Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1901-05-22
FIGHTING A SHADOW.

Our Presbyterian friends seem to
find much pleasure In periodical full
limitations against Mormon" p0lygamy,
which sits upon the ministerial breast
as a continual nightmare. At the gem
eral assembly In Philadelphia, part Of
the business Of the session on Tuesday
was the commentator Of the proposed
antl-polygamy amendment to the Con-
stitutlon of the United States. Action
was desired for the following reason:
1--WE earnestly urge upon Congress
the Importance Of prompt action in
this matter, so that such an amend
ment may be submitted to the states
before the Mormons secure the balance
OF political power In any additional
States Of the Union"
People who are not afflicted with the
anu-"Mormon" dlstemper that troubles
seclaran assemblies. win wonder what
the passage OF the proposed amend
ment would have TO do with the
dreaded balance of political power"
which has been talked Of for so many
years, but, so far, has not materlallzed
into anything important The only
change that could be effected by the
proposed amendment would be the
yesting Of power in the national govern
ment to punish persons who practice
polygamy That would have no bearing
upon the political influence Of the
"Mormons' in any part of the Union.
Their votes would count the same,
whether the Constitution was changed
or not. It seems remarkable that a
body Of intelligent and educated men
should be so dense as not to perceive
that at glance.
There are now but very few indi-
ylduals among the "Mormons' who can
be said TO have the status Of polygam-
lists. There are vastly greater numbers
Of actual polygamists who are not con-
nected in any way with the Mormon
Church. There are many more through
out the country who violate the mon
ogamic marriage laws whose practices
do not appear 10 disturb the Presbyter-
ian mind IN the smallest degree, How
ever that does not matter in the con-
siderauon Of this subject. II is conceded
by everybody who understands the
actual situation, that all that is left Of
Mormon" polygamy is the relation
existing between men and women
formed several years ago, and that
this cuts but small figure in the So
clal condition Of Utah,
The State laws are stringent enough
to meet all probable contingencies. The
Mormon" Church has itself put stop
10 further marriages Of the kind com
planned or There IS no need for other
measures for their suppression
by the time am amendment 10 the
Constitution could be made effective,
there would be next 20 nothing Left %
render It operative. and that would De
only the few remaining relations be-
tween old people whom Il would De
difficult and even shameful 20 prose-
cute, But suppose the Federal arm
could be- extended with effect In that
direction Would that prevent the
colonization OF vacant lands by Nor.
mon settlers? Would il hinder 'heh
exercise Of the elective franchise?
Would it stop the work OF Mormon
missionaries? Would 81 DO anything ~
put down the doctrines promulgated by
the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter
day Saints? And IS not the lastuen.
toned terror that which most disturb,
the Presbyterian p.aee'
our friend of tha a.uHan world
oro uinas against o. snaUa. They ar,
irving 20 make ,aa erat uauon ID.
ridiculous as .hey ar. OBJ themselves. Was
o. they not spend ,t. Umo and
m9Igy and talents. in uemue h. .a
evils which aHa,t lu. euu, .... u
chr.sieudoW Wl dO ba.t u ... .a..
of vital morality and social wUt,
anon. tha many ulH1a Around .l.m
Instead %. shifting ile g.r lu s.t
ATTEMPT o. arouse opposition .ra.n-. a
mere handful OF peaesabie folks yr.
are quietly Winding their own hugl,..-.