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Show EFFECTS OF THE EDMUNDS BILL. To-day, unless remanded by President Arthur for amendments or vetoed outright, the Edmunds bill becomes a law, whether he signs it or not, as the Constitution provides that a bill passed by both houses and sent to the president for his signature becomes a law by default after ten days, should he neither sign nor vetoe [veto] it. It appears to be the President's design to allow the bill to become a law by default. He is too good a lawer [lawyer] to be able to conscientiously affix his signature to a piece of legislation so glaringly unconstitutional. No great commotion has been occasioned by the new law thus far, and the most discreet and farseeing among the people do not appear to anticipate any immediate and striking results. Those who are jealous of the people's rights regard the Edmunds bill as an entering wedge too defective to accomplish all its supporters desires, though bad enough in spirit and intent, which will be followed by other measures when its failure has been demonstrated. The "Mormon" people have now an opportunity to manifest their real appreciation of and devotion to the principles upon which the American Republic was founded by preserving a calm, dignified and orderly line of conduct and at the same time defending, by all constitutional and legal means, their rights. The bill jeopardies [jeopardizes] the tenure of office of all polygamists from and after its passage, though there are not wanting, good lawyers who believe that polygamists in office at its passage may legally hold over until the expiration of their terms. But the people of Utah have no grounds to hope but that the strictest interpretation it will bear will be placed upon it by those to whom its execution is entrusted. For the next two years and until a new legislature is elected and passes a new election law, the people of Utah will be subject to a control that may be mild and not particularly disagreeable, or it may be gaining almost beyond endurance, as its nature will depend almost entirely upon the commission exercising it and the subordinates whom they may appoint. Who will constitute the personnel of the commission? It is yet too early to speculate, but is to be earnestly hoped that they will be men of a character to wield justly and wisely the unprecedented power reposed in them. |