Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1882-02-24
The Mormon Question.
An Anti-PoIygamous Demonstrate

An Anti-PoIygamous Denomination.
Norwich had demonstration Wednesday
evening held to give emphasis against
polygamy. The meeting was enthusiastic
and unanimous in its voice in support of the
measures being advocated in Congress for the
suppression of polygamy in the territories of
the United States.
His Honor Mayor Osgood presided, and
Rev. L. T. Chamberlain, D. D., of Broadway
church Rev. L. W. Bacon, D. D., of Park
church Rev. VIM. S. Palmer, D. D., of the
Second Congregational church Rev. S. H.
Giesy, D. D., of Christ church Rev. ]. D.
Herr, D. D., of the Central Baptist church,
and Patrick Cassidy, NJ. D., occupied the
platform.
Rev. Mr. Chamberlain introduced a series
of resolutions, which were adopted. 1t was
First, Resolved, That we regard polyga-
NOUS Mormonism organized, defiant, increas-
ing, as one of our great national perils. In
the fact that that foul, malignant system,
political and hierarchical as well as religious,
now holds absolute control of Utah, the bal
ance of power in Idaho and Arizona, and Sc
riously threatens New Mexico, Wyoming and
Montana in the fact that, under the consti-
tuition, our national government has COM
plete control over the territories, but only
restricted control over States; and in the
further fact that in States once admitted I'M
der polygamous dominion, there is but re-
mote prospect of State legislation against
polygamy itself in these grave facts we
ognize clear necessity for immediate action
by Congress, to the end of the suppression
of polygamy in the territories of the United
States
1t was secondly resolved that the meeting
warmly approved of the efforts in Congress
against polygamy.
1t was thirdly resolved that while approx
ing of constitutional rights and true religious
freedom, yet all overt reasonable resistance
to rightfuI national control should at once be
put down. Therefore, the action of Congress
was asked to the end that provision be made
for the enforcement of whatever laws against
polygamy should be enacted.
Fourthly, President Arthur's attitude on
the subject in his inaugural was heartily ap-
pIauded.
The Rev. Mr. Chamberlain then followed
in an eloquent, earnest and forcible address
in support of the resolutions. He portrayed
the marvellous growth of the Mormon
church. stated its numerical strength as
200, 600, which gave it the balance of power
in an area of territory equal to all of that
portion of the United States lying east of
the Mississippi river. He said they had one
thousand missionaries abroad, had their
works translated in three foreign languages
and were advancing, in spite of all claims to
the contrary, with rapidity which threat
ened the well-being of the nation. He dwelt
upon it not as a religious faith, but as an
illegal and licentious system carried on in the
territories of the United States IN detiAnce
of national authority. When polygamy IS
overcome Mormonism will exist, and it will
take many years to peacefully overcome it by
educational and religious influences. He
hoped the resolutions would have the unani-
nous sanction of the citizens of Norwich.
The Rev. L. W. Bacon made brief but
strong argument in the same direction, and
Rev. Dr. Herr, Patrick Cassidy, NJ. D., Rev.
DR.. S. II. Giesy and Rev. DR.. Palmer spoke.