Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-04-25
POLYGAMY
From the Mormon SfaBdPoint-It Is a
Preventive Against the Vice Of
PrOstitutfon.
Tie Contrast Of the Social Life of Utah
With That of Other Cities is Proof
of That.

Ell PAso, TEX, April PA Times re-
porter interviewed Oh Thursday last an agent
OF the Mormon Church en- route to Mexico on
private business for the church. He was
introduced to a tall fine looking, hand
somely dressed gentleman, evidently of much
intelligence and culture. The reporter at
once proceeded to ask him what was the gen.
eral opinion among the churches as to the
effect Of the late auti-Mormon bill.
"Well, have Just left Salt Lake City, and
am en- route to Mexico"
Reporter-On business connected with the
church?
"WelI, at present am not inclined to make
any statement except that am going to the
City of Mexico to consult with the Mexican
authorities on private matters"
Reporter-What did you say the feeling
was in Utah?
"Well, can only say to you what ! said
to representative of the Denver Tribune,
which reported me very fairly; here is
copy; and, really, l am not prepared to give
an opinion rejecting the feelings OF our peo-
pie directly, but L think that the people OF
Utah, the members of the Mormon Church
who practice and believe in polygamy, are
not understood, and that we are often mis-
Judged. If they who are anxious for the
abolition of polygamy really understood its
objects, and could see its benefits, do not
believe there would be so much opposition
to us"
Reporter-In what manner do you con-
slider the practice of polygamous marriages
a benefit?
Socially, of course, and if socially, then
otherwise as q natural consequence. The
fact is, in regard 10 our religion it strives
to prevent that which We are accused Of
the debssement of women. Now, as an in
stance, If young man and a young lady in
our church are indiscreet enough to do that
for which you christians would censare the
woman and uphold the man, we require that
they marry. Our young people understand
this, and hence we have very little trouble
in regard to that which is the greatest
source of social misery among the christian
people"
"In speaking of christians you refer to that
society of people who are not Mormons;
that ia, you do not refer specially 10 the
members Of the christian church,"
"No, | do not mean particularly the
church MEMBER but all who practice and
believe in, or who profess to believe in,
whether they practice or not, monogamy."
"Then you believe, and your religion
teaches, that polygamy tends to the uplift-
ing of women socialy~
Yes, sir, and the contrast OF our pure So
cial life to that of the people who disagree
with US, is evidence of the statement make.
/ assure you, sir that our women never form
associations of disgrace or shame. The
physical condition of the human race must
be considered rs it really is"
"But are there enough females to supply
the demand? Would there not be an over.
plus of unmarried males If polyglmy pre-
vallejo"
81 think there would be no reason for OBJ
lection on this score. There are many more
unmarried women now than men, and
tkink it is true, as stated, that the houses OF
prostitution receive their support principally
from men who are married"
''Do you mean to say, then, that there are
more females than males born in the world?'
THAT would not necessarily follow, but the
mortality is greater among males than fe'
males"
"Then considering the belief OF Mormon;
that they are right, what will be the result
of law declaring polygamous marriages
null?"
"My opinion is that there are those who
will suffer the penalty the law would demand
rather than give up their pelygamous rela
| tons"