The Dallas weekly herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1885, 1881-05-05
Mormon Missionaries
Social to the Chicago Times /.

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 Mr.. Oldham was appointed a,
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 tht
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" Tne president Of the
country church association suggests name,
this is passed upon by the twelve apostles or
spiritual directors of the church, meeting at
Salt Lake. If the person appears suitable
he is asked to serve, and upon his acceptance
of the task is appointed field oflabor. Mr..
Oldham is one of a band of five appointed
to visit the southern slates. Just what will
be his final destination Mr.. Oldham does not
know, this being left to Elder John Nor
gan, who superintends this part of the field.
Mr.. Oldhsm 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 pay ieir own expenses, except so far
as contribute ms are sent in BY friends.
These are general, though very insufficient
to bear the burden. The reporter was sur
prised to learn that very large percentage
of converts TO Mormonism comes from
Americans all over the country just how
large Mr.. Oldham was unable to state.
These re.entorcements are also drawn
from all the countries of Europe,
Scandinavia probably leading, with
the excep ion 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 is
from twenty to twenty five.
Mr.. Oldham Is Mormon of eighteen years
standing. He was converted AT the age of IL
in England, his parents being Mormons, and
is low %.
In regard to the peculiar Mormon tenet,
polygamy, he stated that it was not true that
il was dying out. L was still held with Ire
same tensciiy us before Brigham Young.
death. All reports of a reform element 10
the church which wished to discard il Mr.
Oldham pronounced unquslife fly fsl-t.
In regard to the practice of pulygs ny, Mr.
Oldham stated that 1t WIS simply IA obedi-
ence TO the commands Of God. II might or
might not tend 10 the increase of general
Mr.. oldham thought that it did 81
tend. But that YVES not the question. II
was commanded by God, and that was
sufficient.
When asked If Mormons did not drop
polyeamy Ia other countries, Mr.. Oldham
ackno wledg ed that they did But be added,
Il was not because of legal difficulties Ia the
way. 1t was simply because marriage OF
this kind could not be soiemnizsd out OF
Utah, the proper church authorities not
being present.
In regard 10 the feeling Of Mormon
women, Mr.. Oldham thought they did not
enjoy sharing q husband between them.
But they looked upon 1t as duty, duty they
we're perfectly willing 10 fulfil
AZ 10 the legal questions Of MormonIsm,
be United States government, be thought,
would never be able TO accomplish lie over
brow. They could never obtsin requisite
.roof. Mormons did not C mint perjury on
ut bthuus luz stAAfAy SfeNSN -
'efused 70 answer at 81.
He regarded the law Of 1852, prohibiting
,olyg.my, as unconstitutional, because II in
eriered with religious liberty. II was not
PARALLEL case b. instance q sect thst shOl Ia
eligiously prsctice murders or arson, SINE
uch q sect would trench upon the rights OF
ahers- Polygamy affected only The rights
4 the Mormons them ELVES.
Mr.. oldham believed that the Mormons
,ere more virtuous. ~ regards sins against
hastily, than any other class 10 the CON-
1unity.
why" be said, sff the lsvs on this
inject were enforced here in 81 Louis, there
lo1ld not be jsils enough 70 bold the
risODer.. nor 0snks CROUCH 10 hold The
nes" 1.-THE United States government did
Of prosecute Mormons for pOlyssmy, they
,ouid for sounefbing e,se. This prosecution
ss the result Of mere prejudics- IL existed
sfore The doctrine o; polygsmy vss prOmul-
sted.
Ops thing shout Mormonism Il explained
I'M emphasis. MOrmons were not bound
, obsv their supsriors, right Or vrOnr.
hey were 10 use their own rssson and
,rscience
NJ. Ol6bsn rezsr5sd tbs outlook foz Utsh
varg bright Ire chief occupstion-O -
tizsns s-s agriculture and sock rsisinr.
h. Gartile. sDd koruors fof the mo I
- lived together s-rnuriously. rsspscting
"a tbs rsli zious liberty Of he otbs-- Wee
nos far ignors1t zssl, tosfs vyuid nsvsr
any trouble.