The Daily state register. [volume] (Carson City, Nev.) 1870-1872, 1871-02-11


has suffered itself TO be greatly an
noyed by its peculiar institution
polygamy. After repeated efforts by
Congressional legislation, judicial
process and military power, the sup
preston of polygamy has complete
" failed. Ii is now proposed to
turn the matter over to Nevada to
try the process of absorption. While
we acknowledge the high compli-
ment paid to Nevada on the part of
Congress, in thus desiring TO refer
so grave and important a problem to
this State for solution, after il had
taxed the ingenuity of our wisest
statesmen, and most learned divines,
in vain, your committee can but eX-
press an opinion and report adverse
lv to the scheme of annexation. The
chances are that instead of absorb
ing polygamy we would be absorbed.
We have no evidence that Utah
desires any such alliance; but, upon
the contrary, are of opinion it does
not. 1t is true it hG5 no voice in the
matter. The annexation depends
alone upon the will and pleasure of
| Congress and of this State. But,
however desirable annexation might
be t. Congress and this State, each
Of the political interests should have
an equal voice. 1t Is against the
spirit and genius of our free institu-
tions to force upon the citizens OF
any Territory institutions or politi-
cal organizations contrary TO their
will, or to interfere with their inter
nal policy. However much we may
dissent from the doctrine OF polyga
my in the abstract, or in the con
crete, Congress nor Nevada, nor an,
other power, should set itself or it
opinions up as the standard of mo
rality for any church. community
or peoples in our Territories or else
! where. Polygamy is one of sth'
tents of the Mormon Church, anC
, they believe rs much in its divinity
and hold as religiously sacred its oh
legations, rs any other of the demon
nations OF professed Christians d
, the discipline, rites, ceremonies AM
ordinances of their churches.
Persecution but strengthens an,
vitaliZes the prosecuted. Denuncl
4 alton but makes more determine
the denounced. Circumscriptio
i and prescription but kindle the eleC
tric spark of determination and r,
venge in the human heart. Religion
= persecution planted the germ of cor
stitutional liberty in American sol
The absurdity of legislating mol
e ais into a community has passed OIL
n of the field of discussion, and bee
reduced to a political axiom. i
force religious faith into the III
: man mind is antagonistic to I'll
divine economy of Heaven, an
inconsistent with the free will ar
accountability of man. Errors i
/. religious faith not consonant wit
the teachings Of the Gospel, need l
human enactments to eradicate ther
- This can be accomplished only
= Divine interposition through Il
- agencies divinity has establishe
= The true solution of the question
= polygamy will be found in the /.
- mission of Utah into the Union as
! sovereign State. The Gentle wor
Il will then come into more immedia
=; contact with the institution, and
- divinity or deformity will becor
4. patent to the heart and intellect
Z. the outside world, and the mutt
!. and friendly contest for suprema
- by the intellectu moral and rel
- - ious forces upon either side. will
- stroy it by attrition or establish
e. Divine origin. In either eve
~ Congress and Nevada. and the r.
I" - of mankind, while looking upon
~ m conflict as anxious spectators, oue
-, - to be satisfied with the final lest
~ Your committee therefore reco
y mend the adoption of the followi
-. resolution, to wit:
L. Resolved. That in the opinion
&c the Senate the annexation of Utah
,ua m Nevada ought not to be effected.
NJ. :. BoNNIFIELD
Israel, CRAwFoRD