The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-10-13
The Nformons' Application for Admission
MS q State.

l ms q State.
The close proximity of the line Of the
Pacific Railroad TO the centre of Mormonism
has tended in great measure to remove
the isolation which the aborious apostle of
the Mormons thought necessary for the estab-
lishment of his peculiar Sect Far removed
from the large and prosperous cities of the
United States, Brigham Young fattered him
self that he could there establish colony
and found sect which recognized polygamy
not only as lawful, but as a thing to be
cherished and cultivated With this object in
| view the Mormon apostle sought in the far
West wilderness, and, after years of patient
toll, through his exertions and the labors of
his followers, he has made barren waste
blossom like the rose. In the meantime, how
ever, while Utah was being improved, and the
Industry of its Inhabitants was everywhere
making itself evident, the vast flow Of emigra-
ton TO the United States, the rapid develop
ment of tho republic and the increasing pros
perity Of the nation were exercising their
influence throughout the land. So lcng as the
tide ofprogress flowed not towards Utah all
went well for the Mormon territory and tho
prophet; his high priests and faithful follow
ers remained secure in their remoteness.
With the laying down of the Pacific Railroad
the speck no bigger than mans hand at
first, commenced to increase, and Brigham
Young feared for the Eden which in his mind
he had conceived, by his energy brought into
existence, and which wes made rich by the
labor of his followers.
Perceiving in the progress and growth of
the States th1t the Institution which has cost
him SO much labor Of thought and action
stands in danger, Brigham Young has resolved
upon course of action which must prove
failure. On the 9th instant the sem-annual
Mormon Conference assembled in Salt Lake
City. All parts Of the Territory were repre-
sented The period was thought fitting
occasion to lay the subject of application
for admission as q State into the Union
before the people. With this object in
view committee was appointed to me-
morialze Congress on the subject Tho
document drawn up embodics the substance
Of the petitions sent to Congress in 1856 and
1862 which were never brought to vote
in the House. The memorial claims prece-
dence for Utah of the other Territories adj
mitted into the Union with far less order of
government and general resources. and COM
plains particularly Of the practice Of the
United States in appointing officers from dis
tant States who are unacquainted with the
necessities of the people.
The preceding is the substance Of the memo
rial to be presented to the United States Con-
gress at its next session. The fact of it
emanting from one hundred and fifty thousand
people anxious for self government entities it
to thoughtful consideration. 1t cannot, how
ever, be forgotten that the most prominent
plank in the platform Of the Mormon creed,
polygamy, is one which is not only condemned
by the whole people Of the country, but by the
civilized world. The Mormon leaders we'll I'M
derstand that If Utah shall be admitted into the
family Of States, with its system Of polygamy,
they can regulate matters to suit themselves.
The laws relating to marriage at the present
time are different in many of the States, and
that there is no general law on the subject s to
be regretted. That polygamy should be recog
nized and sanctioned is little too much of
good thing in this age, Notwithstanding that
the application comes from large body Of
people in section of the country which they
have made fruitful and productive. The posi-
ton of the Mormons we regard as untenable.
They cannot be admitted as long as they
possess their present system. The country,
however, looks for some action on the subject
from Congress. Special legislation should be
taken, and the Mormon chief should be given
to understand that the sooner he puts his house
in order the better and make his preparations
to move. If Mormonism is to flourish it must
do so outside of the American Union The
system is one that cannot be recognized.