The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-11-15
The Terrible Oath the Mormons
Take Who Go Through the
Endowment House.
Sworn to Avenge the Death OF
Joseph Smith and the
Church Martyrs
The Horrible Fate which Awaits the One
who Reveals Church Secrets
The Priestly Rule.

SAIr LAKE., Nov. ll.-On February 10
next there will be municipal election in
this city. Il will be the first real contest
between the Mormons and Gentiles for su-
prcmaoy in city affairs. Both sides have
canvassed the city and find many non-natur-
allied men eligible for citizenship. For
several weeks past the courts have been
daily employed making new citizens. Last
Friday n Mormon named John More made
application for admission. lie swore he
had been through the endowment house.
Objection was made TO his admission on the
ground that parties going through
there were compelled to take
an oath which was incompati-
bile with their becoming law abiding
citizens. A continuance was granted till
to-day TO give the obiector time TO make
proof. Six witnesses testified to-day, and
revealed state OF facts that appalled, the
large crowd present in the court room.
The witnesses were all men who had at one
time in their lives been through the endov-
ment house. but who have since apostacized
that one Of the oaths taken was TO ayenge
the blood Of Joseph Smith, the first presi-
dent Of the Mormon church, and all the
church martyrs, ON the government of
the United States from the
president down 10 the last man. The women
took an oath not 10 interfere with the prac-
tice of polygamy on the part of their hus-
bands. The penalty for revealing the
secrets Of the endowment house, or violat-
ing the oath, or apostasizing was death; the
form Of the penalty was by cutting the
throat from ear to ear, by cutting out the
heart and tongue or by disembowelment.
The witnesses related specific instances in
which men hRd been killed by order of the
church and the details were narrowing.
Every witness swore positively that
he took the oath in the endowment
house 10 obey the priesthood implicitly in
all things spiritual, temporal, social politi-
cal and financial. They swore further that
they had obligated themselves 10 obey all
church laws, in preference 10 all civil laws,
and that their highest allegiance was TO the
church.
John Bond one Of the witnesses, swore he
went through the endowment house in 1868
and was required to take AN obligation
which compelled him TO obey every doctrine
4 of the church, especially in opposition TO
the United States, under penalty Of his life.
ho was also required 10 take nm oath 10
avenge the blood Of Joseph Smith ON this
nation and teach this 10 his children and
( childron's children Ia the latest generation.
Martin H. Wardel took similar oath
about the same time. lie said he wis told
I II he revealed any secrets his throat would
/ bc cut and his bowels be torn ont. He said
the death penalty WIS enforced ON man
named Green number Of years ago, and
when some Of the members of the band
murmured. John A. Young said il they did
not shut up they would be served in
the SINE way. Andrew Cahoon swore
10 the same obligations. He
said he took AN oath that the
highest allegiance WIS 10 the Mormon
church. POlygamy was the command Of
God and all must endorse il or be damned.
The general teaching of the church is hos
tility 10 the laws of the land. Cahoon had
heard the leaders Of the church party talk
about the overthrow Of the United States
government. IL is common for Wilford
Woodruff, the present hend Of the church, to
do this All the witnesses spoke Of murders
they had either seen or heard Of in conse-
uuence Of these OathH.