The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1905-11-25

the largest enterprises of the state,
and has controlled the granting of
public franchises in the interests of
the church. Gentiles had almost Civ
on up hope Il mastering this all pow
erful hierarchy, and many in disgust
we're selling out their interests and
leaving the state. Conditions had
become almost unbearable: the belief
was general that Utah could never
elect a Uuited States senator who
would be secure in his seat at Wash
ington and give the state the repre-
sentation to which she was entitled.
The growth of the state was seriously
threatened, as it is Mormon princi-
pal to keep Utah for the Mormons,
and discourage the GENTLE investor.
Mr.. Kearns had long been watching
the development of the political pow
er of the church aud its menace to
the future of the state. Though elect
ed to the senate, be had himself felt
the pressure Of President Smiths
power. he determined to cru b the
political ahsolutism of the hierarchy
II possible. With the methods which
he applied to his business affairs, he
threw down the gauntlet to the
church.
Then began one of the fiercest and
most prolonged fights for political
liberty ever waged. Both sides meas
ured their strength to the limit; no
mercy was shown: the crack of the
Mormon presidents whip resounded;
Senator Kearn's newspapers and ora
tors urged preservation. Bets were
freely offered that Thompson, the
American candidate, would not be
elected; and they found few takers.
But as election day drew near. the
influence of Mr.. Kearns' fRht began
to be felt, and the odds turned sligt-
ly in Thorn pson's favor Ii was a
close contest, but the Americans won
out.
Mr.. kearns has long been promi-
nent as a successful mining man, one
who has made billions through his
knowledge Of pay rock; some call it
luck. He was born in Canada In
1862, moved to Nebraska as a boy,
was freigther in the Black Hills at
4, and came to Utah when II. He
worked as a miner in Park City, grad
ually acquired property Of his own
and soon became rich. With all his
success, he has been most liberal with
MS men and pays them better than
any mineowner in the state. He has
always fought for the eight hour day
in both mines and mills and in gov
eminent work.
One Of Mr.. Kearns' most fortunate
strokes was the purchase Of the Silver
King mine at Park City. The story
OF the rise IN value OF stocks in this
mine reads like a fairy tale. It was
purchased at nominal figure and the
company made a close corporation.
Today the stock can not be bought.
MIR. KearUs' holdings ia this mine
alone are valued at 5000, OO0.
Besides his development OF the
mining resources Of Utah, Mr.. Kearns
is a railroad builder. lie was one
Of che first TO become interested 10
the San Pedro, Los Angeles x Salt
Lake route, which has recently been
completed
IL has opened up a wonderful min
ing country aud has provided a new
short route TO California.
Senator Kearus has not been long
in politics, or he would undoubtedly
have started the fight against the
Mormon church much sooner than he
did. Ten years ago be was elected a
member Of the city council of Park
City. He also served 10 the consti.
tutioual convention in Salt Lake.
Though practically novice at the
political game, Mr. Kearu-' good
sense aud iataitive knowledge Of men
won him success. He Is today the
most prominent figure in Utah pol
itics.
Ia 1895 Mr.. Kearns was sent as a
delegate to the republican national
convention and vas one Of the silver
republicans who withdrew from the
convention because Of the gold plank
in the republican platform. His first
venture In the field Of national poll
tics was successful one, and In 1900
he was again sent to the republican
national convention at Philadelphia.
MIR. Kearns was elected to the SEN
ate in 1901 During his term in the
senate Mr.. Kearus began to realize
more fully the growing and graspiug
power Of thu Mormon church, and
fanatical frenzy with which it sought
TO keep outsiders from settling in
Utah and the baneful influence it had