The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1910-03-31
THE IMMEDIATE CAUSE OF 1T.

THE IMMEDIATE CAUSE OF 1T,
Further investigation of the matter
contained in the book on Momonism
that was written by Hon, B, G. Ferris,
and published by Harper & Brothers
in 1854, convinces The Tribune that
the author of that work was eXcep-
| tionally we'll advised concerning tho ac-
tual situation at Nauvoo. Also his
comment upon the events leading up to
the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith
agree perfectly with the known 1acts
as recorded in Mormon history. And
another significant thing is that his
writings bear out The Tribune s as
serljon that internal dissension and
the disaffecton of members Of the
church brought about tho Carthage
ragedv. On page 113 of his book Mr..
| Ferris says:
But the most fruitful clement of in
ternal commotion. and that which more
Immediately led TO tho prophets deaths
was the introduction OF poiygamy as one
OF the numerous privileges Of tho saints
This extraordluary ~ addition TO the curious
collection OF Mormon doctrines and prac-
iIces grew legitimately out of the char
acter of Joseph himself, which was a
combination OF cunning and sensnabty.
We present such matter as the fore
going in order that investigators may
have fair opportunity 10 get at facts
which may enable them to form Il rea-
sonablc conclusion upon this question,
1t is not at all pleasant duty (but
it is duty, nevertheless) to expose
the failings of this founder of Nor
monism. 1t is rendered necessary,
though. by reason of the eternal ms
representation practiced, through which
the effort is made to defy ono who, as
The facts incontrovertibly prove, was
criminal TO the core.
Mr. Ferris speaks of the combina-
ton of cunning and sensuality" which
had large part in tho activities and
character of Joseph Smith. He IS
borne out, even in this matter, by re-
corded Mormon history as contained in
tho church archives. 1t is evident to
tho thinking mind that even one of
coarse and brutal nature would realize
that the introduction of doctrine and
practice into a religious creed, so for
eign to modern civilization as TO nau-
seate humanity, was no nero child 8
play. 1T must be approached with
mixture of extreme care, brazcn ef-
frontery and subtle cunning. And
these elements were employed in the
process, as authentic history shows be-
yond doubt. Joseph thoroughly un'
derstood that he was treading upon
dangerous ground in the midst of his
own following, let alone as respecting
"outsideD sentiment. He must put
such face upon the matter as TO pic
ture himself in the performance of an
unpleasant task: as being driven by the
Lord against his own Will 10 the doing
of something that was utterly repug
nant TO him; as sacrificing his ''hne
Instincts to heavenly commandment; /;
as martyr TO the Will of God. He
preached it in Nauvoo, before his peo-
pie, that if some Of the brethren with
in the sound of his voice could know
all of the things that had been re-
vcaled TO him they would seek his life.
By degrees Of such preparation he
brought the people into some awe as to
what it was that eventually must come
forth as the word Of tho Lord. Pri-
vately he advised his leading associates
that he felt panied beyond measure
that he was about to be compelled to
make known to them something so un-
palatable as to bring about the scverest
Test of their faith, BY such means he
cunningly prepared the minds of near
friends for the introduction of the po-
lygamous doctrine and practice, taking
great care always TO present down
cast countenancc TO them on account
of the mental and moral martyrdom
that had been forced upon him from
On High as his earthly portion. Final
ly he and his brother Hyrum arranged
il so that the grand enlightenment
made at meeting Of the Nauvoo high
council The time came for that meet
| ing; but Joseph Smith, in pretended
anguish Of virtuous desperation, fed
the meeting as if in terror Of the duty
he was commanded to perform. Ac-
cording to his own story he mounted
his horse with the intention of cscap-
ing from the city of Nauvoo and from
tho repugnant task that had been set
for him; but on the outskirts of the
town, he says, he was met by an angel
with drawn sword, who threatened him
with instant and violent destruction if
he refused to return and bring forth
this most important revelation. He
went back to the meeting and told this
story TO the assembled high priests.
They were fairly palsied with awe at
what they veritably believed was q
truthful recital of the occurrence,
which Joseph had made with tho most
convincing appearance of concern, and
apprehension, and even horror.
And so it was that the trick was