Investigating Mormonism
By L. A. S.
THE evidence thus far gathered in the remarkable investigation now being made by the Senate committee at Washington into the character of Mormonism, points strongly to the conclusion that Senator-elect Smoot, of Utah, will be excluded from the Senate on the ground of his official connection with the hierarchy of a church which upholds polygamy. The statements elicited by the committee from President Smith, of the Mormon Church, show that polygamy is still upheld and practised by representative Mormons, the chief official setting the example in disregard of the law. The impression made by President Smith before the committee puts the Mormon Church in an attitude of defiance toward the government, resting apparently on the confidence that the hand of the federal government can not reach the church now that a State government exists in Utah, which State government is under Mormon political control. An interesting feature of the investigation appears in the fact that it gives the Mormon Church an opportunity to extend its work at the expense of the government, by sending out such portions of the testimony introduced as it may wish to bring before the public, under the franking privilege enjoyed by all members of Congress. By virtue of this privilege the Mormon Church can, if it chooses, have the Book of Mormon, the “Book of Doctrines and Covenants,” and the “Pearl of Great Price,” which are the standard works of the church, printed and sent out free of cost as “Senate documents.” It is apprehended that the Mormon leaders will avail themselves of this opportunity before the investigation is ended. It seems probable that this case may result in setting up the precedent in this country of debarring from federal office any active adherent of the Mormon religion; in other words, excluding an individual from public office on religious grounds. Such a precedent, though it might seem justified by necessity in the first instance, would be dangerous and harmful in a high degree. There is something suggestive in this governmental examination of a system of religion. It is a strange thing, one that has never been done in this nation before, but which will be repeated more than once hereafter; for other religions7than the Mormon are to be put under governmental scrutiny. The truth of God will be falsely accused, and brought to trial before men of authority, in this and in other lands. We are admonished to sanctify the Lord in our hearts, and be ready to give a reason of the hope that is in us, with meekness and fear. We should all be prepared to be called to the witness stand in behalf of the truth. We are repeatedly assured that this experience will come to many of Christ’s followers in the closing hours of the great controversy which has centered for ages around his truth.