The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1882-01-11

1
doctrines and practices polygamy in
violation of the Constitution of the
United States, and in instruction
airy defiance of the legislative, ex-
ecutive and judicial power OF govern
ment; that the territory thus usurped
by the barbareus institution, poly
gamy, belongs to the United States
that the federal government stands
responsible, in the sight of God and
at the bar Of enlightened public
opinion Of the civilized word, for
the continuance of this crime
against the morality of marriage;
and that the institut. on of polygamy
Is usurpatiOn by Mormons inca
pable Of any constitutional exist
ence, and utterly lawless; and
resolving that solemn duty is cast
on Congress TO wholly absolVe the
federal government from any suffer
ance or cOuntenance of the institu-
ton Of polygamy, and by every
means in its power to enforce the
laws against it; that it is inconsis-
tent with the rights and dignity Of
the House that the territory of
Utah, which is so fagrantly con-
trolled 10y the institution of poly
gamy, should be entitled to repre-
SentaLion ON the floor of the House !;
that the delegates claiming a seat
from that territory are hereby dis
qualified, and thai all papers on this
case be referred TO the committee
on elections, with instructions to
present bill declaring, with effect,
the judgment Of the House as herein
expressed. McCord proceeded to
make an exhausted argument in
support of his proposition.
Burrows Of Michigan, argued in
favor of referring the whole matter
to the committee on elections, and
Brown aud VOORHEES, contended that
Campbell should be gwen his seat
on the pirBaJ fGcie case.
Converse, of Ohio, took still an
other ground, holding that upon the
certificate taken in connection with
the other papers in the case, Cannon
was entitled to be sworn in.
Hiscock and Cox having engaged
in an oral war, in which Robinson
joined Hiscock, Haskell demanded
the previous question, which being
seconded, cut off Marsh, who de-
sired to offer resolution directing
the committee on elections to report
on the fact whether either claimant
was practically a pOIygamist.
Haskell stated that he desired TO
offer resolution, giving certain in
structions to the committee an cleo
tiOns in case the matter was re-
ferred to it. 1t was read as follows
Whereas, pOlygamy has been for
many years, and is now practiced IN
several territories Of the United
in contravention Of the laws
thereof, (Sec. 1852 Revised Statutes)
and
Whereas, There has been admitted
into former Congresses Of the
United States a delegate from the
Territory Of Utah who has been re-
ceived in the House Of Represents
tiVes as such, while sustaining
polygamous marital relations, (Uide
documents in the contested election
case of Cannon US. CampbelD there
fore, be it
RESOLVED, AS to the fixed and final
determination Of the House OF
Representatives Of the Forty
seventh Congress, that no person
guilty Of living in polygamous mari
tai relations, or teaching or instigat'
ing others to do so, is entitled to be
admitted in this house as delegate
from a territory Of the United
States.
The reading of this resolution wa
received with applause.
Randall raised the point Of order
that the resolution was rot cermaiu
to the case under consideration. He
protested against the idea that il
considering upon the pending reso-
luton, members were expressing
| any opinion on the subject Of poly
gamy.
The Speaker said the resolution
did not give such instructions to the
committee as were comprehended
in the rules, and ruled it in order.
Reeds substitute was then
adopted, 1S9 10 "a, the negative
votes being all republican, and the
contested case was thereby referred
to the committee on elections.
Haskell then desired TO offer, as
| privileged question, The resolution
| given ABOVE; but was cut off y ad.