Mormon History

Mormon Destiny - 1852

The Dixon Telegraph – November 27, 1852

What is the Destiny of the Mormons?

We find a letter in the St. Louis Intelligencer, apparently from a very intelligent citizen, dated "Salt Lake City, Sept. 12." which thus replies to this query:

"In point of political feeling, I believe that there is little or no genuine American spirit or sentiment among the Mormons. I am satisfied that a succession of what they regard as gross persecutions and hostilities upon the people of several States, has almost, if not totally, eradicated it from their minds. -- They are undoubtedly suspicious and unfriendly to the great body of the citizens of the United States. Such being their feelings towards the people, it seems but natural to conclude that the same doubts and dislikes extend to the government which that people maintain and control. That unreasonable feelings and sentiments towards the national government prevail in this community to a much greater extent than is generally supposed in the States, is a fact of which I feel perfectly convinced. If these feelings have not yet manifested themselves in open acts of rebellion, it is because they have not sufficient confidence in their strength to justify them in taking so decided a course. I believe that a few years increase in strength, and a propitious occasion, will develop these feelings to the conviction of everybody. I base my opinion not so much upon positive acts or expressions that I have either heard or seen, as upon the general turn and character of their conversation, and information derived from the most credible sources. The conduct of the returning United States' officers, in deserting their post at the time they did, is universally condemned here by all persons with whom I have conversed on the subject. They left at the most critical period, when they stood in no immediate danger of personal violence, and by their presence must have caused such a positive development of the true feelings and intentions of the Mormons towards the government, as would have enabled it to take hold of and crush their treason in the very bud.

What will be the ultimate fate of these strange people? Will they be permitted to remain where they are, and worship after their own peculiar fashion and ideas? Or will they again be driven from this. their last retreat, forced to abandon their possessions, and seek a new home in some distant land? These are questions which time alone can solve. I have formed my own opinions concerning them. Mormon and Gentile can never live together in peace and harmony; one must give place to the other. The Salt Lake Valley, is a point of paramount importance to the emigration and commerce across the continent. Americans will avail themselves of the great facilities and advantages it affords. I firmly believe that in less than ten years hostile collisions will take place between the two classes, the result of which will be that the Mormons will be forced from the Valley. Where will they go? To some province of Mexico. Will they be permitted to remain there? I think not. The progressive spirit and expanding necessities of American democracy will in time claim that territory from both Mexicans and Mormons. -- Where will they then seek an asylum? -- In some country in Asia, or some Islands in the Pacific, where the peculiar features of their religious faith are less repulsive to the feelings and customs of the inhabitants. Such is my theory. It may be right or it may be wrong."

 

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