J. W. (John Williams) Gunnison

The Mormons, Or, Latter-day Saints, in the Valley of the Great Salt Lake; a History of Their Rise and Progress, Peculiar Doctrines, Present Condition, J. W. (John Williams) Gunnison

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1856 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIIL SELF-GOVERNMENT. In concluding our notice of this new territory, and of its pe culiar people, we may be allowed once more to advert especially to the subject of controlling the government of Deser^t. Wo hear that officers sent to them have had their feelings so outraged by treasonable expressions toward the supreme government, that they have felt it obligatory to return and place the subject before the national legislature and the chief magistrate. This may have resulted from too hasty conclusions, and from not marking the qualifications usually due to such denunciations. Among portions of the citizens in every State, we may hear very opprobrious terms used. The government is frequently proclaimed corrupt, and dangerous to liberty, in party declamation; the writers and speakers being ready to defend it, however, with their life-blood. We know that a prejudice existed against the appointment of one, at least, who werit to Utah in an official capacity; and the Mormons were prepared to receive him with distrust, politically and morally; and however unjust the prejudice, it undoubtedly had its bad influence -- and in attacking one with harsh language, the cause may have become common to all. Now, the Mormons regard themselves as placed in the position of our colonial fathers; with this difference, that the latter felt the burden of taxation without representation; the Mormons, an injustice in enforcing law upon them by foreigners. They have formed every thing on the model of a republican State; adopted a constitution, liberal, free, and tolerant of conscience in religion; and have a criminal code which applies to their peculiar situation and feelings. It is not to be presumed that lawyers, though eminent fit home, fresh...