of what are
known as the GENTLE business men Of this
city, and who are the people principally
seen and heard by tourists passing through
the Territory. Their motives are not diff
cult 10 discern. So long as a considerable
number of troops are stationed in the Terri
tory numerous contracts for commissary and
supplies are annually award
ed 10 these disinterested patriots. The
number Of persons among the Gentiles able
to compete for these contracts is bet small,
and the rule has been adopted TO award no
contract to a Mormon. The bidders there
fore do not ruin themselves by overmuch
but having in a friendly man
ner settled beforehand rs to the division Of
the spoils, each puts in his bids for the Por.
tions mutually agreed upon, and the pleth-
oric purse Of our common Uncle Samuel
is depleted accordingly.
To illustrate: During the past summer
an abundance Of coal could be purchased in
this city at S25 per ton, but our liberal
Uncle before named purchased some thous-
ands Of tons for use at Camp Douglns nj S45 |
per ton. During the present winter oats
have been sold in large quantities at Sl.JO I
10 81 per bushel, but our Uncle's 1000 !
mules and horses are supplied at 50. After
the disastrous fire some weeks since nj
Camp Douglas, Brigham Young offered 70 /
supply what -four was required az S7.45 per |
100 pounds, but his proposition was declined |
and the same or an inferior grade Of -four, |
purchased at SS.75 10 80. slt
The reason assigned for this peculiar |
economy is, that Brigham Young and the
MOrmons are traitors, and that, therefore, !
no aid or comfort should be given them BY |
paying TO them, for -four and other supplies, |
money which might be used 10 wage war I
Ipon the Government. The peculiar force |
II this argument is seen when il ia observed |
hat there is not Gentle agrieulturist in 4
he Territory. All supplies Of meat, -four, 1
rain, etc, mnst be purchased primarily Of /
he Mormons. The question then resolves
tself simply into this proposition; Are the
interests Of the Government best promoted
y purchasing directly Of the Mormons, al a
xed price, or BY allowing such purchases 10
e made at the same price by an intermediate
0ltractssr, after which the same articles are
purchased By the Government at an advance
{ fifty 10 one hundred per cent
HE CONGRESSIONAL LAW AGAINST roLY-
GABfY.
Tie statute If the United States for the
enlistment Of poIygamy Is now in the con
ition Of any law which, in spirit, is in adj
ance Of the average public sentiment Of the
eople among whom Il is designed to be CT
,rced. Ii is a practical nullity. And this
not the fault Of the law itself It's pro-
isions are sufficiently stringent 70 bring 10
hidden grief our lecherous Saints, coald they
yer be brought 10 trial. The Constitution
the United States, however, provides that
o person shall be held TO answer for a crime
xceps upon his indictment by grand jury.
he Mormons, at present. are more than