Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1902-06-27
THE MaRTYRDoM.

II is IS years today. June ~, since
the Prophet Joseph AMI his beloved
brother, Patriarch Hyrum Smith, were
martyred at Carthage, ILL.,, as Wit
nesses to the truth. When that cruel
tragedy had been enacted, and for
years afterwards, II was customary
among the adversarles OF the Church
TO refer to 1t as a proof OF the wicked
ness OF the victims, and consequently,
OF the falslty Of their teachings. But
as the years have been rolling by,
judgment has become calmer, Unpre-
judiced historians no longer Justify the
mob. They give TO the assallants and
their accomplices the right name-mur.
derers.
In q recent history OF the Saints
written by William Alexander Linn
Who by the way, has no love for the
"Mormons," points out that Governor
Ford made a mistake IN the selection
OF guards, which always left him I'M
der charge Of collision in the murder
OF the prisoners II was not he says,
necessary TO select any Hancock COM
lany for this service. The people Of
Hancock county were IN fever Of ex-
ti.ement against the "Mormons The
governor knew Of the bitter enmlty OF
the Hancock people and his excuses for
entrustlng the prisoners to their care
are lame. The author also
points out that he had am
pie warnings Of an attack on
the prison, but he refused to believe
II. Instead. he went to Nauvoo, and
told the Saints that "retaliatory meas.
ures ngalnst the non 'Mormons
would result IN the destruction OF their
city, and the determination OF their
people" Having delivered his address
70 this effect, he hurried away from
Nauvoo and was met on the road by
messenger, who told him that the deed
had been done.
Such are the facts. History Is un.
yelling them now The many efforts
at representing the martyrdom as an
act OF justice are shown to BIZ futile.
The truth is permitted to come to light
and although the masked murderers es.
capped human retaliation, history is
sronouncing its guilty" upon them
With infexible justice.
IL evidently was the hope OF the lead.
ers Of the mobs at that time, that with
he cutting of OF the founders. the
Church would be dispersed and de.
siroyed. They had tried defamation OF
their characters with diabolic persist
ency, but utterly failed to accomplish
their purpose by that means. There
was apparently nothing left but the
sanguinary crime that terminated the
earthly career OF two Of the most noble
and useful men OF their generation.
But II the mob hoped TO accomplish
their purpose by that means, they were
as mistaken as ever. The Church was
Gdis work not that of man. The
Priesthood cannot be assassinated
though those who are clothed with its
authority may be crucihed, or burnt TO
death, or riddled with bullets. That is
the great object lesson that the world
has had in the martyrdom Of the SER
wants Of Gdi In all ages. But il is a
lesson the world is slow TO learn.
To the Saints Of the Most High the
day Of the martyrdom wiz always be
memorable. II marked a most lmpor-
tant epoch In their history. IL should
not be forgotten. It was the beginning
OF a series Of trials TO which there Is
no parallel IN history. by what fol-
lowed, their faith was tested to the ut
most. But generally speaking, they
stood the test Well, proving themselves
worthy of the mission intrusted to
them. And today, by their faith ana
self-sacriflce they have become pow
er for good In the world. They can look
forward 10 the day when millions. OF
all nations and tongues, Will hold the
day OF mariyrdom in grateful remem-
brance, and Join in singing the familiar
strain OF the Saints;
I'VE thank thee, o Gdl for a Prophet.
To guide us In these latter days.