Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1873-04-17

viii succeed In accomplishing, unless
prevented by the exercise of the consti-
tutional power of Congress over the Ter
rttories. In the mere breaking up of
their power in Utah, we see no solution
OF the Mormon problem. 1t Is but few
years since, that the Mormons, under To
Smith, were In the hight of their power
In illinois, with headquarters at Nauvoo.
The country around was ruled by them.
Sheritts, prosecuting attorneys and
judges were elected by their votes;
jurors were selected according to their
wish. 1t was impossible to convict a
Mormon of crime. Their influence ex-
tended throughout the State. Candi-
dates for Governor and members of Con-
gress sought their favor and influence.
They were then, as, now, law-defying
people. The people finally arose in their
might and expelled them from the State.
They fought them with their own
weapons, and, in their turn, were regard
less of law. We refer to this, not for the
purpose of justifying the citizens of H.
linois. There was and can be no iustif-
cation for their course. Their motives
might have been good, but their acts
were all wrong. They imagined that
they had utterly destroyed Mormonism.
The whole country thought that this
foul blot was wiped out forever 1t was
soon discovered, however, that it was
but change of base. They fiourished
awhile in Missouri, but they could not
withstand the advancing tide of civiliza-
ton. Once more it was believed that
the last had been seen of Mormonism.
Too soon we learned that a change of
location simply, was not extirpation.
1t was like our old attempts to compro-
mise the slavery question. 1t would not
stay compromised. Each time, slavery
came up stronger, until at last it at
tempted the very life of the government
itself. Then we buckled on our armor,
and wrestled with it in earnest. The end
was the triumph of the right. Truth
viii always trample upon and overthrow
! error, in an earnest conflict. So with
| this Mormon question 1t has, when
/ temporarily overcome in one place, re-
moved to another After each conflict,
it has recruited its energies, enlarged its
resources, increased its pretcnsions, and
held on until further resistance, in that
place, was useless, and then moved on to
new fields, there again to renew the strife.
This is what they propose to do now, if
we read Brigham Youngs explanation
Alright. They propose to transfer the
conflict to Arizona. They propose, by
this move, to temporize and defer the
final conflict, which they know must
inevitably come. They have the right
to emigrate. We trust they will exer-
else the right The government must
not, however, accept of this az a surren-
der. The Mormon hierarchy must be
made to feel the iron hand of the law,
wherever they are. Removal is not a
conformation for crimes. Polygamy is
in violation of the laws of God and man.
1t is the foundation and cause of the
whole Mormon difficulty. 1t will be the
same in Arizona as in [ tab Let them
remove to Arizona, by all means, but,
at the same time, give them to under
stand that their crimes can be-actU be
punished there as in Utah. Let us not
entertain the delusive idea that the mere
removal of Brigham Young and any
considerable number of his followers
from Utah is a solution of the Mormon
problem Let them be followed where
ever they go. Let the government and
its officers be prepared to ferret out and
punish their crimes wherever they may
be. 1t will not do to be satisfied with
their simple removal. Our laws against
polygamy and other crimes are now am
pie for its extirpation. They can be
enforced. 1t will be easier to enforce
In establishing strongholds III Arizona;
than afterwards. Let the government
follow up the advantage, determined
that polygamy shall be eradicated, and
this proposed removal from Utah may
prove the beginning of the end of the
difficulty But the simple removal, if
suffered to go on as Brigham Young,
evidently, thinks and hopes it will be,
will but postpone and complicate the
matter. Fear of the steadfast purpose
and indomitable will of General Grant
has startled Brigham Young out of his
fancied security. Let not the matter
rest here, but follow this first step with
quick, resolute action and we may hope,
in time, to be finally rid of this stain
upon the civilization of the nineteenth
century This breaking up in Utah is
but the prelude either to future and
greater power to Mormondom or to their
immediate and final doom. With the
government and people of the country
rests the decision which it shall be.