The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-09
The Polygamous Mormons.

Inc fOlyS3mOus HAOrmOnss
In the Territory of Utah, the law of the United
States passed for the suppression of polygamy
has been energetically and faithfully executed
during the past year. with measureably good re-
suits. A number of convictions have been Sc
cured for unlawful cohabitation, and in some
cases pleas of guilty have been entered and
slight punishment imposed, upon promise by the
accused that they would not again offend against
the law, nor advise. counsel, aid or abet, in any
way, its violation Dy others
The Utah Commissioners express the opinion,
based upon such information as they are able
to obtain, that but few polygamous marriages
have taken place in the Territory during the last
year. They further report that, while there can
not be found upon the registration lists of voters
the name of a man actually guilty of polygamy.
and while none of that class are holding Office,
yet at the last election in the Territory all the
officers elected except in one county. were men
who, though not actually living in the practice
OF polygamy, subscribe to the doctrine that
revelation is a law unto all, higher and more
binding upon the conscience than any human
law, local natural Thus is the strange spectacle
presented of a community protected by repub-
hcan form of government, to which they owe
allegiance. sustaining, by their suffrages, prin
ciple and a belief which sets at naught that obi
CATION of absolute obedience to the law of the
land which lies at the foundation of republican
institutions. The strength, the perpetuity and
the ueStlny or the NaC1on rests upon our MONIES,
established by the law of God, guarded by
parental care regulated by parental authority,
and sanctifed by parental love. These are not
the homes of polygamy The mothers of our land,
who rule the Nation as as they mold the
characters and guide the actions of their sons,
live according to Gods holy ordinances, and each,
secure and happy in the exclusive love of the
father of her children, sheds the warm light of
true womanhood, unperverted and unpolluted.
upon all within her pure and wholesome family
circle. These not the cherries, crushed
and unwomanly mothers of polygamy. The
fathers of our families are the best citizens of
the Republic; wife and children are the sources
of patriotism and conjugal and parental affection
beget devotion to country. The man who,
undefled with plural marriage, is sur
rounded in his single home with his
wife and children, has a stake in the
country which inspires him with respect for it's
laws and courage for its defense. These are not
the fathers of polygamous families. There is no
feature of this practice, or of the system which
sanctions it, which is not opposed to all that is
of value in our institutions.
There should be no relaxation in the firm but
just execution of the law now in operation, and
should be glad to approve such further discreet
legislation as will rid the country of this blot
upon its fair fame.
Since the people upholding polygamy in our
Territories are reinforced by immigration from
other lands. I recommend that a law be passed
to prevent the importation Of Mormons into the
country.