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Show I THE POLYGAMIC ROD Far hack In the history of man. a stick was one of his first Implements, and hi first Instrumental weapon: later ho sharpened it and it became a spear. In those dayp. club? were, trumps, and the gorilla Is sl polysamlst and clubs are trumps with him yet, for ho enn show his teeth and. with his big; stick, thump the lions and tigers that dar attfiiipl to Invade his tabernacles in tho forest, and lu- Is no "nature fakir" olther. But hn has no sense of a "divine rod." or he would have all tho jest of monkeydom nt his feet. While, clubs were yet trumps with man, the sticks of the chiefs had peculiar power ascribed to thorn, and the wand of :he wizard or witch, tho staff, the scepter of a king, are all derived from some kind of a stlok. Staff, once meaning only a stick, Is now applied in various ways, but can be traced back to Its original meaning of stick, and it shows the great importance attached to clubs In the early day. Tho tribes of Israel ascribed great powers to rods, which is the same as stick or staff, nnd lod means, i ;i.'o or government. Rule and rod aro o .-ioseiy connected yet that some pedagogues use which over is handy on tho refractory pupil. So we may well say that while Governor Cutler has his staff, the prophet has the polygamic rod for exercising powers over theso Mormons. If the governor gov-ernor has any trouble, the polygamic rod can stretch forth and quiet tho troubled multitude of. Mormons, for the fear and wholcsomeness of the rod Is great. 4 The expression "Big Stick" ls a metaphor meta-phor for a rod (rule) swung around in a promiscuous manner, like the corilla would do if he Imagined that he saw several lions, tigers and rhlnoceii approaching ap-proaching him from sides In a dense jungle, much damage would result to tho shrubbery, and the imaginary beasts would be frightened away. While Theodore Theo-dore Roosevelt has bcf.n much admired as an exponent of tho "big stiek" policy, something of a similar kind ls rampant In Utah. "This tribo of Israel" has seemingly seem-ingly dug up some of those tribul rods and tho peculiar powers have been vested In the 'prophet." If the "platos" were dug up. why net some of those powerful old rods also? If not dug up, anyhow the rule of tho polygamlo rod owr the Mormon people ls complete. This a "divlno" power which is vested in the "high priests" to warn, guide and direct tho subject Mormon. "Thou shalt beat him with the rod and deliver his eoul from hell," This alone is enough to make the Mormon look peculiar. Did you ever note the peculiar expression expres-sion of Mormons that are being swlned with the polygamic rod? If you liiul seen Sam King and Judgo Powers at that midnight mid-night speaking at tho Salt Lake theater last fall, and were observant, you would have seen the different effects. When a Mormon gets a jab with this "hoiv polygamic rod" it hurts him all through, for it touches his conscience. While-Judge While-Judge Powers knew that the polygamic rod was striking hfm, and doing great execution among the "children of lu-rael," lu-rael," It only stirred tho judge to lllprhts of oratory; but ho was irrelevant and irreverent in his saying that Apnsilo Smoot had enough to do "preaching Christ and Him crucified," for, as the judgo Is no saint, It had bcter be left lo one or me rajtntui to tell wiiat Brother Smoot did do. All reasonable men will accept as truth the simple story of "Undo" Jesse Knight as to Smoot's righteousness. And, too. It mU3t bo remembered that Apostlo Smoot 1b a disciple. If not exponent, ex-ponent, of the polygamic Mormon Jesus, and the judge, with his extensive learning learn-ing In criminal jurisprudence, should not confuso the Innocent with tho criminal polygamic. The polygamic rod did stretch forth last fall in tho .political campaign. Was it not a Mormon speaker at the theater said "You must not think , that this Influence In-fluence is over Salt Lake county only, it Is state-wide?" Therefore, tho polygamic po-lygamic rod stretched forth In Its glorious glori-ous power to all the faithful Mormons In the "mountains and valleys of Israel." Is-rael." This polygamic rod is ull powerful power-ful in tho Mormon conscience. Did you not'notlco the conscience-stricken, worried wor-ried look of those few Mormons who ivoro In doubt about the wisdom of the polygamic po-lygamic rod, who opposed It, but were finally driven to obey? They must not violate 'their Mormon conscience. You may Imagine that your conscience Is something from God, but a little analysis will show you that it is quite made up of a sense of duty to the community lo which you belong, to thoso duties which receive the approbation of the community. com-munity. For Instance, It Is wrong to kill a man, but If it bo the sheriff (community), (com-munity), or a man that community deems bad Is killed "in self-defense," or on some pretext, tho community approves, the perpetrator has done no wrong and his conscience Is not apt to trouble him. Thl3 is the reason that the writer uses tho term "Mormon conscience," for all Mormons Mor-mons like the approbation of their priests und the tribal community, and will follow fol-low the dictates of those priests and this community senso without question. That shows how easy It was for Elder Orson Hyde to have "unanimously adopted" his motion to dedicate Salt Lake City us "a place of graves for our enemies whenever when-ever they shall enter herein " If thc&c Mormons were then taught that the Gentiles Gen-tiles were their publle enemies, tho Mormon Mor-mon conscience would not hesitate -nt the taking of human life, and the horrible hor-rible atrocities at Mountain Mcndows was only a logical sentience, Bishop John D. I.ee was entrusted with rod power and directions, and his people were explicitly told to obey counsel from him, and now that such counsels were followed then. It Is not natural that It will make a Mormon Mor-mon feel the pricks of his peculiar conscience con-science to go against, tho prophet's polygamic po-lygamic rod "in these lattor days?" Isn't this rod a dangerous thing for Mormons Mor-mons to meddle with? Didn't the prophet, himself, testify that if a Mormon woman refused to enter the polyg'amlc lechery and bow to the Moloch of bastardy, that sho should be destroyed? (These are not tho "holy prophet's words, but a liberal Interpretation.) "'.'lie average male Mormon Mor-mon fears the polygamic rod aa much, posslblv, as tho eunuch docs his master. Ho must obey in things both spiritual and temporal. u This peculiar moral sense of the "good Mormon saint," which Ir, so unforgiving and vindictive to the apostate, is a distinctly dis-tinctly tribal peculiarity common to all tribes for nearly all tribes prefer to see one of its members dead tnan for nlm lo leave the tribe; therefore, "blood atonement," from a Melchlaodlclan standpoint, stand-point, was an easy solution to the vexing problem of apostasy, polygamy is tribal, i also, and almost every tribe has It "big medicine men," who perform inna.Ttalianit; and the staff, the rod and the wand are all Insignia of power and are derived, as we have seen from stick or chilis. The rod wielded by the prophets of old did wonderful things, and in "these latter days," the polygamic rod is the guidance (ii all good saints, and if a Mormon has-been has-been rebellious, has not "kejt the word of wwdoni," or violated the wishes of hJs bishop, he la -apt to iin'e Una downcast down-cast look of remorse. Verily the rod of our polygamic seer Ib strong and lots no Mormon escape. It seeniH that nt ono time one of th greatest of Mormon prophets stretched forth his rod and the saints prayed that the waters of the River Jordan "be a.t blood to our enemies, but sweet to the tasto of the saints." As no Gentile over lived to verify this miracle. It may be taken for granted that tho polygamic rod has no effect on nature; and the conclusion conclu-sion is that the polygamic rod has Its special functions over the soul3 of the Mormons. For example, if Prophet Joe would tell his people that they had been blessed with bountiful crops because of his Influence with God, good rains, were brought, most Mormons would "receive the truth;" if he caid also that throush his, peculiar influence that ho had caused the waters of the lake lo rise so saints and sinners would have better bathing at Sal lair, that also would be the gospel truth; aud if he should say that ho had caused a certain star to flare up in the heavens as "a sign of the times In these latter days," that would be revenled knowledge: but science might step in and show that that star was so far away that R. Smoot was a baby and, with G. Sutherland, had Just began to fight polygamy po-lygamy when this great conflagration conflagra-tion took place, which caused th star to flare up so. and light has been all this time speeding its way to the earth, while light from the sun, traveling, travel-ing, at the same rate, ls only eight minutes min-utes on the way. What has the prophet ' In common with the God of the universe? Pout! The prophet knoweth not how his own heart beateth! - Tho function, then, of the polygamic rod ls to control Mormons for its own use, formerly selecting such female Mormons Mor-mons as were satisfactory for polygamy (not quite so openly now), setting male Mormons about their business as "saints of the most High," and to obey or bn damned. It should bo tho business of Gentiles to see that this polygamic rod is confined whero it belongs, among tho Mormons whero Its functions aro acceptable. accept-able. If there cannot be a prohibition of polygamy, and tho Mormons have It as a local option among tho tribe, taking in a few jacks, that Is probanly the best that can obtain until a farther encroach of civilization. However, a few nominal Gentiles aro in the polygamic arena, and performing with the "Lions of the Lord," and to them the ideal of Brigham and his passions are very strong. Mormons place Brigham above Lincoln (Will some one step forward and tell of the fine things that Brigham was saying about the government whilo Lincoln was at the helm?) This last week witnessed some new performances with the "big stick." which congressmen have viewed with levity; but the sway of the polygamic rod over Mormons Is no laughing matter to Mormons, Mor-mons, for it is a serious thing to scoff at these "holy Melchlsedecs." Moses stretched forth his rod, the seas parted, and the children of Israel passed across on dry land. Now the Prophet Smith stretcheth his rod to make a drought in Zion; behold, and the land shall be dry and tho "demon rum" shall surely die but mine drug stores and mine "holiness to tho Mormon! Lord" store shalt still do a wholesale business. Why not stretch forth this polygamic rod and smite the drink appetite from all tho saints? That would be a big step toward to-ward temperance. Swing this polygamic rod, beat "he word of wisdom into them and "deliver their souls from heli." as Is. it written for the chlldron of Israel. The prophet can have his polygamic appetite, ap-petite, but these Mormons have got to quit drinking liquor. Possibly the present seer was once an employee in one of the old Mormon distilleries. dis-tilleries. The writer is in doubt about this, but has been told so. So, thou, who knows hut all this moral wave stirred up by tho polygamic rod is only another "convulsion" among the Melchlsedecs Mel-chlsedecs similar to that "revelation" to kill the demon polygamy? Did the prophet lose his polygamic appetite? Did he quit It? No, he is the living example, of righteousness to all Mormons today. . The exercise of the polygamic rod has created some Mormon Idioms for Utah language: "Chased to hell across lots," "warning voice," "I am a lawbreaker." "worst set of scoundrels hell ever let loose," "wo must get up a reform," and there arc others. In some respects tho "big stick" and the polygamic rod aro alike, but the "big slick" will not long be respected, and is now the laughing stock of American Ameri-can citizens; and tho polygamic rod being be-ing considered holy by the Mormons, will over receive homage, tithing and worship. wor-ship. In what Is called the "federal bunch," the "feeding bunch." the polygamic rod and "big stiek" powers were united; but thero was an overlapping, for some of t lie bunch havo polygamic ramifications, so tho fusion wns an easy matter. Man, in hla early prehistoric times, had to contend with fierce beasts, cold and hunger. By his intelligence he subdued the boasts, exterminating the ' cave-bear and the saber-toothed tiger. Now man's worst enemy is his own kind, tho dishonest dis-honest unscrupulous man who prcy3 upon his follow man, and inan't? weapon today to-day Is intelligence to overcome those who aro exploiting his follow beings. Man has, also, his own evil tendencies to overcome, over-come, his superstitions, his perverted appetites, ap-petites, and If he docs not combat them with intelligence, he must perish. Man's safety is In intelligence not in superstitions supersti-tions and Idolatry and tho fall of nations na-tions can be traced to a sensual priestcraft priest-craft and the worship of Mammon, their hold on the people becoming complete, degeneracy de-generacy results, and tho calamity to tho nation follows. Lot the mind be free, If truth Is to bo revealed to It; that Is how tho great truths were revealed lo Newton, New-ton, to Edison, to Faraday, to Linens, and others true men who are bonefactors to mankind. Use your own Intelligence; follow Intelligent men not fanatics. Intelligence In-telligence will teach morality, for it has been said that "Ignorance Is the mother of crime." Man la in enough bondage now" without his being Imposed upon "In these latter days" by any kind of a lecherous organization. WILL B. MOIIR. and balloted upon favorably, and Neighbors Neigh-bors are requested not to forget that the meeting begins every Thureday evening at 8 o'clock aharp. Visitors very welcome. wel-come. Silver Maple circle No. 10S met In regular reg-ular session Friday evening, with Guardian Guard-ian Neighbor Mae Tall in the chair. Ono candidate was shown through the mysteries myste-ries of the woods and eight appllcatn elected. The grand guardian, Carrie C. Van Orsdall, of Portland, Or., will visit Salt Lake on February 21 and thero will be a joint meeting of tho circles here and a large class of candidates Initiated. Friday we will give a card party; refreshments refresh-ments will be served, after which dancing will be Indulged In. The captain and guard team will visit the Murray clrclo on next Thursday evening and perform the work for a public Installation. The sowing club met Thursday afternoon with Neighbor Anderson. Thero was a good attendance and dainty refreshments wore served. The next meeting of the cluh will bo held February IS, at Neighbor Elizabeth Gall's. Woodbine circle No. II. Women of Woodcraft- Tho guards and officers are requested to be present for drill, Thursday Thurs-day evening. February 11. at 8 o'clock, on third floor of the T. O. O. F. hall. Danish Sisterhood. The sixth anniversary of lodge "Utah," No. M. which wns celebrated Saturday night in the banquet hall at I. O. O. F. building, will bo remembered long by the members as one of the most enjoyablo functions ever celebrated by the lodge. The cozy hall was tastefully decorated In national colors and the tables looked Inviting In their decorations of Mowers and palms. By special appointment, previous pre-vious to the banquet, the members met at the photograph studio of Degn & Hurst, whero a group picture was" taken of the lodge. At the table 1-1. M. LI. Lund, acting as toaslmastor, welcomed the guests In a brief address; then followed fol-lowed tho programme, consisting qf a speech bv President Mrs. Christine M-Petersen, M-Petersen, for tho lodge "Utah." a reading; history of the organization, by Mrs. Dag-mar Dag-mar Lund. Other speakers were: Thor-vald Thor-vald Orlob, P. Vlby Pedorson, J. D. Mortenson, and Erik Madsen. The members mem-bers Joined In singing of song's, composed com-posed especially for the day. and the song, "My Country. 'TIs of Thee," concluded con-cluded the evening programme. Dancing Danc-ing was thereafter enjoyed for the ro-malnlng ro-malnlng hour. The next lodge meeting will bo tomorrow night and wo expect to seo a good turnout, as several applications applica-tions will be voted on, and tho annual financial report, rocelvcd from tlio su- , promo secretary, will bo read. Fratornal Brotherhood. Next Wednesday evening, Utah lodge 3G5, T. F. B will meet In regular session, ses-sion, beginning at S:15 sharp. There Is moro Interest manifested in tho lodgo than ever before. Always the leader in tho brotherhood in this state, through which the other lodges havo been encouraged en-couraged and stimulated, UtaJi lodge, will pursue a more progressive campaign than ever. Thero will bo several new applications and some Initiations. Thore will also be an interesting prorgammo, whilo tho drill team of twelve members will be on hand with somo new and interesting in-teresting drills. Sego Lily lodge. Ko. 252, T. F. B.. will meet In regular Hussion at 201 South Main (K. of P, hall), Wednesday even- lng. Several initiations aro promised. Al members are urged to be present to as s!st the new officers In keeping It th "Banner Lodge" of Utah. Brother Servl: and the married members will give tin "bachelors" some Idea of the surprise: he has In store for them February 21 The escort team should all be present li time to call the lodgo promptly at S:l," Modern Woodmen of America. Salt Lake City. Utah, Feb. 0. 1900.-Excelslor 1900.-Excelslor camp had three candlla'es las Tuesday evening. W. B. RainKV. A. M McLelland and E. Means. Several appll cations for membership wore presentei and voted on favorably. The sick com mlttee reported that Neighbor Fred Me Kinley. Dr. Townsend, and Neighbor Jen sen. of Richfield, who are at tho Hoh Cross hospital, wero all improving. Th ontertalnmcnt committee reported everv thing in readiness for the visit of National Na-tional Lecturer L. O. Davis, who wll speak on "Woodcraft" beforo tho tw( camps In an opon meeting at the Od Fellows' hall. Tuesday evening. Everybody Every-body is invited and a good time is assured. Pythian Sisters. Hermione Temple No. S, Pythian Sisters, Sis-ters, met in regular session, and Initiated threo new members, which is very encouraging en-couraging to the new officers. Tho members mem-bers of different committees report much good accomplished, and progress on others. oth-ers. Next Friday evening. In commemoration commem-oration ot Lincoln's birthday, sevttal ol the past chiefs havo planned a littlo surprise sur-prise for mombcrs of the temple, which Is termed, "Just for ourselves." that we may get better acquainted, and be ol more- service to each other and to humanity. Maccabees. Utonian Tent, No. 12, al its regular review on Wednesday evening last, conferred con-ferred the first degreo upon two new members. Wednesday evening next will be the last review at which tho first degreo will be conferred on the new members mem-bers for the big class on tho 17th. After that dato tho full membership will be In force. Banner Ilivo, No. 11, L. O. T. M.. held an enjoyable rally of Its members last Tuesday afternoon. Next Tiiesdav afternoon, after-noon, Feb. 9th, Lady Towle will" entertain enter-tain the ladies and their friends at her home, 1914 fcouth Seventh East street, from 2 to o o'clock. All Lady Maccabees and their friends aro very cordially In- Fratcrnal Union. Evergreen lodge No. 151 will hold its regular mooting tonight. Wo expect to Inltlato ono candidate and to enjoy a good business meeting. Wo hope to seo a large attendanco and request all members mem-bers to bo on time, as It is the Intention Inten-tion of tho ofllcers-elcct to start at 3 o clock promptly, and to close tho doors jit S:lo. We Intend to havo botlor meetings meet-ings and better times, moro business and bettor socials. Wo want tho support of all tlio mombcrs who can posslblv attend. at-tend. Foresters. Court Salt Lake No. 1 met Wednesday evening. February:;, at K. of C. 'hall. 21 ' West First South. Thoro was a large attendance at-tendance and a pleasant lime waa had, Several applications for membership were received. The next meeting will bo held February 17. All brothers aro requested to be there, as wo will havo a good' time. Rod Mou. The council of Washakie tribe No. 1 last Monday evening was an interesting one. The adoption degreo was conferred on ono paleface. This evening tho warrior's war-rior's degree will bo given. Loyal Americans. Salt Lake assembly. No. 320, hold Its regular meeting on Jan. 27, in Jennings block. Wo received sovcral cards for benefit membership: there wns other Important Im-portant business transacted. Wo had with us Stato Orgaplzer J. M. Blanken-baker, Blanken-baker, who wo wero pleased to welcome to a seat In our assembly. Our next regular meeting will bo hold Wednesday evening, Feb, 10, In Jennings hall, on First South. All members come. Degreo of Honor. Noxt- Thursday' afternoon, at 2 o'clock. Star of tho West will hold Us regular meeting. Two candidates will be initiated initi-ated and ono applicant will be balloted on. Members are requested to come early, so that the work can be dono promptly. Important Meeting. An Important meeting of the Painters and Paperhangors' union, local No. 77, will be held on next Thursday evening. Amendments to the constitution and bylaws by-laws of tho organization are to be considered con-sidered and a full attendanco of members mem-bers is desired. |