The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-07-15
YOUNG'S VIEWS.
Mormon Leader on Issues Rails
ed by Arrest of Cannon.
Says Questions May as Well Be
Settled Now.
A GRAND TEMPLE,
Is Designed For Independence
A Future Home.
POIygamy Will Pass Away If
Persecution Ceases.
"A GRAND TEMPLE,

Chicago, Ill, July 1.-THE members of
the Mormon church who have contracted
pOlygamOus marriages do not shrink from
the issue involved in the case recently be-
gun against Angus NJ. Cannon The pres
ent is probably as good a time as any for
determining whether we are to live I'M
disturbed the lives which the most solemn
obligations have imposed upon US, or
whether we are to suffer the pains and
prosecutions of those who have the cour-
age OF their faith
These were the words of Apostle Brig
ham Young of Salt Lake City, the eldest
son of the former head of the Mormon
church, a the Grand Pacific hotel Mr..
Houngs present eastern trip, which Will
be followed by one to Mexico, is in the
interest Of the church, Of which he is
prominent member ana when ne declared
is in a most prosperous condition.
In connection with free discussion of the
which have come into prominence recent
~, he also said the church expected, with
IN a comparatively rev years, TO peSlI the
erection of a magnificent city of the faith
at Independence, Mo, which would be its
headquarters
IT was our former home" he said,
from which we were driven by unreaSon-
aple ana bitter pre- udlce, ana 1t has ever
been our wish to redeem the waste places
most beautiful city in the world. We viii
construct a magnificent tabernacle, much
have at Salt Lake City and in other re-
spects make our old, and yet new home
of the church a most beautiful place We
| have part of the necessary land already,
and are going to have no difficulty in Sc
Reverting to the contemplated proceed
ings against COngressman-elect Roberts,
I have little doubt he Will also be pro-
ceeded against and as in the case of Mr.
/ Cannon, we have no disposition to avoid
the issue. We might well determine
now as any time Where we stand and if
we have to go to prison. so let it be. We
can be imprisoned, but no power short Of
death can force me or others in the same
situation to break the most solemn cove
nant that man can make.
I, for instance, covenanted to be a
I
false to every obIigahon of honor and
true morality to now cast them off? /
have had more than member of con-
thus made and cast off these children and
wives who gave me all they had in the
world l would be nothing less than a
I'VE all feel that we cannot break these
obIgatIons, come what may, and GER
tainly shall be true to my covenants. I
consider them more sacred and binding
than any law that can be passed"
,.t DO 2, yfPq believe that b Congressman Rob
ertS VIII be seated? he was asked.
he ought to be. Congress has the power
| to do many things, but 1 fail to see how,
WITH que regard TO the constitution Of the
land, he can be kept from his seat. He is
a tnor0qIghiy good man. He has lived Just
laws of the land, and he treats his family
justly The people respect him and be-
Mr.. Young's attention was called to the
convention of the Christian EndeaVoGrteGr5ss
by the Rev. w. A Paden Of Salt Lake
City in 1897 he considered pOlygamy a
dead or dying issue, but that he now
knows he was mistaken. and that it is
ands.
The. statement is false in many re-
spects," said Mr.. Young. mo polygamous
marriages have been contracted since the
Edmunds law went into effect. The peo-
pie have obeyed the law implicitly. That
many since that time have lived polyga-
nous lives is undoubtedly true, but with
| out exception they We're marriages that
We're contracted prior to the passage of the
Edmunds law. Quite, a number Of peo-
pie nave put away all but wife, but
many others felt their obligations requir-
ed them to continue the relations which
they had taken on themselves
will pOlygamy continue to eXiSt?''
Not unless our people continue to be
pursued with bitter persecution. If left
alone 1t will die a natural DEATH with the
passing away Of the older members of the
church. None of the young members of
the church are polygamists. If, however,
we are prosecuted, it is possible polygamy
may survive. I do not say this is prob
able, but it is human nature to cling TO
the things for which people are punished.
when they regard them as right"
Mr. Dung 5 talk has special significance
in view of the fact that he is the first
Mormon of prominence who has consented
to be interviewed since the arrest of An
gus NJ. Cannon.