The record-union., 1892-02-17
Special to the REconp-uNIoN.

special to the RECoRD-USToN.
WASHINGTON, Feb. ia most inter-
esting conflict, spirited and determined,
has been going on, and still goes on, be-
fore the Senate and House Committees on
Territories The future of Utah is the
subject over which the controversy RACES.
Three distinct delegations, sixteen men
IN all, are here to advance the ideas they
have and to carry ont the instructions
given them by the people. The diverse
interests are looked after by thirteen citi-
zens, who are classified with the Gentiles,
while the other three have afinities which
bind them to the Mormon faith. From
these three delegations have emanated
three distinct propositions, and of these
Congress viii be called upon to select one.
The first and most original of these
propositions looks to novel governmental
conditions something unique in Ameri-
can history, and just as popular in Utah
IS it is novel. 1t cOntempIateS 'home
rule'' for the Territory, and provides for
The election of all officers, Territorial,
county and precinct, by the people OF
tue Territory. In return for this prlvl-
lege of selecting their local rulers the
people of the Territory offer to pay the
salaries of these officials. This gives
complete autonomy under Territorial
form of Government. The advantage OF
shis proposition is that it affords the peo-
pie all the relief which would come with
statehood, and yet leaves to Congress the
power to abolish the government at any
time, should the power of its local gov
arnment be abused. Such plan would
also leave the penal statutes Of the United
states in force, and create court to en-
lorce them. This is in Difference to the
prejudice against the Mormon people,
which still exists throughout the country.
This "home rule" or compromise plan
has been indorsed by the Territorial Leg
.ure, and it is advocated by eight Of the
delegates.
The second proposition originated with
the Republicans of the Territory. They
seek absolute and unqualified admission
as State. There are five Republicans Of
prominence here to support their plat
form, and to insist on admission at the
earliest possible moment.
The third proposition comes from the
Liberals" These are Gentiles. They
are opposed to any sort, shape, kind, de-
scription or variety of legislation. Their
prayer is LET us alone.'
one of the strange features of the strife
IS that the Mormons do not appear as
MOrmons. The Mormon party has gone
out of business. Polygamy was it back
bone, and all its delegates are agreed that
pOlygamy has departed from Utah. The
dissolution ofthe Mormon party is shown
by figures. There are 80, 600 voters in the
Territory. OF these $4,000 are Mormons,
and OF the Mormons 1900 are Demo-
Gratis and 5000 Republicans. The 1900
Gentiles are divided up into three parties.
Of these 5000 are Democrats, 1900 are Re-
publicans and 1000 are Liberals. If the
Liberals were subdivided 1,500 would be
found in the Democratic ranks on ma
Cional issues. The balance are Repub-
leans.
The work Of the delegates who seek
legislative assistance has practically gone
Sor naught, though a few over-enthusi-
astic speakers upset the ''apple-cart'' bv
abusing in unmeaSured language the
Federal officials who have governed
Utah for years past. Adventures,
DlundererS, incompetent and corrupt
vampires, were among the terms used
IN that connection. The Utah Commits
sion, past and present, Republican and
Democratic, was aSSailed, and as some
eminent in national politics, the sweep
ing assertions of Illegal action and cor
ruptlon have stirred up feelings of the
most active resentment among their
friends on both side of the Senate Cham
Der. The home-rulers will probably Sc
cure favorable report from the House
committee, but the Senate may be counted
with the opposition. To make a favor
able report on the bill, say those who
nave a right to talk, would be to uphold
charges that the Senators believe to be
without the slightest foundation.