Inter-church Federation
By Editor
"Inter-church Federation."—The series of articles on this significant movement closes with this issue. This is not to say that all has been said; the issue is still before us, and will not be ignored or allowed to go by default. But surely the articles that have been presented have been eye-openers to those who are disposed to view the matter in the light of prophecy, of history, and of the fundamental principles of this Republic. Enough has been given to leave any reader without excuse for ignorance of the sure outcome of a movement conducted to a conclusion on the lines laid out by the Federation. The "Christian Advocate" of New York, while admitting that Utah has a right to send any senator they choose to the United States Congress, still feels that Reed Smoot ought to be rejected, because "he belongs to the hierarchy of the Mormon Church, and therefore that his relations to that church are such that he can not safely be trusted with this exalted and responsible position," because "to a great extent" the church exercises autocratic power over the votes of its members, and wields them as so many puppets to work its will; and because, as a fundamental principle of Mormonism is that its government is theocratic, his religion will always control his politics. Now all this may be true, but they apply with equal force against every Roman Catholic who is loyal to his church. There may be times, and in most matters, when the Catholics act absolutely independent, but wherever the safety or interests or welfare of the church is concerned, the political influence is sure to be thrown on that side, whatever the result to the nation.