Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1868-07-22
HE NOrnlOnS.

The Mormons, by the death OF Heber
Kimball, have lost their most prominent
man next to Brigham Young He illustra-
ted in himself all the more striking pecul-
iarities of the Morlpon leaders-their ener-
gy and astuteneSS. their self-Sacrifce and
selfshness, their devotion to the Church
and their power over its devotees. He car
ried into practice the doctrine ofpolveamv
to an extent only surpassed by the :. Presi-
dent" and in every way he was fitted. and
fitted himself, for his destined position as
Young successor.
The Young dynasty. however, has been
strengthening itself Of late years, in such
way as to indicate very plainly that it did
not mean to permit the supreme power to
pass out of its own ranks There Is no
hierarch in the world possessed Of more alb
sOlute power over his followers than the
Mormon Pope; and his control l. extended
over things secular as well as over things
spiritual (if there be any element of spirit
uality in Mormonism) IN such a manner as
TO make him at once sovereign and pontitf.
His revelations not only cover the mystic
ries of theology. but the small concerns of
daily life; and whether he requires his fol-
lowers to add new doctrine to their creed.
or to refrain from the use of tobacco and
tea, or to undertake the most arduous mis-
sIOns IN distant countries, or 10 devote their
energies TO planting corn, or to add wives
to their harems, or TO pay their tithes twice
over into his treasury, they obey with
readiness that Is unaccountable unless we
take the trouble to understand their ante
aadaD+c i
status. As regards his own successor. his |
designation would be unquestionable and
final, and as regards his purpose of confn- !
ing the succession within his own family |
there was a good deal known before the !
death of kimball Until very recently it !
was believed his eldest son was meant for |
the leadership when it became vacant. but. |
for some reason unknown outside of the wall |
that incloses his headquarters, this individ- |
ual is understood to have been set aside in /
favor of another member of the dynasty. /
Brigham Young. Jr.. who Is pronounced to |
be possessed of the peculiar talents requir-
ed in the head of the Mormon Church and |
State.
This Mormonism is certainly remark
able development in the midst of our |
American civilization. 1t has generally |
been thought that it would come to its end |
through the Western advance of Christian
ity and law; and especially has it been
thought that the Pacific Railroad now ap-
preaching Utah, would pierce its heart,
and expose its pretensions. and break down
its superstition and despotism. But we
have seen within the last few weeks that
Brigham Young himself has not only come
out in favor of the completion Of the rail
-oad to Salt Lake CITY, but has taken
arge contract for building it, and has sent
hree of his sons, with several thousand
Mormon laborers, to push it forward with
Ill possible rapidity. Notwithstanding all
his. however, it is still our opinion that
he Mormon system cannot stand long be-
ore the freedom, and intelligence and civ t
lization that are now being planted around t
t in the Rocky Mountains.-N Y Times. {