St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-12-12
MORMONISM.

This consuming cancer on civilization
and morality with Its polygamous practices,is
growing and strengthening in spite of all re-
pressive measures yet adopted. The fact APP
pears that the government has been too
lenient and negligent, If not tolerant in re-
gard to this polygamous crime agai nst socie-
ty, Christianity and morality. The commits
sion appointed under the Edmunds' law to
stamp out the adulterous curse of 'plural
marriages." has fostered and strengthened,
instead of weakening the practice. The Ed
munds' law, thought to be vigorous and
stringent at the time Of its enactment, has
proved to be failure, and the commission
appointed under it has been without vital
force, or accomplishing power. The fault is
not so much with the Commissioners, as
with the law itself, and the deficient power
it conferred upon them. Pologamy has in
creased and grown stronger under the Ed
munds' law. The Commission is failure,
and is so admitted by the Commissioners
themselves. In their report for this year
they say: "During the year there appears
to have been polygamist revival. The in
stitution is boldly and deiantly defended
and commended by spiritual teachers, and
plural marriages are reported to have in
creased in number" The fact seems TO be
that the government, through Congress has
not adopted measures vigorous and effective
enough to reach the evil. The great body of
the people of the United States have been
too negligent and indifferent to this steadily
growing, cankering cancer. It is time to
cry aloud and spare not This ''twin relic''
succeeds to the curse of slaves, and must be
extirpated at whatever cost, or barbarism
will triumph over civilization.
1t is time for the people to rouse, as in the
days of slavery, and inaugurate and push on
a crusade against this unholy, demoralizing,
polluting crime of polygamy. 1t is time that
they should demand of the public press of
the country, that it sternly condemns this in
fam GUS practice, and where the press is dumb.
let presses be established, as In the DAYS of
slavery, to arraign and blast with whitening
anathemas the vilest shame and disgrace to
Christian civilization. In this way pressure
can be brought upon congress to deal more
sternly, even savagely upon this filthy, blight
ing curse. There may be conflicting views
as to what should be done, or how the
mons in Utah are already clamoring for ad-
mission into the Union as a State. All the
conditions for admission, the extent of popu-
lation, and all other Prerequisites are complied
with, and polygamy alone stands in the way
of its admission. How soon may this barrier
be overcome, by yenal politicians, seeking
party power and aggrandizementl Two Uni
ted States Senators, several congressman, and
other influences will be a great temptation
to INSCRIPTIONS politicians to strengthen
their party, so as to hold or gain power.
There is danger In this direction, and it is
time to heroically face this danger. Utah
once in the Union as a State, will lass be-
yond the power of the national government,
and with majority of Mormons in the legis-
lature this beastly, adulterous practice of
polygamy will be fortified and perpetuated.
There is another danger. This feculent
vice and crime is being rapidly extended in
TO Montana, Idaho aud Wyoming, and un-
less checked in its parent stronghold, will
soon have control of these territories, and
they too, win apply for admission as States
into the Union, bringing this curse of curses
with them. Are we speaking too strongly on
this subiect9 Is it not time for a popular
awakening in this direction, and demand
for the adoption of the most stringent meas
ures for putting an end to this great social
evil, measures so stringent as to bring the
evil to positive and speedy endg Should
! not the people move as in anti-slayery days,