Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-29

WASHINGTON, d. c., May &c.

y - ~ %tAtsJ ~Vs
A lengthy report on the question
of polygamy was made this week, by
the House Judiciary Committee. 1t
contends that the evils of the Nor
mon system are deeper than can be
cured by ordinary legislation. To
punish the offenders may be accom-
plished by law, but to extirpate the
system, to eradicate it from the Union
of free and civilized Commonwealth;
will require change in the constitu-
ton. The report, while not propos-
ing to disturb the power Of each State
to regulate its own laws, would enact
that no Territory can join the Union
as State, with polygamy attached.
Apropos of this action of the Commit
tee, I have never been able to account
for the singular fascination the Nor
mon faith appears to have for women.
1t is indeed paradox in nature, for
any intelligent woman to be attracted
by q religion SO utterly devoid of
good principles and purity. | re.
member some years ago, while en-
route to Leavenworth, meeting a
young woman who was returning
home after having spent the winter
in Salt Lake. / learned she was en-
gagged to wealthy Mormon, who, al
though having several better frac-
tional parts, seemed as Unsuitable in
''wanting more" as poor little Oliver
Twist, when in the Yorkshire poor
house. She was SO enthusiastic over
the doctrines of the church, that after
few circumstances and adroitly ex-
pressed opinions, / gave up in des-
pair / have often since wondered if
she married the wheezy old polyga-
mist I have in my imagination.
Ex-senator Davis, Of West Virginia,
speaking of the contemplated new
railroad from Piedmont to Cumber
land, says that the necessary surveys
are now being made with view to
permanently locating the line, which
is to begin at the West Virginia Cen
trail junction, about a mile west of
Piedmont, and follow the Potomac
river to Cumberland, a distance of
nearly 28 miles. The new road will
have uo~ cornectfvrr wfftttr eittar Che
Pennsylvania or Baltimore and Ohio.
1t will be of great advantage to the
people of West Virginia, as it will re
duce freight and promote the COM
mercial prosperity Of the people along
the route. Mr.. Davis said also, that
as soon as the times became more IA
vorable, and business should warrant
it, the West Virginia Central would
be extended to connect with the Ches
apeake and Ohio system.
The approaching marriage of Pres
ident Cleveland and Miss frankie
Folsom, is at present the all-absorb-
ing theme among the correspondents
of the New York press. There APP
pears to exist, however, variety of
opinions concerning the affair The
San asserts that Mr.. Cleveland has
selected as groomsmen, the following
remarkable list: James G.. Blaine,
Secretary Bayard, Gov. Hill, White
law Reid and Grand Master T. V.
] Il ONO6Ill. IL Will DG ptilS W DItNilCb
that if these gentlemen assume the
capacity mentioned, that there will
be such a scene of carnage and riot
as to require the entire American
army to restore peace and harmony.
In the Herald the startling announce
ment is made that they will be mar
ried by Talmage in the Conservatory
of the White House, under chain of
forget-me-nots and night blooming
cereus. The World states positively
that the ceremony will take place on
General Buffers yacht, promptly at
II o'clock, and that the honeymoon
will be spent in the Washington Mon
ument
I confess to have o great admira-
ton for the better class of liars, but
such wanton falsehoods as these are
a nuisance, and serve no better end
than to reflect the villainous views of
the journalistic swindler who preys
upon our credulity. ALIc.