Page:Bigamy and Polygamy - Reed - c. 1879.pdf/22

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husband with a home, is more wholesome for a woman than neither husband nor home, shows how destitute they are of all the finer feelings of humanity.

It is not to be wondered at, considering the circumstances, that every sentimental virgin of mature age in the land, no matter how distant from the scene of operations, feels her own virtue imperiled so long as such depravity is allowed to go unexterminated. It is not surprising that strait-laced members of Congress, who, at once, console themselves for the absence of wives left at home and set a laudable example of economy to their children, by having a mistress, who keeps herself, in each of the departments, should feel the urgent need of dog something signal, as well to drag the nation from the verge of the abyss into which it is preparing to plunge, as to demonstrate their own domestic loyalty, and their indehble hatred of every form of luxurious indulgence. The people of the United States do not appreciate how highly rectified their legislators are—how unsullied in mind and irreproachable in conduct; and it is well, perhaps, that they do not; for, if by any means, a view of such quantities of purity should come upon them unawares, a hasty demand for the services of a legion of coroners might be the result.

A relic of barbarism at a distance, and of which his sole knowledge is obtained through exaggerated rumors and statements which, coolly examined, would disprove themselves, is enough to stir to its lowest depths the soul of a philanthropist. The Mormons of Utah have had against them two uneasy classes, which do not in general co-operate; the orthodox pietistics to wit, and the unorthodox humanitarians. They are heathens to the one and to the other barbarians; and as the Mormons are obdurate in their sins, the only reformatory process equal Lo the exigency is their eradication. The members of these uneasy classes have votes; and, as beech-nuts to a bear, so votes to a demagogue, These are the instrumentalities through which clamors are raised; that which passes for public sentiment manufactured; fanaticisms inflamed, and unjust and barbarous statutes, creating artificial crimes and menacing their commission with savage penalties, enacted.

Without doubt the Judges of the Supreme Court had been properly informed of the existence and the enormities of this nest of reprobates; how the moral sense of the good people was outraged by their presence; what a plague-spot they were upon