The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1876-09-20
A Republican Government Wanted
in Utah.

w Qe0 l. say GndG bue no u-MOElldu pop
ulation, which did not exceed 1000 in
1869, now numbers at least 1900, and
Jnat tour-ftths OF these are men, the
reader will doubtless feel curious as to
the effect on Mormonism. Tue first ef-
feet, of course, was furious etferVes-
cence-a social phenomenon similar to
the chemical action when acids rouse a
dormant alkali. The Saints (Which is
the modest self-designation Of the Nor
mons were the most conservative peo-
pie in the world, the newcomers the
most restless and innoVating; the Saints
complete deVoJeeS of a theocracy, the
Gentiles turlously democratic; the tor
mer perfectly willing TO have all their
voting done by priesthood, the latter
determined on organizing political par
ties and discussing public questions as
in the communities from which they
came. OF course there was trouble. The
Mormon Church officials appoint all the
Territorial officers, and then have the
people elect them by Il unanimous vote.
Every ballot is marked and numbered,
and if, rs rarely happens, any Saint
votes against the Church ticket, he Cor
she y is promptly disciplined. A gentle
man who was presentand saw it, states
that John d. Lee, the butcher Of Noun
town and cast three hundred and fifty
votes-lor himself and each OF his eign-
Teen wives, lor his thirty sons and their
wives, for his daughters and their hus-
band, and for all the neignDOrS who
sent their ballots along by him! The
Gentiles paid more than halt the taxes,
but had no voice i'll the government.
The SAINTS had absolute control OF all
The courts and jures, and laughed at
those who talked of Furnishing Lee and
his telloW-aSSaSSInS. The first light Of
the Gentlles was against the Mormon
Probate courts. In Uhis they were vic
torious before the Supreme Court of the
United States, ana now only the United
States Dis triCt courts have general ju-
rlsdiction. But the SAINTS still have a
majority Of the jury; SO the Mountain
Meadows assasslus can be brought to
trial, but can not be convicted. Mean
while free speech and Il Tree press were
es tabliShed. Eight years ago we We're
hedged in at every point. There was
literally no safety or liberty for a non
Mormon here, except III silence and sub
mission. u. Snow, Esq, attorney for
the Church, gave notice, in his speech
before the United States Court, that il
the Mormon Probate Court were not al
lowed criminal jurisdiction, "streams of
blood would flow in the streets OF this
city, Brigham Young l have repeat
edly heard curse every official here, an
nounce that they could only stay by sut-
Ierance, and had no legal rights here
whatever. The change cost the blood
of some good men. Eight years ago we
published our little daily paper in the
upper story OF stone building, with a
natchway ready TO be thrown open at
any moment TO cut off mob; and when
the editor went out at night he took the
middle OF the street, and kept his hand
on his revolver. Now there is not val
ley in UJan SO remote but man may
speak, write, or print what he pleases,
and they dare not touch him. The first
Gentle who married a Mormon's ''plur-
al" wife was shot dead on Main street,
Now such marriage is as sale in Utah
as it would be III Ohio. Tue first Gentle
who Ventured to contest a case with the
city was bruJally murdered by band of
the "secret police" Now such case
can be tried on its merits with perfect
safety.
A liberal party has been organized,
and cast 5000 votes 1874; it controls one
county and half a dozen towns, and if
Congress could only be persuaded to
guarantee us a Tree ballot, would soon
nave healthtul minority in the Legis-
laLure. Three things the Liberals intend
to have, and will keep up the fight till
they get them: tree ballot, free trade,
and a system of accountability among
public officials. But, aside from these,
there is an irreconcilable difference be-
tween theocracy and republIcanism;
and no matter how able the officials the
President sends to Utah, the trouble will
continue all the same till the question
as to which is 10 be paramount is SET
lied. know many OF the young Nor
mons are delighted with the change; The
old ones resist it most stubbornly, and
with u great deal of ingenuity. Con
gress ought to give the Territory an
amended jury law and alree ballot, then
the minority would mold its own and in
crease.
AS to polygamy, l am sure it is ON the
decline. Indeed, there has been no sub
sequent period in Mormon history when
there were SO many polygamous mar
riages as from 1852 to 1857. The young
people are disgusted with it. One
phase of the subject is especially repul-
slve-the mix OF blood relationship.
Some cases within my knowledge have
given rise to consanguineous puzzles
that will bother the MasterIn Chancery,
ii the estates ever get into court.-[Har,
per's Magazine tor OctoDer.
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