Salt Lake evening Democrat. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1885-1887, 1885-10-13

sacred as the affection which 1 entertain
for them is deep; and do not think those
ties can possibly be severed by any law,
whatever character it may be or source it
may spring from. I will here also say
that the lady who would have been the
principal witness in my case, had not
testified against myself, stated to me
that she would decline to testify
against me, or do anything
which would have the effect of sending
me to prison. And now after the con-
temptation of such an exhibition of devo-
ton to me on her part, to cut her adrift
is revolving to my soul, and cannot do
it. Peoples ideas differ regarding what
is settled as religion. Some believe it a
mere sentiment of faith. have always
been ready to express my opinion on
every subject without fear or favor 1
am aware of the attitude of the court and
country towards the peculiar institution
and religion of the church which l have
accepted and am now identified with, but
l have the consoling recollection, and
feel that am in excellent company with
Moses and others of old in the marriage
relation. My purpose is fixed, and 1
hope unalterable. 1t is that l shall stand
to my allegiance to God and fidelity to
my family.
Judge Zane then addressed Nicholson
and said: Mr.. Nicholson, you have stated
your beliefs and feelings candidly. am
OF the opinion that you are more sincere
than any of your brethren. You state
that the essence of crime consists of the
intents with which the acts are proved to
constitute the offense. While that is SO,
if a person wilfully violates the
law he must be punished.
You state that your allegiance is to God,
and place that above your allegiance to
your country. The constitution upon
which this great government rests 'ac-
cords every man religious freedom, but
it does not protect man in overt
offenses against the common good of So
ciety. The Edmunds law is valid and
must be enforced and respected as such.
Civilization in passing on has cast off
many superstitions. Here the Court
referred to the Hindoo mother cast
ing her infant into the Ganges or
under the car Of Juggernaut, while in
other countries the torture at the rack
and wheel, simply for religious belief, is
no longer standing Ifthere is anything
that is settled in this country it is the |
validity of the Edmunds law. The lead
ers of your church have instituted po-
ygamy and unlawful cohabitation as a
revelation from the Almighty. The
whole civilized world have Interpreted |
he practice as crime If you
10 not submit to the laws YOU
must suffer the consequences. For the
American people have expressed their
will, which will go on and grind your in
to power 1t is idle for any
ect or man to oppose these expressions of
he government. The Court closed the
eloquent remarks by imposing a sentence
If six months imprisonment, fine of
300 and costs, and to remain committed
Until the fine is paid.
Nicholson retired among the throng Of
men and women and joined Smith and
bison in general Goodbye" and hand
making. At the foot of the stairs. Steven
Marks was in waiting with rig, and
Smith and Patrick climbed in
nd were whirled to the palace on the
,ench.