Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1891-01-16

from the control of the Mormon
priests. 1t was fully understood
then, as it is fully understood now,
that all tho political power of these
people is centered in the hands OF
their leaders.
BY the provisions of the "ldaho
test OATH no member of an organi-
cation which teaches polygamy is al
lowed to vote. TO avoid this and al
so fearing a similar law would be en-
acted by Congress applying to Utah,
the president Of the Mormon church
and the
MORMON CHURCH CONFERENCE
have declared that, for the present
at least, the church will not teach or
practice polygamy. The trainers of
the Idaho State Constitution, know
ing full we'll the aims and intentions
of the Mormon Church and their fruit
fulness of resource, in the arts Of de
ception, not onl y made the "test oath"
part Of the Constitution but adopt
ed a section giving the Legislature
power to meet subterfuge with ade-
quate legislation.
1t now remains for the present
Legislature to meet the present crisis.
Idaho occupies proud position in
the Nation and it owes its high stand
ing to its firm and patriotic position
on this Mormon question more than
to any other one cause.
These people are in no wise fit to
administer the offices of any common
wealth, and until there are some
b signs at least, that they are in sym
} pathy with American institutions they
) should not be permitted the privi-
+. leges of the franchise. Their pro-
4 testations count for nothing. Not
withstanding the action of their pres
f ideut and the recent conference, and
the declaration in their Utah party
platform that each member of the or
ganization was free agent, political
", tho election for delegate in Utah
in November last showed that every
member of the Mormon Church
VOTED FOR THE MoRMoN's
candidate for delegate. The fact
that this action SO plainly showed
the hypocrisy of their pretenslons
and tho further fact that it was a crit
real period for them could not deter
- the leaders from exercising this pow.
4 er which is lodged in their hands.
The Mormons do not vote in Idaho
and until it is clear that there is q
= change in the aims of the organiza
ton they should not be allowed tc
vote. The center of power of the
entire church is in Utah, and wher
; by the actions and course of the
. church in Utah ii is evident that
= these people have transferred theil
; political allegiance from the ohurcI
to the government then, and not un-
til then, should they be allowed tc
t. participate in the political affairs o
$ Idaho. am aware of the fact tina
the church has lobbyists at Boise.
{ ALL THEY ASK IS,
h that no legislation affecting them bt
e passed at tins session. Bishop Hogc
e is there He claims to be Republi-
i can, aud Processes that he will deliv
l. er the entire church vote to the Re
i publican party if that party, wheel
II now controls the State government
o permits them to vote. Bishop Bulge
S willing to give guarantee to lead
/. ing Republicans that the Mormons
Will VOTE THE REPUBLICAN TICKET
in exchange for the favor Of the fran
i ohise 1t would be- easy to give the
history Of both Bishop Hoge anc
q Bishop Bulge.
1 | have no doubt of the ability o
these church leaders to deliver the
D entire vote of the church to the Re
l. publican party, nor do question
a their willingness to do so. 1t woulc
: not be harsh for me to say, either
that there is probably truth in tbs
S rumor that
/ y LARGE FUND
= will be in the hands of the churcl
= agents at Boise. The disgrace 10 the
Republican party would be the more
: marked and lasting il these argu-
I meuts should weigh al all. The new
e State has kept its politics on a higl
+ plane, Corruption has not awaited
y so far, to cast even stain on he
j fair name, and it should be the proue
ambition OF all Legislators and elect
/ ors that this record be maintained fo
Q all time. We should remember, too
t that the American citizens Of ou
: friend and neighbor to the south, art
= engaged in desperate and uneyer
contest with this organization. Tn,
attempt will be made here next win
ter to
III GIVE STATEHOOD TO UTAH.
: Under present conditions there il