The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1881-04-30
Mormon Missi0na ries.
Gloha-DAmocrRt.

Mormon Missiona ries.
Globe-Dsmocrat.
Among the other notable arrivals in the
city yesterday was that of Elder Samuel
Oldham, Of Cash Valley, Utah, one Of q
band of missionaries who propose to convert
the world to the gospel as revealed by Joseph
Smith.
1t appeared from the opening of the con.
versation that MIR. Oldham Was appointed at
the last conference Of the Mormon church
to missionary duty. These conferences
are held twice year at Salt Lake City, the
dates being April 9th and October 9th.
They partake very much of the nature of
Protestant rival or Catholic mission,
and by them new inspiration for the
cause is gained and new zeal in car
rying on the work Of proselyting.
At them new relays of missionaries are ap.
pointed to "preach the gospel TO the king
doms of the EARTH" The president of the
country church association suggests nsme
this is passed upon by the twelve apostles or
spiritual directors of the church, meeting at
Salt Lake. Ifthe person appears suitable
he is asked to serve, and upon his acceptance
OF the task is appointed field oflsbor. Mr..
Oldham is one of band of five appointed
to visit the southern states. Just what viii,
be his final destination Mr.. Oldham does no,
know, this being left to Elder John Nor
gan, who superintends this part of the field
Mr.. Oldham leaves for Nashville, Tenn,
to-day, and the rest of the band will Join
him there. The devotion TO the cause may
be inferred from the fact that these mission
aries paw their own expenses, except so far
as contributions are sent in BY friende.
These are general, though very insufficient
to bear the burden. The reporter was sur
pris led to learn that very large percentage
Of converts 10 Normonism comes from
Americans all over the country just how
large Mr.. Oldham was unable to state.
These re,en torcements are also drawn
from all the countries of Europe,
Scandinavia probably leading, with
the exception of Germany and Russia which
furnish next to none. Mormon missionaries
are not allowed within the domains of the
czsr. The whole number of missionaries In
the south where Mr.. Oldham Is detailed ID
from twenty to twenty-five.
standing. He was converted al the age Of II
in England, his parents being Mormons, and
is now 20.
polygamy, he stated that 1t was not true that
twas dying out. l. was still held with the
same tenscity as before Brigham Young's
the church which wished to discard it Mr.
Oldham pronounced unqusliae'ly false.
In regard to the practice Of polygamy, Mr.,
Oldham stated that 1t was simply in obedi-
ence to the commands of God. 1t might or
~s-kk kn &C al
morality, Mr.. Oldham thought that II did 50
tend. But that wss not the question. II
was commanded by God, and that was
sufficient.
When asked if Mormons did not drop
polygamy 10 other countries, Mr.. Oldham
acknowledged that they did But he added
it was not because Of legal difficulties in the
way. 1t WAS simply because marriage Of
this kind could not be solemnizsd out OF
Utah, tho proper church authorities not
being present.
In regard to the feeling of Mormon
women, Mr.. Oldham thought they did not
enjoy sharing husband between them.
But they looked upon it as duty, duty they
were perfectly willing to fulfill.
As to the legal questions of Mormonlsm,
the United States government, he thought,
would never DO sble to accomplish its over.
throw. They could never obtain requisite
proof. Mormons did not commit perjury or
the stand. They simply evsded questions OF
refused TO answer at all.
He regarded the law Of 1852, prohibiting
polygamy, Ms unconstitutional, because 1t in
teriered with religious liberty. 1t was not a
parallel case TO instance sect that should
religiously practice murders OF Arson, since
such a sect would trench upon the rights of
others. Polygamy affected only the righ!i
Of the Mormons themselves.
Mr.. Oldham believed that the Mormonl
were more virtuous, as regards sins against
chastity, than any other class 10 the COM
munity.
"Why," no said, "if the laws on thil
subject were enforced here in st. Louie, thert
would not be jsils enough to hold thu
prisoners, nor banks enough 10 hold Il
fnes." 1.-THE United States government d 4
not prosecute Mormons for polygamy, th, y
would for something else. This prosecute, Z
was the result Of mere prejudice. II exist, 4
before tho doctrine Of polygamy was psomul
gated.
One thing about Mormonism Is explained
with emphasis. Mormons were not bound
70 obey their superiors, right or wrong
They were TO use their own reason AM
conscience.
Mr.. Oldham regarded the outlook for Utal
as very bright. Toe chief occupation of q
citizens are agriculture and stock raisr z
The Gentiles and Mormous for the n %
part lived together ! arm ,niously, respecting
each the reli .ious liberty Of the other. Were
\ not for ignora tseal, there would nevel
b. any trouble.