The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1888-02-24
q PROTESTING MoRMoNs.
A Declaration OF Grievances Formulate
in Convention.

Meetings have been held throughout
Utah, Idaho, and Arizona, at all the
Mormon tabernacles, at which declar.
alton of grievances and protest which
had been formulated at general con-
ference OF the Mormon church, April s,
was read. The declaration is addressed
to the president and the people of tho
Cnited States. 1t begins by saying:
"A condition of affairs imperilling tho
vital interests of the vast majority of the
people OF Utah and their co-religionists
in the neishboring states and territor-
les, impels us, their representatives, to
address you. Our rights as American
citizens are tramplcd upon, and believ-
ing it our imperative duty,
in the presence of such O
danger, TO protest against the gigantic
evil which threatens not only our liber-
ties, but the liberties of every freeman,
we, in general mass meeting assembled,
i'll the name of freedom, justice and lu-
manitv make this appeal for relief and
protection. We are unpopular with
our fellow-countrymen; it is our rsli-
gion which makes MS 30. We are
small minority in their midst, but We
have vet to learn that these are grounds
upon which to justify in land Of lib
erty the acts of oppression which we as
apeopc from the beginning of our his
tory have been made to suffer. Asto
nlr religious faith, it is based upon evil
dence which to orr minds is conclusive
-ronvictions not to be destroyed by
/! legislative enactments or judicial de-
ci>ions. Force may enslave the body,
but it cannot convince the mind. To
yield, at the demand of the legislator or
the Judge, tho rights OF conscience,
would prove us recreant to every duty
we owe to God and man. Among the
/ principles of our religion is that of i'm
mediate revelation from God; one OF the
doctrines so revealed is celestial or plu-
raj marriage, for which ostensibiy we
are stigmauZcl and hated. This is o
vital part OF our religion. the decisions
of courts to tho contrary notwithstand-
/ ing"
The charge of treason and rebellion
made against the Mormons is declared
to he unjust and untrue. Tie fact is
cited that Il quota of 500 men was sent
1000 miles overland to aid the
United States IN fighting against
Mexico. 1t is asserted that the
general government has ever been
willing to lend Il willing ear to all re-
| ports of setlition made against the Nor
mon people, and that when investigated
| they lave always been exploded.
Strong complaint is made that tho
government has refused to confer state
liood upon the NIormons, although
Utah has all tho qualifications of popu-
latiun, wealth and stability OF COM
mcrce and society. 1t complains that
aliens have invariably been sent into
the territory to govern the people, who,
with honorable exceptions, have tram
Piled tho rights of the people under
foot. Tho petitions, protests and
memorials against these abuses have
never been needed. 1t then goes on to
| say;
The paramour of mistresses and har-
lots, secure from prosecution, walks
the streets i'll open day. No United
States official puts "spottcr" on his
trail or makes an effort to drag his
deeds Of shame and guilt before Judge
and inry Tor investigation and punish-
ment. But note the contrast In
Utah, Idaho and Arizona. concerted
assault is made upon the Mormon peo-
pie. Spoilers and spies dog their foot
steps. Dcators thrust themselves into
cd-cllambers and watch at windows.
Children are questioned upon the streets
ns to the martial relations of their par
cnts Families arc dragged before
commissioners aud grand iuries, and,
on pain Of punishment for contempt,
are compelled to testify against their
fathers and husbands. Modest women
are made to answer shamefully inde-
cent questions us to the sexual relations
of men and women. Attempts are
made to bribe men to work up cases
against their neighbors. Notoriously
dIsrcputable characters are cmployedto to
spy into mems family relations"