The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-03
AN OLD PROBLEM,


Next to the question of tariff that of Nor
monism is one of the gravest before the Amer
lean people. Of the two, Mormonism is the
worse in some features, and is second to the
question of protection only in that its evils
are not so palpable to all parts of the country
as is the doctrine of free trade, nor are the eff
fects of its PRONUNCIATION felt throughout the
country to the harm of all the people But that
gigantic evil is steadily growing around the
nucleus planted at Salt Lake. can no longer be
disguised. Rev. r. G. McNiece, Presbyterian
minister at Salt Lake, a man in position to
know of what he speaks, declares that unless
something effective be done to end this thing
there San be but one result-civil war. The
teachings of the Mormon elders are thor
oughly indoctrinated in the minds of the duped
followers of the INSCRIPTIONS leaders. Polyg-
amy is a Mormon crime, but not the only
Mormon crime, nor the most dangerous to the
peace of the Nation People outside of
Utah might possibly be content to let the fol-
lowers of Smith and Young do as they
please relative to plurality of wives. The
harm done by it is comparatively local in it's
effects, and it might with reason be expected
that time would work such changes through
education as to finally drive it out of exist.
ence. But the Mormon Church is not content
with ruling Utah in religious matters, but is
steadily pushing into the political field, AFRO
eating to itself rights and powers pertaining
to civil officers and to the people. Rev.
McNiece says that it is very difficult for true
American to live in Utah, even for a few
months, and maintain that respect for our
government which it ought to command of
every good citizen, when he sees free govern
ment, and the laws of the land, and our sacred
American home system all tIodden under the
filthy hoofs of a polygamous hiera rchy when
he sees this hierarchy claiming and exercising
supreme authority in all civil affairs, nullify-
ing the laws Of Congress and arrogating to its
control one Territory after another, bringing
immigrants from abroad for no other purpose
than to build up this hostile power, and the
government adopting weak and trifiing pol
lev which leaves this anti American system
stronger every year
1t would seem from this that Mormonism is
occupying much the same position held by
the advocates of slavery before the war. The
VII ap tlo a. -
Southern arrogance, notification and eventu-
ally Of secession. This is exactly the trend of
things in Utah, and no opportunity to place
the church above state in temporal affairs is
passed unimproved. Nor are the Mormon
officials satisfied with tho possession of Utah,
but are constantly and vigorously extending
their influence and authority over the ada
cent Territories, already welding great
power in Arizona and Idaho, while colonies
have been planted in New Mexico, Nevada,
Wyoming and Montana. Some idea may be
had of the helpless situation of gentiles and
friends of the government in Utah. when it is
known that they can muster but 5000, while
the Mormons count $4,000. The situation
is steadily growing worse What with
natural increase and an annual
importation of 5000 converts" from Europe
the solidity of Utah is being placed on rock
foundation. The church, growing in numer-
ical strength. and fortified by the confidence
inspired by ignorance and credulity teaches
it's devotees to despise civil law and live only
for the church and it's advancement All
hope of gaining foothold In the civil gov
eminent that Territory by genties is
driven out by the arbitrary way in which cleo
ton laws are changed to make Mormon rule
absolute. If it be discovered that gentle
majority Is likely to obtain in any ward or
precinct, that ward or precinct is Immediately
consolidated with others. In Salt Lake City
the entire twenty-one wards have at times
been consolidated so as to carry them all for
mon candidate has certainty of election he
may be voted for separately; that is, the ward
may vote for its individual candidates alone.
But if there be doubt in any case, the
doubtful ward is joined to others, in some in
stances six ward candidates being voted for in
q bulk.
Despite everything said and DONE polygamy
is on the increase, proof being cited to show
that no less than 40 PERSONS have violated
the law of Congress against polygamy during
the past two years. The government should