The Montana post. [volume] (Virginia City, Montana Territory [i.e. Mont.]) 1864-1869, 1869-01-29
DIVISION OF UTAH.

Our Utah contemporaries are natural
ly exercised over the proposition of Mr..
Ashley to dismember that Territory and
parcel the greater portion OF it out 10
Colorado. Nevada and Montana The
measure is denounced by the Ne,rs and
Telegraph. (Mormon.) and the Reporter.
(enti-Mormon.) 1t does not appear to
Us necessary, expedient or insuring any
practical advantages. II the object is
TO prevent the further growth and de-
velopment of that absolute despotism
known as MCTmonism, the project of
Mr.. Ashley is inadequate 10 the pur-
pose. Il Is merely circumscribing the
area, not affecting the power. The
strength Of 1t lies in the blind subservi-
ance, through religious fanaticism, OF
the masses 10 Brigham Young and the
thoroughly organized Mormon church
system. The Mormon masses are
thoroughly sincere in their belief of the
Divine attributes of Brigham Young,
and their faith covers polygamy and all
Ih- practices of the Church. Religious
fanaticisms are the strongest and most
enduring that man Is susceptible OF and
through them, their leader has main-
tanned and will maintain while they ex-
ist. temporal control over bis follows
ers that force cannot dismay or ADVERSE
" weaken. The dismemberment of she
Territory would have no effect upon the
governmental authority of the Church.
and as il does not propose TO interfere
with the settled portions of the Valley.
cannot have other effect than to attach
remote territory TO neighboring COM
monwealths, over which they would
have only nominal control. There are
only few hundred people in all the
region not retained, by Ashley's bill. 10
Utah All Utah is subject directly To-
the United States authority. As settle
ments form along the line of railroad,
the United States laws will be enforced,
and if still retained 10 Utah, will give
its Federal officers material and long
needed strength to enforce the law in
Mormondom, which they could not have
were these railroad settlements attached
to divers other Territories. The extinc
tion of MorInonism. In the abstract, is
not necessary. or in consonance with
American institutions. They have the
right under our system of government.
10 worship God according 10 the dictates
of their own conscience, and 10 protec-
tion in life, property and freedom; but
worshiping God does not CONSIST in
sleeping with nine wives, running the
Church as a Vigilance Committee, sub
ordinating legislative enactments TO the
adverse decisions of the Church or
bidding defiance 10 United States laws.
These excrescences on Mormonism
will be Topped OFF 1t is a question only
OF time and means. II this great gov
eminent believes the Mormon power
hostile and inimical To il or its citizens,
let il assert its authority and protect
them, and not skim around the edges,
taking little opportunities TO do little
and futile things When. if il ever is,
necessary 10 dismembsr Utah, hew TO
the line. The true solution of the Nor
mon question is the education of the
people by schools, and the presence of
American people among them, protected
as they should be by the government.
Bestiality will yield to virtue and Intel-
ligence. II is not the first wave of rail> |
road builders that represent our ciyili> |
zatiOn. The thrifty towns that will !
spring to existence in the vallies of
Utah, the happy homes, the refinements |
of life. intelligent industry, freedom of |
thought and speech and educational ad- |
vsntages TO all, are influences that will |
appeal to the priest-ridden, tithe-op- |
pressed AMI, unhappily, ignorant Nor |
mon masses, and inspire them with am
bitiOn To live likewise. Brigham Young /
has organized the best paving small |
despotism in the world and his inter
ested partners will help him to main~
tain il. until his people, by comparison, |
have their eyes opened to the imposition |
being practiced upon them, and then
his polygamic theocracy will fall of it's |
own weight. Ashley's bill is not a reme-
dv for the ills that Mormon flesh is heir /
to.