The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-12-01

requirements as TO temporal affairs OF man
in his dealings with his fellowman. For
over thirty yeaIs such government has ex-
listed there and intended to be established
that 1T may not be legally questioned
Surely time will, with ordinary develop
ments, make some radical change"
Not at all Time has strengthened the
usurpers, and will continue to 90 so. Half
way measures will not answer, and delay is
dangerous. Innocent blood of Mormon and
American will eventually be shed in estab-
fishing good government in Utah and the
vast adjoining territory Of the WestCcCuWed
by this power. Time will not and cannot
prove the remedy"
What do you suggest"
EITHER one OF two things. First, that al
laws passed by Congress be repealed, and if
1T he the purpose to overlook crime against
the flag and the lesser crime against the law,
pOlygamy that the fact should be officially
determined and announced in order that
the people of this great region may know
what to expect and how 10 arrange their
family and business affairs"
And the secOndp'
ABOLISH TIE LEGISLATURE
"a homogeneous Legislature has been APP
pointed under the Elmunds act to meet in
January next. If that body fails to repeal
all laws respecting the establishment of re-
ligion and those statutes nullifed by Con-
gress, and fail to pass laws forbidding pc.
lygamy, and fail to recognize the authority
OF the United States as the sovereign political
power then Congress should repeal that sec
ton of the organic act and assume control
in the government"
That's very well 50 far as it goes, but
where lies the remedv?'
1T cannot be expected that Congress in
Washington can understand the details of
the Terri tOral want so we'll as men in the
Territory any more than a pilot in a light
house at Sandy Hook could guide a vessel
across the Atlantic. The pilot should be on
board. Congress should establish another
agency in Utah. In lieu of the legislature
now provided for by section 4 of the organic
act (Which in reality is a creature of Mormon
appointment), there might be legislative
council of three or five or more. to be ap-
pointed by the President and confirmed by
the Senate, which shall secure under act of
Congress, a government not only for the
people but by the people"
is there warrant or precedent for such ar
bitrary action?"
Take the case of Louisiana and that of the
District of Columbia. By the statutes of
1887 the Territory of the Northwest was
formed. In this the Governor and three
judges were constituted legislative council.
BY our Louisiana purchase the government
became the pOssessOr OF territory from the
sessions in the north. The Territory of Or
leans presents not only the principle but the
almost exact statute recommended by me.
There council of thirteen was constituted,
good and true men of the Territory; and
they were appointed by the President While
tue government OF the District of Columbia
does not present so exact a case as that Of
louisiana for the reason that Congress as
sembling within can, and does, enact
laws for its government more in de-
tail, the District of Columbia as Utah
was granted by Congress a Territorial
form OF government with a Governor and
Legislature. For weli-knoWn reasons deemed
sufficient, Congress deprived the citizens
there OF Legislature and constituted Il com
mission Tor its government However con-
vincing the arguments have been made in
that case they are rot so conclusive as those
presentable for n change in the government
of Utah. As good citizens of the District of
Columbia demanded the abolition of their
Legislature and the appointment of the COM
mission, so good citizens of Utah appeal for
that or similar relief ! hear no complaint
of misgovernment in the District of Column
ba under the commission. So, under the
government recommended by me for Utah l
confidently believe such action by Con-
gress and council composed of men
loyal to the constitution and the
laws would result in that adjustment
of wrongs and termination of contentious
so earnestly prayed for by those in Utah
who possess the intelligence and one-third
of the wealth of the Territory, and who,
while bearing allesiance to the United States
and paying in large part the taxes of the
Territory, have no voice in its government.
Further legislation is essential and any law
short of the one suggested will prove in
effectual."
"Then, Governor you desire the people of
the United States to learn from your official
lips that the chief danger to the national
government is that which is to come from an
organized sovereignty in Utah, whose every
action is hostile, and whose continuous atti-
tude is defiant?"
Yes; a sovereignty now strong and grow
ing every year"
"And that the one remedy"
as to abolish the Legislature, repeal the
organic act and appoint Territorial coun-
Gil"