The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1886-03-14

caution and after very mature consider
alton. 1T certainly should not be done
to reach certain church, because of its
supposed political Influence. If such
thing were done-say, to reach the
mormon church-the day might come
when other institutions now in this
country might be attacked and derived
of political and other privileges in the
same way. In this regard the confisca-
ton clause in the new Edmunds bill
has provoked, and is now provoking,
much discussion in Roman Catholic
circles. Catholics begin to comprehend
that some day veritable crank may
| get up In the Senate or House of Repre-
sentatlyes and attack their interests in
various ways, property, converts, or
otherwlse. In word, they realize that
II certain legislations cam be passed to
reach the MormoHs, because of the
property they possess. and the political
influence they might, could, or would
exert; perhaps the day will come when
IL VIII be sought to attack them in a
similar manner.
On Monday last Mr.. Woodburn. of
Nevad :, introduced bill in the House
entitled, "a bill to provide for the quail
tication of voters in the Territories of
the United States and for other pur-
poses, which was read a first and
second time, referred to the committee
ON the Territories, and ordered to be
| printed. l have known for some time
! that such a bill would be introduced.
having conversed with several gentle
men from Salt Lake who had come to
Washington for the oStenslble purpose
OF furthcling such measure. The bill
IS very misleading in its title, and when
read TO the House nobody knew its pur-
port and intent. Itsimply means. how-
ever, If passed, the total disfranchise !
neut OF every member OF the Mormon
church, monogamist and polygamlst
alike. Certain test oaths would pre-
vent any and every Mormon from either
voting or holding Office. In VOID, it
IS bill which has for its object the ap-
plicallon of certain election law 10
Utah similar TO that which is now in
force in Idaho, and with which the
readers or The HERALD are doubtless
familiar. What the committee on TIE
Territories will do with such measure,
know not, but from what | am able 10
gather, an effort il going to be made
to push the bill through this session.
think the effort wall fail. know, how
ever, that strong effort will be made
IN the direction l have indicated. The
Washington ECeniag Stars speaking upon
this bill says:
'tThe anti-Mormon bill introduced by
Representative Woodburn, OF Nevada,
Is a more drastic measure than any
thing yet proposed by Senator Ed
munds, in that it treats the Mormon
church as essentially polygamous, and
on that account as an unlawful society.
Under this theory, which is the under
lying principle of what is known as the
Idaho law, man cannot be q good
Mormon without either being polyga-
mist himself or aiding and abetting
polygamy in others. Hence the law
takes cognizance- not OF The of1ense of
plural marriages simply, but of the so
clety which sanctions and shelters this
Illegal practice. 1t has been claimed
that such law invades the constitu-
tional guaranty of freedom of religious
belief. But on two occasions the courts
have sustained the Idaho statute. 1t
NAV easily be seen that a religious be
lief may bring its holder into conflict
with the State. If, for instance, a sect
arose that believed in human sacrifice
or human slavery it might be neces-
sary TO proceed not simply against the !
Rcrual priests of sacrifice or the slave |
traders and masters, but against the |
religious faith which develop such enor-
mites.
OF course 1.-The human sacrifice or
human slavery" illustration is as every |
rejecting person will perceive, very in
applicable to the belief of the Mormons |
in regard to plural marriage" But |
granted that such a sect did arise that
believed in human sacrifice" or ''hu-
man slavery" no member of that sect |
should be punished, or have any dis
alb lities, political or otherwise, placed |
upon him. until he commits the sin of |
taking human life," or INDUCES in |
8 human slavery" Such reasoning as
the STIR INDUCES in is perfect drivel.
There never has been, | venture to say,
any religion to which its adherents
have subscribed to every article of its
faith. All Catholics do not believe in
the infallibility of the Pope. All Cal
yinists do not believe in the doctrine of
predestination, yet to all intents and
purposes they may be good Catholics
and good CalViniStS and ought not to
have disabilities putt upon them for
their belief or disbelief. Upon the same
principle man may be good Nor
mon, and belieYein plurality of wives,
but he may never put that belief into
practice. If he does not-admittipg
that polygamy is an offense against the
laws of the United States-why should
he be DISTINGUISHED, disqualified from
holding Office or voting. Such a pro-
position is too absurd and ridiculous to
require serious argument, more especi-
ally in the grand republic of America,
the home of the brave, and the land
of the free"
The chief topic of discussion in
Washington at present is the message
sent to the Senate by President Cleye-
land in regard to the suspension of of
icers during the recess. The President
maintains that he is not responsible to
the Senate, and is. therefore, unwilling
to submit his actions and official con-
duct to them for judgment. l have
conyersed with manv influential men
upon this subject. republicans think
that Cleveland will have to give in and
come 10 terms with the Senate. Demo
Gratis upon the other hard, sustain
Cleveland in the attitude he has taken |
in this fight, and assert that Edmunds,
who is accused of being responsible for
the whole affair, will find he cannot