The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1895-10-12
CHURCH INFLUENCE IN POLITICS.

Since the editorial which appeared
in The Herald yesterday morning With
! reference to rumors in circulation in
the territory was written, an investiga-
ton made has determined in a salts
factory manner that there is founda-
ton for them. and that the action of
Presidents Smith and Cannon in the
priesthood meeting Monday morning
has been construed by Republicans to
mean that the First Presidency de-
sires the defeat of the Democratic
party in the coming election.
/ In brief. the facts are as follows:
On Monday meeting. known as a
/ priesthood meeting, was held in this
city, which was attended by the First
Presidency. the Apostles, the quorum
of Seventies. the Presidents of the
Stakes and their councillors.
AT this meeting two gentlemen,
prominent Democrats who are candi-
dates on the Democratic state ticket,
were strongly condemned because they
mad accepted nominations from po-
litical party without first taking coun-
sell 1t is true they are prominent
officials in the Mormon church, and
as such owe an obedience to it
but no obligation which they
are under to the church should inter
fere with their political freedom.
If in Utah any man who is a Mormon
must first take counsel relative to
what course he shall pursue, then the
declaration SO often made that in Utah
all men are free to do as they please
politically. is absolutely false.
Why should man who is a Demo-
crat take counsel of another man who
is a Republican?
If there is anything in the declara-
ton of the First Presidency that they
have no desire to control political mat
ters in Utah, then such a position is
untenable. And if that declaration
does not mean all that it says the time
to ascertain what it does mean is now
Is it necessary for members of the
Mormon church to consult with their
ecclesiastical superiors before they can
accept any political nomination?
If it was not the purpose of what
was said to influence the action of
voters at the coming election. the re-
suit is that it is certainly having de-
cided effect. and there is no Disgusting
the fact that it is injuring the chances
of the Democratic party.
It is all very we'll to say that there
was no intention to have any influence
on the politics of Utah, but Democrats
are confronted with the fact that it is
having an adverse effect on them.
and the only thing for the party to do
is to meet the issue as it is presented
to it.
If the church officials really had no
intention of exerting political in
fuence. they nave every opportunity of
correcting the impression which is be-
ing scattered broadcast over Utah
viz: that the church is against the
Democratic party.
In the meantime, Democrats must
prepare to contend against this inhu-
ence. in manner that will be the
most effective.
The Herald is a Democratic news
paper and will support the Democratic 1
party in this matter. There will be
no mincing of matters. no unjust as
sailing Of mon or measures b11t if !
viii contend for the absolute freedom
Of every man and woman in Utah
from ecclesiastical influence in political
affairs. 1t is better, now that this is
sue has been raised. that it be settled
before Utah becomes a state than to
meet it when statehood becomes a /
reality.