Brigham Young Arrested and the Decline of Mormonism
THE arrest of Brigham Young without resistance, it is to be hoped, indicates the near approach of the end of polygamy and Mormonism in Utah. He was arrested for adultery. It is reported that he will be rearrested for being accessory to a murder. If convicted under either indictment, the Mormon prophet will be confined in prison for a term of years. This result will, almost necessarily, break up the Mormon establishment. And this result is probable, if the proof can be had, as the late ruling of Judge McKean will exclude Mormons from the jury. As to any rebellion, or armed resistance on the part of the Mormon, the General in command at Salt Lake City is taking ample precautions, by strengthening the regular army garrison, while the United States authorities have already disarmed the Mormon militia, and can rely upon the assistance of several thousand hardy miners who have gone into the silver mines from California, Nevada, and other States and Territories, and who most cordially hate the Mormons. Such an event as this arrest, a few years ago, would have been impossible, and the attempt would have produced an instant rebellion. It is, therefore, a conspicuous mark of progress, showing the declining power of Mormonism in Utah. It now seems probable that the final settlement of the vexed problem of Mormonism and polygamy in Utah will constitute another of the great triumphs of President Grant’s administration, and that it will be accomplished without a resort to military force, by the peaceful agency of the civil law.—Det. Post.