The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1881-12-16
THE MORMON QUESTION,

Governor Neil, of Idaho, Offers His Opinions.
NEW YoaK, December 12.-Gov. Neil, of
Idaho, now here, was interviewed yesterday
by Tribune reporter on the subject of Nor
monism. The Governor said: Mormonism
is a serious question on the Pacific Coast, aud
Mormons are making special efforts to con-
troll Territories outside of Utah, where they
have already complete mastery. Ii the press
of the country would discuss the question
thoroughly, a sentiment would soon be ere
ated that would compel Cons ress 10 act IN
the matter. should also like to say that the
division of paTies 10 U,ah is ain sympathy
with Mormouism" and "ADti-Mormou."
There are no Republicans or Democrats
known as such there, and / find among the
stauchest Anti-Mormons such men as Judge
Roseborough, Judge Sutherland. and Col.
Samuel Merritt. and many other prominent
Democrats, all as hostile as any Republicans
TO the prevailing system. 1t is part OF the
plan of the Mormon Church to populate the
surrounding Territories and ST ates with its
adherents, with the view of ultimately gain
| log political control of them aud then bar
gaining with either of the political parties to
| have the Territories admitted as States, thus
obtaining the balance of power in Conge ss.
| In nv oppuion the No mon Church is more
| of political than a religious organization,
and am convinced that it is a reasonable
Organization. believe that all the mem
bers OF it who 90 through the Endowment
House take an oath of hostility to the Gov
eminent, and have myself heard treasona-
BILE doctrines preached in the Salt Lake Tab
eruacle. In my judgment IL will be ulti-
matelg necessary to deal with the question
from this standpoint, unless Cong 'ess adopts
Immediately very efiectual measures % pre-
vent the practice and spiead Of polySamy,
for that is the cornerstone of the Church.
Polygamy gives all who join the society a
community of interest i'm crime, aud that Is
why the priests insist streuuously on the
practice OF polygamy. The" know that III
terest in crime will strengthen the Cha Oh
aud make it better able to accomplish lis de-
signs. Gear Lake county. in Idaho, is poPu'
lated exclusively by Molnons. The last
census gave il a population Of $500. One'ds
county, bav'ng the largest representation N
49,. u,------A-4-E---~~.----r ur 4:uCl
out of total of 1900 in the county. In
Cosseau county they have number Of sci.
Elements and are euabled by throwing theii
votes for those who are friendly to them to
decide elections. The Territory has popu-
lation of about 10000, and the MoJmous
number nearly 10000. Mormopism is OPP
posed to all industries, particularly TO MN
ing, which is the greatest interest of The Pa.
citic slope. If the Mormons had the power
they would not permit an ounce of ore to be
mined, nor, indeed, would they allow any
persons hostile 10 their peculiar iustitutions
TO settle in their midst. / am frequently
asked how, in free county like this, the
Mormon priesthood exercises so complete
control over the followers of the Church. IL
is easy of explanation. The Mormon popu-
latiou is largely made up of the lowest aud
most superstilious classes of foreigners. In
their own counties they were accusi omed 70
submit 10 priestly domination or they lived
under despotic Government. When biou9ht
10 America they are put on the cars at New
York and taken as rapidly as possible 10
Utah, where they ale placed for settlement
in exclusively Motmou communities. They
have seen nothing and know noshing of
American institutions, and are permitted to
learn nothing Of them. They ate visited
constantly By Mormon priests aud their con-
duct is wached. In fact there is The most
complete system of espionage that could pos
sibly be devised. 1t is not surprising, then,
that they submit willingly to that which
they are accustomed to in the countries from
which they came; and again, before they
came there, they had nothing obably which
they could call their own. Bere, after de-
clsrpg their intention to become citizens,
they take up home and government land.
In this respect their condition is entirely bet
Ter than before and the Mo- mon Church re
ceves i'm the minds of these ignorant persons
all ibe glory and credit forfhis improvement
In their affairs.