Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-11-05
AN EVIL STATE
Would be Utah and Her MOrmOn
Citizens,
Hex Poor Schools and Fought 0Tef
Grazing Fields,
And Lands In the Power Of PoIygamists.
Today and Forever.

WARRINGTON NOV q
Arthur L. Thomas, Governor of Utah
Territory. in his annual report to the Seere-
tary of the Interior, says the question Of
what the government should do with the vast
tracts Of land which can be used only for
grazing purposes is assuming vital importance
throughout the west and is directly associated
with the problem of tie cheap food supply.
Under ,he present conditions these unoccu-
pied lands are used by persons engaged in
stock raising There is no harmony of in
teresrs among them, he says, and no pro,ec-
ton afforded by the law in the use Of lands
There are frequent conflicts between the
ciashing interests
The Governor is of the opinion if the gov
ernment would provide T way by which per
sons engaged In stock growing could acquire
title to grazing lands which can never be
used for agricultural purposes, ii would re-
move one Of the most Sc ious drawbacks to
the growth Of the stock industry aud promote
the settlement of the Country.
Ia the course of his report upon public
ard denominational schools in Utah, the
Governor Gays While Utah has very
fair ystem OF public schools, they fall far
short of what it should be. The tax col
lected for the support Of schools does not
pay half the expense of maintaining the
schools. consequently the pupils must pay
tuition fees or the schools will be closed.
In many poorer districts the children are
denied school privileges for many months Of
the year There is no prospect that this will
be changed am led to this conclusion by
the fact that the Mormon people with almost
entire unanimity are quietly preparing for
UNCONVENTIONAL schools, in which children
may be taught Mormon theology in addition
10 the ordinary branches of education. In
some school districts the Mormon children
have been Withdraw % from the public schools
aud placed in the church schools
The Governor recommends that Congress
al once place the control of the public schools
in the hands of those disposed to De friendly
to them. During the last year, the Gov
ernor says, the people of Utah have enjoyed
unusual prosperity The Indians IN the
northeastern part of the territory are con-
tented and give but little cause of complaint.
The Governor strongly protests against the
removal 10 Utah of the C;es now in southern
Colorado to satisfy the selfish demands OF
people of another state
The Governor says that at the last muLiei.
pal election the Geutiles carried the city of
Ogden by 433 majority. Six months later
10 the election held throughout the territory
for members of the legislative assembly the
tientles Ell, cted two of the II members of
the council and 6 of the "A members of the
house. At this election the Gentlies car
ried Ogden and also Salt Lake City by Al
majority. He says The time may come
when the Geuties Hil be IN the majority
but it viii be many years hence. Outside
of Sal; Lake City and Ogden the Gentle
population is found III The mining camps and
small railroad towns, The great bulk of
the population Of Utah is aui alwsyswill be
in the valleys. surely all the land under
cultivation and water that can be used 10 ir-
rigaie il without great expense to the owner,
are appropriated by the Mormons. As they
hold and own the land and water they hold
and own liah"
The governor says the Mormon people who
have accepted the doctrine of polygamy will
probably adhere TO il as long as they live.
The Mormon church, the governor SAYS, ac-
lively engages in politics and he adds Il
do not hesitate to say that any temporking
policy. which leaves the church in position
to control the political policy of the territory
is only deia. ing the final settlement, Future
legislation, should be aimed at the political
power of the church, which has been the
main pillar OF its strength in Utah"