Salt Lake evening Democrat. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1885-1887, 1886-01-13

into and has persisted in a groove OF mis-
taken thought. Subjects held by them as oi
vital importance are mere shadows. frlnci-
pies instilled into the people are to pc un-
learned by them. The prime TACT tnat Ias.t ,,t
highest allegiance is due to the Government
has been and continues to be held as second
ary to other considerations, and that rights
and duties have by many been honestly con-
founded with franchises and principles as
laid down in the Constitution. So prevalent
has become this thought that very many
whose purposes in life are honest, and who
believe themselves to be faithful cltlzens,
are Jealous in withstanding by argument
and action, and in cases have consplred to
defeat, the plainest provisions of national
law.
WHAT WE SHOULD DO.
therefore affirm that it is our plain and
unmistakable duty to supplement- and AID III
carrying into successful application every
law passed by Congress which has been de-
termined by the Supreme Court to be con-
stitutional; that we should endeavor to keep
| the people from wasting their strength IN
CRYING out against the Government and its
laws and the courts, for that will but pro-
| long hatred and discord.
We should see that the Territorial govern
ment is organized in all of its parts In con-
formity with the laws of Congress; that the
system of plural wives or polygamy is
denounced by Territorial statute, and that
the marital and property rights of women
of political power by ecclesiastical authority,
which is not tolerated in the slightest degree
elsewhere, should be abolished in Utah.
CONSEQUENCES IF WE DO NOT.
| We may spend the days of this important
| session in dealing with the lesser but still
important questions arising in our everyday
affairs, but until we meet fully and fairly
and definitely settle the questions of or
ganic difference between the people of the
United States and the people of Utah, legis-
late as we may, labor and strive and build
as we may, there yet will be imputations
against US, and there can be no lasting peace
or that vigorous growth to the Territory that
our resources and location warrant. Else,
we shall find in the future as we have found
in the past, that year after year as we grow
in age and numbers, instead of fuller
manhood, we shall be curtailed in what are
now under the law rightful subjects of leg
islation, and perhaps stripped by the hands
of the Parent Government of that political
power, which strengthens and SO well adorns
American citizenship, and which cannot and
has not been stripped from any who right
fully and Loyalty wear it.
COURT DECISIONS CONCLUSIVE.
The courts are the proper places in which
questions of law may be determined and the
rights of individuals, charged with public
offenses, properly defended. In the con-
tests by the Government upon one side in
executing the laws of Congress-, directed
against polygamy and unlawful cohabita-
tion, and an organized and determined effort
to defend the system of plural marriage
upon the other, the methods and arguments
presented, unfortunately have not been con-
fined to the courts.
FRUITS OF EcCLEsIAsTIcIsM.
have in my possession circular signed
by the presidency of the Church of Latter
day Saints, which in set terms designates
the Territorial Central Committee of the
Peoples Party as the instrument through
which to raise funds to defeat the laws in
Utah, Idaho and Arizona, thus making the
politics of the people subject to the direct
dictation of ecclesiastical authority.
The instructions contained in this cir
cular have been followed, in the main, so
far as defenses before the courts are con-
cerned. These instructions and other and |
like teachings having reached those intended |
to be reached, have produced a feeling more |
intense and more united than ever. The |
press which represents the church-party in |
tensifed their infammatory denunciations |
of the courts, and INDUCED in coarse and |
officers, charged with the administration of |
public Justice, abating nothing even after
their actions had been sustained by the |
Supreme Court and the President. Acts of |
disloyalty, nastiness and violence naturally
followed, and the infamed tone of the press
which defended these acts, tended to provoke
riot and bIoodshed.
In the absense of an available militia TO
support, if necessary, the civil authorities in
preserving the peace, very proper and
prompt orders were given to, and disposition
made, OF the troops of the United States
under General McCook, by reason of which
dangerous excitement was allayed.
The quiet that followed, and that which
now prevails, furnishes full justification for
'he President in promptly acting in the
QUESTIONS REQUIRING ANSWERS.
The financial and educational interests,
md the public institutions of the Territory
re imperiled. and the happiness and gen
,ral welfare OF the people are involved in
hese matters which I have presented for
our consideration. In the interest of all
classes and of the people of every religious
md political belief, this condition of affairs
hould be quickly terminated. With this {
nd in view, respectfully submit for your
consideration, with an earnest request for t
n early expression of legislative opinion !
pom them, four questions, for the reason
hat much of important legislation may be q
ependent upon or advanced by your ex- r
ressed will upon the vital issues contained @
q them: 6
First-Fhat the organization of any part
the territorial Government in manner =
ther than that prescribed by Congress is
and that all laws of the Territory
onf1lctlng with the laws of Congress should =
e repealed. U
Second-That the laws of Congress are e
aramount and should be obeyed by all citi- n
ms, and that it is the duty of all Terrific p
al, county and precinct officers, and citi p
sns OF the Territory, to aid in the enforce s.
ent OF all laws, including those directed u
yainst bigamy, polygamy and unlawful CO. ie I
10 =,
Third-That it is the duty of the lepisla- q
We authority of the Territory, by proper al
Id supplementary legislation, to aid in the OF
ecution OF all laws, including those direct p
against blgamy, polygamy and unlawful cs es
hab1tatlon. Ii, however, you deem these b1
any one OF them to be wrong, and that to
ur duty to yourselves and those you rep pr
sent will not admit of your approval of
em, then l submit that it is a duty Won We
re to yourselves and to the country to re- u.i ui
I've that you are of opinion that the ques- 81
ms submitted by the Governor do not have
ur approval in whole or in part.
Questions No. l, 2 and 8, agreed to and TIE
vs. passed by you embodying these require Tn
'nts of the country, will quickly terminate ev
ngresslonal action, and relegate to the In
ople here authority in matters now with vi nj
d from them. w.. w.
+, In your wisdom, you should see proper Of
adopt the fourth question suggested, or Th
OF like import, recommend that YOU
nkly and fully give your reasons, in order
It Congress may consider them, and if
WINGED of the rightfulness of the claim. ag
mptly repeal all legislation conflicting ha
b those views, or if disagreeing with Co
II views, may supply the legislation re- Co
ed by you. inc
UNLAwP1J1. -aovEs,,,pNr for
tut
recommend the repeal of all laws az. ant
Is or laws inconsistent with section seven ent
OF tne act OF Congress establishing the Law
rltory of Utah. All Territorial officers of
tied by Territ0rial statntes ara holl;.S IL.