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To call Joseph Rawlins the "Father of Utah" as did the Tribune in his obituary is perhaps giving him too much credit; to call him the Father of Utah Statehood is not, for he did as much as any man to bring Utah into the Union. It was while studying law that Rawlins first had thoughts about reforming Utah. He felt that the main need crying for reform was polygamy and its elimination. As an 'infidel' the part he could play in its eradication would be small but he vowed to try to persuade church authorities to abandon the practice for he knew that was the only way Utah could become a state. Politics too needed reforming. Since the only parties in Utah were drawn along religious lines, he hoped to bring a division along national party lines. Separating the church from political involvement was another of his aims. He saw the obstacles in the path of such reforms by that did not swerve his determination to work toward those accomplishments. In 1884 Rawlins, with others, organized a club the objective of which was to furnish a rallying point for the young men of the territory who did not wish to affiliate with either the anti-Mormon Liberal party or the pro-Mormon People's party. It became known as the Democratic Club of Utah ; Rawlins was the first president. Many joined initially though it was doomed from the start for church leaders not only frowned on the movement but violently opposed it. The issuance of the Manifesto in 1890 had an effect on Utah's party system. Mormon surrender to the demands of the government deserved confidence in return from their opponents and many withdrew from the Liberal party in protest to its continued resistance, Both the Democratic and Republican parties came to life in Utah in 1891. Rawlins urged people to become Democrats. Little did he know that he would be, i the near future, wooing their votes. In 1892 he was elected as Utah's Delegate to Congress, He took his seat March 4, 1893 and began introducing legislation almost immediately. The most important legislation he introduced was the Enabling Act which provided for Utah's admission into the Union. This bill was introduced September 6, 1893. Forceful speeches and watchful steering of the bill through committees, the House and Senate resulted in passage of the bill by virtue of which Utah was admitted to statehood. In a bitterly fought election Rawlins became Utah's first Democratic senator and her first senator to serve a full six year term. He took his seat in the Upper House of Congress March 4, 1897. There, as he had been in the House, he was active in introducing legislation or Utah as well as the nation. He was an anti-imperialist and introduced the first joint resolution making war on Spain. He was also against retention of the Philippines and made everal lengthy speeches on the subject. In a book by Thomas Fleming he was included in a group of twelve prominent senators. Rawlins was defeated by Smoot in 1904 and retired fro political life, but for the reminder of his life he maintained an interest in politics, his legal practice, civic affairs and affairs at the University of Utah. He served as President of the Alumni Association for a time and was awarded the first honorary Doctor of Law degree ever conferred by the University. His endeavors won him the tribute from Salt Lake Tribune at the time of him death May 24, 1926. Another giant has fallen in the front rank of Utah's Old Guard. In the legal and political battles of the past no native son wore brighter armor, wielded a keener sword or fought more valiantly than did Joseph L. Rawlins. He became a party leader at home and a leader in the highest legislative assembly in the nation. When the motives and good faith of his constituents were assailed and questioned, he stood as their champion. His place in the esteem and gratitude of the people of Utah is secure. But was it secure? Fifty years ago the name Rawlins was associated with prominence as an educator, lawyer politician and statesman. Today response to the name is "who"? With the exception of his autobiography which his daughter, Alta Rawlins Jensen, rearranged and had published there are no works on Rawlins. As his great-grandaugther I felt he was deserving of one. |
