The Benton weekly record. [volume] (Benton, Mont.) 1880-1885, 1881-12-22
Evils of lsTOrz11OniszEa.
increase

New YORK, December 12.--Governol
Neal, of Idaho, now here, was interviewed
yesterday by a Tribune reporter on the sub
ject of Mormonism. The former said:
FMormonism ig q serious question on
the Pacific coast and the Mormons are
making special efforts to control Territories
outside OF Utah, where they have already
complete mastery. If the press of the
country would discuss the question thor
oughly, q sentiment would soon be created
that would compel Congress to act III the
matter. should also like to say that the
division of parties in Utah is OF those in
sympathy with Mormonism and those OPP
posed. There are no Republicans or Demo-
Gratis known as such there, and [ find
among the staunchest antiMOrmOn element
such men as Judge Roseborough, Judge
Sutherland, Col. Samuel Merritt and many
other prominent Democrats, all Of whom
Fare as hostila.=as any RepuhlirsI4 TO the
prevailing system. It is part of the plan
Of the Mormon chuuch topopulate the sur
rounding Territories and States with its
adherents, with the view Of ultimately
gaining political control of them and
then bargaining with either Of the polioi-
cal parties to have such Territories adj
nlitted as States thus obtaining the balance
of power in Congress. In my opinion the
Mormon church is more Of a political than
a religious organization, and I am con-
vinced that it is reasonable organization.
7 believe all the members Of it who go
through the Endowment House take an
oath of hostility to the Government, and
have myself heard reasonable doctrines
preached in the Salt Lake tabernacle. In
my judgment it will be necessary ultt-
mately to deal with the question from this
unless Congress adopts imme-
diately very effectual measures to prevent
the practice and spread Of polygamy, for
that is the corner stone Of the church.
gives all who join the society a
OF interest in crime, and that
is why the priests insist so strenuously on
the practice of polygamy. The know that
an interest in crime will strengthen the
church and make it better able to accom-
plish its designs.
''Bear Lake county, Idaho, is populated
exclusively by Mormons. The last census
gave it a population of 5000. Oneida !
having the largest representation
IA the Territorial Legislature, is controlled
oy Mormons, who have a population Of 4
100 out Of total of 1900. In Boise coun-
" they have a number Of settlements and
ire enabled, by throwing their votes for
hose who are friendly to them, to decide
he election. The Territory has popula-
ion of about 10000 and the Mormons
number nearly 10000.
'sMormonism is opposed toall industries,
particularly tomining, Whichls the great
st interest of the Pacific Slope. Il the ;
lorn1ons had power they would not per- ;
nit an ounce of ore to be mined, nor, in
Iced. would they allow any person hostile
0 their peculiar institutions TO settle il 4
heir midst. ] am frequently asked how
d a free country like this the Mormon
,riesthoed exercise so complete control
yer the followers Of the church. i is
asy OF explanation:
'cThe Mormon population il largely
aade up OF the lowest and most supersti-
ious classes of foreigners. Tn their own
they were. accustomed to submit
! nriestlv domination. or they lived under |
despotic government. When they are I
rouoht to America they are put on the
ars at New York and taken as rapidly as
ossible to Utah, where they are placed
,r settlementin exclusively Mormon COM 9
1unigies. They have seen nothing ana II
now nothing of American institutions,
nd are permitted to learn nothing Of them. J !
'hey are visited constantly by Mormon
RESTS. their conduct is Watched-in tact :
1ere is the most complete system OF es-I t
ionage that could possibly be devised. Z I
hot surprising, then, that they should ! !
abmit Willingly to that which they were e :
cc1sfornea 10 iii The. countries from which 4
lev came: and, again, before they came 4
ere they had nothing, probably, Nillcn d
1ey could calI theiroWn. Here, affer de-
Iaring their intention to become citizens,
lev take tip home on goyernment.lansi. .l 4
! fi,is respect their condition is entirely
effer than before, and the Mormon elltlrelI Iii
sceives IN the minds Of these Ignorant
ersons All the glory and crealt 1or 1nls d