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Show INCREASING INFLUENCE. To him who is interested in studying and discerning the cosmic influences that impel human society, and bring about changes, revolutions, and the development of new systems and conditions among mankind, there is something very attractive in the study of the "Mormon question," and the phases it presents from time to time. The present year has witnessed a more determined effort to destroy and crush out "Mormonism," and to discourage, dishearten and oppress its adherents, than has ever been made since they first planted the stars and stripes in the midst of the Great American Desert. Anti-"Mormon" symptoms of a most violent and virulent character, have convulsed the entire nation. Mass meetings have been held in all the principal cities of the Union, calling for the extirpation of polygamy and "Mormonism," and press, pulpit and populace have, since the year began, united in one mighty howl for the suppression of the religion of the Latter-day Saints. A large number of bills, looking to that end, have been introduced in Congress, and the most disgraceful legislation ever placed upon the statute book of the Great Republic has this year been enacted by that body, for the purpose of stripping of their rights, the people who created Utah. And yet, singularly enough, the closing months of the year in which so much has been done against the "Mormons" will see them exercising a greater influence in the politics of the country than they ever exercised before. To-day the "Mormon" people occupy a far more prominent and important position politically than they ever did before, and the growth of that influence during the year seems almost to be commensurate with the tremendous efforts that have been made against them. This year sees, reposing in the hands of the "Mormons," the balance of power in no less than three Territories; it sees the politicians of at least two states courting the "Mormon" vote, and it sees the same element increasing rapidly in importance in at least two more territories. It is interesting, even to those who have no sympathy for or against the "Mormons," to note their growth under the oppression and opposition they have to contend with, and to the thoughtful that growth proves that in their system is included a wonderful vigor and vitality. |