Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1886-09-17


been sought by the very republicans
who have been the loudest to denounce
them.
The whole anti-mormon cutlery is
political dodge to defeat the democracy.
1t is so with the false charge of union
of church and state. There is nothing |
in it. Each is kept as separate and dis
tinct from the other among the "mor-
mons" as the straightest democrat could
desire. The church alarm is an empty
sound. 1t should not even frighten
children. The pretence that Utah
eccesiasticism forces political issues in
Idaho is specious fabrication. There
is no truth in it. Where is the man who
has been compelled to vote or abstain
from voting, to hold an Office or vacate
it, to do anything or refrain from doing
anything by means of church coercion ?
He cannot be produced. So with the
charge of the use of church money. l
challenge our defamers to bring forward
a man who has been bribed or offered
bride by the mormon church." Let
him be exhibited. Show us the politi
cal curiosity! Barnum would buy him
for the greatest living wonder. He is
nothing but a republican myth.
And what of the alleged undue influ-
ence of the Enormous" in Idaho
politics? What have they ever de-
manded that was not fair What have
they ever opposed that was for the
interest of the territory In what con-
yention have they ever been overbear-
ing or unreasonable ? In what legisla-
ture have they lent their aid to support
any job, or withheld it from any laud-
able public project defy the enemies
of the Enormous" to show wherein
they have ever done anything inimica
to the best good of the public In all
their political career in Idaho. The
fact is they have been always modest in
their movements and considering theil
numbers and the influence they coult
WELD by their recognized unity, they
have been deserving of praise for thei
unselfsh course. No fair man of any
party can truthfully dispute their asser
ton.
All that the republicans have ALLEGED
against mormon" influence in Ira'
, has been the boldest kind of balderdash
: And yet some protesting democrat
have been frightened by it into a mos
ridiculous attitude. They have joine,
, with republicans to weaken their owl
party. They have violated their owl
political faith to assail the religion
= principles of others. The very name c
!, 'anti-mormon party" is sign of poit
cal heresy. A true democrat knows n
, religious distinctions in politics. A tru
!, republican will not mix religious wit
political issues.
The proper position for all non-"mol
mon" democrats to take was defined :
Boise, at the recent mass meeting, b
), Hon. j. III. Hawley. He announce
himself in favor of vigorous enforc,
ment Of the laws but against any int
\ ference with the voting power of tn
citizens. If man breaks the law, Il
him be punished by the law. But Will
= he does not render himself amenable
the laws penalties he should not b
deprived of the franchise, whether /
be mormon" or methodist, episcopalia
; or baptist, believer or infdel. TIL
position taken by this prominent, alb
and influential democrat should |
assumed by every sensible man in II
party. 1t was admirably presented /
: the young mems democratic club
Boise, in their vigorous declare ton th
no mans franchise should be take
:. away by legislation. That is sour
= democratic doctrine, and is in acco
with Mr.. Hawley's views. The cour
" shonld decide on the conduct of perso
y charged with offences. The electi
>, franchise is property, and cannot
taken away without due process of la
y That does not mean legislation, but
III fair and impartial judicial proceedin
y The test oath act is disgrace to Il
~ territory. Every true democrat W
y determine that it shall be swept fro
y the statutes. 1t was placed there by
political trick. 1t was designed
no weaken and destroy the democrat
~ party in Idaho. Let no one professil
Ne to be democrat give it countenance t
ID any purpose. He who does so is trait
le to his party and unworthy of Il
ST. confidence of any honest man.
Ih For the same purpose the rece
er assault on free speech was made by t
III republicans at Oxford. 1t is claim
no that Elder John w. Taylor, in advisi
ID the Enormous" who are not polygami
IN to vote, and if necessary to carry thu
&c case to the highest court of the lar
III and in stating he was the SON of