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Show "MORMON" MISSIONARIES IN THE CAROLINAS. The following special dispatch to the San Francisco Chronicle indicates that the spirit of religious liberty and the genius of American institutions have been subverted, in the Carolinas by an influence of religious bigotry and intolerance, and it further shows that the "Mormon" missionaries must be meeting with success in their saving work, or the powers of darkness would not be so wrought up. Raleigh, N. C., Sept. 1- About eighteen months ago Mormon missionaries made their appearance in the western counties of North Carolina, with their financial headquarters in Cleveland county, and at once began the work of making converts among the mountaineers. Their progress was slow and their means insidious. Two of the missionaries were taken out of a house by the indignant people and whipped. this drove them away for some months, but they returned, despite warnings of a worse fate in store. Last winter they resumed work in Cleveland and Duplin counties, their efforts meeting with some success. In Cleveland they made a number of converts, mostly women, and almost broke up the Baptist Church near King's mountain. The people hourly grew more indignant. A few days ago an indignation mass meeting was held near Shelby. Notices had been freely circulated calling on the people to rise against the destroyers of religion and happiness. This was but the culmination of the long-muttering storm. At an early hour of the day specified the people gathered in great numbers, armed and determined to drive out the intruders. The excitement was intense among those thus assembled, and at the meeting the entire operations of the Mormons were exposed. Their plan was shown to be to go from house to house impressing women with the delights of life in Utah, and offering them all kinds of inducements to go there. The meeting decided, finally, not to march against the intruders with fire and sword, but to warn them of worse consequences if they remained in the State. Such excitement was never known in that section. A proclamation has been issued warning the Mormons that if they do not leave now they may expect to meet their fate. The people of York County, S. C., where the missionaries are also operating, join in the movement. |