The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-20
TIE MORMON QUESTION.
A Correspondent Sees Signs That Indicate the
Decadence Of the Power of the Church.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
OGDEN u. IT,. Dec. 19.-The Utah problem
appears to be slowly approaching solution, and
the indications point toward the gradual collapse
of the institution of polygamy Last spring
Lester Herrck, wealthy bishop in the church,
owning large amount of real estate, and resid-
ing in this city, suddenly went on trip to the
coast. Spring and summer passed, but Bishop
Herrick still tarried, and he had four wives it
began to be suspected that not having "the fear
of the Lord" before him, and greatly dreading
the United States marshal he had taken to the
underground" Recently the bishop returned
to Ogden, and at once made preparations for the
removal of his legal wife and his household goods
to California A very short sojourn in Ogden
suffced to complete his arrangements, and he
has now departed for his new home leaving be-
hind him three separate families for whom, how
ever, he has literally provided. Those of the
church profess to believe that Herrick will re-
turn to his old home when things are more set
tied, but the facts have become known that he
has left his property in the hands of an agent to
be disposed of that sale of one city lot has re-
Gently been effected, and that the gentleman has
become the owner of an estate in southern Cali
fornia. There is no doubt that Bishop Herrick
has permanently left Utah and the church. and
that if any deception has been practiced the
church has been the victim of it. Bishop Her
rick was well liked by lis gentle fellow-citizens,
and possessed their confidence. He is man of
more than average ability, shrewd and honora-
BILE in his dealings. 1t was a daughter of Bishop
Herrick whom members of his own church en-.
deavored to compromise with Judge Powers in
order that the Judges character might be black
ened but the plan reacted upon the head of one
of their witnesses, who was convicted of perjury
and is now serving out Ave years sentence
The lady has since been happily married to a
gentle. Another bishop in Salt Lake City, John
Sharp, who is also superintendent of the Utah
Central railway, declined about year ago to
"lve his religion" on the occasion of his having
to plead to an Indictment charging unlawful CO.
habitation. Guilty said Mr.. Sharp, land L
promise to obey the law in future and to urge
others to do likewise" Whereupon sentence
was suspended, and so was Bishop Sharp from
his bishopric in the Mormon Church.
A few more such examples as these and the
crumbiing ediice will totter to it's fall. The
hiding away of John Taylor to escape trial un-
der indictment. and the bail jumping of George
O. Cannon, first and second presidents of the
church, respectively, are causing much unfavor-
able comment among the more intelligent Nor
mons A gentleman who has passed three
years in Utah expressed Ais view of the existing
situation as follows: "Polygamy is the least of
the evils which the government has to contend
with in its struggle with Mormonism. No En-
dowment House ceremony of marriage is COM
plete without the tabing of blood-curdling
oath to obey the priesthood in all things, relig-
ious and secular. The other pledge those who
take it to regard the United States government
as their worst enemy. The climax of treason
would seem to have been reached by these big
oted law breakers; hence, while the present law
may be sufficient to eventually put an end to
polygamous practices, something of a more rad
ical nature is hoped for by the loyal people of
this Territory to effectually divorce church and
state, even If it go TO the extent OF governing
Utah by a commission"