Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1889-04-22

fAesSsASSSS aeS ANONYMOUS tS0SuAGS ooo
its degre dation of women would have
supplanted European civilization. 1t
is an open question could such sys-
TEN have been permanently estab-
lished in Europe? That il question
which it is not my province to discuss
at this time. In the dispensation of
an all-wise Providence the issue was
settled in favor of the European and
against the ignorant and degraded
hordes from Africa and Asia.
EVILS TO BE REMEDIED.
Why do I refer to this subject at
this time and place? Because this
very system has obtained control of
Utah and extends its ramifications
into the adjoining States and Terri
tories, obtaining foothold in Idaho
Now that we are seeking to assume
the dignity Of Statehood we should
carefully scan our political horizon
and ascertain if we are true to those
fundamental theories that have ever
been regarded as sacred trust re-
ceived from the fathers of the re-
public. If there is anything wrong
anywhere let US ascertain our ability
to cast it out. So that when Idaho
takes her place beside her sister
States it will be with star as
bright and radiant as any in the
national cluster.
l have already referred to the
spirit of fraternity and charity
which characterizes our organiza-
ton. 1t is highly proper to refer to
the spirit of loyalty which reigns
predominant among US everywhere
and makes of US the natural foes of
treason and reasonable practises.
Therefore, if we at this time, the
representatives of the men who free
ly offered their lives for the prescr-
walton of their country, should place
ourselves ON record as being now
and at all times opposed to the
polygamous practises and teach
ings of the Mormon church.
we but perform duty which
can not be more fittingly discharged
than at the present Encampment.
That we are furthermore opposed to
that principle of Mormonism which
would introduce religion into the
domain of politics. The fathers of
the government wisely at its very in
ception separated Church from
State. Taking religion out of the
statute books and giving it to each
mans conscience where it rightfully
belongs. The political doctrine thus
laid down is adhered to now as
firmly as it was in the days of George
Washington, but when freedom of
conscience becomes RIGHTEOUSNESS it is
time to stop. The anarchist claims
that his freedom is abridged when he
is denied the right to counsel and
plot the obstruction of his neighbours
property. The Mormon claims that
his religious freedom is abridged
when he is denied the right to prac-
tise unbridled RIGHTEOUSNESS and to
supplant the State with his system
of religion. 70 all lovers of their
country, and to all those who can
look dispassionately at the situation
there is as much danger to society in
the teachings and practise OF Nor
monism, as there is in the teachings
and practise of anarchlsm. The one
destroys the right of property, the
other would destroy the social tie
which binds society, and would ulti.
rLately end in the subversion of the
State by the Church and thus destroy
freedom of conscience and either
would be the common grave in which
our civilization would be buried.
In referring to this disagreeable
subject let it be distinctly under
stood that it is in no spirit Of hostility
to the Mormon people only so far as
their institutions conflict with our
theory OF government aud the laws
of society. Whenever they see
fit to conform to those principles,
theories, and customs which bind
their neighbors together in one COM
mon bond for the public welfare,
which bind all the Deoule of this