The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1885-05-22
THE MORMON QUESTION.


| 1900 49,
| mission The Edm,tiids amendment
Lincoln dispatch: The State Journal pub
fishes long interview had with ex-senator A
s. Paddock, of Beatrice, touching polygam.
and the Mormon question. The senator is
member of the Utah commission and may b.
ia ken as authority upon the subject. ASKED
for his opinion as to the address to the presl
dent and the people Of the United States BY
the Mormons, in which they allege many
wrongs and demand their redress, and in
which the work of the commission is de-
nounced, Mr.. Paddock said in brief: "My be-
lief is that the main object sought to be
accomplished by the address is revival of re-
| ligious enthusiasm among the Mormon people,
so as to make apostacy or schism in the church
on account of the proceedings against the
practice of polygamy more difficult, II not
altogether impossible. The Edmunds bill has
| been enforced with so much vigor and sue
cess, the sentiment of the country is so unani-
nous in support of the determined policy and
recent decisions of the supreme court
have been so pronounced In favor OF
the law and its methods for suppress
ing polygamy that many good and strong men
had begun TO think and say to each other that
ii would be better to discontinue the practice
Several persons under indictment pleaded
Buliiy, IuTtW lutInsclNcS Oh lut nltIC1 VI buc
court, promised not again to offend, and many
were released with slight punishment. All
such performances were bitterly denounced by
the Mormon press and people. In my opinion
the mass meetings, the address which is main
ly a defense of the polygamic covenant and
the whole demonstration against the enforce
ment Of the Edmunds law, for that is all there
is of it, were gotten up to counterfeit the in
1uences at work inside aud outside the church
against polygamy. Being thus considered the
movement has been great deal of a success.
The Mormon people certainly could not expect
to satisfy the president of the country by an
appeal based upon the divine reign and sane
ton OF polygamy that the Edmunds law Is
bad law, that the congress which passed the
act, the supreme court which affirmed 1t and
the officers who have executed it have all been
parties to a monstrOus wrong, but by such ar
gument and denunciation Of all who have been
connected with making or executing the law
they have undoubtedly, temporarily at least,
stiffened the weak knees among the brethren
and increased the difficulties of the sit
uatiOn. l believe the action will have
the contrary effect from that hoped
for by the Mormons or by some
Of them, and will demonstrate the neces-
sity for still more stringent legislation. Re-
garding the denunciation of the commission
and its acts the senator said that no set of Of
icers charged with the responsibility of en-
forcing law in Utah affecting the institution
If polygamy and determined to do their duty |
we're ever more conservative in all their act |
'r less Influenced by prejudice than the com
mission. Proofs of this are abundant. The |
have decided important questions
n accordance with the Mormon view. believ-
Ilg the same to be right, thereby drawing
lpon themselves criticisms from the Gentle
'ress and people. They have stood between
he two extremes. and have often been unable
o satisfy either. but have always endeavored
o secure the best results from the Edlnunds
NV so far rs they had to do with it. and their
iforts have been successful throughout. The
commission has possessed the respect and COLI
dence of the liberal Mormons and the best
eminent among the Gentle element III Utah.
Il the report the commission has recommended
II amendment to the Edmunds law, and it is
ccausc these amendments are unpalatable,
nd if adopted by congress would greatly
rcngthen the movement against polygamy,
nat the Mormon Indictment against the com '
Iission is so strong. He thinks the amend {
tents will be adopted and that President ,
leveland and his administrat on will firmly
phold the laws for the suppression of polyg
ny in Utah. t