Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1899-12-07
CONSIDERED
BY SCIENTISTS.
MOrmonism Discussed by the Chi
cage SocletyOf AnthrOpOlOgy'
MANY FAVORABLE OPINIONS.
Several Members OF the Organization
Declare Themselves Tor Congress-
man EIect Roberts.

Elders George 5. Romney and II. Lee
Boyer Mormon" missionaries In CHI
cage, write from that city to the
News" as follows;
1t is not always the experience OF the
Elders Of the Church OF Jesus Christ OF
Laiter-day Saints to have the privilege
Of presenting their Views in the higher
circles OF American society; and having
them discussed from an unparalleled
point Of view. 1t seems that misrepre-
senlaton OF the Mormon doctrines is
so general that the minds Of the people
are too much poisoned to allow the Eli
ders to explain their belief from the
same platform as other ministers; and
then consider the question freely and on
its merits 1ta.t
Such a privilege. however, was re-
Gently granted TO the Elders of the
Church who are laborlng In Chicago, by
the Chicago Society Of Anthropology.
1T seems that the Mormon question
principally on account Of the present
agitation about Congressman-elect B.
H. Roberts,) had come up before the
society for Investigation, and part OF
the members favored the idea OF lnyit-
ing some Of the Elders, who are repre-
senting the Mormons' In Chicago TO
lecture before the society, stating the
position OF the 'Mormons and explain
ing their doctrine.
This proposition met considerable
opposition, but some insisted, especially
one lady. Dr. Forburg that II would
only be justice TO the 'Mormons' as well
as TO the society; and II was decided TO
invite the Elders TO take rart In the
discussion Accordingly Drs. Forburg
and Tillitson attended the services held
by the Church Of Jesus Christ OF Latter
day Saints at No 1893 south Oakley
boulevard, and after the meeting Invited
Elder s. d. Bradford, president Of the
Chicago branch, TO lecture before the
society. Elder Bradford accepted and
the lecture was appointed TO be given In
the Randall hail No. 40 Randolf street.
At the appointed time Elder Bradford
an dalso a number OF the other Elders,
appeared at the hall and found II well
filled with an intelligent audience, anx-
ious TO hear from the 'Mormons.'
"The society Is composed Of some one
hundred and fifty or more professional
people, among whom ATE some OF Chi
Cages most prominent lawyers, doctors.
etc. The members were not all pro-
fessed Christians. but represented the
deists and the agnostcs as well as the
different religious sects Of the day
Elder Bradford spoke about fifty
minutes, giving short history Of the
Church. dwelling at some length on the
Book Of Mormon, and the expulsion OF
the people from Missouri and Illinois.
explaining the plan OF salvation, and
more in detail some of the principles
OF the Gospel advocated by the Church,
and not believed In by the others ex-
cept those who accept the Gospel as
revealed from God through His Pro-
phet Joseph smith.
The lecture wbs a splendid effort and
deserves high recommendation: and
II was attended by the Spirit Of the
Lord, A short recess followed and then
the society took the subject under dis
cussion.
THE gentleman who lead the discus
sion spoke strongly in favor OF the
Mormon" faith: said he thought their
doctrines the best and broadcast Of any
OF the orthodox churches. also stated
that II he were a member Of Congress
he would most decidedly cast his vote
in favor Of b. II. Roberts.
"a lively debate then followed. Many
questions We're asked by the members
OF the society and answered by the Ell
ders. One lady delivered a speech for
and incidentally advocated
referring TO the fact that
many Of the best and noblest men who
have ever lived, practiced plural mar
riage.
she was followed by a lady who was
bitterly opposed TO "Mormonism" and
especially polygamy; and the people !
ana principle were hauled over the red |
hot Goals Of her Indignation, until, ex-
hausted, she resumed her seat.
another lady then spoke who
thought the "Mormons' as good as
other religionists and thought all would |
DO well 10 remove the beam from their |
own eye and then run out to Utah and |
search for the mote in the Mormon
eye.
The majority Of the society seemed
In favor Of Congressman-elec Roberts |
his seat, and all thought the
Mormon doctrine very just and rea-
5onable.
1t was a splendid opportunity to place
he Gospel before some Of Chicago's |
most respected citizens, and certainly
was well improved. We hope that some
II the good seed that was sown will
take root grow and bring forth fruits
1f righteousness.