The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1882-01-05
THE HORIZONS
Views of Bishop Sharp of Salt Lake
City Upon the National Shame.
New York Tribune, Sunday. !

| W
man than that of a clergyman, al
though he talks in the measured
tones of a person accustomed t.
pastoral duties. When asked how
the Mormons regarded the presi
dents message and the proposed
legislation by congress he replied
"There is no alarm in the churct
in regard to the matter. 1t is ar
old subject, and no more talked o.
now than it was twelve years ago
We do not fear any action Of con
gress. A great deal more interest
is taken in the question Of the adj
mission OF the delegate to congress
whether it will be Mr.. Cannon OF
Mr.. Campbell. Mr., Cannon's name
was placed on the roll by the old
clerk, but 1 see that Mr.. CampbelPs
name is now on the roll, though he
has not been sworn in. He is
Governor Murray's delegate. /
have no personal knowledge on the
question, but it is my opinion that
neither will be admitted, and that q
new election will have TO be held to
decide the matter"
"Do you not think the president
is in earnest in his determination to
enforce the laws against yOu?"
president Arthur deals with the
question in the same way as Presi-
dent Garfield. The latter's message
was very pointed, but it was his
aim, as | have private means of
knowing, to prevent the further ex
tension of polygamy while not inter
ferring with existing family rela-
tions. / do not see what more could
be done. Are families to be broken
up, brothers and sisters, husbands
and wives, separated? That is
something which we don't believe
will ever be attempted or carried
OUT
"SuppOsing it is attempted, what
then?"
"If the strong ann of the govern
ment is brought down upon US in
such a way, ! do not think it would
be wise for US, a mere handful Of
people, to resist But, as said be-
fere, 1 do not think that the
followers of the church, who have
joined it as a religious duty, will be
persecuted,
"How many members arc there in
the church,"
about $50, believe, although
the census has not been taken of its
membership alone"
as it growing more rapidly in
proportion than the Gentle popula
tiop Of Utah?"
Eyes, I think so. Its natural in
crease is greater. Then there is
Mormon immigration Of about two
thousand a year. Most of these
have friends or relatives
there. They scatter throughout our
settlements In Utah, Montana, New
Mexico and elsewhere"
as there any thought Of remov-
ing the seat of the church from Salt
Lake city?"
"No. Work on the new temple
is advancing. 1t is now about sixty
feet high, and the walls will be 100
feet high when finished. We are
not anticipating any trouble. find
it to be the sentiment of the masses
Of the people outside Of Utah, with
whom have been brought in con-
tact, to limit the church to its
present proportions, or at least to
prevent the extension of polygamy.
We recognize that in time some such
action may be taken"
"You do not fear then such an in
crease Of Gentle population in Utah
as will outvote you and take the
territorial government out of your
hands?"
mo, we do not fear it, because if
they will give us as good a govern
ment as we have always had, we
will have no objections whatever.
We have always selected men to ad-
minister the government because Of
their fitness, and, of course, had to
go into The church to get the best
men. The taxes are lower in Utah,
much lower, than in any of the
other territories. The city tax in
Salt Lake is only one half of one per
cent, and the entire city, county
and territorial tax is only L J per
cent. We have good schools and are
up and improving the city
and territory. There is a railroad
now running 400 miles north of Salt
Lake, and another running 200 miles
south. There is great undevsloped |
wealth. The mining inter
ests, however, are in the hands of |
the Gentiles principally, as the
Mormons have engaged very little |
in that industry. Agriculture and
grazing are our principal employ
nents. We have to resort to irriga-
ton, but there have been some sue
,essful experiments in dry farming
in the last three years. One person
raised 10000 bushels-of wheat this
year without any irrigation" J."
''Is it true that Mormons conduct |
a system OF government inside the
church, ,as has been stated recentlyp
ITO this extent: We have Salt
Lake City, for instance, divided into
swenty wards. A bishop and two
councillors preside over each ward
that is, in the church. Whenever
my disputes arise between the
brethren they are settled in the
bishops court. An appeal can be
aiken from the ward TO the court of
he city, and from there to the High
Council OF the church, and then to
he president of the church. That
s as far as it can go. We charge
10 fee and collect no fines in the
,hurch courts. II either side re-
uses to abide by the church de
.ision the only punishment is sever
nee from the church. OF course
We only take cognizance of civil
ases, not of criminal."
The bishop explained that he
sme east two or three times year,
nd that he should remain in the
ity but a day or two. In his trip
rom Utah he said there was very
title show visible, and that only on
he hills. He added that there