Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1905-12-30
FOUL MURDER.

" Is sincerely extended TO the family
and relatives OF Mr.. Sheets, who was
so ruthlessly murdered Thursday eve
ming, apparently by some Of the rum
ans who have, for some time, infested
the city. Mr.. Sheets was the son Of a
respected Pioneer family. lie was in
the prime of life. as TO physical health,
and was prematurely cut off from the
land Of the living, without any warn
ing. May the stricken widow. and the
children find consolation and strength
10 bear the affection with which the
old year closes to them, and makes
their otherwise happy home desoate,
Undoubtedly, serious condition en-
lists at present In the city. The persls-
tent, libelous agitation has again
born the fruit the sad experience
OF the past has taught us to expect.
Toughs and ruiians of every descrip-
tion have come here In the hope OF be-
ing able to rob and kill, and escape
punishment IN the furious onslaught
upon the "Mormons." We warned the
people, some time ago, that such would
be the case. unless the conservative ele-
ment of all creeds and political aiiilIa-
tions asserted itself, In the interest Of
the city, against the INSCRIPTIONS lead
ers Of the war upon one class of citl-
Gems. The evil has come sooner than
expected.
We have a repetition of the condl-
lions that prevailed some years ago.
also as result of bitter antl-"Mor-
mon" agitation. At that time It was
suggested by some OF the leaders OF
reform" In Utah, that It would even
he we'll to import some sin and wick
edness. as nothing would draw the
youth away from the Church quicker,
or more effectively. And 1t came Nests
of inlauity multiplied like mushrooms.
Gamblers bells We're established under
the very windows Of the courts, and the
city was filled with murderous thieves
until Il became more dangerous to cross
a street here an evening, than TO traVel
among the Bedoulns OF Arabia. Mat
ters went from bad to worse. until some
of the Mormon" agitators them
selves concluded to call mass-meet-
ing 10 protest against the fragrant Nlo-
atoms of law. The citizens. finally,
had TO organize and support night
watchmen on every block. to hunt
down the desperados, and by such he
roc means order and safety were re-
stored.
We are confronted. It appears, by
similar conditions, and for precisely
the same reason The false impress
sion has been created abroad that Il
state Of war exists here; that the Nor
mons" are outlaws" and therefore the
lawful prey Of any robber. When some
of the insane antl-"Mormon" harangues
are considered, the rascals must be ex-
cused for concluding that this is just
their opportunity. And SO they come.
The question now IL how to get rid
Of them. Possibly, the citizens will
nave 10 De Chllel upbil again W Nltoilot
the city. No unlawful means should
be resorted to. and even the sugges-
tions Of mob measures should be rele-
gated To the dark dens whence they
emanate. Energetic action is called
for but It must be IN accordance with
law.
The discordant clique should be sup
pressed. and all should work together
for social and moral improvement. II
this were done, the iawless element
would soon seek other haunts. We APP
peal TO the conservative citizens and
ask them to unite for the preservation
OF peace; not because the Mormon
Church has anything to fear from It's
assailers, any more than have the stars
from the barking dogs; but because
contention means danger to every cltl-
zen from the outlaws that always gath
er whore strife Is going on. Let us have
peace in the interest Of public safety
| and morality