| 547 The situation in Utah is aptly portrayed by Elder R. J. Anthony under date of June 16 as follows:
The people in the mountains are sorely pressed and distressed. To all outward appearance they are almost driven to desperation. While I know they are wrong, I am pleased to see the degree of patience and forbearance exhibited by them. There is no rest or peace for this poor misguided people now. The marshals are raiding the settlements daily, and taking the polygamists wherever they find them, with their families, and placing them under bonds. Many of the polygamists are fleeing after their false and fleeing shepherds. Brigham used to say that the day would come when "judgment would be laid to the line and righteousness to the plummet;" and when Johnston's army was on the way here, he said they should be harassed until they should not have "sleep to their eyes nor slumber to their eyelids." This surely is the time; only it comes the other way. Perhaps there never has been a day like unto this in these mountains. There has been a time here when no man could safely speak against the "priesthood," or fairly oppose their measures without being denounced in public and private as an apostate, or a vile wretch. And because of the fear and complete isolation many were compelled to submit to a state of cruel oppression.
The Salt Lake Herald for July 4 contained the following resolutions, which reveal the growing desire of the people of Utah to gain access to the sisterhood of States.
Whereas, A colonial or territorial form of government in the United States was never intended to be only temporary government-to continue until the people of the respective Territories were sufficiently numerous and capable of sustaining a State government; and
Whereas, To continue a territorial form of government after the people are capable and willing to assume the responsibilities thereof is cruel, and moreover a breach of faith with American citizens of the Territories, and contrary to American principles; and
Whereas, Utah has a population sufficient, and is capable of sustaining a State government, and is anxious to assume the responsibility; and
Whereas, Her people are loyal to the American system of government, being devoted to republican; and
Whereas, The general government has no reasonable excuse for keeping Utah out of the Union; therefore
Be it Resolved, That Utah throw off the garments of territorial vassalage, and that she is and of right ought to be a sovereign coordinate State in the American Union, on an equal footing with the original States in all respects whatever.
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