The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1912-09-28


arena and point out to his followers
the way they ought TO vote for Presi'
dent. The Tribune has always con-
demned this sort of church priestly ac-
tion in politics, and it condemns it now
We do not wonder TINT those who are
thus politically assallcd from the high
position Of tho first presidency of the
Mormon church are dismayed and in
dignant. while those who have been
insisting that the church and its gen.
oral officialdom are not in politics and
would be glad 10 be let alone, arc Gov
cred with humiliation. RI is the most
nntoward incident of the campaign,
sensational in the highest degree, and
Objectionable on every point that has
been in controversy upon this church
political activity that has so much agi-
tated Utah from tho first.
Although The Tribune's support Of
President Taft and tho Republican prin-
ciples may he fairly said to he espe-
cially and strongly benefited by this
intrusion of the church voice into this
campaign in tho same direction that
we are laboring, we, in fact, condemn
this intrusion, and are just as much op-
posed TO 10 when it is exercised in our
favor as when il is exercised against
us. Tor the most part it has been exer-
cised against The Tribune and The
Tribune's loyal and patriotic efforts
IN Utah, and we do not welcome this
act now, since we have always op-
posed this sort of ecclesiastical intru-
sion into politics in the past. On the
contrary, we condemn it, and wish most
heartily that the Improvement Era
editorial had never been printed.
While Mr. Taft 8 friends will, of
course, approve of the sentiments cx-
pressed In President Smith g Improve
ment Era editorial. which was repro.
duced IN fun in these columns yester.
day morning, while most candid minds
will disapprove the expression Of those
sentiments by President Smith through
wondering how the article will affect
the hundreds of President Smith g re-
igious followers who do not agree with
him politically. It would be difficult
for any office-seeking politician In the
country, writing from a radical parti-
san standpoint. to sing the praises of
his party leader more warmly or to
support his candidacy more enthusi-
astically, than does the head Of the
Mormon church in his signed requisi-
tion for political support
Had the same article appeared in the
Deseret News, or in the Messenger
or in the "Juvenile Instructor
neither its purpose nor its effect would
be so apparent. But there is no mis-
take about it's publication in the
/" Era which is the official organ Of
the priesthood and of all those quor-
ums and councils in each of which Jos,
L. Smith stands at the head. 1t is un-
authentic; the article is
signed, and it goes like command to
every Mormon household.
While The Tribune is anxious to see
Mr.. Taft reelected and commends
every sentiment uttered in his favor, it
has serious criticism upon the wisdom
Of President Smith 3 course. Coming
at a time when local dissensions had
reached their lowest ebb, when suspi
cions OF improper influence in political
affairs were almost alayed. when the
past was fading into forgetfulness, and
men were joining hands for peace and
prosperity, the mandate was bomb
shell in commercial circles and became
a subject of unfavorable comment in
every party camp.
Lifelong Republicans, Saints in good
standing, deplore it as much as do
members Of other parties and denomi-
nations, because it has such reac
tionary influence On the community.
Men wonder why one who is naturally
the chief beneficiary of peace sought
and secured, should be the first to
arouse the old resentment, justify the
old complaint, and provoke anew the
agitation which has kept Utah people
in an uproar for many decades.
Really there was SO little excuse for
the ERA" into Taft organ,
since every uhlly pdpeI III lne C@L"
his candidacy, that the mo
tive must remain mystery, unless the
old desire to mix religion with politics
is too strong to be resisted. 1t cannot
be justified as matter Of policy on
behalf Of the dominant church, for it
adds nothing to the prestige OF the
delegation from this
State in the event Of Taft reelection,
while it may prove most embarrassing
recollection should Woodrow Wilson be
chosen. With such matters as may, in
the natural course Of events, be Of par
ticular interest to the people Of Utah,
and the important issues arising out Of
the Mexican situation. the signer of
that article may find 1t necessary to
go for aid to a Democratic administra-
ton. unless he is so intensely partisan
that he would sacrifice the interests OF
his people rather than miss an oppor
tunity to humiliate half Of them IN or