The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1869-12-23

The time is not far distant when this "twin
relic of barbarsm" is TO be brought to the bar
Of public opinion to show cause why it should
longer be permitted to live, and to be dealt
with in such manner as shall vindicate the
civilization of the age and the honor of The
country. Unless the signs of the times mis-
lead us Mormonism must soon fight iof us
life, aud Notwithstanding the confessed dill
culties attending the solution OF the Mormon
question, the issue when 1alrly presented,
should be met promptly and be speedily de-
cided. The sentiment of the country is clear
ly opposed to dallying with the matter and
will demand the most vigorous and energetic
treatment. The completion of the Pacific Rail
road has unquestionably fastened the newt
able conflict between the so called institu-
ton" OF the Mormons and the prevailing SEN
timent and opinions of the people, and the
effort now being made to effect the entrance
OF Utah into the Union will be likely to pre-
cipitate discussion Of the question and posi-
bly, end III a satisfactory solution of the whole
matter Its understood that the House COM
mittee on Territories is unanimously in favor
of denying all further privileges to citizens of
Utah until polygamy is abolished, and the
Chairman has prepared bill taking away all
the rights of Mormons as citizens of terrific
ny until such time as they see fit to abandon
their infamous practices. A late dispatch
from Washington brings the gratifying intel
ligence that a resolution is in the hands of the
House Committee on Public Lands to prevent
the sale of any of the public domain to per-
sons known to be living in violation of the
United States laws. This resolution is in
tended to prevent the lands in and near Utah
from falling into the Mormon hands, and is
likely to be reported upon favorably.
There will be no diversity of sentiment re-
spectipg the propriety of keeping Utah out of
the Union until she puriies herself 1t is
bad enough that by force of circumstances
the government has felt obliged to tolerate
this iniquity and keep "hands Off so long,
but the possibility of admitting such soiled
sister to the community of States, is not to be
thought of for a moment. The resolution
just referred to to prevent the sale of lands,
etc., will commend itself to the good judg-
-ASHs " ehS Nooii'iJ do q uIOfc III IlS1b
direction. Its effect, however, will be to Grip
pie rather than kill the internal system and
Will make its votares more malignant and Of
fensive than ever. The facilities for travel
and investigation afforded by the Pacific rail
road have been the means of pouring upon
the subject flood Of light and legislation and
people know vastly more of the workings
tendency and effects of Polysamy than they
did year ago, and will consequently be en-
abled to deal with the question more intelIi-
gently and justly than they could then. The
only opportunity for any difference of opinion
will be in respect to the duty of the govern
ment in case Utah declines to abandon the
practice OF Polygamy. Ha
The agitation of the question consequent
upon her asking to be admitted, will natural
ly give rise to the question whether in a ter
rltorial condition she shall longer defy the
power and laws of the government, fly in the
race OF the civilization of the age, ard
strengthen system which is not only an I'M
mitlgated nuisance but a great crime,
Inc institution is bad enough to Justify its
immediate extinction, but there will doubt
less DC iound those who think it impracticable
ana unwlse to attempt it now One thing is
certain, the question must be met and settled
sometime. Postponement is nothing more or
Tess than Sinking present duty. The power
and strength of the government is SO well ap-
preciated even by the Mormons that the prob
ABILITY is 1t would have but to make known its
unalterable purpose and determination to
crush Inc system of Polygamy to ensure its
speedy overthrow. iMormons don't like to
night against fate any better than other peo.
pie and will yield up their pet iniquity rather
'hail run the risk of humiliation with the