Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-05-23
THE FINALE.
THE MORMONS,
An Interview With the Ex-Chairman of the
Commission on Mormon Affairs
Polygamy in Utah IS a Dead


Judge A. B. Carlton, of Indiana, ex-
commission on Mormon affairs, was in
the city yesterday aad had a pleasant
meeting with Speaker Carlisle, who is still
here visiting his son. Judge Carlton in
speaking of Mormon affairs, exaressed the
opinion to his friends that Iolygamy in
Utah was thing of the past. He said
that the Mormon people would compare
favorably with any other religious body;
that they were honest and sincere in their
religious belief and that any further legis-
lation against them of a hostile character
would be equivalent to an Infringement OF
that principle OF our constitution which
guarantees religious liberty to all men
the worship of God according to the die
tates of conscience.
Judge Carlton was chairman OF the
commission for seven years, and
no doubt understands the Nor
man question thoroughly. His
dissertation on affairs in Mormondom
was listened to attentively by quite a
large group of politicians and others as
sembled last night in the lobby of the Ho-
tel Carey.
The EAGLE reporter had a short talk
with the ex-commissioner.
what is the object of the law of con-
press under which the Utah commission is
actingf"
"The object is the abrogation of polyg-
amy"
docs the law interfere with the relig
ious creed of the people of Utah;"
cit does not, but expressly declares the
contrary. The theory of the law is tha
evil practices and acts shall be punished
and suppressed but that religious opinions
and creeds should not be interfered with.
ANY other view would be in direct conflict
with our constitution which guarantees
freedom Of religious opinions and creeds."
What success are the Off
GERS Of the government having
having in way of the suppression of polyg-
amy"
During the last seven years there has
been very great change for the better.
When first went to Utah, in 1882, polyg-
amy was openly advocated by the Nor
mon pulpit and press. AT the present
time this has entirely ceased, aud z reat
majority of the Mormon people, by taking
the registration oath and voting for con-
stisution prohibiting polygamy have
placed themselves on record against po-
| lygamy. A small minority OF the Nor
mons are disposed to retard the wheels OF
| progress, and, strange TO say, the desire OF
a small minority of the 'gentiles' for a re
! form in the mormons is not commensurate
with their greed for the spoilS Of Office.
| They would be sorry TO see the
| Mormons give up polygamy for its sboli-
| ton would dssipate their last excuse for
congressional interfe renee, for the reason
that their pet hobby for years has been the
obstruction of local self government In
| Utah, by a disfranc hismeut OF the Nor
mon people from voting and holding Office
! Bnt in spite OF these reactionary influences
the reform is progressing rapidly aud sure
| ", and IN the future we may expect
| new cases Of polygamy in Utah to be as
rare as bigamy in the stat Of Kansas"
Judge Carlton, Of Terre Haute, Ind,
father of Charles Carlton. and who is on
/ his way home from Salt Lake, called yes
terday in company with his son. Judge
| C. says that he IS greatly impressed with
| Wichita, with her costly Improvements,
| lively business streets, etc, and that her
( destiny is surely as secure as tina, OF either
/ Denver or Salt Lake Mr.. Charles Carl
| ton, his son, who is connected with the
| Pacific Associated Press, wiz accompany
| the Indian commission in their negotia-
| tiations with the Cherokees.
/ President w s. Co.bett, with the man
! ufacturing committee. viii visit the Wich-
| tia Wire and Wire Cloth factory tomor-
row afternoon. Mr.. Dickinson, OF the
| Wichita Street railway has kindly fur
nished transportation, leaving the corner
| OF Douglas and Main az o'clock, Thurs
| day, the 23d Mayor Clement with the
/ council. board Of trade, merchants, with
/ their ladies are cordially invited This
/ will be an opportunity for the public to
| see the drawing and weaving Of wire and
/ wire CLOTH Nothing Of the kind can Re
| seen this side of che Mississippi Come in
cars. carriages and teams You viii De
will be well satisfied George E Harris.
| president