The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1892-02-17
PLAYING FOE MORMON VOTES.

The Republicans of Idaho are practicing
the tricks of the demagogue as usual, now
playing for the friendship of the Mormors,
and still afraid to openly declare them
selves. They want the Mormon votes if
the Mormons shall be permitted to vote,
but don't want to have it appear on the
surface that they entertain any sort Of af-
lection for the 5 aints. For months past it
has been known that counting" was in
process. Mormons supposed to be infiu-
ential have received hints that in certain
contingencies-we will suppose, for in
stance, that the majority of the Saints
would enlist in the Republican ranks-the
disfranchisement law of the state might be
made imperative. Feelers have been
thrown out, and we apprehend that some of
them caught for it has been observed
that within the past three months
efforts have been put forth to organize the
G. o. p, in Mormon communities where
heretofore Republicans were so scarce as
TO be regarded as in the nature of curiosi-
ties, II not freaks. 1t was not SO long ago,
just when the people began TO think about
getting ready for the campaign, that a
!
violation of the disfranchisement statute
were nolled by the Republican prosecutor,
at the suggestion, it is said, of the Repub-
lican Congressman and Senators. That
was one bid. What effect it had upon the
masses Of the Saints up there we do not
pretend to know; but it was freely talked
that the Republican bosses were hobnob-
bing with the Mormons with the view
to the November election. Correspon-
dents wrote about it, and newspapers
commented, while good mary carefully
watched for events.
| 1t is said that some of the more out
| spoken OF the Republicans became nervous,
and declared that the party must not waver
! IN its open and determined warfare
against the Mormons, whilst the more cum
ming ones wanted to play policy and if
possible seduce all the Saints into the Re-
publican fold by show of consideration
and friendship.
Last week the state Republican league
club was organized at Boise, and some
Mormon Republicans, or at least Repub-
licans bearing credentials signed by
Mormons, put IN an appearance, and
asked for recognition, but the
radical anti-M0rmOns were in
control and the would-be delegates from
the Mormon communities were rejected
That was dlspleasing to the policy players
who feared that their game would be
blocked, and on Monday, at the meeting
OF the state committee another bait was
thrown out in the form of a resolution, as
follows:
Resolved, That the Republican state com
mittee of the state of Idaho welcome into the
ranks OF our party all law-abiding citizens o
whatever race or creed, who believe in tn.
principles OF the Republican party, who adhere
TO its cardinal doctrine, that no man, howeve
humble, but is entitled to the protection of III,
law, nor so great and powerful but he mus
obey its mandates.
There could be but one object in the
adoption Of this resolution, and that obiec
Is plain enough to those who know any
thing of what has been going on durin.
the past few months. 1t is direct bid fo
the Mormons to enter the Republican
camp, and the wording is suel
as to avoid giving offenss tt
those radical Mormon naters VIII,
are at least consistent if not polite, in tina
they cannot profess love for those whom
they have fought and prosecuted with s.
much bitterness and determination ant
with such good effect, from their stand
point.
TIE HERALD does not believe the effort
Of the Republican schemers will bear fruit
We &c not think the Mormons up Their
have SO little regard for principle that the,
viii traffic with the enemy for temporar,
gain. The great majority of the Saints ar
Democrats from conviction, and they vii
be true TO their principles. Furthermore
it was the Republicans who disfranchiset
them and wrought their ensiavement, am
it is not likely they will kiss the hand tina
smope them. 1t is only matter of brie
time when they will be restored to citizen
: ship, and they can better afford to wal
than they can make a crooked record t
forever after plague them.