Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1902-12-13
A WORD IN SEASON.

We give place 10 the following at the
earnest request of the writer, who is
reliable gentleman not connected IN
any way with either Mr. smoot or the
Mormon Church. II 10 published be-
cause It reflects the Views Of number
Of unbiased non" Mormons" who do not
care to express themselves in public
journal, atf ssNs
MIR. Editor;
From reading the comments going
the rounds OF the press, one would
think Provo City had modern blue
Beard We almost hear voice calling
TO Sister Anna to Ind out II there Is no
prospect Of aid from outside to enable
the unhappy victims 70 escape from
bondage some shameless sheets 20 30
far as TO use a cartoon. representing
this man as presenting his numerous
wives 10 the President A so-called
Ministerial Alliance comes out publicly
and declares that this gentleman Is I'M
nj to represent the state In the Senate
Then two go privately to him and say,
II he viii Withdraw from ma unegiance
to his Church he may be free TO go to
Washington. 10 some OF us IL seems az
IL this happened before, Nero, Caliguia.
and others told the early Christians
that was all that was needed to win
promotion and save their necks. Had
they done so where would our faith be
now? But perhaps they may have an
other motive In view. BY his tireless
energy aud great ability In business
Mr.. snoot has gained fortune such as
few possess. 1t would be a big thing
for any one OF them to convert him. In
town not far from Salt Lake 4 tramp
made his appearance. not long ago. and
went 10 each OF the pastors, claiming
to be a member OF his church. He was
finally arrested and all were present at
his trial. But wnen he saw there was
no other way out. he approached the
complainant and offered to join his
church. What a great thing It would
be to get such convert as our friend
Isl One OF the men who first made
Republican doctrine possible In Utah:
the man who brayed the displeasure OF
his own father--a southern Democrat,
for what he believed to be right, the
man who stands second TO no other In
the State for probity and foresight. And
then 10 drag In the private life Of one
living with a wife that would do honor
to the best society Happily married
10 the woman Of his choice they have
six children. He neither inculcaies
pclygamy, nor ever practloed IT, His
enemies have a difficult task. Unlike
the Roberts case no law has been brok-
en-. He Is an American citizen Of full
age. II sent to the Senate with proper
credentials, being 30 years Old, nine
years citizen OF the United States,
and a citizen OF the State whence chos-
en-. the Senate must receive him. Tn
like some others, the fact that a man
belongs 10 another faith makes no dif-
ference 10 Mr.. Smoot, and so he Is en-
titled 10 any position he may receive.
Having no evil thing to say OF himself.
some papers try TO find fault with his
name. But he Is no more responsible
for that than he Is for the weather.
1t may sound strange to the world out
Side but II means much 10 this com.
munity. Here II stands for ability, per.
severance and honesty. 10 the hun
dreds Of young men attending school II
is an object lesson, The Senate might
confer honor upon him; but he certain.
ly would bring honor TO the Senate.
"A CITIZEN OF Provo"