Delta chief., 1885-10-14
A MORMON EPlsTLE.
Presidents Taylor and Cannon Denounce
The Edmunds' Law and Urge Their
Dupes to stand Firm.

The Edmunds' Law and Urge Their
Dupes to Stand Firm.
SALT LAKE, Utah, Oct. AT the
Mormon General Conference at Logan to-day
general epistle to the Church was read from
Presidents Taylor and Cannon, Of the first
presidency. referring to the present condition
of affairs aud the polygamy trials. 1t says that
the avowal is openly made that the Edmunds
law was expressly designed for the destruction
Of this principle OF the Mormon religion, and
all Of the prosecutions are conducted in this
spirit. No nom Mormon criminal, however
guilty, so far has been punished uuder it. Acts
Of the greatest depravity, when committed by
non-Mormons and easily reached, receive
scarcely passing notice, while all the Nor
mons but one, yet brought before the courts
have been convicted.
Referring to the advice of friends, that 1t
is useless to further resist the will OF 50 great
a msj jority, the Epistle says We did not re-
veal celestial marriage, and we cannot with
draw or renounce It. God revealed It, and He
has promised to maintain 1t and bless those
who obey 1t. The only course to pursue is to
maintain the covenants which have been made
and trust God for whatever follows. 1t ex-
horts the people TO be steadfast, faithful and
true to their integrity. 1t severely denounces
the recent Rock Springs massacre, ard says
the investigation shows that only one Mormon
was engaged in it, and his fellowship Is doubt
full.
1t advises the MormOns 20 avoid secret So
cleties of all kinds, and says; "All men should
be aware Of the fact that we have ever been
upholding the constitution and the laws which
have been enacted in pursuance therewitt
and We propose 20 continue so TO the end.
Whatever opposition has been offered to laws
coming in cunfics with the constitution has
been OF such character as is justified oy the
customs ard ussges Of this or other civilized
countries. We have no desire to shun the
consequences of our acts in relation TO the
laws referred to- providing We have the assur-
ance that our casss will be submitted 10 fair
and lust adjudication, but recent events give
no ground for such hope. The large ms iOrity
should not be punished for the acts OF the
minority, their being only about l. 900 po-
lygamists in n population of 2O,o0o. Such
things elsewhere would be characterized as ty-
rarnical in the most extreme degree. r
Regarding the motives for expousiDg plural
marriages, they claim, when II was first re-
vealed to Jos, ph Smith, its acceptance by
even the leading Mormous was a severe trial,
and only done in consideration of its being a
divine command, which, being disobeyed, is
damnation. 1t believes that the present cru
sade will convince the people that there is
something more I'm poygamy THAN is sup
posed. II endorses the course OF those who
have gone to prison rather than sacrifice their
principles, and e1horts the people to be firm
in their efforts TO maintain them. 1t refers
bitterly TO the growth OF vice through nom
Mormon Influences an5 to Its great general in
jury.
The address covers nearly page in the
Church organ. TAYLOR and Cannon did not
show up in the conference, as they are wanted
By the officers.