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 leader****p
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."
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