Salt Lake evening Democrat. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1885-1887, 1886-09-20
AN ADDRESS
by the Utah Loyal League, of salt
Lake city, Utah.

The following address is prepared and
issued by the organized loyal people Of
Utah, regardless OF party affiliations, and
clearly and concsely explains itself. 1t
| is the outcome OF the movement mem
toned in the DEMOCRAT last week, and
its perusal will doubtless lead to the
swift enrolment of all who desire to see
its undertakings accomplished.
To the Country:
The Mormon Church claims the right to
rule the people under laws superior to the
Constitution and laws of our country: under
a so-called higher law, derived, it claims, by
direct revelation from God Almighty
Under this claim it teaches and practices
political action at the dictation of its
priests, instead of freely and Independently,
as citizens of the Republics
Prescription of all persons not members
of the Church and of all its members who
are ''weak i'll the faith"
Tyranny over its members in all matters
whether religious, social, moral or political
in fact, in all matters whatsoever;
Violation of all laws of our country which
its priests do not approve;
Polygamous practices, enforcing them as
religious duty and obligations
Collection of tithes and other heavy exac-
tions to maintain its theocratic rule, thus
! impoverishing the people and enriching the
priests;
Absolute subserviency of people to priests,
and absolute subordlnatlOn of country to it
self, Wanting itself as "the Kingdom of God
on Earth"
This system is, therefore, q most perfect
union of Church and State.
Such union is inimical to the principles
of our Government and destructive of the
liberties of the people.
The curse of such union is aggravated
by the fact that majority of the adult peo-
pie are foreigners, ignorant of the principles
of our Government, and generally densely
ignorant and superstitious.
Under such a regime, and with such a
population, the situation presents problems
very rare and difficult of solution. But they
confront us, and it becomes the duty of
every good citizen to aid in securing such
measures of reform as may tend to enamel
pate the people, correct these manifold
abuses, and prepare the Territory to become
an American Commonwealth. Fortunately
Utah is yet in a state of tutelage. As it is a
Territory, Congress has full control of its
government
This state of things leads to two main
conclusions:
First and foremost, we should see to it
that Utah is not admitted as n State until
its people have become thoroughly capable
of maintaining Republican form of gov
eminent free from any dictation and until
the present union of Church aud State shall
have been completely dissolved. 10 admit
Utah as State until this has been accom-
plished, means contiscaton of the property
of the Gentiles, and then enforced expatria-
ton.
And, secondly, We should see to it that
such legislation by Congress shall be OBJ
tanned as will not only secure the rigid en-
forcement of the laws, but also such as will
promote the dissolution of this unholy ALI
ance of Church and State, and at the same
time tend to prepare the people to become
good, free American citizens, who may at
some future time be trusted with the fran
chises and perogatives of Statehood.
In connection with the foregoing, we dis
claim any intention of depriving the Nor
mon people of any of their lust rights or
Constitutional securities.
We disclaim any desire to interfere with
their persons or property, any further than
may be necessary in the execution of the
laws and in the process of emancipating the
people.
We dislaim any wish to Cypress the Nor
mon people or advance the interests of the
loyal citizens of Utah, except for the com
mon good of our country and the entire
people of the Territory. But we insist that
the Mormon priests and people must obey
the laws of the land.
abdicate its control in political affairs.
We insist that the Mormon people shall
be left free to act as American sovereigns
in all things pertaining to American citizen
ship.
We insist that unless the Mormon prizes Is
and people voluntarily submit to these essen
tlal principles of free government. they shall
be deemed unfit to exercise the privileges or
perogatives of citizens and be disfranchised
until such time as they shall show them
selves loyal American citizens.
We insist that the people of this great
country should, with united voice and patri-
otto resolve in their might, say to their SER
wants in Congress and in the executive and
administrative departments:
blot out this Infamous system. Permit
no Priestly dictation in political agairs.
"Relieye womanhood from this priestly
slavery-this derogation from the dignity of
the sacred titles, wife and mother.
"Relieye tender childhood from the in
etfaceable shame of illegitimate birth.
'kelleye the fair and promising Territory
of Utah from this priestly and law defying
incubus so that she may, ere long, clothed
in the habiiments of freedom and modern
civilization, be prepared to become one of
the United States of America.
Hesitate no longer If necessary, Lay
the axe to the root of the tree
ut is our will that unless you can engraft
upon the present Territorial stock the noble
scion of true liberty, you must destroy the
stock, root and branch, and organize in lieu
thereof, Territory whose administration
shall be loyal to liberty and law"
BY order of the
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.