Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-11-17
The Case OF Poiyqamist Roberts.

1t is evident that the crusade against
Brigham II. Roberts, the Utah polyga-
mist, who has been elected to Con-
gress, is gaining tremendous Roadway.
1t is difficult for the people of "A states
to see why a man guilty of a crime for
which their courts sentence men to
terms of Imprisonment in the peniten-
tiary, should be permitted not only to
be at large, but even to sit as a law
maker in the capitol at Washington.
The following letter sent out by the
League for Social Service" shows
part OF the contest in which nearly
every religious and home-loving Or
ganization in the country now appears
to be enlisted. 1t is, as will be seem
particularly addressed to clersymen,
and reads as follows:
Rev and Dear Sir:
In electing Brigham ii. Robcrts TO
represent them at Washington, the
Mormons are attempting TO cram
polygamv down the threats of Con-
gress and the country, as Brigham
Young threatened they would do.
one of the enclosed leaflets shows
why this man, Roberts, should not be
permitted to sit among the lawmakers
of the nation. The others show what
Mornonism really is, what it intends.
and the astonishing effectiveness of its
methods.
The NIormOnS are circulating many
falsehoods, denying they are living in
polygamy. and crying, Religious Per
secution.'' But you may rely i'm
plicitly on the truth of the statements
found in these leaflets. With n single
exception. they We're written by Chris
tan missionaries who have lived many
years among the Mormons. and who
know whereof they affirm.
The present is the golden opportu-
nifty TO educate public sentiment touch
ing this insult to womauhood, this
menace to our civilization. this carica-
ture of our Christianity. -Four weeks
now are worth four years at any other
time
a well-planned effort is being made
so to educate public opinion as To stop
the spread Of Mormonism in the
Mr. Roberts. and prepare the way for
a constitutional amendment which will
root out polygamy.
We invite you 10 cooperate with this
movement.
First. by preaching on the subject.
Secondly. By securing To the en-
closed petition the names OF as many
voters as possible.
Thirdly, By requesting members of
your congregation and community To
write their representative in Congress.
urging upon him what the petition
asks; and,
Fourthly. by affording financial aid:
either taking a collection or making
personal solicitation.
Usually the cost of handling ltera-
ture and Of postage is much more than
that Of the literature itself. But with
the cooperation of the Young Peoples
Societies. to whom leaflets Will be fur
nished free on condition that they will
pay the expressaGe ana pledge them
selves to distribute the literature sys
tematiC ally. We are able to place at
least 500 pages in the hands of the
people fer every ten cents received
Please let us know what you do in
the matter. and return petitions to the
League for Social Service (see address
abovel whose officers will see that
they are presented to the right con
grcssmen and at the opportune mo-
mnnt. Petitions should be received
not later than the middle Of November.
The time is short.
Faithfully and urgently yours,
JOSIAH STRONG. President,
WIN. II. TOLMAN, Secretary.
Tho people who are behind this
movement are enlisted for the war"
There is no partisan politics in it, for
among the workers in this cause are
men Of all parties. 1t is simply de
termination 10 see whether or not
Mormon contempt for the usaGcs Of
our Christian civilization, ana the law
Of the land. shall be permitted to
triumph.
AguinaldO is now reported to be lost: