Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1905-02-10
BUTCHERS HUMANITY,

We find the following rational and
Christian sentiments In reference to
the present outburst against the Nor
mons" In the editorial columns OF the
Butchers and Packers Gazette, pub
lished at 81. Louis. Mo-:
1T would seem that a little Chris
tian forbearance and liberation would
have more bcnehcient influence than
drastic persecution, History shows that
persecution OF any religious community
has never succeeded but has caused
much bloodshed, sorrow and suffering,
and that. too. without attaining the
end sought More viii be accomplished
by the refining influence OF education
and the mingling OF Christian people
with the Mormons than ever will be
accomplished by law. II VIII be found
with the Mormons as with other de-
nominations OF religious belief, that
the tenets and faith OF the Church VIII
not be so strong with the younger gem
Grafton, and therefore matters wiz be
naturally adJudcated. This, with edu-
catlonal influences, VIII prove the only
safe and practical solution OF the Nor
mon question
II Is rather surprising that a publ
cation I'm the interest OF an industry
which Is popularity supposed TO be rath-
or adverse TO the tender and kindly
instincts Of humanity, should be much
more favorable TO liberation, fairness
and true religious sentiment, than
most OF the so-called christian" re-
llglous journals, and the professed min
listers OF the Savior throughout modern
Chrlstendom. The common desire OF
the latter, as expressed IN their public
utterances, IL TO "crush Mormonism,'
and by many OF them to crush also It's
faithful adherents. But the advocate
OF the Butchers OF the country per-
celyes the superior power OF the REIN
ing influence OF education and Of Chris
tlan forbearance, to the brutal force
which sectarlan zealots and bigots
would bring to bear, II they had the
power, upon the adherents OF re-
llglon which does not harmonize
with their conflicting tenets and dis
cordant. notions.
1t is within easy recollection that a
Brooklyn New York, pulplteer publicly
proclaimed his WISH that the artillery
at Fort Douglas could be turned loose
upon the Mormon" Tabernacle In Salt
Lake city, after It's leading adherents
were gathered beneath It's shade. This
delightfully."- tolerant expression was re-
celyed with applause by his Chris
tlan' congregation, and the echoes OF
their approval resounded throughout
the churches, That Is the spirit In
which the Mormon system has been
attacked from the beginning. Religious
leaders have urged on mobs and as
sassins with torch and rifle, followed by
chains and dungeons, to destroy that
which they could not overcome by rea-
son. and "crush" a people whom they
could not convert,
We ask for no particular favors from
our foes, nor from any one who sincere
ly believes that our doctrines and our
practices are inlmcal 20 society, We
only desire fair treatment whether In
argument or In law, But 1t will be
found that the suggestions made in the
article which we have quoted above
will prove far more effectual, IN the
settlement Of any difficulties existing or
imagined between the Mormon" sys-
tenn and the country, than the meas
ures that have been brought to bear in
the past and which will assuredly not
accomplish that which is desired in the
future.