OCR Text |
Show THE MESSAGE. On Monday, noon, the Forty-Sixth Congress of the United States was opened; and very soon afterward the message from Mr. Hayes was received. It is a lengthy communication, and refers to almost everything which could properly come within its scope, and also to one or two other matters. The principal subjects are the Suppression of Polygamy, financial affairs, foreign relations, civil service reforms, the different departments of the government, the Indian wards, and timber depredations. The following paragraph includes that part of the message most particularly interesting to our readers. The Suppression of Polygamy. The continued deliberate violation by a large number of the prominent and influential citizens of the Territory of Utah of the laws of the United States for the prosecution and punishment of polygamy, demands the attention of every department of the government. This Territory has a population sufficient to entitle it to admission as a state, and the general interest of the nation, as well as the welfare of the citizens of the Territory, requires its advance from a Territorial form of Government to the responsibilities and privileges of a State. This important change will however not be approved by the country while the citizens of Utah, in very considerable number uphold a practice which is considered as a crime by the laws of all civilized communities throughout the world. The law for the suppression of this offense was enacted with great unanimity by Congress more than 17 years ago, but has remained until recently a dead letter in the Territory of Utah, because of the peculiar difficulties attending its enforcement. The opinion widely prevailed among the citizens of Utah that the law was in convention of the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom. This objection is now removed. The Supreme Court of the United States has decided that law was within the legislative power of Congress, and binding as a rule of action, for all who resided within the territories. There is no longer any reason for delay or hesitation in its enforcement. It should be firmly and effectively executed. If not sufficiently stringent in its provisions, it should be amended and, in aid of the purpose in view, I recommended that more comprehensive and more searching methods for prosecuting, as well as punishing this crime be provided. If necessary to secure obedience to the law, the enjoyments and the exercise of the rights and privileges of citizenship in the territories of the United States may be withheld or withdrawn from those who violate or oppose the enforcement of the law on this subject. |