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-
sible 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, il not
rs q 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 u 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
the popular feeling, expressed through
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 15, which provides for closing up
the Perpetual Emigration Fund Company,
through annulling the laws of the Legisla-
tive Assembly of Utah, is approved by mem
bers of Congress generally"
''Do you think the objections to the bill
will materially affect it or defeat its final
passageY'
SIT will pass in some shape. L 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 suffrageY'
''There is no opposition to that clause"
us 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 fayorably by, members of
both Houses. think such clause will be
added. A clause inaugurating a free school
system in Utah is being discussed, and /
think will be added to the bill. One plan
contemplates the sale of all school lands in
the Territory, thereby creating general
school fund.- to be handled by the Federal
officials, or by board specially appointed
by the Government for this duty. The plan
also oontemplates the levy of tax for the
same purpose, to be handled in a like man
ner, 30 as to make our schools similar to
the free school system in the East. 1t is
also proposed to take at least a 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 a 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? lie is
Democrat. while Judge Bennett is
Republican. But do they differ in their
mpressions-co 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 10 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. II has come TO conflict between