The Dallas Daily Herald

POLYGAMY IN UTAH.

We were not aware until reading over the message of Governor Emory to the Utah Legislature, that that body, with only one single exception, are polygamists. That such an overwhelming majority could be elected to this popular branch of the Territorial Government very forcibly illustrates the power of the Mormons and the weakness of the Gentiles. The Governor had a most delicate task to perform in recommending to such a body the abolition of this blot upon our civilization, but he did it very neatly in this wise:

A peculiar characteristic of the social condition of this Territory and one that is affecting the interests of the people is polygamy. In meeting this question openly and fairly I can but regard it as a crime prohibited by the laws of our country, and that it does violence to the accepted principles of Christianity. The country at large recognizes it as a blot upon our civilization. Our National Congress has enacted laws for its punishment and to prevent its continuance. To the present time this law has not been practically enforced, and I am led to believe that polygamy or plural marriages are of as frequent occurrence as at any time in the history of the Territory. However this may be, I have not the means of knowing, as the marriage ceremonies are performed by the Church and are only known to its members. It appears to me a most delicate how delicate my duty becomes under existing circumstances, when the gentlemen whom I have the honor of addressing with a single exception, believe, and may practice from a sense of professed religious right. It appears to me, and must be apparent to all, that the law should be expunged from the statutes or made operative. It will be gratifying if this body shall enact such legislation as will prevent its extension, and will adopt such measures as look to a fair and impartial settlement of this subject as it affects the past. We should remember, gentlemen, that Utah is not a secluded portion of the United States; that this Territory was acquired from a foreign power like other parts of the country, with money and by the valor of American arms; that the distance and the deserts have been annihilated by the construction and operation of the Pacific Railroad, and that to-day we are as much an integral part of this great Republic as any other section, and that we are bound, as good citizens, to obey the laws of our common country, whether they are in accordance with our views of justice or not. Otherwise, we ignore the constituted authority, and place ourselves beyond the pale and protection of the Government.