Character of anti-Mormon propaganda : letters in answer from governors of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Arizona and New Mexico / compiled by Elder W.P. Monson.

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Character

of

Anti-Mormon Propaganda.

Letters in Answer from Governors of Utah, Idaho,
Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, Colorado, Washington,
Oregon, Arizona and New Mexico.

Compiled by
Elder W. P. Monson.

• u ir-=sn6=ni n

Press of

Zion’s Frinting & Publishing Company
Independence, Jackson Co., Mo.

Character of Anti-Mormon Propaganda.

By W. P. Monson.

I 'or l lie past leu years, from several scores of pulpits through-
out the Fast and the Middle West, the cry lias gone forth llial
the “Mormon" Church is a "political menace” with policies
inimical to the principles of American government and American
life. Appeals have been made for the American people to rise
and crush this alleged “Mohammedan Kingdom” which, it is
claimed, seeks hy treasonable means to stifle American institu-
tions and to overthrow the government of the United Stales.

The press has given liberal help to the pulpiteers who per-
sist in spreading this extraordinary charge. From its initial ap-
pearance in the Cosmopolitan Magazine, a picture of tin inky-
black demon has been utilized throughout the religious and sec
ular press to characterize the so-called “Mormon Conspiracy”
against American ideals. The picture of this black, monstrous
octopus was shown with the head resting on Salt Lake City, head-
(|tiarlcrs of the “Mormon Kingdom,” and with tentacles reaching
out to the capitals of all the Western Stales.

After these lurid stories were once put into print, the num-
ber of anti-Mormon propagandists multiplied with unheard-of
rapidity. Individuals whose personal hatred had been festering
for years saw, as they thought, an opportunity to vent their spleen
against the leaders of the "Mormon” Church. Originally then-
public statements were merely a rehash of the Cosmopolitan
Magazine articles. Because the "Mormon” Church did not soil
its hands on a propaganda wholly unworthy its disdain, many,
with preconceived notions, have concluded that the acrimonious
stories thus set forth and often repeated with added falsehoods
are true.

4 CHARACTER OF ANTI-MORMON PROPAGANDA

Pulpit and press propagandists have worked overtime in dis-
seminating misinformation among the credulous, who are made to
believe that unless they vote blindly on a do-as-I-say proposition,
their homes, their lives and their liberty are in imminent danger.

Following are statements of charges made against the Church,
taken at random from a collection of newspaper clippings num-
bering thousands.

The Christian Statesman, Pittsburgh, Pa., Jan. 1, 1915.

“The editor of a leading daily paper in Oklahoma [no name
given] says: I * * * have known Senator Cannon for fifteen
years * * *. I consider him one of the very big men of the
country.’’

The same periodical of same date says further:

“A recent letter from a resident of Salt Lake City [again no
name] * * * says: God bless you for your words as quoted

in the daily paper. You know much but oh how little! The
Gentiles in Utah are like sheep in a pen for slaughter. The
Mormons are daily crushing out of existence the Gentile enter-
prises. Utah is going back into old Mormon control. I have
often thought that here in Salt Lake City is the battleground
where the worth of Christianity will be tested.”

Perth Amboy, N. J., News, Feb. 21, 1913.

“Present day Mormonism will be the subject of an address
by Mrs. Diefendorfer of Orange at the First Baptist Church
* * *. She speaks from personal knowledge and investigation.

It is a story which every American ought to know and one which
citizens must know if the Republic is to escape the pit dug for it
by the traitorous leaders. * * * A silver collection will be

taken.”

Philadelphia, Pa., North American, April 25, 1914.

“He (F. J. Cannon) charged specifically * * * that the

church teaches treason to the Republic, that the church rules
Utah and is virtually politically supreme in Idaho and Wyoming
and has great influence in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Ne-
vada, Montana, Washington. Oregon and California.” Continuing,
the article says: “These charges were also made by Rev. Dr.

Coyle and the Rev. Dr. James S. Martin of Pittsburgh, who has
charge of the finances of the campaign.”

Philadelphia Public Ledger, April 25, 1915.

CHARACTER OF ANTI-MORMON PROPAGANDA 5

“The Rev. Dr. Robert F. Coyle of Denver, Colo., * * *

said the church has political control in ten states, naming them
as Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Mon-
tana, Washington, Colorado and California."

Pittsburgh, Pa., Leader, March 8. 1914.

“When Senator Cannon announced here that the Mormon
church exerted tremendous influence with twenty-two members
of the United States Senate and absolutely controls six senators
a new phase was put upon the whole Mormon situation. The
Mormon problem is no longer a menace as Senator Cannon sees
it, but a definite and immediate problem of extreme gravity.”

Lowell, Mass., Morning Citizen, Feb. 20, 1913, reporting a
lecture given in the First Universalist Church, gives the follow-
ing: "How * * * would you good people of Massachusetts

like to be governed by a polygamous king? Well, that kind of
government is sweeping toward you and will arrive unless you
check its advance. No longer is its ambitions confined to a few
states and territories. Falsely calling itself a church — The Church
of Jesus Christ, Latter Day Saints — it is in reality a kingdom
ruled by Joseph Smith.”

Springfield, Mass., Republican, Feb. 23, 1913, reports as fol-
lows: “The Mormon church teaches treason to the republic. The
Mormon Church rules the state of Utah. Its political power is
practically supreme in Idaho and Wyoming and it exercises an
influence already appreciable and rapidly extending in Colorado,
Arizona, New Mexico. Nevada, Montana, Washington, Oregon
and California.”

Boston, Mass., Advertiser, May 5, 1913, reporting Rev. Paul
E. Smith, says: “It is a part of the professed policy of Mormon-

ism to control the government of the United States. They al-
ready hold the balance of power in seven states and by their
process of colonization, if they are allowed sufficient time, their
ambition will be realized. The Mormon Church has a tremen-
dous power politically.”

Newcastle, Pa., News, March 16, 19 1 4. quoting a speech made
under the auspices of the National Reform Association, says:
“That the Mormons are politically powerful in eleven states is
news to most Christian people.”

New York City Herald, April 24, 1914, contains the follow-
ing: “The Church now dominates the policies of eleven states.”

6

CHARACTER OF ANTI-MORMON PROPAGANDA

Brooklyn, N. Y.. Eagle, June 23, 1914: “Miss Swartz declared
that Mormonism was a menace to tlie country; that it had alliance
with ‘big business,’ and that it controlled and dominated the Con-
gress of the United States. It was a misnomer, she said, to call
Mormonism a church. It was a great political organization which
had for its purpose the control of this country.’’

Zion’s Herald, Boston, Mass., May 6, 1914: “The report of

the United States Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections
shows that the Mormon Church dominates the state of Utah,
and exercises an improper influence upon the civil affairs of sur-
rounding states * * * that the Mormon Church is seeking to

supplant the Government of the United Slates. ’’

Trenton, N. J., Gazette, April 18, 1914: “The fact that

Prophet Smith controls twenty-two votes in the United States
Senate to some degree, and twelve votes absolutely, gives national
significance to the progressing movement. No man unless it be
the President of the United States can with any certainty call for
so many votes ‘in support’ as can Prophet Smith of the Mormon
Church.”

New York City Tribune, April 21, 1914: “T.et the Mormons

get control of just two more states and it will be loo late to pass
a constitutional amendment against polygamy.”

Boston, Mass., Post, March 30, 1913: “The Mormons hold

the balance of political power in three Western stales and prac-
tically the balance of power in seven oilier Western states, the
Rev. James A. Francis of Clarendon Street Baptist Church told
the Twentieth Century Club at a crowded meeting yesterday
afternoon. The political party that assures the Mormons that it
will not interfere with their church atrocities can have their sup-
port, * * * and they can deliver the voles to the last man.’’

Trenton, N. J., Times, April 20, 1914, reporting a National Re-
form Association meeting, says:

“To the President of the United States:

Whereas. The report of the United Slates Senate Committee
on Privileges and Elections shows that the Mormon Church dom-
inates the State of Utah and exercises an improper influence
upon the civil affairs of surrounding states; and,

Whereas, The same report shows that the Mormon Church
is seeking to supplant the government of the United States.’’ etc..
etc.

CHARACTER OF ANTI-MORMON PROPAGANDA

/

New York City Press, April 12. 1915, quotes a National Re-
form Association lecturer as saying: "The Church dominates

1.500.000 votes. It patronized presidents. * * * The Church

controls the political destinies of Utah, Idaho and Wyoming, and
has a powerful influence in a half dozen other Western states.”

To give other citations would he an unprofitable expenditure
of time. From those herewith given it is evident that they were
coined all in the same mint and circulated freely for effect with-
out any regard for the truth. The press is not to he charged
with misrepresentation except in so far as editorials will show.
More often it has been imposed upon. That these falsehoods
have been circulated generally throughout the Fast is apparent,
considering the press reference given.

The purpose of this tract is to show by unquestionable evi-
dence that the weapons used in the “Anti-Mormon” campaign
are. for the most part, indefensible accusations. Knowing, as
every honest man knows, that there is no such kingdom as the
"Mormon Kingdom” outside the brains of subsidized would-be
reformers, the writer addressed to the Governors of each of the
eleven Western states the following letter:

33 West 126th St., New York City.

February 2. 1916.

Honored Sir:

For the purpose of compiling a reliable report touching con-
ditions in the various Western states with respect to religious
and woman suffrage movements, I take this liberty of making
inquiry concerning these questions in your state :

Is “equal suffrage” shared by the female portion of the popu-
lation of your stale?

Is such suffrage limited or absolute?

What per cent of the population of [name of state) belong
to the "Mormon” Church?

What influence, if any, do the “Mormons" wield in political
affairs of your state?

Are they considered good, law-abiding citizens?

What per cent of the criminals of your state belong to the
"Mormon” Church?

8 CHARACTER OF ANTI-MORMON PROPAGANDA '

Are they peaceable and honest neighbors, or are they intoler-
ant and hostile?

It is commonly reported throughout the East that you are
under the domination of the “Mormon” Church. Is this true?

Trusting Your Excellency will find it convenient to give an
early reply, I am,

Respectfully yours,

W. P. MONSON.

To this inquiry the following replies were received from the
various Governors, which as evidence are worth more than the
old, stale stories toid by persons of subnormal conscience:

EXECUTIVE OFFICE
State House
Phoeniz, Arizona

February 7th, 1916.

Dear Sir:

. My consideration has been given to the inquiries contained in your
letter of the 2nd inst., which I answer as follows :

Both sexes in Arizona exercise the same rights and privileges
under the elective franchise.

It is estimated that about fourteen thousand of Arizona’s citizens
' are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The precise influence which the members of the Church above
mentioned exert upon public affairs could not be easily or accurately
estimated.

The members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
in this State are regarded as good, law-abiding citizens.

The report of the Superintendent of the Arizona State Prison for
the fiscal year ended June 30th, 1914, copy of which is being sent to
you under separate cover, shows that of the prison population of 438
only 4 convicts were members of the Church regarding which you
make inquiry.

So far as my observation extends, the members of the Church
above mentioned are peaceable and honest, and are reasonably toler-
ant in their attitude toward people adhering to other faiths.

CHARACTER OF ANTI-MORMON PROPAGANDA 9

Any report that I, as Governor, am under the domination of any
sect, interest, or element other than the people of Arizona as a whole,
is untrue; nor can I understand why anyone should be interested in
circulating such statements.

Trusting that this letter may serve to suitably answer your in-
quiries, I am,

Yours very truly,

(Sgd) GEO. W. P. HUNT,

Governor of Arizona.

Mr. W. P. Monson,

33 West 126th St., New York City.

THE STATE OF COLORADO
Executive Chamber
Denver

February
Twenty-fifth
Nineteen Sixteen

Mr. W. P. Monson,

33 West 126th Street,

New York City, N. Y.

My dear Mr. Monson:

On behalf of Governor Carlson, who is out of the city, I beg to
acknowledge receipt of your communication to him of February 19th,
and enclosure containing certain questions in regard to the influence
of the Mormon church in Colorado.

For your information I desire to state that the number of Mor-
mons in this state is so negligible that it is impossible to answer the
questions propounded by you. I have made a diligent search for sta-
tistics on the Mormon church in Colorado, and have been unable to
find any.

In reply to your questions as to equal suffrage, I beg to state
that “equal suffrage” is enjoyed by the female portion of the popu-
lation of Colorado, and that this suffrage is absolute.

Sincerely yours,

(Sgd) EUGENE D. MILLIKIN.

Secretary.

I" CHARACTER OF ANTI-MORMON PROPAGANDA

State of Idaho
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
Boise

February 2.1, 1916.

W. P. Monson,

.13 West 126th St.,

New York City, N. Y.

Hear Sir:

l:i answer to yours of Feb. 19lh, I had a previous communica-
tion from you hut felt it of no great importance as Woman suffrage
is well known to exist in Idaho.

In regard to the Mormon Church, I am always unwilling to dis-
cuss religion from a political office as both do not work in harmony,
hnt for your enlightenment T will say Ibis:

In Idaho there exists Woman Suffrage, unlimited and absolute.

About 30% of the population of Idaho belong to the Mormon
Church. The influence of the Mormon Church in politics is about
like that of other churches. On the moral questions, such as Prohi-
bition, Civic Righteousness, the upbuilding of homes, the Church man-
ifests itself. On questions of Political Economy, taxation and Na-
tional issues, they have their own ideas and vote accordingly.

They are as law-abiding citizens as any in the State of Idaho.

We have no records of the criminals in the State as to their
attachment to any paricular religion or church. I am guessing that
the Mormon Church is no belter nor no worse than any other church
in relation to this matter.

The members of the Mormon Church are peaceable, honest, law-
abiding neighbors and associates.

They are great cultivators of the soil, empire builders and pio-
neers and whether the East believes we arc dominated by the Mormon
church or not is of no consequence to ns in Idaho. We arc enjoy-
ing absolute freedom of thought, freedom of the press and all our
political rights, and there is no desire from tiny quarter to infringe
upon these inherent privileges.

Yours respectfully.

(Sgdj M. AI.EXANDER.

Governor.

CHARACTER OF ANTI -MORMON PROPAGANDA 11

Governor Samuel V. Smart of Montana returned the letter with
the answer following each question as given below:

3.5 West 12()lh St., New York City,
February 2, 1910.

I lonoriil 'Sir :

For the purpose of compiling a reliable report touching condi-
tions in the various westeru stales with respect to religions, and
woman suffrage movements, I take Ibis liberty of making imptiry
concerning these ipicslions in your state.

Is “equal suffrage” shared by the female poitimi of the popula-
tion of your stale.

Ans. Yes.

Is such suffrage limited or absolute?

Ans. Absolute.

What percent of the population of Montana belong to the "Mor-
mon-’ Church?

Ans. 1 have not the exact ligures, but the percentage is very, very

small.

What inllucnce, if any, does the “Mormons-- wield in political
affairs of your stale?

Ans. None whatever.

Are they considered good, law-abiding citizens?

Ans. Yes.

What percent of the criminals of your state belong to the "Mor-
mon” Church?

Ans. No data on ibis point.

Are they peaceable and honest neighbors, or are they intolcianl
and hostile?

Ans. Peaceable, good citizens.

It is commonly reported throughout the Fast that you are under
the domination of the "‘Mormon” Church. Is this true?

Ans. The facts cited above show that the report is wholly untrue.

12 CHARACTER OF ANTI-MORMON PROPAGANDA

Dear Sir:

STATE OF NEW MEXICO
William C. McDonald, Governor
Santa Fe

Feb. 7, 1916.

In reply to yours of Feb. 2nd I have to inform you that
woman’s suffrage has not been adopted in New Mexico except
for voting in district school elections.

I believe there is a small Mormon colony in northwestern
New Mexico and also one in southwestern New Mexico. Very
little is heard concerning these people. I believe they are con-
sidered good citizens and that they attend to their own business,
not bothering in any way in regard to public affairs. These peo-
ple appear to be good citizens and the criminal records do not
disclose anything unusual concerning them. The fact that very
little is said about them is, to my mind, the best evidence that
they are not making trouble in any way.

Your statement that “it is commonly reported throughout the
East that you are under the domination of the Mormon Church”
indicates such a lack of knowledge, if not absolute ignorance
of the Eastern people concerning New Mexico, that it is hardly
worth consideration. The fact that any set of people claiming an
ordinary degree of intelligence should have so little information
, concerning a state of the Union indicates to my mind that they
ought to get busy and learn something. I do not know where
this information could have been gained by anyone. I have been
in New Mexico nearly thirty-six years and have never heard any-
thing in particular regarding Mormons in this state except what
I have mentioned to you in this letter.

You are at liberty to give this letter as wide publicity as you
may see fit, as I think I am rather well informed and am willing
to vouch for what I have written as being the facts in relation
to the subject mentioned.

Yours truly,

(Sgd) wm. c. McDonald,

Governor.

Mr. W. P. Monson,

33 West 126th St.,
New York, N. Y.

CHARACTER OF ANTI-MORMON PROPAGANDA 13

STATE OF NEVADA
Executive Chamber
Carson City

February 7, 1916.

\V. P. Monson, Esq.,

33 W. 126th St.,

New York City.

Dear Sir:

Replying to the queries contained in your letter of the 2d in-
stant I will say:

(1) Nevada has equal suffrage.

(2) The suffrage is absolute with men and women.

(,3) There are no statistics as to the percentage of Mormons
in our population here except what appears in the "Britannica.”
which shows for 1906, 13,423 persons affiliated with church or-
ganizations, 1,105 of these being reported as "Latter Day Saints”
or Mormons. In 1906 there were perhaps 75,000 people in Ne-
vada. If the proportion of Mormons who did not report their
church affiliations was the same as the average of all others there
were probably 5,400 Mormons in Nevada at that time, or seven
plus per cent of the total population. Since the Mormons are
more consistent in their loyalty to their organizations than most,
I do not think that these figures are representative, nor that we
have, at the extreme outside, more than five per cent of our
population affiliated with the Mormon Church.

(4) The "Mormon Church” wields, as far as I have ever
been able to see, no political influence whatever in Nevada. There
is not a single Mormon holding an executive or judicial state
office. In the last session of the Legislature there were two Mor-
mons in the Senate, one of whom was really no longer associated
with that church, and two assemblymen who may possibly have
'->een Mormons. Not to exceed four per cent of the Legislature
s therefore Mormon.

The State of Nevada has no more law-abiding and in-
.’jS class of citizens than the Mormons,
its i^e prison records do not show the religious affiliations
\s. The warden advises me that he has two Mormons

I/I CHARACTER OP ANTI-MORMON7 PROPAGANDA

lliiit lie knows of incarcerated there out of a total prison popuia-
i ion of one hundred and seventy-five.

(7) They are good people, not radieally different from tlte
balance of our population. The Nevada Mormons are largely
congregated in these counties where they constitute varying per-
centages of the population. I have never noted any sign of hos-
tility on their part toward others who held different views on re-
ligious mailers, nor are they more or less intolerant than their
"gentile” associates.

(8) Nevada is not under the domination of the Mormon or
any other church.

Trusting that the foregoing fully answers your inquiry, I am.
Very truly yours,

(Sgd) EMMET l>. ROYI.E,

Governor.

STATE OP OREGON
Executive Department
Salem

Pebruary 8, 1916.

Mr. \V. P. Monson,

:u W . 1 26th St.,

New York, N. Y.

I tear Sir:

This is in answer to your letter of the 12th. I shall take up the
various inquiries you make in the order given in your letter.

Oregon has equal suffrage.

It is absolute.

No statistics arc available, bul I doubt if one-half of one per cent
of the population of Oregon belong to the Mormon Church, if that
many.

The Mormons wield absolutely no influence, politically or econom-
ically, in this state.

In short, answering your last four questions, there are next to r
Mormons here. Evidently you have confused Oregon with I'
where the Mormon Church is very strong.

Vcrv truly yours, H'

(Sgd) JAMES WlTHYGbven,or

CHARACTER OF ANTI-MORMON PROPAGANDA 15

STATE OE UTAH
Executive OlTicc
Salt Lake City

Eclmiary 1 6, 1916.

Mr. Walter P. Mon son,

33 West 126th Street,

New York City, N. Y.

Dear Sir : —

I am in receipt of your communication of the 2nd instant making
inquiry regarding certain conditions in the State of Utah. Answering
your questions seriatim, I beg to advise you as follows:

1. Equal suffrage is enjoyed by the women of Utah.

2. Equal political rights are granted under the provisions of
Section 1, Article 4 of the Constitution, which reads:

“The rights of citizens of the State of Utah to have and

hold office shall not be denied or abridged on account of sex.

P>oth male and female citizens of this State shall enjoy equally

all civil, political and religious rights and privileges.”

3. I am unable to tell you what percentage of the population of
Utah belongs to the Mormon Church. It is generally conceded that
there are in the State of Utah more residents who arc members of the
Mormon Church than members of other religious organizations.

4. The influence wielded by Mormons in the political affairs of
this state is an influence similar to that wielded by non-Mormons in
political affairs. The members of the Mormon Church arc found in
all political parties and the individual members of the Church exercise
their personal preferences in the political affairs.

5. The Mormons are generally considered good and law-abiding
citizens.

6. No statistics arc available as to the religious persuasion of
criminals.

7. The Mormon people are regarded as peaceable and honest.

8. The common report or what you term “common report” in the
East that I am dominated by the Mormon Church is without founda-
tion or fact.

Very truly yours,

( Sgd) WILLIAM SPRY,

Governor.

16 CHARACTER OF ANTI-MORMON PROPAGANDA

STATE OF WASHINGTON
Office of Governor
Olympia

February 9, 1916.

Mr. W. P. Monson,

New York City; N. Y.

Dear Sir: —

Replying to your inquiry of the 2nd inst., Governor Lister directs
me to advise you that women in the State of Washington have full
suffrage.

There are no statistics available regarding Mormons in the State
of Washington but the number of Mormons in the State is very
small.

Yours very truly,

(Sgd) I. W. ZIEGANS,

Secretary to the Governor.

THE STATE OF WYOMING
Executive Department
Cheyenne

5 February 1916

My dear Sir: —

Governor Kendrick directs me to reply to your letter of the 2nd
'instant as follows :

In answer to your first question about equal suffrage, I wish to
say that equal suffrage is enjoyed by the women in Wyoming and it
has been a part of our state and territorial constitutions since the
territory was organized in 1869. Such suffrage is absolute.

It is a little difficult to say just what percentage of the population
of Wyoming belongs to the Mormon Church, but roughly estimated
I should say that about three per cent of the population belongs to
this church.

As to any influence that the Mormons hold in political affairs,
that influence is no stronger than that wielded bv any other individual
citizen in the state. Our last legislature contained two or three mem-
bers of the Mormon Church. They are considered good, law-abiding
citizens.

CHARACTER OF ANTI-MORMON PROPAGANDA 17

It would be impossible to say what percent of the criminals of
the state belong to the Mormon Church since no such statistics are
available in this office.

Answering your questions further, I might say that the Mormons
are peaceable and honest neighbors and are treated with the same
respect and courtesy in this state as are members of any other relig-
ious faith.

As to the common report referred to by you, that the Governor
of this state is under the domination of the Mormon Church, I wish
to say very emphatically that such is not the case. The Governor of
this state is a Governor for every individual in the state without regard
to creed, race or color.

Yours very truly,

(Sgd) BURKE H. SINCLAIR,

Secretary to the Governor.

Mr. W. P. Monson,

33 W. 126th St.,

New York City.

After waiting a reasonable time for a reply from Governor Hiram
W. Johnson of California, the writer mailed him a second request to
which no response was received. Wishing to give him another oppor-
tunity to declare himself I sent the following telegram to which has
come no reply:

WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY
New York, March 3, 1916.

Governor Hiram W. Johnson,

Sacramento, California.

Awaiting reply to inquiries concerning Mormon strength

California. Important. Wire disposition.

W. P. MONSON.

The inference drawn from his silence is, that he regards the infor-
mation sought as being unimportant.

18 CHARACTER OF ANTI-MORMON PROPAGANDA

To the statements of ten Governors is added that of Rt. Rev.
Paul Jones, Episcopal Bishop of 'Utah, who said, as reported in
Hoboken, N. J., Observer, Dec. 20, 1915: "The Mormons are

really conservative and not in the least threatening the prosperity
of the United States.”*

Woman’s Journal, Boston, Dec. 11, 1915, gives the following
statement from Hon. Everett Colby used in denying the state-
ment of Miss Elisabeth B. Vermilye that Utah, Idaho, Wyom-
ing, Montana, Nevada, Colorado, California, Washington and Ore-
gon were under the domination of the Mormon Church: “There
is no evidence whatever to support the assertion. The World
Almanac of 1912 gives the number of Communicants in the Mor-
mon Church as 356.000. The U. S. Census of 1910 gives the com-
bined population of those states as 5, 920, SI 5. It is foolish to
suppose that 356,000 persons can hold the balance of power in a
population of nearly 6,000,000, especially when everyone knows
that the great majority of the Mormon population live in the
single State of Utah. It is natural that Utah should be repre-
sented in the U. S. Senate by a Mormon. 'That the Mormons do
not hold the balance of power in the other suffrage states is made
clear by the fact that they never have elected a Congressman.
No one of these states has even elected a Mormon to any state
office or had a Mormon as chairman of a state committee of any
political party. If the Mormons hold the balance of power, it is
r strange that in no one of these states have any political rewards
ever fallen to a “Mormon.”

With such incontrovertible evidence supporting the position
of the Latter-day Saints, one is led to believe that greed has in-
spired this imposition upon the public. It is “good copy’ to at-
tack the so-called “Mormons.” The advocacy of any story
against them, however incompatible with the truth, will popular-
ize the advocate with a certain supercilious class of people. In
proof of this, compare the following statements taken from the
Philadelphia, Pa., Inquirer of April 29, 1915, and Meadville, Pa..
Messenger, September 15, 1915. Mrs. May Leonard Woodford,
according to the Inquirer, said: “The Mormon Church has 2.200

missionaries in and around Pittsburgh alone." Mrs. Diefendorrer,
according to the Messenger, said: "It (the Mormon Church) has
two hundred missionaries in Pittsburgh.” Surely this is “seeing
things.” At the time these statements were made there were but

CHARACTER OF ANTI-MORMON PROPAGANDA 10

two missionaries in Pittsburgh. The whole anti-Mormon propa-
ganda is exaggerated in every aspect in the same ratio. For in-
stance. the Lutheran Observer, Lancaster. Pa., Aug. 1.1, 1915, says
"The (Mormon) hierarchy has just issued a report which ac-
counts for nearly two billion dollars received in tithes the past
year." Think of that! From a church membership of 500.001)
men, women and children two billion dollars is paid in tithes.
Each man, woman and child, therefore, must have paid $4,000.00
in 1014 in tithing, which means that every "Mormon" man, woman
and child is capable of earning $40,000.00 per year. If this were
approximately true there would be no other churches.

Anti-Mormon propagandists are past-masters in reading iso-
lated lines from the Doctrine and Covenants to serve their ques-
tionable purposes. Should such methods be employed in treating
Biblical texts, that Sacred Record would become a worthless mass
of inconsistencies. Robert G. Ingersoll did with the Bible exactly
what hostile critics of Mormonism are trying to do with the
Doctrine and Covenants. None, however, have so much as made
reference to the 134th section, given before the abolition of
slavery, which is a law to the Church defining the relationship
between the Church and the State and the general altitude in
which governments are held. Following is the full, text, which
requires no explanation:

Section 134

OF GOVERNMENTS AND LAWS IN GENERAL

That our belief with regard to earthly governments and laws
in general may not be misinterpreted nor misunderstood, we have
thought proper to present near the close of this volume our
opinion concerning the same.

1. We believe that governments were instituted of God for
the benefit of man, and that he holds men accountable for their
acts in relation to them, either in making laws or administering
them, for the good and safety of society.

2. We believe that no government can exist in peace, except
such laws are framed and held inviolable as will secure to each
individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control
of property, and the protection of life.

20 CHARACTER OF ANTI-MORMON PROPAGANDA

3. We believe that all governments necessarily require civil
officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same, and
that such as will administer the law in equity and justice should
be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people (if a repub-
lic), or the will of the sovereign.

4. We believe that religion is instituted of God, and that
men are amenable to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it,
unless their religious opinions prompt them to infringe upon the
rights and liberties of others; but we do not believe that human
law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to
bind the consciences of men. nor dictate forms for public or pri-
vate devotion; that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but
never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress
the freedom of the soul.

5. We believe that all men are bound to sustain and uphold
the respective governments in which they reside, while protected
in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such gov-
ernments; and that sedition and rebellion are unbecoming ever}'
citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly; and
that all governments have a right to enact such laws as in their
own judgment are best calculated to secure the public interest,
at the same time, however, holding sacred the freedom of con-
science.

- 6. We believe that every man should be honored in his sta-

tion: rulers and magistrates as such being placed for the protec-
tion of the innocent, and punishment of the guilty; and that to
the laws all men owe respect and deference, as without them
peace and harmony would be supplanted by anarchy and terror;
human laws being instituted for the express purpose of regulating
our interests as individuals and nations, between man and man,
and divine laws given of heaven prescribing rules on spiritual
concerns, for faith and worship, both to be answered by mail to
his Maker.

7. We believe that rulers, states and governments have a
right and are bound to enact laws for the protection of all citi-
zens in the free exercise of their religious belief; but we do not
believe that they have a right in justice to deprive citizens of this
privilege, or proscribe them in their opinions, so long as a regard

CHARACTER OF ANTI-MORMON PROPAGANDA 21

and reverence are shown to the laws, and such religious opinions
do not justify sedition nor conspiracy.

8. We believe that the commission of crime should be pun-
ished according to the nature of the offense; that murder, trea-
son, robbery, theft, and the breach of the general peace, in all
respects, should be punished according to their criminality, and
their tendency to evil among men, by the law's of that govern-
ment in w:hich the offense is committed; and for the public peace
and tranquility all men should step forward and use their ability
in bringing offenders against good laws to punishment.

9. We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence
with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered
and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the indi-
vidual rights of its members as citizens denied.

10. We believe that all religious societies have a right to
deal with their members for disorderly conduct according to the
rules and regulations of such societies, provided that such deal-
ings be for fellowship and good standing; but we do not believe
that any religious society has authority to try men on the right
of property or life, to take from them this world’s goods, or to
put them in jeopardy of either life or limb, neither to inflict any
physical punishment upon them; they can only excommunicate
them from their society and withdraw from them their fellow-
ship.

11. We believe that men should appeal to the civil law for
redress of all wrongs and grievances, where personal abuse is in-
flicted, or the right of property or character infringed, where such
laws exist as will protect the same; but we believe that all men
are justified in defending themselves, their friends, and property,
and the government, from the unlawful assaults and encroach-
ments of all persons, in times of exigency, where immediate ap-
peal cannot be made to the laws, and relief afforded.

12. We believe it just to preach the gospel to the nations of
the earth, and warn the righteous to save themselves from the
corruption of the world; but we do not believe it right to inter-
fere with bond servants, neither preach the gospel to, nor baptize
them, contrary to the will and wish of their masters, nor to
meddle with or influence them in the least, to cause them to be

22 CIIARACTFK < J I« A XT1-.MU KAIOX PROPAGANDA

dissatisfied willi their situations in this life, thereby jeopardizing
the lives ol men; such interference we believe to be unlawful and
unjust, and dangerous to the peace of every government allowing
human beings to be held in servitude.”

Surely this law to the Church should silence all except those
who utterly disregard the Ninth Commandment, \i/.: “Thou shalt
not hear false witness against thy neighbor.”

In conclusion, let it he remembered lliaL there is, in this age
ol advancement, little or no excuse for ignorance respecting the
rtsichings and lives of the Latter-day Saints. Free bulletins, rec-
ords and statistics issued by Federal and State authorities should
be sufficient proof to any constitution-loving American that hap-
pily the accusations against the “Mormon” Church are not true.

For further information or literature address
•CENTRAL STATES MISSION — 302 S. Pleasant St., Independence, Mo.
WESTERN STATES MISSION — 622 W. fith Ave.. Denver. Col.
SOUTHERN STATES MISSION — 711 Fairview Ave., Chattanooga, Tenn.
EASTERN STATES MISSION — 33 W. 126th St.. New York.
NORTHERN STARS MISSION— 2556 N. Sawyer Ave., Chicago.
NORTHWESTERN STATES MISSION — 261 E. 2.7th St., Portland, Ore.
CALIFORNIA MISSION — 153 W. Adams St.. Los Angeles. Cal.
BUREAU OF INFORMATION — Temple Block. Salt Ixtke City.

ARTICLES OF FAITH.

Of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I. YVe believe in God, the Eternal father, and in His Sou,
Jesus Christ, and in (lie Holy Ghost.

We believe that men will he punished for their own sins,
and not for Adam’s transgression.

:t. We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all man-
kind may he saved by obedience to the law and ordinances of the
( iospel.

4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the

(iospel are: hirst, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repent-

ance; third, liaptism by immersion for the remis'sion of sins; fourth.
Laying on of Hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. We believe that a man must he called of God, by prophecy,

and by the laying on of hands, bv those who are in authority, to

preach the (iospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

<>. We believe in the same organization that existed in the
Primitive Church — namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers
evangelists, etc.

7. We believe in the gift of longues, prophecy, revelation,
visions, healing, interpretation of longues, etc.

S. We believe the lliblc to he the word of God, as far as it i-
translated correctly; we also believe the Hook of Mormon to he
the word of God.

!>. We believe all that God has revealed, all that lie does now

reveal, and vve believe that lie will jet reveal many great and im-

portant things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

JO. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in tin-
restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion will he built upon this
(the American) continent; that Christ will reign personalty upon
the earth: and that the earth will he renewed and receive its para-
disiacal glory.

It. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God ac
cording to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow till men
the same privilege; let them worship, how, where, or what they
may.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers,
and magistrates; in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

i:s. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, v ir-
tuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we
follow the admonition of Paul. We believe all things, we hope all
things, vve have endured many things, we hope to be able to endure
all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report
or praiseworthy, vve seek after these things.

JOSEPH SMITH.

PRICE LIST AND CATALOGUE.

Added Upon, Nephi Anderson

Book of Mormon, standard size; cloth, 50c; leather, $1.00; calt

grain gilt

Das Buch Mormon (German Book of Mormon). Cloth 6j

Mormons Bok (Swedish Book of Mormon). Cloth 100

Mormons Bog (Danish Book of Mormon). Cloth 1-00

i 5Q

Doctrine and Covenants. Cloth

Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price, combined;

vest-pocket edition. Divinity Circuit binding 1U'

Pearl of Great Price. Cloth - 35

Voice of Warning. Parley P. Pratt - “ 10

Durant. Ben E. Rich

Testaments (vest-pocket), 40c; with Psalms - j0

The Great Apostasy, by Dr. James E. Talmage - 10

Articles of Faith, by Dr. James E. Talmage 100

I atter-Day Prophet, by George Q. Cannon =0

Brief History of the Church, by Edward H. Anderson 10

One Hundred Years of Mormonism. Cloth. By John Henry

- 1 .25

Evans

History of 'he Church. In G volumes, per volume 1.50

- Songs of Zion. Cloth. 35; Leather 75

-Oh. My Father.” Beautifully illustrated and bound, illustrat-
ed poem, followed by words and music 50

Jesus The Christ, Dr. James F.. Talmage 150

Inbll.hcd by the MlMlon* <»>«■ Church of .le.ua rhrl.t of l.alter-d.y
1 sa|nt. In the United State..

PFNTRAE STATES MVSSION-302 S. Pleasant St Independence. Mo.
WESTERN STATES MISSION— 622 W. 6th Ave.. Denver. Col.

SOUTH FUN STATES MISSION-711 Fairylelr Ave.. Chattanooga. Tenn.
BASHERS STATES MISSION— 33 W. 126th St.. New York
* ' mi i pd v ctiTFS MISSION — 2555 N. Suwy6r A\e.. Chlcftjo,
NORTHWESTERN STATES MISSION-810 E. Madison St.. Portland.

UAI I FORN 1 A MISSION— 153 W. Adams St., Eos Angeles, Cal.
BUREAU OF INFORMATION— Temple Block. Sail Eake City.