OCR Text |
Show LOGAN CITY, OCTOBER 30, 1879. THE PRESENT SITUATION. A telegraphic dispatch from Washington says that the state department has advices adviced [advised] that the British and German governments have favorably received the recent circular issued by the United States calling attention to the determination of the government to prosecute all persons who have violated the federal law against polygamous marriages, and informing them of the presence of ??? amongst their subjects making converts to polygamy. It appears that about the time of the issue of their circular the number of proselytes shipped to this country was unusually large. Reports from the consular office at the principal points of shipment of Mormon converts, state that the police are energetically at work to stop each immigration by formal notifications that our government will arrest and prosecute immigrants of the sect immediately upon their arrival, etc. Secretary Evarts now feels confident that with the co-operation of the governments addressed, the follow? [flow] of Mormon proselytes from the old world will be almost entirely cut off, and with the energetic measures now being enforced in Utah, that the whole system will speedily crumble in pieces. Is not the honorable Secretary leaning on a broken reed? Can he be so foolish as to suppose that the different governments of Europe will or can pass laws, which will result in the prevention of immigration to one particular part of this country? or does he believe that officials of the United States can or will arrest and imprison at New York, all new-comers who intend to make Utah their destination? This shaft was aimed directly at Utah, because this Territory is the headquarters of the Mormon Church. But why not prohibit immigration to Nevada? Gambling is universally carried on there and though licensed, is still contrary to the percepts of morality. Or to Tennessee? Moon shining is in that state the popular pastime. Public sentiment in the United States is strongly against these two practices, and there is just as much reason to believe that a man who leaves Europe for either of the states named, means to commit the offence [offense] peculiar to that district, as to believe that any who comes to this [unreadable] Nihilists? and Socialists? These men are ostracized by the statues of their own country. They are adverse to all existing forms of government. They fly here; and here the plot, not only for the downfall of their own former rulers, but for the destruction of the institutions of this nation. Why does not Secretary Evarts arrest the ambassadors and representatives of all countries where polygamy is allowed, so soon as they set foot on Columbia's soil? They, as a rule, not only believe in, but practice the offense mentioned. And though they do not come to America with the expectation of living here forever, they are still liable to taint the immaculate circles of society in Washington and New York with the custom of plurality of wives. Why not arrest all officers of banks and insurance companies, who come from the old world? Many members of the classes to which they belong are swindlers; and possibly they immigrate to America for the purpose of robbing the Yankees. But to speak seriously, what crime have European Mormon converts committed that, without ever having seen Utah, or without having had the opportunity of obeying practically the doctrine of celestial marriage, they should be arrested at the sea port towns of America? They have accepted in its fullness the divine message. When the servants of the Most High have appeared to them teaching the Gospel of Christ, and through that the eternal plan of salvation, they have obeyed the behest conscientiously and in all purity. Even if every man and woman in Utah belonging to the Church, should embrace the principle practically, there could be no excuse for the punishment of others, whose only offence consisted of a belief. But much less reason is there when it is known that many men are Mormons without being polygamists. So dense is the blackness of their own sins that everything these men of the world witness as perverted. The scales of wickedness cover their eyes, and the light of Truth appears impure. But their efforts will fail. The work has grown in the past, despite their efforts, and it will continue to grow until all of Gods purposes are accomplished. Evil men and their designs are, in the face of the Almighty's providences, as chaff before the whirlwind. They may plot; and, sided by the evil spirit, they may persecute the Saints and even take their lives; yet the result will be the same. Those who love God and keep his commands, even in defiance of corrupt human laws and human punishments shall eventually be exalted and blessed; while their persecutors shall be withered and destroyed beneath the fire of Heavens vengeance. |