1857-07-06-New York Herald-Mormon Celebration of the Fourth at Norwalk

Mormon Celebration of the Fourth at Norwalk

New York Herald, 6 July 1857, p. 3, col. A

Mormon Celebration of the Fourth at Norwalk

Patriotic Oration of a Mormon Leader-—The Saints’ Opinion of the Constitution—-The Policy of Brigham Young Explained by His Disciples, &c.

The Norwalk and Westport, Conn., branch of the Mormon church having invited their brethren from New York and other places to participate with them in a patriotic celebration of the Fourth of July at Norwalk, and judging that they would take that opportunity of making some public exposition of their views regarding the present critical state of affairs in Utah Territory, we despatched a reporter to attend the celebration; and it will be seen by the following report of the proceedings that we were not mistaken. The statements made on this occasion by leading members of the Mormon community are highly interesting, and will throw much light on the complicated condition of things now existing in Salt Lake City and the Territory of Utah.

A party of the brethren from this city, including the choir and orchestra, left for Norwalk on the steamboat John Hart on Friday afternoon. On arriving there, our reporter found that little was known of the next day's celebration by the citizens of Norwalk, but through the kindness of Mr. Stephenson, of the Norwalk Hotel, he was enabled to make the acquaintance of some of the elders of the branch there who gave him every information, and treated him with the greatest courtesy. Had the weather of the previous few days been favorable large delegations from Boston, Philadelphia, New Haven and New York would have been present. As it was, the celebration was confined to a small number from Norwalk, Westport and New York.

The morning's train from this city brought a considerable number of guets, and on its arrival the party proceeded on board the sloop William Miller, chartered to go to an island in the bay known as Nauvoo Island. Its name was originally Smith's Island; but since last Fourth of July, on which occasion the Mormons had a celebration there, it bears the name of Nauvoo Island. This is the third celebration of the national anniversary which the Saints in the Eastern States have had.

At 11 o'clock the sloop left the wharf, the choir singing one of Christy's popular songs as she floated away. The Mormons do not confine themselves to sacred music. All the popular songs of the day--English glees, negro melodies, and even sentimental ballads--they bring into their service. Their hymns are for the most part sung to familiar "profane" airs. Judging from the events of the Fourth, solemnity or seriousness of deportment forms no part of their faith; nor do long faces and glum looks constitute with them an adjunct of piety. Jollity, good humor, lively music and kindly feelings were the prevailing features of the occasion. The men were mostly young. The ladies, though of all ages, seemed strongly to possess a uniformity of good spirits, the oldest among them going into the enjoyment of the day with as much gusto as the youngest. When one of the young ladies of the company said to our reporter "Well, I guess you didn't expect to find the Mormons such a jolly set," he had to "acknowledge the corn;" for in fact he expected to see the ladies all costumed in "Shakers'" skirts of piously small circumference, straight laced in manner and demure in countenance. But on the contrary, he found in the picturesque groups assembled on the woody knoll of Nauvoo island all the modern appliances of city belles (including hoops), the radiant faces, sparkling eyes and artistically arranged hair that one usually meets with at a pic-nic party, where neither piety nor patriotism is supposed to be represented.

It was with some reserve that our reporter introduced himself to Brother Young, the President of the Norwalk and Westport branch of the Mormons, and expressed a wish to accompany the party, for he was led to believe that a Gentile, and especially a Gentile of the press, was an obnoxious individual in the eyes of the elect. Brother Young, however, cordially extended him the hospitality of the brethren; and it is to his kindness we are mainly indebted for the means of laying so much that is interesting before our readers this morning. On that boat were Brother Appleby, of New York, President of the Mormon Church in the Eastern States, and intellectual looking gentleman, of tall and portly form; he is the Clerk of the Supreme Court of Utah Territory, but has been in New York over a year, his duties being now performed by a deputy; Judge Doolan, of the New York Mormon; W. H. Miles, President of the New York branch; Elder Savage, under whose care the choir and orchestra are placed; Brother Mackintosh, just arrived from Salt Lake City; Brother Ott, President of the New York Conference, and Brother Hall, also from Salt Lake City. In conversation with some of these leading brethren of the Mormon church our reporter learned many interesting facts and opinions. They spoke unreservedly, and answered all questions freely. Believing that a statement of their views will prove agreeable to our readers, we publish them in substance, as given to our reporter:--

BRIGHAM YOUNG'S RELATIONS WITH THE INDIANS.

The policy which Gov. Youg pursues towards the Indians, Mr. Mackintosh says, is not what it is represented--one of conciliation with any view to a friendly alliance against the United States authority. His policy is simply that he would rather feed than fight them. He finds it cheaper and more convenient. Sometimes, when they steal cattle or molest his people, he is compelled to chastise them, but he finds a wholesome warning and threats of vengeance, accompanied by kindly acts, more powerful in repressing them than an open declaration of hostility. Mr. Mackintosh was secretary to Gov. Young for four years, and is now a missionary appointed to travel in the United States. He is one of those who crossed the Plains lately with the hand carts. He describes that journey of six weeks as being of the pleasantest character, the party resting at night under their tents, and conducting everything with the precision of a disciplined force.

ALIENISM OF THE MORMONS.

Mr. Appleby assured our reporter that the necessity of becoming citizens of the United States was universally enjoined on all emigrants to Utah. That neither Gov. Young nor any of the elders desired that their people should be other than loyal citizens of the republic. He could testify to the naturalization of thousands, whose papers he had himself signed, as clerk of the Supreme Court, within a few years. Mr. Mackintosh stated that he was a Scotchman from Perthshire, only in the country since 1849, and produced his naturalization papers in proof of citizenship.

WHO OWNS THE LAND IN UTAH.

Our reporter having asked for information as to the ownership of land in the Teritory, he was informed that the pubiic lands are not in the market yet; that the Indian title is not extinguished, though $45,000 was voted some two years ago for that purpose, which has never been paid; that there is no land office in the Territory. When it is established, it is the intention of Mormons to purchase, claiming, of course, a pre-emption right. That the idea that Brigham Young claims all the land as his own is a malicious and absurd slander.

THE CHARACTER OF BRIGHAM.

Mr. Mackintosh, Brigham Young's Secretary for four years, spoke highly of the Governor. He says he is a perfect gentleman--neither drinks nor swears. His moral character stands as high as any living man. He believes in polygamy, to be sure, and practices it; but Mr. Mackintosh could not tell exactly how many wives he had at present. Our reporter having some curiosity to know whether the Prophet was maligned, asked if Brigham was not vulgar, profane, and often blasphemous, in his public speeches; and he was informed that he sometimes used "strong language" when excited; that he spoke to suit his hearers; but he is really most sublime when he wants to be sublime; that he is not profane, though he may say "D__n your souls to hell;" but that our reporter was assured is only "a contraction of condemn," rather the converse of a contraction, our reporter thought, and withal very nearly akin to profanity, though coming from the lips of a prophet.

POLYGAMY.

The elders complained bitterly that their doctrine of polygamy is misrepresented. They indignantly refute the opinion that their women are held in common, and that the passions of the men are unbridled. There is no community, they aver, in which the marriage relation is esteemed more holy. Prostitution is looked upon by Mormons as a nuisance; and the man who attempted to corrupt the wife or daughter of another would be treated in Utah with more severity than in the outer world. No man can marry a second wife if he ill treats the first; nor are marriages contracted, as represented, at the will of the leaders. Our reporter was assured that they are matters solely of affection with the Mormons, as with other people. This seemed specious, but on looking round at the bright faces of the Mormon maidens, the indices of hearts created for love--perhaps for one abiding love, whose duration time cannot measure--it seemed as though the rule which may consign them to the silent sorrow which divided affection is certain to entail was most cruel, if not unnatural.

THE ISSUE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

On the present crisis in Utah, and the probably course the Mormons would take with the United States troops now on their way to Utah, our reporter made anxious inquiry, and gathered that the Mormons are willing to obey all laws of the United States, but will not tolerate corrupt officials. Judge Drummond they condemn, and deny his statements in toto. They acknowledge that with such officials as Chief Justice Kenney, Judge Shaver and Colonel Steptoe they have no fault to find. President Appleby stated that he heard Brigham Young declare, in the presence of thousands, that if Steptoe was appointed Governor he would be the first to bow to his authority; but they did not want demagogues or politicians to rule over them, and corrupt the stream of justice. "But," our reporter said, "the crime charged against you is that you will not obey any law of the United States that conflicts with your doctrines or opinions." He was promptly answered:--"They cannot conflict with the United States laws. Our book of doctrines and covenants expressly declares--'He that abideth by my law hath no need to transgress the laws of the land.' The issue they seemed to think simple enough. It was this: If the United States soldiers are sent by the government to Utah to see that the laws are enacted, they will not be molested--no notice will be taken of them; but if they come there to corrupt our wives and violate our daughters, then we will die in resistance.

MORMON OPINION OF THE HERALD.

The course of the New York press, and the Herald in particular, on Mormonism, was the subject of much conversation. President Young expressed himself grateful for the opposition of the Herald. This newspaper slang, he said, did them a great deal of good, because numbers of people who never heard of Mormonism before now wanted to know both sides of the question. "In fact," he said, "since 'you fellows' (a polite cognomen fos the Herald) commenced to write about us, we can hardly attend to the number of applicants. You have spread a knowledge of Mormonism all over the world."

THE SAIL DOWN THE BAY.

Nauvoo island lies about three miles down the bay from South Norwalk. It is a small, flat island, with a solitary mound, crowned with trees, rising from its southern margin. On this mound the Mormon celebration took place. The day was calm and genial; cloudy in the morning; but about noon the sky cleared off, and the rest of the day was most propitious. On landing, a Yankee clambake was made in the most approved fashion, and disposed of with a rapidity that spoke well for the appetites of the Saints.

This ceremonial concluded, the party ascended the green mound, and under the shade of the trees the proceedings of the day commenced by a prayer from brother Mackintosh, delivered with uplifted hands, in language and tone of voice entirely devoid of the usual peculiarities of such solemn ceremonies; after which the choir sang a Mormon hymn, and brother Miles, of New York, read the Declaration of Independence. The stars and stripes floated from the trees overhead, and President Appleby, advancing under its folds, proceeded to deliver the oration of the day.

ORATION OF PRESIDENT APPLEBY.

FRIENDS AND FELLOW CITIZENS--I am happy to meet you all here to-day. Our congregation is small, on account of the weather. Had that been propitious we would have had numbers of the brethren here from New Haven, Philadelphia, Haverstraw and other places. We are assembled to celebrate the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and for recreation--to express the true sentiments of our hearts with regard to that event. Let me speak the views of the Latter Day Saints with respect to this day, and to the constitution and laws of the United States, to which we are charged iwth being disloyal. I speak of them as an American; and all the leaders of our church, with one exception, are Americans. Some were born in New York, some in New Hampshire, and other States. Brother Taylor alone was born in Canada. Of our people, hundreds and thousands, it is true, are from other countries, but many of them are naturalized I attended to that duty myself, in my capacity as Clerk of the Supreme Court of Utah; and thesd men are patriotic and loyal, as far as I know. Eighty one years ago to-day the Declaration of Independence was declared. On that day our fathers vowed that they would either be free from British oppression and the yoke of all foreign tyrants, or they would sleep with the silent dust. To this they pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honors. Some of their immediate descendants are here; I am one of them myself. (A voice--And I am.) They pledged themselves to this; we pledge ourselves to the same. We pledge ourselves to uphold and protect the constitution of our fathers with our life's blood against all sacrilegious hands. Now, what are the view of the Latter Day Saints as regards the laws of the United States? As a principle, we believe this land a land of freedom specially set apart by God as the theatre in which are to be enacted the greatest events of these latter days. We believe, too, that there were three distinct peoples on this continent at various periods of antiquity:--First came the Jeredites at the time of the tower of Babel and the confusion of tongues. Second, came a branch of the house of Israel under Muleck, son of Zedakiah, King of Judah, called Zephites. This was about 600 years before the birth of Christ; and these people kept the Jewish law. There were millions of the Jeredites on this continent; they had ships--men skilled in the arts and sciences--but they became corrupt, wicked, despised the law of God, and his vengeance overtook them. They fell by intestine commotions. We believe that the Indians of this country are the descendants of that race. The Zephites it was who erected those magnificent architectural monuments in Yucatan and Guatemala, whose ruies remain to-day to attest the vengeance of the Lord; for through sin this people became offensive in his sight, and by plague and feuds he smote them until the remnant only exists in a wild and savage state. Then came the Anglo-saxons (!) under Columbus. [Here the speaker was somewhat confused and indistinct] We believe that God let his spirit work in Columbus; but he led him to this land only to pave the way for those who would not abide the Lord of Heaven. The AngloSaxons were inspired by God to establish a government under which Jesus Christ would be recognized. This is what we believe on this point. We believe that the Saviour visited this continent after his resurrection. That he was three days in South America, during which time storms and whirlwinds swept over the land; cities were tumbled down, and the scenes enacted in Jerusalem during the Crucifixion were repeated there. He established there twelve Apostles, the same as he did in Judea, and gave to the people of this continent the same laws he gave the Jews; though, 400 years afterwards, they fell away through sin. And this was what the Saviour meant when he said to the Pharisees--"And other sheep I have, that are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd." This is what we believe. Our fathers, I say, were inspired to resist British oppression for the purpose of establishing an asylum for all nations. Our people come from many nations to dwell here, free from oppression; and who will say that, come what may, they will not rally round the stars and stripes? That is the opinion of every Latter Day Saint. We believe that the constitution of the United States is a revelation from the God of Hosts. His spirit guided the hand that wrote it. We honor it, therefore, and cling to it as something as pure as ever came from the throne of Heaven. We ask nothing more than it can give us. Could we, then, be disloyal to it? No; let it never be said that we are so degenerate. We believe Washington was inspired to triumph over his enemies; that God upheld him to carry out the principles he had designed for this land. No where is there such a land as Columbia. No where such laws and government as those of the United States. They were intended to give equal rights and equal protection to you and me and all of us; and believe me, if the laws were administered in the spirit which they were in the days of Washington and Jefferson, sin could not raise its head in this land with impunity--there would be no mob riots, no persecuting and driving into exile. There would be peace in the national Legislature--there would be no jugglery and chicanery in politics. Our fathers knew nothing of the perquisites of office or government patronage. Who will deny that there is a deterioration in our judges, our Legislators, even our Presidents? In ancient days money would not purchase rights, or secure immunity for crime. Mobs will now rise up, and in some places no law can reach them. Honor and integrity and private reputation are sacrificed for political cliquery. But the Mormons do not hold the laws responsible for these things. For one I am disposed to say, "America, with all they faults I love thee still." Mobs may rise and kill, rob and despoil our people, but they can never deprive us of our love of country--never, never. These are the views of the Mormons regarding the constitution. Our loyalty has been impugned. Now, let me say what I know. I have been seven years in Utah. I am a Latter Day Saint for seventeen years; I have been with Gov. Young, day and night, for fourteen years. He is a patriot, from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet. He loves the constitution and the laws of the United States, and he teaches all his people to do the same. We are all interested in preserving the Union. Then why this discord? I will tell you. Politics. We don't go into politics. We ask the rights the constitution gives us; no more. Yet we are called aliens and traitors. Did we ever refuse to answer the call of our country? No; but when that gallant legion of 500 young men, the flower of our camp, on the plains of Iowa, was summoned to the Mexican war they went. From Santa Fe to California they marched, and came back, having lost all. And they would do the same again to-morrow, in spite of all that has been gain and done to them, and I know it. We are the best friends of this country and of its laws. And here I prophecy to-day, in the name of Israel's God, that the Latter Day Saints are the only people who will yet uphold the constitution and shed their blood for it--(Here a murmur of "Amen" arose from the congregation)--discord and desolation will come upon this land, and no man can stay them. There are men who have already declared the constitution a compact with hell, and the Union a curse; these men we pronounce real traitors to their country. We wish those who assail us would test our loyalty and not condemn us unheard. We invite all who malign us to investigate our doctrines. If we are wrong, show us the right path. If I am deluded, let them show me how, by law and scripture. If I have errors, I want to get shut of them. In conclusion we believe in upholding the laws and constitution. The latter is the palladium of liberty, the amulet of peace, the admiration of all nations. I am happy to meet you all on this occasion. I am happy to see the reporters here--they are welcome. We are the friends of all mankind, and only desire to be known. God bless you all. Amen!

The Star Spangled Banner was then sung by Brother Hall of Utah, chorus by the Saints, in which the Gentiles (reporters) joined.

Brother Macintosh, of Utah, ex-Secretary to Brigham Young, was then introduced, who spoke in behalf of the foreigners of the Mormon church. He was born in Scotland, but was now a citizen of America. He had his papers in his pocket, and showed them to the gentleman from the New York Herald that morning. Nine-tenths of the foreigners in Utah are naturalized, and go through as strict a course of naturalization as any one in the States. For himself he would say that he had to stay one year in the Territory before he could get his papers, though he had declared his intentions in due form long before. But he had children in Utah (and he wished he had more of them) who claim this as their native land; but they would not be more faithful to the laws than he was. When the Mormons endorsed the laws they did not endorse corrupt administrators of the laws. The speaker thought that all our "presiding men" were cliques, that all the evils of the country arose from our pusillanimous public men, who don't know where the next dime is to come from when they go out of office. We had some good men once. Jackson, for instance, was a good old stick. Bro. Macintosh spoke warmly in favor of the loyalty of the Mormons, and denounced the Garrisonian school in no measured terms, as traitors and firebrands. If the Mormons said that the constitution should be burned, there would be a cry against them from Dan to Beersheba. The Mormon who happens to be a foreigner wishes simply to learn the laws of the country to obey them, and become a citizen as soon as he can.

Brother Appleby said that he wished to state something with regard to the foreigner in Utah, and he hoped the reporters would take it down. Many of them know nothing of our laws when they arrive; but they are taught in Utah to consider them the best in the world, and that it is their duty to understand them and to get naturalized. They are instructed daily upon this point. Their doctrine teaches them obedience to them. When they come here they fancy that all the riots and persecutions they witness proceed from the government; but in Utah they learn better; they are taught that such things are against the law. Turning to our reporter, he said, "I wish you would take that down as an answer to our maligners, who charge us with teaching sedition among our people."

Reporter--I have done so.

The song of "The Mormon Creed," to the air of "The Days when we went Gypsying," was then sung by Brother Savage, and the company proceeded to partake of the excellent dinner spread out on the grass. Hilarity and good nature presided at the abundant board. Every provision for the creature comfort was made that ordinary mortals, not of the elect, usually make at picnic parties, and to do the Saints justice they partook of the good things quite after the manner of the Gentiles. The beautiful daughters of President Young waited on the table, at the head of which Brother Young himself sat, gracefully dispensing the hospitality of his branch of the church to its guests. After dinner and a blessing by Brother Appleby, the regular toasts were proposed, as follows:--

TOASTS.

By President Young.

The Constitution of the United States--Given by inspiration of God, and bequeathed to us by our revolutionary sires, may it continue to be administered in the same spirit as those who indited it.

George Washington--The father of his country, who was chosen by the Great Father of us all to lead the armies to victory.

President of the United States--May he be inspired by the Great Elohim to administer justice and equal rights to all me.

Brigham Young--The prophet of the Latter-days; may he be delivered by the God of Israel from his enemies, and all nations learn of his goodness and give heed to the principles of eternal truth that he teaches, revealed in these the last days for the salvation of mankind.

The Press, and its representatives who are present--They have our kindest feelings.

By Brother Mackintosh, Ex-Secretary to Brigham Young.

The Nation We Live In--May her shadow never grow less.

The President of the United States--May his rule be right and his armor bright for evil doers.

The Day We Celebrate--Ever memorable to the Sons of Freedom.

Freedom--The offspring of Truth, long may her genial rays be cherished and her value appreciated by her votaries.

Columbia--Freedom's soil, may it yield.

The Virtue of Utah--A diadem sacred to her brave sons and noble daughters, may it still shine with increased brilliancy.

The Ladies--What could we do without them? May they ever live to bless.

The Present Company, with its associations--May it be everlasting.

By President Appleby.

George Washington--The great and good; the father of his country; raised up and protected by Heaven to fight her battles and lead her armies to victory and conquest.

Thomas Jefferson--The framer of the Declaration of Independence, inspired by the God of liberty and justice to guide the pen that wrote the sacred instrument that made our fathers free.

The Constitution of the United States--A revelation from God to man, given by the inspiration of Heaven to our fathers--may their sons ever protect it.

The Constitutional Laws of the United States--The terror of despots, the wonder of the world, the pride of freemen; the boast of Columbia's sons, when administered according to their spirit and letter.

Utah up in the Mountains--The child of Uncle Sam, now a woman with quite a large family--may she soon change her name to the State of "Deseret," her officers be of her own choosing, and take her position along side of her sisters.

Brigham Young--The prophet and son of the Lord--the guardian of the right and the oppressed, the defender of the weak, the world's target, a terror to evil doers--the Saints know his voice, and when he roars the small beasts of the jungle tremble.

The Saints of Latter day, called Mormons--That much despised and persecuted people, their leaders the sons of revolutionary sires; the friends of right, the lobers of their country, supporters and defenders of the constitution and laws--although aspiring demagagues and political cliques would fain trample them into the dust, the Saints will uphold, support and defend them with their life's blood from all sacrilegious hands.

Several humorous volunteer toasts were next given. One Saint proposed "The bachelors of our people, may they all soon get virtuous wives."

Another Saint--That is an echo from the heart.

The next was, "The babies of the company, may they soon get bigger."

Then followed "The ladies of the company, may then soon get (our reporter was going to write bigger) but the saint added sweeter."

Reporter (under the influence of Mormon beauty)--That would be impossible.

Brother Young--Sisters, my friend her says that would be impossible.

Reporter (modestly)--That is only a Gentile's opinion. It is of no value among the elect.

Brother Young--Truth is valuable, even coming from a Gentile.

Brother Miles, of New York, then gave "The press and its representatives who are present."

After which the company broke up, when dancing, leapfrog and romping generally became the order of the day, until the proximity of the sun to the horizon warned them that it was time to get on board of the sloop. The scene of the embarcation was amusing. The water being shoal, many had to be borne in the arms to the boats, thus affording an excellent chance for innocent flirtation, and the Saints, male and female, availed themselves of the opportunity in the most terrestrial fashion. The sail home was delightful, the choir chanting delicious strains all the way. The sloop reached Norwalk at 8 o'clock, where our reporter received a courteous farewell from the leading brethren and prettiest sisters of the band, and retired fully convinced that whatever the demerits of Mormonism may be, the Mormons are a jovial crowd for a picnic party.