Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1908-05-08
THE BEST EVIDENCE. "

The Methodist5 assembled in gen
cral conference at Baltimore. adopted
an address in which reference was
made to polygamy on this toplc the
address reads
Eve believe from the best evidences
we can obtain that the polygamous
practices OF the past are still found in
the states and territories coupled In
part by representatives of the Mormon
body. In several states they have such
political strength and furnish such
sympathetic juries that the law against
such polygamous practices cannot he
executed. We believe that as In divorce
these must he brought within the scope
OF national legislation before the evils
Gun be reached with sufficient yigor TO
punish them rs they deserve We trust.
therefore you Will consider whether II
Is not wise for you to advocate some
constitutional amendment which will
make polygamy and polygamous prac-
tees a crlmc against tho United
States
II the Mctbodsts OF this country
believe that divorce and marriage
ought to he regulated by Congress
rather than by the various states, that
is their business and they have right
to their opinion. just as those who may
think differently. have a right to theirs
But. they should not base their views
on misrepresentation and conditions
that do not exist. 1t is the duty Of
rational beings TO ascertain the facts
prior To the formulating of opinions
and deciding the course to pursue.
When the address says: I'VE believe
from tho best evidence we can obtain
that the polygamous practices of the
past are still found in the states and
territories occupied in part by repre-
sentative of The Mormon body it sim
ply confesses belief for which there is
absolutely no warrant in the facts. or
course, sporadic cases OF law-breaking |
may be found in every state in the I'M |
ion, whether occupied, in part, by |
"Normons.'' or not, but that does not |
Justify the language Of the address. |
taking 1t for granted that Utah is more |
particularly referred to.
The fact as to the Church is that IT |
has faithfully kept every pledge made. |
Plural marriages ceased with the Man. |
ifcsto, and ecclesiastical interference |
in politics became a thing of the past |
with tho division on party lines, what
ever may have been the case before |
that time. Unlawful cohabltation"
has also gradually dwlndled away,
since the Manifesto, as the understand
ing was that 1t would do. and this is
one of the most striking evidences of
the faithful fulhIlment on the part of
the Church OF any pledges or promises.
as to plural marriages. For IL those
promises had not been kept the condi-
tons would have been different from
what they are.
The address refers To the best evil
denee we can obtain" Where has 1t
been obtained? Has it come from dis
appointed politicians who have sworn
revenge against community that Is
guilty OF no offense? Has II come from
jealous bgots who need eastern money
for missionary purposes and therefore
have an interest in painting pictures
in dark and gloomy colors? Are such
the sources of evidence? Who would
condemn anyone on such testimony?
Jesus. our blessed Lord and Savior
could not escape condemnation, IL such
evidence were admitted,