Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1885-09-23
DAILY P0ST.IHTELLIeEkCER
THE CONTEST ~ urAH.

THk CONTEST ~ GfAH.
The contest which the Government is
wsainR against the Aormons continues
without a truce. The Federal co7r.s
deal with cases Of polyfzmists almost
daily, and the number Of Mormon vho
are languishinR behind prison bars ia
ereases at rate which must be alarm
ing 10 the Saints. On the other hand.
tbs MerEons do NOT yield an inch Of
ground. Occasionally eonVictes poly-
ganis, will say that be regrets his
former way Of living and il willing 10
abide By the lav In the future, but
such cases are comparatively rare, and
the unlucky criminal Who promises 10
reform Ia regarded by his brethren Of
the Charch with ioathinR and contempt.
Tbs vast majority OF those convicted go
to prison with faith in the justice Of
their cause which is made evident by
their willingness 20 safer vithont com
plaiat. Il is inoomprehensibls that a
large body OF peopIa such a. the Nor
mons should cling with tenaoisy so
extraordinary 10 40 institution 20 thor
oughly at variance With the spirit Of the
age, 40 repugnant 20 the instincts Of
civilization. a. polygamy. Incompre-
hsssible an it is, however, it Is fact
that they do cling to their peculiar in
stitution, and that fact must be dealt
With in practical and not in a senti-
mental manner.
IL must be confessed that thHs far the
efforts OF tue United States authorities
have not accomplished much toward
eifeotiRg the end desired. In spite Of all
that has been done, Msrmonism -four
ishes, and polygamy hourishes with 1t.
indeed. the church seems to be putting
forth increased sxertions, aud, If the
reports Of the Mormon missionaries are
10 be trusted, their efforts are meeting
with success. Never have their reports
been more cheerful than now, and never
have converts been made In greater
numbers. In all ths countries Of Eu-
rope the missionaries are laboFing, and
in many States their zeal Is greater than
it has been for many years, even II they
do not make any great Roadway.
There are Just a. many polygamists to-
day az there we're when the prosecu-
tons commenced. Some of theso are
in prison, IL Ia true, bnt the number
who have publicly renowned polyRamy
may DO counted on ones fingers. The
more resoluta the Federal officials be-
come, the more resolute do the Nor
mons appear.
The Mormons are no. only exceed
ingly firm, but they are exceedingly
shrewd In their methods Of opposition.
Although their feeling against the Gov
eminent Is intense, they have not al
lowed themselves TO be betrayed into
any act of violence which would excuse
armed interference. The half masting
Of the National flag on the Fourth Of
July was the most rebellious thing that
has been done, and that was ififling
insult rather than an act of open ag
gression. The Mormon resistance il
passive rather than aggressive. Ii is a
resistance Of expedieney. The polyga-
mists go 10 prison without much com.
plant, and evidently consider them
selves martyrs rather than criminals.
They doubtless believe that their mar
tyrdom, fancied or real, will bring ITS
natural reward, FIRST In the respect and
then in the sympathy OF the people OF
the country. They hope thus TO win
the people Of the country to their side
and to eanse a revnlsion in public
opinion which will compel cessation
OF what they consider their persecu-
ton. Ia the meantime, however, they
are ready to improve any opportunities
which may occur. They are confirm.
ally iaborine for the removal Of this or
that Federal official. They evidently
hoped for much benefit from the cleo
ton Of President Cleveland, and are
disappointed that be does not look upon
them with any more iienency than did
his predecessors. The chances OF po-
iiticai changes, or more epgrossing
events intervening to distract the at
tension of the Government, keep up the
courage of the Mormous. The mere
Ignorant Of them, also, pus great deal
OF faith in Providence, which they be-
iieve will come TO the rescue OF the
down trodden Saints at the proper
time.