Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate/Volume 1/Number 3/Messenger and Advocate

Messenger and Advocate.

KIRTLAND, OHIO, DECEMBER, 1834.

—> From the West.—The following is an extract of paragraph from the Message of the Governor of Missouri, to the Legislature of that State, now in session. We give it to our readers for the purpose of showing, that the cause of the afflicted, in the "Far West" does not escape notice. We did not receive this official document until a short time before our paper went to press, consequently, are hindered from making lengthy comments. Six things are certain, however, from the face of this paragraph:

First, The Governor has said that a portion of the citizens organized for the purpose of expelling other peaceable citizens from their homes:

Second, That in the following November they effected their purpose, "not however without the loss of several lives!!"

Third, That an attempt has been made to bring the mob to justice, but to no effect:

Fourth, That it is believed that none professing that system of faith held to by the people called "Mormons," can be protected from violence in Jackson County:

Fifth, That they are not permitted to take possession of their homes; and

Sixth, That it is for the Legislature "to determine what amendments the laws may require so as to guard against such acts of violence for the future!!!"

One thing, and only one, is wanting to put matters in a train for the restoration of this afflicted people to their own land—for the Legislature to "amend," or make provision in the law to guard against the outrage of mobs, hereafter—when this is done, violence, in that land ceases forever!

With the majority of that Legislature we are unacquainted, but we know that there are individuals in that body, who are intelligent and patriotic; and we cannot believe that it will dissolve without investigating this shameful and disgraceful outrage, and making that provision, so highly needful, for the safety and quietness of that country.— Editor.

"In July, 1833, a large portion of the citizens of Jackson county organized themselves, and entered into resolutions to expel from that county, a religious sect called Mormons, who had become obnoxious to them. In November following they effected their object, not however without the loss of several lives. In the judicial enquiry into these outrages, the civil authorities who had cognizance of them, deemed it proper to have a military guard for the purpose of giving protection during the progress of the trials. This was ordered, and the Attorney General was requested to give his attention during the investigation, both of which were performed, but all to no purpose. As yet none have been punished for those outrages, and it is believed that under our present laws, conviction for any violence committed upon a Mormon, cannot be had in Jackson county. These unfortunate people are now forbidden to take possession of their homes and the principal part of them, I am informed, are at this time living in an adjoining county, in a great measure, upon the charity of its citizens,— It is for you to determine what amendments the laws may require so as to guard against such acts "of violence for the future."

Conference notices—A conference of the elders of the church of the Latter Day Saints, will be held at Freedom, Cattaraugus Co. N. Y. commencing, Friday, the 3rd day of April, 1835. Friday and Saturday will be occupied by the elders in transacting such business of the church as may be presented, and on Sunday the 5th, public preaching may be expected.

Another conference will be held on Friday, the 5th of June, next, at Elder Winslow Farr's, in Charleston, Orlean Co. Vt. Friday and Saturday will be occupied in church business, and the Sabbath following, instructions in the gospel will be given—Editor.

DIED.

In this town, on the 12th inst. CORNELIUS W. CAMFIELD, son of Mr. SAMUEL CAMFIELD, aged 9 year.