New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-01-05
NIMRER EORTY-EII e.

Ry the Presidents proclamation Utah becomes
an independent State Of this indissoluble mon.
Forthwith in the order Of time. it Is not an exag-
ceration to say that the new Commonwealth Is
among the first in prospects. II possesses an
immense territory rcn and multifarious re-
sources. a climate admirably adapted to Their
deyelopmcnt an energetic and thrifty people to
supply the necessary brains and muscle strong
attractions for capital and special inducements
to immigration. The population in 1890 was
pos. 600 and is now supposed to he not much
less than 100000. Excluding two or three OF
the original thirteen only four States nave
entered the Union with larger population than
Ttah-Maine, Wisconsin. South Dakota ana
Washington-and five of its predecessors have
fewer inhabitants tO-dav-Nevada' wyoming
Idaho. Montana and North Dakota. Cnques-
tonably. Utah would have been state long
ago except for its peculiar institution. 1t Is
interesting to reflect with what rapldlty an OBJ
stacle which only a few years ago seemed IN
s,lrmountablc has disappeared. The apprehen-
sion that political considerations might at some
time avail TO procure for polygamy the perma-
nent protection of sovereign State long as
turbed many thoughtful minds. The admission
of Utah 10 the Union Is not now supposed by
ANYBODY to involve the slightest risk OF that mis-
fortune Its Constitution explicitly forbids plu-
raj marriages forever. and there is not shadow
of reason TO doubt either the good faith OF the
peoplc in adopting il or the stability OF the
prohibition.
How long the Mormon element will retain It's
supremacy against the influences proceeding
from rapid growth Of population and CORE
spending development of material resources the
future alone can determine. There is 10 need
for uneasiness on that score In spite OF It's most
notorious tenet the Mormon faith has at least
been compatible with. II II has not been pro
ductve Of some admirable civic qualities. which
have been uniformly illustrated In the history
Of the Territory and which have now found cH-
preston in the Constitution Of the State. That
instrument in decreeing the political equality
of the sexes is destined to subject the policy OF
woman suffrage to q more important test than
II has had hitherto but 1t is not revolutionary In
any other sense or degree. In fact. except for
the judicial experiment Of trial jury Of eight
persons threefourths Of whom may render a
verdict in civil but not in criminal cases. the
organic law Of Utah is essentially conservative
1t provides literally for free school system, but
sets strict limit to State and municipal in
tenure to State officers, prohibits trusts. pre-
serves the forests and defines as n crime any
interference with the right to obtain and enjoy
employment. 1t appears upon the face Of 1t 10
provide prudent, equitable basis for the adj
minlsraton Of public affairs. and is not likely
to need an unusual amount Of revision.
The new State deserves hearty welcome.
II is TO be regretted that n serious attempt was
not made to end the present dscredit and the
dismal products which the degeneration Of Ne
vada has produced by inducing that State TO con-
sent to incorporation with its progressive neigh
Dor OF course Nevada could not have been
coerced into such an arrangement, but far
consideration Of its prospective advantages might
have persuaded the people of n dccayns Com
monwealth to accept them But SIS we have said
before Utah Is not TO blame for the neglect or
this opportunity. The forty-hfth State has am
ply earned autonomy. and we have no doubt VIII
exercise its sovereign powers for the honor and
benefit Of all.