Salt Lake evening Democrat. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1885-1887, 1886-08-17
UTAHs, POLITICAL PROSPECT.

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the last session OF Congress, and who is
doubtless better posted in regard to the
condition of Utah affairs than any other
person, either Gentle or Mormon, has
returned to his home in this city. lie
has performed his duty faithfully, and is
entitled to the gratitude OF the people
whose interests he has so carefully
watched and furthered. His long resi-
dence in the Territory had made him
fully conversant with the pernicious in
huences of Mormonism, its methods and
practices while his intelligence enabled
him to comprehend the intricacies of the
situation, and to suggest the means
necessary for the eradication OF
the evil. His experience as n lawyer,
his powerful argumentative ability, with
the iudicious exercise of it, and his quick |
perception, enabled him, as the accred-
tied representative of the law-abiding
people, to accomplish more than perhaps
could have been done by any other per-
son who might have been selected to fill
his place. Opposed by the most power
full Mormon lobby that has ever been
organized at the Capital and backed by
unlimited financial resources, he, almost
single-handed and alone, achieved most
signal victory in the formulation and
favorable report OF q bill which, when it
becomes law, will redeem the Territory
from priesthood politica, rule, sever the
relations of Church and State, and rele-
gate to history the monstrous institution
which has been 50 long permitted to
foully besmear the escutcheon OF
the Nation and to humiliate its
loyal citizens by its defiant
attitude towards the National Govern
ment, which has for so many years toler-
ated its arrogance and imfamies. The
Tucker bill, in its present shape, is mainly
the result OF Mr.. Baskin's eXertions at
Washington. Its most important and
effective provisions were inserted at his
suggestion, and to his intelligent ex-
plantations and sound reasoning are the
people indebted for its favorable consider
of the House. Although he failed to
secure its passage at the last session,
owing to circumstances which he could
not control, the principal point has been
gained and the bulk of the work accom-
plished. 1t has been steered success
fully through the committee, the most
dangerous period of its history, and is
now on the calendar ready to be acted
upon among the first general measures
to be considered at the next session
Fully two-thirds OF the member:
favor its passage, and with such ma
jority it is childish to presume that actor
upon it can be delayed" by parliamentar,
tactics throughout the entire session
Mr.. Baskin is more than confident that il
will be passed at an early period afte
the convening of Congress. He knows
whereof he speaks, and there is certainl,
no reason to doubt either his judgmen
or sincerity. He has just come from
Washington, and had heard nothing
there of the horrible Democratic con
spiracy by which all Utah legislation j
to be squelched, and the Territory in
vested with the rights and privileges Q
Statehood-the sensational story, whic
has been so industriously, PERSISTENT
and seemingly maliciously circulate
here within the last few days. He ha
the utmost confidence in the good fait
of Mr.. Tucker, and scouts the idea tina
he will not push the bill throug
with all possible dispatch. These bein
the facts, the loyal people OF Utah hay
reason to feel elated over the prospect {
their early redemption from treasonabl
rule and the removal OF the ulcer whic
has so long offended their moral senses
The only possible danger lies in the il
judicious action of the Gentiles her,
Any attempt to manufacture polite:
capital out OF this question will assured
inure dsadvantageously to the chance
for general success. 1t is not politics
question-or at least not one which ca
be made an issue between the two pril
cipal party organizations. Neither part
Tucker bill' even if the lin,
were as strictly drawn as upo
caucus nominations for officers
the Senate and House, one branc
being Democratic and the other Repul
lican. There will be Democrats and r.
publicans who will vote for m again
the Tucker bill, and the true policy is
rally as many AS possible OF both to j
support. There is no evidence that thei
is any disposition at Washington to mai
it in any wise party question, and ii
should drift into such shape, it will /
because the starter was given right hel
in Utah. Any attempt OF that kin
should meet with unanimous condemni
ton from the members OF both partie
and the authors branded as covert enC
mics OF the general cause The DEM
oRAT will seek no advantage for its part
in this matter, either nationally
locally. 1t is content to wait uni
the common enemy is routed before loo
ing for political spols 1t will publ
nothing which the representative OF II
loyal people will have to repudiate
Washington next winter, as not repr
senting his own or the sentiments OF Il