Mormon History
Mormon Slander and Intimidation - 1872
The Deseret News – October 2, 1872
For the information of those
who do not understand, we may say that there is an intention cherished by
certain parties to raise an extensive disturbance here the coming winter. The
reason why this disturbance should be brought about, the conspiring parties
themselves hardly know, but the whole affair is a species of diabolism, though
its movers affect an entirely opposite character and intention.
To bring about this purpose secret conclaves are held, where divers plots are
concocted and probabilities discussed. Dispatches and correspondence of the most
startling, sensational anou inflammatory character may be expected ever and
anon, for the purpose of firing the public heart against "Mormonism" and the
"Mormons." Nothing is too base for these plotters against the peace and welfare
of ahlis community to attempt, if they think there is any chance of success. The
vilest calumnies and the grossest illegalities are eagerly perpetuated if they
appear to promise the accomplishment of the evil purposes designed....
Affidavit signers are in request just now. They are hunted after with great
avidity and when discovered, collared, button-holed and variously plied and
manipulated until deemed sufficiently limber for the grand Christian purpose
which is in view. Apostates, with their proverbial venom are favorite subjects
and are in strong demand. The great
thing to be accomplished is the criminating by hook or by crook of the "Mormon
authorities." The
means is an entirely secondary consideration. It is not the "Mormon people" that
the shafts are aimed at. O, no, it is the head, because injury to the head
affects powerfully the whole body, while to injure a hand or a foot is not so
material an affair.
Come on, then, all ye who can be persuaded to take oath lightly, there is work
being cut out for you, and it is not difficult to find the parties who are
anxious to see and employ you. You are wanted for the express purpose of
swearing to some dreadful and infamous crime, which by certain legal kinds of
legerdemain it is hoped can be traced to and [fastened] upon the "Mormon
authorities." This is the grand object in view. If you will not take an oath of
that nature, you are not the individuals wanted, you are literally of no account
in this connection, and you can stay at home and follow the plow or push the
plane, like other honest citizens, who can't be used as tools in infamous
intrigues. It is the enterprising fellows with easy consciences and no scruples
who are required to affix their sign-manual or "his X mark" to the most serious
charges recognized by the law. Such are wanted to help on the incipient crusade
which [as] designed, shall "solve the Mormon problem" during the coming winter,
and reduce the whole "Mormon" body first to the originally monstrous and then to
the present chaotic condition of a recently loudly pretentious but blubbery
local organization.
Now is the time for the takers of tall legal oaths to make a few dimes, be
patronized, petted and plied by unprincipled [plotters], and earn the ultimate
contempt of every good citizen. But it should not be forgotten that the business
is not only disreputable but dangerous, for perjury sometimes meets its proper
punishment unexpectedly and promptly, apart from the fact that all business of
the kind perpetrated against the "Mormons" has hitherto been very unpromising,
and that the inference may be justly drawn that, in the future as in the past,
and despite the atrocious bitterness of its enemies and the weaknesses and
follies of some of its advocates, "Mormonism" will rise superior to every
situation. That we firmly believe, is its unpreventable destiny.
Note 1: Editorial comments reprinted from the Deseret Evening News of
Sept. 27th -- alluding to the Klingensmith affidavit of Apr. 10, 1871, (only
recently published by the local press). However, anticipating such
developments, Brigham Young had already excommunicated John D. Lee and Isaac
Haight, two of the more notable promoters and participants in the Mountain
Meadows massacre. The Mormon leadership at this time was quietly and carefully
preparing the public mind in Utah, for the coming disclosures of Mormon
involvement in the 1857 emigrant massacre. See the Salt Lake Tribune of
Sept. 28th for the response from the local non-Mormons.
Note 2: The words, "perjury sometimes meets its proper punishment unexpectedly
and promptly," may have been read by some Mountain Meadows massacure veterans,
as a thinly-veiled warning from the writer (Apostle Cannon), that they not
testify at all regarding the events of 1857, whether their intended testimony be
a truthful witness, or less than truthful "perjury."