Salt Lake evening Democrat. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1885-1887, 1886-02-24
WHAT THE PROSPECTS ARE.

Twelve months ago, had any Utah man
expressed his belief that within the fol-
lowing five years Congress would pass
such measures as would make it impos-
sble for the Mormon Church to longer
keep its clutches upon the throat of the
local government, and in thus doing also
make possible the speedy settlement of
all the troubles growing out of the domi
nation of State by Church, he would have
been regarded as wild enthusiast, if not
as person suffering from mild type of
insanity. But time works wonders
Within the past six months the convic-
tion has steadily grown upon all thinking
persons here that crisis was imminent,
and to-day hundreds OF people through
out this city will now declare their belief
that ninety days more cannot roll by,
without giving to us all the legislation
needed to work out the Territory's social
and political salvation. And they thank
God for it.
Within the past few days two repre-
sentative Gentle citizens, one Republi-
can and the other Democrat, and both
highly esteemed members of the bar,
have returned home from Washington.
During their lengthy sojourn at the ma
tional capital both gentlemen were
afforded excellent opportunities to test
fhn ron,11or faa1ipn fbco,,ol,
Senators and Representatives in Con-
gress, as regards affairs in Utah. What
was the impression left upon their minds?
Judge Bennett, speaking of the new Ed
munds bill which recently passed the
Senate, expressed his convictions as fol-
lows:
'Section Is, which provides for closing up
the Perpetual Emigration Fund Company,
through annulling the laws of the Legisla-
tive Assembly of Utah, is approved by men,
bers of Congress generally
''Do you think the objections to the bill
will materially affect it or defeat its final
passage?"
''It will pass in some shape. I do not
think any of the most important features
will be taken away while some additions
will be made which will add strength
How about taking away woman suffrage?"
There is no opposition to that clause
"Is there any truth in the report that in
the House something substantially like the
Idaho test oath will be added?''
''Yes. think there is. The matter was
first talked over about the time left Wash
ington, and very favorably by members of
both Houses. think such clause will be |
added. A clause inaugurating free school
system in Utah is being discussed, and I
think will be added to the bill. One plan /
contemplates the sale of all school lands in
the Territory, thereby creating general I
school fund, to be handled by the Federal |
officials, or by board specially appointed
by the Government for this duty. The plan |
also contemplates the levy of tax for the
same purpose. to be handled in a like man |
ner, so as to make our schools similar to
the free school system in the East. 1t is |
also proposed to take at least portion of |
the taxing power from the Territory, es-
pecially that for schools. and to inaugurate |
system of accountability of all Territorial /
officers.
There is very strong tendency on the |
part OF congress to do something to crush |
out polygamy and bring Utah in harmony |
with the country, and this session will ac-
complish much in that direction
What does Colonel Merritt say? He is (;
a Democrat, while Judge Bennett is
Republican. But do they differ in their
impressions-convictions We might say
of what the future has in store for Utah !
No; both gentlemen have to their own |
satisfaction clearly OWNED the intention
of the Government with regard to the |
evils existing here, and both, are agreed !
that the time is now at hand when the So
called Mormon problem must be solved
and the vexed questions settled forever.
When asked to express his candid opin-
ion on the situation here and at WASH
ington, Colonel Merritt is reported as
saying:
"Both parties in Congress are determined
to crush out polygamy, and the Edmunds
bill or some other stringent measures will
be passed. 1t has come to conflict between
the Government and its laws on one side,