The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-14

CONCLUDED FROM PAGE l. PART ~
mons dwelling around Salt Lake seem not
to disturb them. They are going quietly
on extending their faith both in the United
states and on foreign soil Their mission
aries visit many nations, earnestly pre-
senting their claims OF MOrmOnisrn, and
not few converts are hauled in by their
nets They now claim total mem bership
of $4,000 converts Yet the church was
organized scarcely scVenty-f1Ve years ago
in New York. They insist they will not
leave the United States. even if laws have
been passed which, from their point of
view. deprive them Of religious liberty and
SAVIOR Of persecution.
We are coming 10 Mexico" said one OF
the officials In the local church. Ito estab-
lish the principles OF MormOnism In this
country. We believe this can be done most
effectualiy By opening up colonies for our
people. We are doing the same thing in
Canada, where fourishing Mormon settle
ments now exist We have faith in our
church and our people, and intend TO go
What is the attitude of the Mexican gov
eminent toward polygamy?" | inquired.
MEXICO WANTS MORMONS.
THE laws of Mexico do not interfere with
any department of our church matters"
was the reply. "a man may marry as
many wives here as he thinks he can sup
port. So far as 1 know. the officers of
the law in Mexico have never tried to dis
turb us in our right to teach and practice
polygamy.
1t is an open secret that polygamous mar
riages continue to take place in these Mex
lean colonies. Not many months ago one
of the most prominent citizens of this col
ony took unto himself second wife, and
at this time is paying marked attentions
10 another young woman of this colony.
evidently with matrimonial intent
President DiaZ is q shrewd manipulation
of the destinies of the Mexican Republic.
He is holding out tempting inducements
to the polygamists of Utah to come into
ments. The gain to Mexico from such
movement is twO-fold. 1t will bring into
this country a class of people whose in
dustry and experience. in the arid valleys
and mountains of Utah has fitted them adj
mirably TO aid in developing the agricul
tural and mineral resources of the country.
These Mormon settlers would also act as
a check TO any movement that might arise
among other Americans and foreign resi-
dents in Mexico residing near the United
States border to seek annexation of another
slice of Mexican territory TO Uncle Sans
domain.
Considerable of the valuable lands and
mines in the States of Chihuahua and So
nora are at present owned by Americans.
New investments of American capital are
continually being made in these States.
Real estate is not taxed under the present
plan of collecting revenue. Should this poll
icy be changed. and heavy tax imposed
on realty, as some landhOlders fear il will
as soon as these States become more
thickly populated, then the murmurs of
revolt will again be heard as in the early
days of Texas
In such a crisis as this the Mormons
would stand squarely against all foreigners
clamoring for annexation, preferring to
sustain the sovereignty of Mexico that is
so tolerant toward them as church
rather than TO allow Uncle Sam to establish
his jurisdiction over them and, by the APP
plication of the legal lash, compel them to
again forsake their cherished right to marry
as many wives as they desire.
/ put the question directly 20 one of the
Mormon leaders whether they would stand
by the Americans i'm such crisis, and the
answer was couched in positive tones in
the single word. Never" =
The great danger which the Mormon