The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-02-02
polyganny.

This abomination has grown TO dangerous
proportions, and is now so firmly established
in the Great Salt Lake valley that it detes
the Federal authorities and disregards the
laws of the United States. II now holds the
balance of power in the Territory of Utah,
and if not checked will soon control Nevada,
Montana, and Wyoming. The Mormons
now number about 100000; the yearly &C
ceesions to their numbers from all portions
of the world are astonishingly great. The
conflict between polyganists and non-polyga-
lnists in this country is no less irrepressible
than was the question of freedom and slavery.
We must choose the one or the ether; the
two systems cannot peacefully exist on this
continent.
II polygamy is TO be suppressed by the
authority OF the United States land there is
no other power that can suppress it), there
is no time to be lost in securing the enact
ment of such broad, humane and compre-
hensive laws as shall prove effective in crush
ing it out.
This system OF polygamy originated in
this country under the name of Mormonism,
within the memory of many now living. 1t
first concentrated its followers at Nauvoo,
Illinois, under tie leadership of Joseph
Smith. The first temple to Mormonism was
built there. They were driven from Nauvoo
in the year 1912; they took up their line of
march for the Great Salt Lake valley. When
they left Nauvoo they were much distracted
and broken up. The government at that
time, with the slightest effort could have ex-
terminated polygamy, but that opportunity
was allowed TO pass unimproved. The gov
eminent not only neglected TO crush it out
at that time, but it has since made polygamy
honorable 10y appointing the chief polyga-
mist Governor of the Territory OF Utah and
by admitting polygamists TO the halls of
Congress. The government is itself respon
sible for the condition OF things IN Utah and
the adjacent territories. Had it performed
It's duty forty years ago, this abomination
would not to-day be a disturbing element in
our social and political structure.
The legislation necessary to the suppress
sion of polygamy is matter about which
men viii widely differ.
Stringent legislation which shall provide
severe punishment for the indulgence in
polygamous practices should be enacted.
Ample military force should be provided to
sustain the government in the enforcement
of law. The President should be authorized
10 proclaim martial law in any district in the
Territories where polygamy is practiced, and
where the civil authorities are powerless TO
enforce the laws.
If it is contemplated that these people will
submit without resistance to surrender their
polygaulous practices il is delusion. They
will resist TO the utmost unless confronted
and opposed by ample military power TO
stamp out any incipient rebellion.
That ii will cost large sums of money to
enforce the laws necessary to suppress the
abomination. there is no doubt. but it should
be done at whatever cost OF treasure.
This is question OF the hour, and the
American people demand at the hands of the
law-making power such legislation as shall
prove effectual in the suppression of the en-
tire system of polygamy in all the Territories.