Salt Lake Tribune Editorials (September–December 1904)

Attacks on Reed Smoot: as an apostle he takes his orders from church headquarters, is a violation of the church's pledge to stay out of politics. Emergence of the American Party and Frank J. Cannon's affiliation with it. Joseph M. Tanner breaks with traditional public policy and declares members should look to their bishops for political direction. Joseph F. Smith's sermon linking the missions of Joseph Smith and Jesus Christ denounced as bigotry. Commentary on testimony at Smoot hearings, especially admission of cohabiting with plural wives. Attempt to find division between Joseph F. and John Henry Smith over future of polygamy.

Editorials almost always appear on p. 4, sometimes with titles, sometimes not. They were never signed, so it is possible, but not likely, that some were not written by him. Frank J. Cannon probably took over the editorial reins in October 1904.

Attack on Reed Smoot

Aroused country against Utah
   September 1, 1904    
Who is it that has aroused the prejudices of the country against the people of Utah, to further his own political ambitions?    
Smoot–Reed Smoot of Provo.    
Made Utah a byword and a stench Who is it that has made Utah a byword in the mouths of its enemies and a stench in the nostrils of the people of the United States, to further his own political ambitions?  
Smoot–Reed Smoot of Provo.    
Dragged the church into politics Who is it that has dragged into the mire of party politicals the Mormon religion and besmirched are [-] of the apostolic office in Utah?    
Smoot–Reed Smoot of Provo.    
Known and avowed polygamist Who is it that deliberately had nominated in open convention a known and avowed polygamist upon the Republican electoral ticket in bold defiance of the people of the United States, knowing full well that a Senatorial investigation is now pending, and that the Republican party of State of Utah must face the humiliation of having this man removed from the ticket after he had been named?   Smoot was never a polygamist.
Smoot–Reed Smoot of Provo. [etc.]    
  September 3, 1904    
Herald denies church influence The Democratic evening organ that assumes the right to deny that church influence is ever used in the politics of Utah is very prompt to make the following assertion:   The Salt Lake Herald began as an independent paper to counter the Tribune in 1870 and continued to 1920. For a time, B. H. Roberts served as its editor. ¶ B. H. Roberts to Moses Thatcher.

We affirm that nobody in the church has received authority from its leaders to direct people how or for whom to vote at caucus, convention, or the polls.

  
But who guided Smoot Probably not; but who instructs the leaders when they take active part in politics? Who, for instance, instructed Apostle Smoot when he assumed the dictatorship of the Republican party in Utah?    
Smoot dragging the church into politics No one charges that the Mormon leaders have instructed Apostle in his political course, but as Apostle Smith is one of the leaders of the Mormon church and has attempted to direct the political policy of the Republican party in Utah, will some one explain who is dragging the Mormon church into politics, and who authorized him to do so?    
Useless to deny it It is about time the people of Utah understand the when the leaders of the Mormon church assume to direct the politics of Utah, it is useless to deny that it is done by and with the authority of the church.    
Does anyone for a moment suppose that when the United States Senate investigating committee arrives in Salt Lake to carry out the purpose for which it was appointed, it will have any difficulty in proving the use of church influence in the politics of Utah?    
Does Smoot not take counsel? Does anyone suppose that Apostle Smoot does not take "counsel?"    
Smoot advised the people not to support Wells.

Must have been approved by the Twelve		 Does any one suppose that the now famous, or infamous as it might more properly be styled, and evidently potent, card of Apostle Smoot published in the Deseret Evening News a few days prior to the Republican State convention, wherein he "advised" the people in that peculiar way characteristic of his people not to support Wells, was not submitted line for line and word for word to his apostolic quorum before it was published?    
  Does any one suppose that, with the knowledge of what has taken place in the recent State campaign, the Senate investigating committee will lack evidence of the truth of the charge of church influence exercised in the politics of Utah? …    
If the church gives Smoot permission, the church is to blame If the Mormon church chooses to permit Apostle Smoot to use the church influence in politics, of course the Mormon church must stand the blame, and the people of Utah must suffer more of the odium and calumny that has been thrust upon it by the investigation which has been instituted by the Senate of the United States. …    
    September 27, 1904    
American Party heart-cheering The timeliness of the organization of the American party is manifest in the magnificent response making to it. The people are coming to its support with a cordiality that is heart-cheering, and in numbers beyond all expectation.    
From all ranks From all ranks of the people they come …    
Even Mormons support the new party A most gratifying feature of the time is the generous response to the "American idea from within the ranks of the Mormons themselves. It was expected that some would ally themselves with this movement for political reform; but it was not expected that so many would at once come out for it.    
Some even radical An unexpected feature of those of the Mormons who affiliate with this righteous movement is the zeal which they display. Some, indeed, are the most radical, the most biter of all, against the Mormon dominance in politics, in business, and in the schools.
    
Say Gentiles don't know how bad church control is They speak from a more perfect knowledge of the evils complained of than Gentiles can possibly do. "Why," they say, "you fellows don't know anything about it; you are merely on the outskirts. We see things from the inner circle, and know that what has been openly charged … is not only all true, but the half has not been told." Their denunciations are both fervent and deep. …    
Not an editorial   October 1, 1904 [p. 1 article]    
  Utahns Aroused to Patriotic Action    
American Party's first state convention

Speakers 		The American Party of Utah held its first State convention at the Grand Theater last night, and nominated a full State ticket, exclusive of the Supreme Judgship, and was entertained by Senator Frank J. Cannon, Hon E. B. Critchlow and Judge Ogden Hiles, with speeches, and by Mrs. Charles G. Plummer with a beautiful patriotic song.    
2,000 attend Fully two thousand men and women crowded into the auditorium and on the stage, while many hundreds were unable to gain admittance. …    
Sensation created by announcement that Frank would speak The sensation of the meeting–the climax–was the announcement that Senator Frank J. Cannon was present and would address the convention.    
No one expected him to join the party Possibly not fifty persons who were present had knowledge that such distinguished orator had concluded to align himself with the new party. Those who had thought on the subject at all had been given to understand that the eloquent Utahn had declined to give endorsement.
   Frank was, at the time, chairman of the state Democratic Party.
Prominent as a liberal Mormon

Great victory for the party		 Senator Cannon is known to every man in the State. His reputation as a political leader of great power has made him conspicuous in the political circles of the Nation. Prominent as a Mormon of the liberal school, and as a man whose soul goes into all things with which he associates himself, Frank Cannon's accession was instantly regarded as a great victory for the American party.    
Reception As Senate Cannon appeared on the stage the great applause following the announcement of his presence was renewed. His reception was a tribute to his popularity that instantly warmed the orator's heart and his words fell on ears that understood the orator's power.    
Pledge to support the party It would be impossible to describe how a master of speech can sway a sympathetic audience. One must see and hear. Thus it was last night. Senate Cannon's pledge to the American party, which was made doubly dramatic by his pinning on the lapel of his coat the miniature flag of his country and party, keyed the convention to pitch the thrilled every heart. And when he said, "This party will succeed just in proportion to the purity of its motives," the audience indorsed the sentiment with a mighty cheer.    
Humor At one time, when he said his church had made the barrier between what class of the priesthood should engage in politics and what class should refrain, Senate Cannon observed Dr. Wishard, of the Presbyterian church, applauding, and he amused the audience and convulsed the minister in laughter by declaring, "I see my good friend Dr. Wishard applauding. That is the first utterance of the Mormon priesthood that ever he did applaud."    
"Yes," said the doctor, "and I indorse every word you say."    
Eloquence

Audience cries for more		 Senator Cannon's speech was striking in its eloquence and its argumentative force, and when he closed there were cries of "More!" "More!" and the audience was in such temper that it would have been pleased to have listened to the orator for hours.    
Frank's editorials resume   October 1, 1904    
Frank's reception … and when Frank J. Cannon was announced and appeared on the platform, he was received with wild and prolonged cheers.    
It was a stirring scene, one to quicken the blood, to make old men young and young men devotees of a great cause. Mr. Cannon had the audience with him from his first word, and the responses to his telling points were mighty in appreciation. The ovation to him was good to see and to take part in.    
  October 2, 1904    
Frank's announcement the political sensation of the year Everyone in political circles yesterday was discussing the features of the American Party State convention. The announcement by the morning papers that Senator Frank J. Cannon had cast his fortunes with the new party, to those who had not attended the big meeting nor heard of it, was the political sensation of the year.    
Great orator Utahns know Frank Cannon's power. They regard him as without an equal in the persuasion of his impassioned speech. And no man in Utah can talk to his people on the vital questions of this hour as can this powerful ally of the American party.    
This is why all Utah was talking about the sensation of Friday's mass convention.    
Lion of the day

Others expected to join		 When Senator Cannon appeared on the streets of Salt Lake Saturday forenoon he was greeted by his friends in such a manner as to dismiss any possible doubts of the seasonableness of his action. In American party circles he is the lion of the day.
And there will be others.		    
  Senator Cannon's alignment with the new party will not be the last …    
    October 3, 1904    
Joseph F. Smith advises not to sell to Gentiles [Editorial objects to the Deseret News complaint about the Tribune reprinting a St George newspaper article which quoted Joseph F. Smith as counseling the people not to sell to Gentiles.]    
    November 1, 1904  
    President Tanner's Plain Speech  
J. M. Tanner defies public sentiment Under all the circumstances, the talk of President J. M. Tanner at Logan on Sunday last, was the boldest defiance of a rightful public sentiment that has yet appeared.   At this time, Joseph M. Tanner was second assistant general superintendent of the Sunday School, second assistant president of the Religion Class board, and general superintendent of church schools. He was also father of Utah philanthropist Obert C. Tanner, and a post-Manifesto polygamist.
People oppose church dominance in politics Just now there is an earnest effort on the part of the American people of Utah, Gentiles and Mormon alike, to rid the State of the curse of church dominance in politics, in the schools, and in the affairs of the State.  
Usual response is to deny it exists Heretofore, the only reply made to the proof of such interference and dominance, has been a denial or evasion of the facts, an outcry that somebody or other is being abused or vilified, and a torrent of billingsgate let loose upon those who desire to correct the evils and curse of church domination and meddling.  
Despite obvious domination But the fact that such church dominance has prevailed, and that it is pursued in positive disregard of pledges that nothing of sort should happen, and in plain violation of the State constitution, voluntarily adopted, is so thoroughly established, … while the billingsgate of the church organ doesn't count ‘tis "the nature of the beast."   Billingsgate is a fish market in London noted for vituperative language. Hence, scurrilous abuse, violent vindictive or a foul-mouthed person.
Tanner reverses tactics

People should look to bishops for counsel in politics		 Now, however, comes a direct reversal of all proper ideas, in that talk by President Tanner. He not only scouts the idea that the priesthood should keep out of politics, but practically holds that it is the duty of the people to look to their bishops for advice and direction in their political actions.    
Fanatic It is the rankest sort of faith-breaking fanatics and disloyalty to American sentiment and American institutions, to give such advice as that. …    
Stake conference address Yet President Tanner at Logan is reported to have said on Sunday, at the quarterly conference of the Cache stake, in a discourse on "Conference with God,"    
Some things are "more precious than political freedom"  

If I were living in a ward, I would consider it the most glorious thing in life to enjoy the confidence of my bishop. You cannot live in harmony with Heaven unless you are in conference with the priesthood. I do not care whether this sentiment is American or not. I do not care whether it is in keeping with the trend of modern times or not, it is the Lord's eternal truth. There is something in life higher than political liberty. There are things in life more precious than political freedom.

    
  November 2, 1904    
Quoting Joseph F. Smith   [Quoting Joseph F. Smith's "Sunday conference speech":]   Apparently a stake conference talk. Joseph F. did not address this subject in general conference.
Belief in the divine mission of Joseph Smith required to believe in Jesus Christ People who wish to be saved must also accept the divine mission of Joseph Smith. They cannot discard prophet and continue to believe in Jesus Christ. * * * A man who professes to believe in Jesus Christ and does not accept Joseph Smith is either a hypocrite or dishonest."  
Joseph F. as radical as Mohammed …Talk about religion and charity and gentleness toward human kind! Mohammed who taught "the faith" with his lips, and whose followers enforced it with their swords, never carried on a propaganda more intense than that of this President Smith.    
Brutal bigotry   Christian men and women can now see what is the brutal bigotry of such leader of the Mormons. According to his dictum, which he dares to preach in this twentieth century and while the ban of the country is upon him for disobedience to its laws and the State Constitution, all but his handful of followers are heathen, deserving of no land and no aid in the communities over which he rules with iron sway.    
Condemned by his own words

Civilized world condemns him		 A campaign of vilification and defamation is not necessary against this Mormon leader. Out of his mouth the world may judge him and those who accept him. The bitterest arraignment which can be made of Joseph F. Smith, who stands at the head of the church, is to quote his own sermons of bigotry and hate toward mankind. By these he stands condemned before all the rest of the civilized world.    
    The most destructive thing that could be said about him before his own people, would be to quote his testimony delivered to the investigating committee at Washington. If that were done, and his defiance of the revelation which he preaches were pointed out, he would stand discredited by every intelligent Mormon in the land.    
    November 4, 1904    
    Tonight's American Meeting  
Cannon's stump speech: church leaders violated their pledges The American party will hold its final great rally of this campaign tonight in the Salt Lake Theater. It is certain to be a rouser. Ex-Senator Frank J. Cannon, who woke the echoes in a glorious meeting at Eureka last night, will be in fine form, and will show yet again more forcefully than ever that the high ecclesiasts of the church have broken their voluntary pledges, have violated their own political manifesto which was duly adopted in general conference, and have shamed Utah before the Nation.  
    November 5, 1904  
    It Was a Monster Meeting  
American Party meeting packed The American meeting at the Salt Lake Theater last night was the greatest meeting ever held in that structure. The seats were all filled, the stage was thronged, the space back of the seats was packed all the way around by a solid mass of standing people; the galleries were all filled, and the aisles and spaces back of the seats were thronged. If the walls of the Theater had been elastic, a few more people could have got in, but not many.    
Wild cheering And the interest and enthusiasm! It was at white heat. The points of the speakers were caught instantly, and the wildest cheering followed the delivery of the facts and logic that the speakers poured forth abundantly.    
Good for thousands of votes The meeting itself is good for many thousand votes. Those who attended it and heard the truth and the record, will not fail to carry the same to their neighbors, and the will decide the votes of all who hear.    
Keep church out of politics and public affairs

Violations		 All that is needed is to bring to the attention of the people the facts: the pledge of non-interference with politics and with public affairs by the church, the constant and persistent breaking of that pledge, despite the high and manifold benefits received in consideration of it, the evident insincerity and duplicity that attended the transaction, and the people will insist that the pledge be kept, both in letter and in spirit.
   
The speakers were at their best, as indeed they could not fail to be in addressing such a magnificent audience. It was the record meeting not only of the campaign, but of all the years, in this State.    
    November 7, 1904    
  Those Broken Pledges    
Church breaks pledge That the charge against the Mormon church of breaking its pledges voluntarily made to appeal the public sentiment of this cry is abundantly approved, must be admitted by every candid mind. Without detailing the sworn testimony in regard to the manifesto as brought out in the escheat hearing, and the conditions upon which the escheated property was restored, we need go no further back than the granting of Statehood, nor to include other things than are in the present campaign.    
Presidents Smith and Lyman acknowledged law-breaking   Suffice it to say as to all of these, that Presidents Smith and Lyman admitted to the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections, which was engaged in hearing the Smoot case, that they were living in defiance of the laws of God and of man; and they might well have added, in defiance of common decency …   Cohabitation with plural wives was illegal but usually not enforced in Utah after the Manifesto.
  December 21, 1904  
  The News and Its Editor  
Deseret News denies church leaders have broken pledges On Friday last the Deseret News said:    
 

We again emphatically deny the contention of The Tribune and its party that the church leaders have broken any pledges. And that denial is at least equal to any assertion The Tribune can make.

    
  No pledges have been broken by the church leaders or by their permission.  
Reed Smoot hearings On the very next day the following proceedings, as reported by the Associated Press, appeared as a part of the investigation of Reed Smoot before the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections at Washington:  
Charles Penrose testimony

At the afternoon session Charles W. Penrose, editor of the Deseret News, who was elected one of the Twelve apostles of the Mormon church last July, was sworn in. He said he was a polygamist with two plural wives living. ***

  
Amnesty contingent on abiding by polygamy laws

"Did I recommend special amnesty at the hands of President Cleveland, in which one of the conditions was that you should thereafter obey the laws relating to living in polygamy?" asked Mr. Taylor.

  
Has not lived up to pledge



"Yes, sir."

"And have you lived up to that amnesty?"

"No, sir."

   
December 21, 1904    
John Against Joseph    
John Henry Smith would testify against polygamists And so Apostle John Henry would go before a grand jury and give testimony in case he knew of any polygamous marriage!    
Joseph F. said he wouldn't inform Has he so soon forgotten President Joseph F.'s indignant statement that he, Joseph F., was neither a "paid spotter nor informer," and therefore could not and would not tell anything about the family affairs of his ecclesiastical colleagues?    
Church leaders divided over continuation of plural marriage A peculiar situation seems to be arising in the church. One coterie of the leaders, and probably the most influential and powerful of governing body, seems determined to inculcate the idea plural marriage is still permitted and commanded to those who would achieve the highest glory in the world to come, and to protect and advance those who enter into this relation; and another and probably a smaller and less powerful coterie, whose inclination is apparently toward an observance of the revelation and the State Constitution.    
The president, and those apostles who have avoided service of subpoenas, seem to belong to the first-named coterie; and Apostle John Henry Smith and some others seem to belong to the second.    
Schism? Will this situation lead to a schism in the church? The question is not lightly asked; nor is its answer unimportant in the community life. …    
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