New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-06-08
THE RELIGION OF POLYGAMY.

Superficial observers of affairs in Utah are
apt to imagine that polygamy ia Il mere ex-
crescence on the surface of MOrmOnism that
can readily be removed, and that it will soon
decay when intercourse with the outside world
shall draw the ligature of social ban around
those who practice it. But no such prospect
has ever been held out by the Mormon lead
ers; they uphold the practice by precept as
well az by example, and denOunce with the
Interest vebemence the schismatics among
their people who consider polygamy non-es-
sential. Not even the sons OF their prophet
Joseph Smith escape denunciation and obloquy
for promulgating such heresy. The closest
observations 90 to show that in all probability
a great majority of the Mormons, both men
and women, not only have no desire to be nd
of polygamy, but regard it with warmth OF
favor which cannot be ascribed to either eco
nomic or sensual motives On the other hand,
il must be admitted that no considerations OF
the success of the MOrmons in redeeming the
desert by cultivation, Of building great city
under adverse circumstances, or OF bringing
ND large community in habits of sobnety,
industry, and, with that one exception, OF
virtue, can serve to Tighten sensibly the just
adherence with which their whole system
must be regarded so long as polygamy Is re-
tanned as its distinguishing characteristic
But as the existing problem must be met
sooner or later, it is at least worth while 10
consider how polygamy comes to be so inter
woven with faith among the Saints. theirs Is
not an isolated instance. In the excitement
attending novel forms of belief, the ties OF
family are frequently severed. Even where
the belief is rather of political character
than otherwise, there seems to be sometimes u
laxity in these matters not essential 10 the
new gospel. 1t may be laid down as gen.
eral rule that the founders of a new religion
are liable to be regarded by their female fol-
lowers with a species of reverence productive
of abnormal social results. In politics it may
not so readily mislead; but in the things OF
faith, with the feminine enthusiast spiritual
and earthly affections may lose their dividing
line; and when that happens her love becomes
absolutely matter of religion. The larger pro-
portion of MOrmOns, before emigration, belong
to those classes in England and Northern Europe
among which women are ground down by toll
and privation. Their chances of marriage in
their native land are few, but there Is no
other hope for them of any improvement OF
condition. To them, Utah and pOlygamy hold
out the prospect of comparative comfort, whlle
providing them with religion and an object OF
alteration. The male Mormon is the god of his
own household Polygamy is, as MormOns say
it is, with both men and women, not only con-
nected with their religion, but its cornerstone
We, as Americans, naturally hope that rail-
roads and newspapers will undermine the sys-
TEN, by bringing it in contact with that
adherence with which ChristendOm regards
it; but Obloquy flung upon that which is
sacred to believers only intensies their zeal;
both sexes will glory i'll their shame.
Ii seems as though an organized effort,
rightly conducted might provide homes for
superfluOus Mormon wives in nelghbOrlng
mining districts. If the assurance could be
conveyed to these women that they would be
better and more kindly treated by Christian
than by Mormon husbands something might
be Effected but their sensibilities must not be
wounded by any implication that their present
mode of life is impure, for they think 1t holy.
1t would be at present impracticable to reach
them by newspapers. The various denOmina-
tons of Christians in this country have ex-
tended the ramiicatiOns OF their missionary
operations all over the globe, from the Five
Points to the South Sea Islands We hope
that no special developments of delinquent
morality in connection with new political
movements on the Atlantic coast may need
their services. Of such the press and public
opinion will take efficient charge. But the
counterpart of erratic practice in morals long
since reached its acme on the shores of Salt
Lake. Why is Utah neglected by the churches ?
1t offers an untitled field for missionaries, and,
perhaps, a resting place for martyrs.