The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1890-10-12
''END OF THE MORMON ISSUE

Under the above caption the clear headed
and fair minded editor of the San Fran
cisco alta discusses the recent manifesto
iorpidding polygamy in its political bear
ing We doubt that anybody here had
thought of the effect which the manifesto
would have on the Mormons in Idaho as
regards their political rights and actions,
hence the Alta article will be read with in
terest by both Mormons and nom Mormons.
We print the editorial entire:
The heads of the Mormon church have at
last taken step which has no douht been de-
layed by the death of BRIGHAM YOUNG. They
have publicly and formally and author.ia:ively
put end 10 polygamy. They do it in what
may be called religious way for want of bet
ter term, and this is one evidence of its sin
certify. The Mormon movement will hence-
forth get moro respectful study than i, has
had while identified with polyga,ly. We say
respectful attention for co isidered in an7
aspect, movement which has controlled the
conscience and the conduct of hundreds of
Thousands of people, Sc m of them OF high in
telligence, canr OF be ignored by phiospht rs and
students OF psycholo ". Considering the differ
ence In the age ard cirs u Instances, the Mormon
movement made much more rapid progress than
Mahometanism. and the inquiry into the cause
OF It's growth vii become of Prime interest
This hnal step out of polygany viii "a Sc SON G
interesting legal questions and precipitate
some political issues of great importance.
Does it remove the bar t, the ID aiss'on of
Utah into the union? Is a territory to be kept
subordinate because Q majority of its people
belong to 4 certain chureh: The political
nov nf ~.f, rn.l T..
can no longer mako Utis, a theoracy. The
decision of political action By the hierarchy is
no longer possible. Then what reason mains
Tor the exclusion OF those people from III fellow
ship in the unions The legal question relates
to the status of Mormons in Idaho, who are now
in outlawry by the hideous provisions of the
state constitution. When the caurch publicly
announces that It ceases TO teach poly-amy,
does the test oath provided in that constitution
cease TO operate? Can the Idaho Mormons
rext year approach the ballet box and be re-
installed in their civil and political rights? The
aHd sees NJ reason for refusing them their
rights. But can they be regsined without an ap-
peal to tie courts 10 make it n matter of proof
thatthe church has purged theui The epubli
cans VIII no doubt do all that they can-to pre-
vent any restoration Of their rights. Their d S
| reimbursement has given that party two more
Senators. ana control OF the state gover m mt
To enfranchiSe them VIII no doubt mean the
loss OF Idaho TO that party il the next election,
and 1t has never been known TO willingly part
with power that could be hold by article. It
has recently shown signs OF applying the Idaho
policy to Arizona by first DISTINGUISHING the
Mormons and then admitting the c ritory as a
state. This is an admission that Arizona he's
no bar TO statehood except the Mormon vote,
and what further excuse can appear aftcr that
has ceased to be polygamous vote? The Nor
mon leaders deserve credit for voluntarily re-
moving a reason which was being pleaded by
politicians for legislation that was running
away from the principles Of free government.
They have been wise in this Letus hope that
these people will now feel more and more that
theyare Americans and have mutual part and
lot in the future aud the destiny the republic.