The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-09-23

and the decision of Ohief-Justice McKean
against the Mormon jury system. The en-
foroement Of Governor Skaters proclama-
ton involves the destruction of the existing
militia organization of the Territory of Utah,
which has been so carefully nursed aud ener-
getically maintained by Brigham Young during
the last quarter of century. It peremptorily
prohibits all musters drills, or gatherings OF
militia or armed persons of any nature or
description in the Territory, and it also
orders the immediate delivery to him of all
arms or munitions of war belonging either to
the United States or to the Territory Of Utah,
now in the hands of the militia. II further
provides that in case military force is needed
for the preservation of order, the Marshal
shall make requisition upon General Conuor,
whom he appoints COMMANDMENT Chief of
the militia of the Territory of Utah.
We shall very soon see whether the Nor
mons will obey these ORDERS or resist their
execution. The grand annual muster of the
Mormon militia would, in the usual order of
things, take place in few days. To this
muster at Salt Lake City the men gather from
all parts of the Territory, bringing with them
their arms and supplies. They remain in
camp for about week, are constantly drilled
and reviewed, and when not thus actively
employed are engaged in praying, preaching,
or listening to prayers, sermons, or speeches.
1t is in view of this annual muster that Gov
ernor Shaffer has issued his proclamation,
being determined that it shall not take place
this year. His intention is clearly shown by
the appointment of General Connor as Com
mander-in- Chief of Territorial militia. Gene
raj Connor (known as "Pat Connor') was
for some years in command of the regular
United States troops in Utah, with headquar-
ters at Salt Lake City, and always showed
himself to be the bitterest enemy Of Mormon
ism, the Mormon leaders, and Mormon pre-
tensions. He was constantly in shot water"
with the Mormons, and never concealed his
eagerness 10 try conclusions with Young, in
the name of the United States. He will not
now be backward in enforcing the proclama-
ton; and it is doubtless to this reason that
he owes his appointment. We do not con-
slider his appointment an act of discretion or
wisdom; and we shall be agreeably pleased
if it does not quickly result in a serious diff
Guilty.
The judicial decision of Chief Justice Nc
Kean is also a severe blow against the Nor
mons, but is strictly in accordance with law
and the enactments of Congress- Under
territorial or Mormon legislation, the jury
system was wholly in the control of certain
local Mormon functionaries, who always
managed it so as to suit their own ends, by
nullifying any obnoxious laws of the United
States, and putting the ''Gentile" population
wholly under Mormon power. But by the
Mchean decision the District Courts OF Utah
are declared to be United States Courts. and
tits the United States Marshal, acting under
order of the District Judge, who is hence
forth empowered to summon the grand jury
This is not only step in the way of securing
justice to the Gentle population, but it will
doubtless be the means of securing the in
dictment of polygamic offenders against the
often enacted but never enforced anti
polygamy laws of Congress-
We hope that President Grant will watch
the proceedings of Governor Shaffer and
General Connor. There is no necessity what
ever, under present circumstances, for the
Governments coming into military collision
with the Mormons. There is no necessity for
breaking up their system of Territorial
militia, which is utterly harmless, SO far as
we are concerned. The Mormon problem will
be peacefully solved within a very few years,
and it would be infamous and criminal to stir
up difficulties about it which might not be
easily allayed. We would rather trust to the
Pacific Railroad than to warlike officials to in.
sure its speedy end