Mormon History
Why Oppose the Mormons? - 1844
Warsaw Messenger – April 24, 1844
Why Oppose the Mormons?
The Alton Telegraph is making some rather
complimentary remarks, in relation to our paper, regrets the course which we
pursue in relation to the Mormons, and expresses the opinion, that it is the
duty of the press to allay, as far as possible, the excitement against that
people. Now Mr. Telegraph, you know but little of the circumstances by which the
people of this County are surrounded -- you know nothing of the repeated insults
and injuries received by our citizens from the Heads of the Mormon Church -- you
know nothing of the manner in which the laws are trampled under foot, and evaded
by the Mormons, and thry screened from their just operations behind a set of
sham city ordinances -- you know nothing of the baits held out, wherewith the
more gullible portion of Joe's followers, are induced to take up their residence
in Nauvoo, and then of the manner in which they are fleeced of their all, and
reduced to beggary -- you know nothing of the iron rod by which Jo controls his
followers; with threats of violence quieting the discontented, and by every
species of tyranny restraining the liberty of the tongue and person. -- We say
Mr. Telegraph, you can know nothing of these things, or you could not undertake
to lecture us, for endeavoring to expose such a gang of outlaws, blacklegs and
bloodsuckers.
It is a fact, that can be substantiated by the most unimpeachable testimony,
that the discontented spirits in Nauvoo, dare not speak or write one word
against the Prophet without risking their lives. And even those who have left
the Church will hint of iniquities, which they dare not proclaim.
It can be proven that there are men in Nauvoo, who have publicly said that
should Jo Smith command them to commit murder, they should do it without
compunction, believing that the command of Smith is the will of Heaven.
It can be proven that some of Smith's principal supporters, and confidential
friends, are among the basest seducers, and violators of female virtue -- that
Smith himself has aided these villains to accomplish their unholy designs; and
unscrupulously averred that he acted from the impulse of Heaven's dictation,
while endeavoring to rob virtuous females of their chastity.
It can be proven that one of Joe Smith's bosom friends has been guilty of
passing counterfeit money; knowing it to be such, having been detected in the
act of brightening it, in order to give it currency.
It can be proven that William W. Phelps, who swore that Smith and his clan were
guilty, in Missouri, of deeds black as ever were conceived in the brain of Satan
himself, is now the bosom friend, and confidential clerk of the Prophet -- thus
proving one of two things; either that Smith has a perjured villan for his most
intimate associate, or that he himself has been guilty of acts that would
disgrace Nero.
It can be proven that Jo Smith has knocked down a quiet and peaceful citizen of
the county because as an officer he was not afraid to do his duty; and then
screened himself from just punishment of the law, by a sham trial amongst his
minions.
It can be proven, that repeatedly, Smith has been wrested from the officers of
the law, and the law set at defiance, its officers insulted and mal-treated by
his willing catspaws -- the Municipal Court of Nauvoo.
It can be proven, that Smith swore that he believed a respectable citizen guilty
of murder; thus subjecting him to a degrading and insulting investigation; while
at the same time, not one particle of evidence could be produced against him --
not even a shadow on which to found a suspicion.
It can be proven, that Smith and his coadjutors have propogated the doctrine,
that a man may hace spiritual wives -- thus by a cunning stroke of
priest-craft, throwing wide open the door for every species of licentiousness,
that can disgrace, or degrade a community.
It can be proven, that many of the leaders in Nauvoo, have spiritual wives,
by which means, females have been so debased, as unblushingly to boast of their
connection with Mormon Elders, and with pride point to the fathers of their
illegitimate offspring.
In addition to these, it is a notorious fact, that, the city council of Nauvoo,
acting under the direction of Jo Smith, have at sundry times, passed a set of
ordinances intended to screen the inhabitants of Nauvoo, from the operation of
the State laws -- requiring all criminal process to be endorsed by Smith, acting
as Mayor, before it can be executed in the city -- threatening state officers,
(although commanded by a State Warrant,) who go to Nauvoo, to arrest Smith, or
any other person, for acts committed in Missouri, with imprisonment for life --
subjecting all persons who visited Nauvoo, either on business, or otherwise to
an annoying examination by the police officers of the city, and if their
impertenent questions are not answered satisfactorily they are to be taken up as
vagrants and vagabonds -- repealing the Marriage License Laws of the State, so
far as Nauvoo is concerned, and substituting instead an ordinance of the city,
whereby no license for marriage is required -- giving the Municipal Court the
power to issue the writ of Habeas Corpus, in all cases whereby the
inhabitants of the city, shall be arrested under the Laws of the State.
These are only a part of the flagrant outrages on decency, --- rights of other
citizens, committed on Holy brotherhood at Nauvoo. And Mr. Telegraph, with these
facts staring in the face, can you blame us for opposition to this unholy clan;
even if the opposition does produce excitement? If so, you are to blame for
exposing blacklegs, counterfeitors, and thieves.
CHURCH
AND STATE. -- In the last Nauvoo
Neighbor we find a long list of the names of Elders of the Churches in the
different states of the Union; at the conclusion of which, they are instructed
in these words, to "preach the truth in righteousness, and present before the
people, "General Joseph Smith's views of the powers and policy of the General
Government," and seek diligently to get up electors who will go for him for the
Presidency," That's it Jo! "Preach the truth in righteousness, and go for
Presidency. That is Mormonism disguised. First preach the gospel, and thereby
gull the people, and then fleece them of their money, or induce them to elevate
me to office." -- That is the sum and substance of all your teachings.
Ain't it Joe.
CONSPIRACY
IN NAUVOO. -- In the late Neighbor,
we find two affidavits charging certain prominent individuals in the Holy City,
with being implicated in conspiracy against the Prophet. It will be recollected
that the persons against whom the charge was made are those who have lately
rendered themselves obvious to his majesty, by their discontent, and
independence of the threats of the powers that be. We have no doubt but that
those charges are made for the purpose of a legal formula. We trust however,
that they will stand their ground, and neither suffer themselves to be cowed by
threats or gulled into a compromise of their liberty of speech and action. Let
Joe dare to harm one of them, and he will awaken a spirit to which resistance
will be useless.