| 294 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. The general interests of the nation, as well as the welfare of the citizens of the Territory, require its advance from the territorial form of government to the responsibilities and privileges of a State. This important change will not, however, be approved by the country while the citizens of Utah, in very considerable number, uphold a practice which is condemned 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 seventeen 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 contravention of the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom.
This objection is now removed. The supreme court of the United States has decided the law to be 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 recommend that more comprehensive and more searching methods for preventing as well as punishing this crime be provided.
If necessary to secure obedience to the law, the enjoyment and exercise of the rights and privileges of citizenship in the Territories of the United States may be withheld or withdrawn from those who violate or oppose the enforcement of the law on this subject.-The Saints' Herald, vol. 27, pp. 6, 7.
December 22, a debate was held at Limerick, Ohio, between Reverend Doctor Redfern of the Christian Union Order and Elder L. R. Devore, followed by good results. The same day Reese Creek Branch, Montana, was reorganized by E. C. Brand and on the 30th Willow Creek Branch was organized by same person.
(page 294) |
