Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1909-08-12
QUITE DIFFERENT.

+ Z + 81 4.
The colonial secretary soon satisfied
himself that the DARTS represented clsh
and in a few moments reversed the de-
csion of the chief immigration officer.
He also asked questions concerning our
religious beliefs and in regard TO the
anti-Mormon literature which was be-
ing circulated against US. He said he
had read our Church works and did not
believe we We're the kind of people our,
opponents represented lis to be. He in
formed us that he did not think we
We're inducing young girls to leave
South Africa for immoral purposes. He.
also referred to the question of rumored
legislation against us. He said ne de-
sired to know more Of our religion ana
work in South Africa TO satisfy himself.
on various points regarding our pres
ence in this country. He assured US
that religious liberty would be guar
anteed to all creeds and scots, as every
one had right to his religious con-
victions. He said he was pleased that
we did not baptize infants or children
under eight years of age: and that we
were instructed by our Church to obey
the laws of the country In which we
may be doing missionary work he
Informed us that there was law
against poIygamy, and 1t would be en-
forced If violated.
We explained the attitude of the
Church in regard to plural marriages,
referring him to the manifesto of lS9D
and othe article OF faith relative 10 op ..s,
ing the laws of the land. We explained
to him that we We're not preaching 20.
lygamy, but the pure, restored gospel
Of Christ.
He explained that he was in a posi-
tion to influence legislation, and that
1t was his duty to see that the laws
We're enforced. 55
\, moth
ing detrimental to society in our teach
ings We pointed out to him the fact
we are not responsible for the untrutns
circulated against us: but they alone
are to blame who have unfairly
garbled, invented, ard Haunted them
before the public as Mormon doctrine.
GOOD oUTs OF, INTENDED HARM.
We all feel that the Lord has blessed
us in frustrating, the plans of evil de-
signing men. Every phase of this re-
| cent experience of the elders shows
the mighty hand of the Lord in bring
ling about conditions for the advance
rnent of His high and holy purposes.
| The opposition we have received ls
causing eminent men to investigate the
| doctrines of our Church In order to he
I5prepared to act intelligently when the
Tissue of Morlnonsm is brought before
Them. The one who thought himself
ifnighty In unjustly deciding asallss
istruth and reason, was Inundated In
| the presence of his superior officer of
1.-the law, and instead of being a perse-
cutor, he became a, witness on behalf
| of those he prosecuted. When asked
| if the elders could receive cash upon
the drafts lie voluntarily answered.:
mt, Steed rendered the gold to me
this morning in payment of the drafts.
1.-THE judge said, Then according to this
evidence. l see no reason why you
should be detained. Gentlemen, you
ale discharged"
The chief immigration officer now
| showed us due courtesy and with. eX-
pressions of Kindly feelings. and a
hearty hand shake, bid us God speed.
desire to mention one incident which
gave the elders joy and good cheer
When leaving the ship In company Of
the officer. to go to the detention sta
ton, all their friends whom they iltLl
met on the boat. gave three rousng
cheers for the Mormons, Many follow
ed the elders, expressing cheer and
comfort to them. and in the same
breath denouncing in no unmist taxable
terms, the base and highhanded treat
ment they had received fro1u the immi-
grafton officers. The officer III charge
expressed his regret at having to per-
form a painful and unwilling duty in
carrying out the unjust verdict OF the