The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-02-17
MONDAY EvEN'G, FEB. II. 1873.
Utah.

Utan, VIII no DOUBT receive the earnest
attention of Congress. We cannot but
feel, however, that there is danger Of doing
great wrong and establishing dangerous
precedent in this case. No man familiar
with the Mormon question can fail to note
the sinister and mischievous elements
which are arrayed against that unfortunate
and deluded, but sincere and no nest PEG.
pie.
There are the land pirates who covet the
fair homes that industry and thrift have
redeemed from the desert. There are
political aspirants who desire power which
they could not hope to win from the popu-
lar choice. There are the foul brood of a
corrupt civilization who find no opportunity
to crafty brutal lust among people where
pauperlsm and prostitution are unknown,
and where every woman who aUiU can earn
an honest living and become the mother Of
children in family relations. The breaking
up of Mormon families would furnish rare
game for these lecherous hypocrites who
array themselves as the shining champions
of virtue.
Then there are the contractors and job
bers and all that class of vermiD, who
have lived upon the poor Indians, whom
they incite to war by their depredations,
and crimes. These wretches have lived
by plundering and abusing the Indians till
they fight, and then plumber the govern
nent in turn. A difficulty with the Nor
mons involving the movement of troops,
gives them a new chance for plumber.
We would be glad to believe that this
disreputable horde would receive no con-
tenance from decent people. There seems,
however, to be some severe prejudice
against the very name of Mormon. Though
they profess to be Christians and (poliga-
my aside) show as good evidence of their
faith as other sects, many pious people
speak Of them with unreasonable heat and
intolerance.
We have plead for the Indians against
there bad elements. We ask for the Nor
mons simply the same consideration. We
give them credit for great virtues. We de-
nounce their false doctrines. We want to
see the bad men among them punished and
all the good protected by equal laws I'M
partially administered.
The highest judicial tribunal in this land
pronounced the conduct of the Federal Off
GERS last year in that territory illegal. The
territorial probate court issued a writ of
habeas corpus, and upon hearing discharged
prisoner held under process so declared
void.
This is the only case of conflict SO far
as we know, and Solicitor Brstow said of
it that the territorial courts had the same
right to discharge, that the Federal courts
had to hold, the prisoner.
If it is true that territorial juries are
packed in the interest of Mormons, and we
must pack federal juries on the other hand
in the interest of Gentiles, state of
things exists which justifies prompt and
heroic treatment. Civil government in such
a region is farce. and martial law should
be proclaimed.
In many portions of the South up to a
very recent period, and in some parts of
Virginia even, Republicans have found it
impossible to get justice in the State courts.
Courts have been, and stilfare of a partisan
character, and the iuries VIGOROUSLY SO.
Vexatious suits, designed to drive Repub-
licans out of the country, have been repeat
edly brought! We have asked in vain
for legislation, to enable every citizen to
appeal from the State to the Federal courts.
Our prayer has been refused because the
precedent was considered dangerous one.
We admit it, but founded our justification
in the fragrant wrongs to loyal men living
among ignorant and halt savage neighbors
bitterly prejudiced. Now we don't con.
slider the Gentiles Of Utah much better
than the Union men Of the South. The
latter have been robbed, beaten, murdered,
and the wretches who committed these
crimes are at large, some Of them to-day
sheltered under the very shadow Of the
capitol. While Yerger and murderers Of
ms stripe remain at large unpunished, with
what consistency shall we make special
laws to take the administration of law from
the territorial courts of Utah? While pros
titution flaunts its gaudy robes unchal.
lenged, and drinking shops and gambling
hells invite to ruin on every street cor
ner Of Washington, where the federal au.
thority has exclusive jurisdiction, it seems
little quixotic to make crusade in thu
interests Of virtue, to distant territory!
Special legislation is the bane ant
danger of the nation to-day. We detest
and denounce it in every form. Let nc
SAVIOR OF sectarian intolerance or religious
persecution enter into the action of Con-
gress upon this question. The cause o.
virtue and true religion cannot be advanced
thereby The Mormons through theii
representatives claim to have been belied
The concurrent testimony of thousands
who have visited them gives good reason
for delay in condemning them as whole
people to practical outlawry. Let a com
mission Of good men, free from extreme
partisan and sectarian bias, be sent by Con