The Political Responsibility of Latter-day Saints

The Political Responsibility of Latter-day Saints By Melvin J. Ballard, of the Council of the Twelve, and Assistant General Superintendent Y. M. M. I. A. IT IS indeed strange to hear, in a republic, of some who boast that they have nothing to do with politics; but it is stranger to hear of leading men who feel that this attitude is a proper one. In the light of the gospel teachings, is this attitude correct? The Lord has given us positive instructions to see to it that we select wise men to make and administer the laws. And it is still true, as in the day of Solomon, that "when the wicked rule, the people mourn." In the United States especially, where complete rights of suffrage have been given to the entire people, there arises a sacred responsibility, binding upon every member of the Church, to honor and magnify his political rights. Church members who are aliens should become naturalized citizens in the countries where they intend to make their homes, so that they may have a voice in the enactment of the laws and in their enforcement. In section 134 of the Doctrine and Covenants, we are shown that civil officers and magistrates are necessary to enforce the law; and that those who will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought and upheld by the voice of the people. Now, here' are the steps necessary to secure these wise officers: In the first place, primaries are held by the several political parties for the selection of delegates who are to attend the conventions that are to nominate these officers. These primaries, it frequently happens, are poorly attended. As a rule, only those who have special interest in certain candidates participate. This condition makes it easy for any com- bination of persons to secure a majority at the primaries, and, thereby, to control the conventions. There is only one wav by which the consequences of this great evil can be averted. The people must attend the primaries in mass. The will of the people may then be expressed in the selection of delegates who attend con- ventions, who, in turn, nominate candidates for whom the people are to vote. This great reformation the Latter-day Saints can assist in making, simply by attending the primary of the political party for which they have a preference. It is the right of the people to give delegates instructions as to the character of men they are finallv to nominate for office. After their nomination, when the candidates are submitted to the people for their votes, there should be perfect

462 IMPROVEMENT ERA freedom on the part of all electors to look over the entire group and to select men who themselves are living in accordance with the law and who are in favor of its strict enforcement. It is the duty of every Church member to secure the election of the best officers. This duty becomes another requisite to defeat those who are un- worthy; for only the electors can see to it that good men are elected. When responsible men have been elected, a foundation has been laid upon which we may build; but our responsibility must con- tinue. We must sustain and support the laws that our representatives enact; and we must uphold the hands of those who enforce the law. There is no doubt that we have many unnecessary laws, or that a campaign should be commenced to eliminate certain statutes. Un- necessary laws only encumber the books, delay justice, and com- plicate the situation. But we should keep clearly before the people the fundamental requirements for peace and order; and, as Ions as we have a law, it is the duty of every member of the community to support it. One basic principle in carrying into effect the Con- stitution of our country was early recognized — the right of the majority to rule. We must stand by that principle or we shall presently come into serious difficulty. The will of the maioritv. when expressed in law, is sacred and must be respected and obeyed by the minority. No matter how much they dislike any given law, as long as they desire to remain loyal citizens, all are under obligation to abide by the will of the majority expressed in law. As these questions come up for reconsideration, citizens have the right to ' appeal to the public, and to endeavor to induce the majority to think their way; but, as long as it stands, it is the duty of all men, whether they like it or not, to uphold and support the law. If they cannot do this, they are not loyal American citizens. The position of the Church itself is a splendid example. In the contest we had over the constitutionality of certain laws prohibiting the practice of plural marriage, we continued that contest until the court of last resort declared the law constitutional. Then we were given a chance to prove our patriotism and our loyalty. With the approval of the Lord, we submitted to the law of the land, letting it stand supreme. Through strict adherence to that regulation, we manifest our willingness, no matter how much we mav have disagreed with the interpretation of the officials, to uphold and support the law. We thus set a shining example before the people of the whole country. Let others act likewise toward those laws which they them- selves do not wholly favor. If they can not find it possible to live in harmony with the laws that they dislike, they have the liberty to go elsewhere. Or, if they can gain a majority of the votes, they

POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITY OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 463 can establish laws that they are willing to support. Otherwise, they should remove to some other land or country that better suits their notions. Members of the Church are under obligation to furnish in- formation against violators of law, and, as witnesses, thev are bound to give any evidence they have that will bring the guiltv to justice. We are under obligation to aid, to the utmost of our abilitv. the officers who are engaged in the enforcement of the law. We should give sympathetic support to judges who have the courage to execute the law in justice; otherwise, we may weaken their influence and defeat the ends for which our laws have been established. Our. greatest contribution to this desirable end will be our own determina- tion to live within the law, and thus make it sacred through our example. When politicians discover that the people will turn out in mass to the primaries, their hope of controlling delegates in their own interest will disappear; and whenever political conventions dis- cover that the people will carefully discriminate in their selection of officers, choosing only those who live within the law and who are pledged to support it — those whose lives and characters are above reproach — then will political parties fear to put up for election men who are unworthy. If the people will only exercise their privileges as American citizens, they will find in their own hands the power to correct our present evils. I Wonder I wonder if, up in the big. big blue, Two chubby arms are reaching for you. I wonder if two little eyes are bright With hope for that wonderful earthward flight. If a rose-velvet mouth is waiting your lips. And ten little fingers with pink shell tips Are waiting to twine in your wavy hair Or rest in cradled arms and there Weave tiny golden threads that start The angel love in a mother's heart. I wonder! Orson Rega Card.