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

sacred as the affection which L 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 1t
NAV spring from. / 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 adrlit
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. |
am aware of the attitude of the court and
country towards the peculiar institution
and religion of the church which | have
accepted and am now identified with, but
/ have the consolng recollection, and
| feel that am in excellent company with
Moses and others of old in the marriage
relation. Ny purpose is fixed, and |
hope unalterabie. 1t is that 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 person wilfully violates the
law he must be punished.
You state that your allegiance is to God
and place that above your allegiance tic
your country. The constitution upon
which this great government rests ac
cords every man religious freedom, but
it does not protect Il man in over
oifenses 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 of
many supersttions. Here the Cour
referred to the IIindoo mother cast
ing her infant into the Ganges Of
under the car of Juggernaut, while il
other countries the torture at the racl
and wheel, simply for religious belief, il
no longer standing.l If there is anythin,
that is settled in this country it is tn,
validity of the Edmunds law. The lead
eTS Vi your ClluICH lliiNc lllStllutcu pO
lygamy and unlawful cohabitation as
revelation from the Almighty. Tn
whole civilized world have interpreted
the practice as u crime. If yo,
do not submit to the laws yo
must suffer the consequences. For TIN
American people have expressed thei
will, which will 90 on and grind your in
situations to power. 1t is idle for an
sect or man to oppose these expressions c
the government The Court closed til
eloquent remarks by imposing a sentenc
of six months imprisonment Il fine {
$500 and costs, and to remain committe
until the fine is paid.
Nicholson retired among the throng
men and women and joined Smith an
Olson in II general Goodbye" and hant
shaking At the foot of the stairs Steve
! Marks was in waiting with rig, an
Nicholson, Smith and Patrick climbed i
and were whirled to the palace on tn
bench