Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1906-11-08
AN ORDERLY ELECTION.

A noticeable feature of the last elec-
ton day In this city was the good order
that prevailed everywhere. until the
polls were closed. The people hero fully
realized that the election would decide
whether they were to be dsfranchised
and become the Victims Of A conspiracy
aimed al their rights as citizens Of a
free country. They knew that they
wero called upon TO defend the prlnci-
pos Of American government against
The savage efforts To sci them
aside IA the Interest Of Unsuitable ambl-
ton, aud that al that is dear to an
American citizen was at stake. But.
Notwithstanding this. there was little ex-
element, or nervousness Citizens wenl
10 the polls firmly determined TO do
their duty, leaving the outcome to the
future. That there was no lawiessness,
no attempt at resorting to Illegal. or
even questionable, measures. speaks
volumes for the soborness and loyalty
OF the voters that were menaced. Citi-
gems who can do their duty calmly In
tho face Of a stormy agitation, such
as that which has swept this region for
some time. can be trusted.
Some excitement was noticed In the
streets, IN the evening, especially
around the saloons where bolsterous
crowds gave vent to their joy. generally
In a savage manner, Ia the mistaken
belief and hope that hatred and blgotry
had won the day. Their yells and
whoops were proper Accomplishments
Of the echoes OF campaign OF false
hood. But for the occasional outbursts
Of sayagery inspired by false rumors OF
victory. the day was quiet aud orderly.
A stranger passing through the city
unacquainted with the fact, would not
have suspected that struggle WAS go
Ing on, involving the vital interests Of
an entire community. Respect for law,
and dignided resignation under trying
circumstances are characteristics OF
the Latter-day Saints. aud of communal
Ties where they have strong influence.
That is one effect OF the teachings Of
their loyal. noble leaders.
Fhe result " the election In Utah
and Idaho conveys a lesson 10 the
entire country. which, we trust, will
impress itself on the minds OF all who
take an interest in public affairs In
both States gigantic efforts were made
TO win by appeals TO the basor pas
sions Blgotry and religious preIu-
dices were counted on. AntI-"SIor-
monlsm" was the force that was set
IN motion. In Idaho particularly no
pretcxt was made to conceal tho UNI
American motives and aims OF the agi-
tators. Senator Dubois hoped 20 win,
not as Democrat but as mn nnti-
Mormon" His political defeat In
n state whore the Latter-day Saints
are az well known as they are in
Idaho, and where they are small
minority. Is well-deserved rebuko
by non-"Mormon' citizens TO the UNI
scrupuIous demagogues who tried to
make poltlcal issue or religious
questions that do not belong to tho
sphere OF politics II amounts TO
popular verdict Of acquittal Of the
Latter-day Saints of tho various
charges blazoned forth 20 almost every
corner OF the world. 1t proves that
the citizens who have "Mormors' for
neighbors do not regard them as dam
gerous to the home and the state, and
II puts the proper stamp upon their
traducers. These may secure a hear
Ing abroad. but not where the virtues
and excellent qualities of the Latter
day Saints are known. This Is one
Of the evident lessons OF tho election,
and We believe It Will not be lost upon
fha country