OCR Text |
Show iv PREFACE. sworn and cross- examined, to show that my narrative of eight years ago was by far too mild; that in every charge then made against the Mormon Church I was within the truth. Nor do I admit that all the black details are yet known. Evidence is yet to be developed which will convince the most skeptical that Brigham Young was the accomplice and shield of murderers This is a hard saying, but rest assured it will be proved. If I have assumed too much in making myself an advocate for the political and civil rights of the Gentile minority in Utah, that minority can easily signify the same to their friends in the East who care to inquire. The Americans in Utah went there from the States, and did not change their natures when they changed their residence; they love liberty, and desire a share in the local government for the same reasons they did in the East. They have fought a good fight; they have accomplished much, and will do more. If my criticisms upon Gen. Thomas L. Kane and other apologists for Brigham appear severe, the record is presented to show their errors. Tht record condemns them not I. Of course there has been a great deal of twaddle and romance on the part of the opponents of Mormonism there always is in matters of popular discussion; but the nearer we keep tc admitted facts, the more clearly we see that, on the main question, they ar( radically right, and Brigham's apologists radically wrong. Polygamy anc incest are admitted and defended in Utah; and it is a fair assumption that men who violate law in two such important particulars, will violate it in others, if their interest seems to require it. But, as mere inference is not enough in such matters, I have, as aforesaid, given more evidence than the aim and style of the work would have made desirable. Five million Americans expect to go West. There should be a new work on that section, written by some careful observer, at least once a year; for the changes there are many and rapid. Doubtless so plain a presentation of the discouraging features, as is here given, will have a depressing effect upon the ardent; but it is best to know the truth. There is not as much room for us to grow in that direction as is popularly supposed, and Americans can not find it out too soon. So much for the main object of this work truth. As to the interest in the narrative kind reader, excuse me; I touch your hand, and without further apology introduce you to MY BOOK. J. H. B. COLUMBUS, OHIO, October 1, 1877. |