Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-10-10
THE LAW AND THE mORmoNs.

1t is a matter Of great interest TO every
friend of morality to know how far the Nor
mon commissioners will succeed in neutral
izing the vicious influence of the lsw-break-
ing polygsmists of Utah. Gov. Ramsey CON-
tinues to prove himself steady, temperate
and Just administrator of the laws of the
country, and one so conciliatory in manner
and action as to molify the personal feel
iDgs of men even when he is putting down
their illegal acts, and to compel their respect.
The committee, as we learn from the Salt
Lake Tribune, are strictly aud industriously
introducing those checks TO the evils of
poIygamy provided in the recent law of Con-
gress. As is their duty, they have taken
every precaution to shut out polygamists
from the enjoyment of privileges Of which
they are deprived by law, on the ground Of
standing before the community Violations
of morality and Of law. In spite OF the care
OF the commissioners, Mormon guile and the
taking of false oaths have enabled some Of
the eulprits to obtain the insertion
of their names upon the registers
as voters. The readiness with which the
Mormons perjure themselves is only another
proof how readily persons who are habitu-
ally living in defiance of one moral obliga-
ton will disregard and violate another.
The number of these frauds appears TO be
regarded as insufficient, however, to viliate
the general accuracy of the electoral regis
tiers; the American sentiment, where it exists |
in Utah, will have therefore opportunity TO
assert itself. The result of the proceedings
under the Edmunds law, so far, is that while |
in districts where the population is wholly |
or principally Mormon they will elect candi- |
dates of their own stamp and so secure the |
appointing of Mormon delegate to Con-
gress. In seme of the counties citizens OF |
American sentiment will be in permanent
control, and the men they elect will be
check upon the future attempts OF the Nor |
mons to repeat the shameful deeds that dis
grace their past legislative and executive
history. The difficulty with which a grand |
jury could be made up for the September |
term of the Third District Court of |
Salt Lake City is sample of the |
tough work it has been necessary 10 |
perform. Three uenires were drawn before..a
grand Jury could be formed; forty-eight men
were had up TO get jury OF fifteen, such as |
would enforce the anti-polygamy sections Of |
the Edmunds bill. The result is jury of
thirteen Americans and two Mormons-noi
enough Of the latter TO prevent indictments, !
but plenty to inform their associates outside
of what takes place in the iury-room. The
provisions of the Edmunds bill are sufficient |
simply to obstruct Mormon practices, not TO
subdue them; its principal value will be to
point out the direction future legislation
mast take. 1t will compel the Mormons 10
show their hand on many points; 1t will
chow where their position is most accessible, |
their feelings most easily reached, and how
what manIiness there is left in them Is
most readily to be aroused. In the mean
time, as Gov. Ramsey remarks, polygamy |
will be checked among the more educated,
self-respecting and wealthy Mormens, for
their cons, and ambitious young men gener-
ally, will avoid too much marrying when the |
penalty is closing-out of all political aspi- |
rations. Disfranchisement and insligibility |
to hold public Office, added to the stigma |
public opinion and the law has placed upon !