Loyalty and Patriotism of the Latter-day Saints

Loyalty and Patriotism of the Latter-day Saints CLEARLY stated and unam- biguous is the twelfth ar- ticle of the "Mormon" faith: "We believe in being sub- ject to kings, presidents, rulers and magistrates; in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law;" and to this ideal the Church always has been absolutely true. No other religious body has taught their children a deeper respect for the country in which they live; no other group holds so closely to the thought that the land was chosen of God for the establish- ment of a great republic and that the founders of the nation were divinely guided in their move- ments. We believe that the con- stitution of the United States is a document inspired by the Creator himself, and the leaders of the Church have ever promulgated the thought. Brigham Young said: "The general Constitution of our coun- try is good, and a wholesome govern- ment could be framed upon it, for it was dictated by the invisible operations of the Almighty; he moved upon Colum- bus to launch forth upon the trackless deep to discover the American continent; he moved upon the signers of the Dec- laration of Independence; and he moved upon Washington to fight and conquer, in the same way as he moved upon ancient and modern Prophets, each being inspired to accomplish the particular work he was called to perform in the times, seasons, and dispensations of the Al- mighty. God's purpose, in raising up these men and inspiring them with daring sufficient to surmount every opposing power, was to prepare the way for the formation of a true republican govern- ment." "Y^THILE church and state are ^ separated in the ordinary sense of the term, they never can be separated in the hearts of the "Mormon" people. Many of the revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith contain the funda- mentals of loyal citizenship cou- pled with a higher law. By REED SMOOT Of the Council of the Twelve "Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land: "Wherefore, be subject to the powers that be, until He reigns whose right it is to reign, and subdues all enemies under his feet." (Doctrine and Covenants, 58: 21, 22.) And again the Lord says: "And for this purpose have I established the constitution of this land, by the hands of wise meji whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood." TJt7ITH such a belief it is impos- sible for one to violate the laws of the land and still be obe- dient to higher laws. The ten commandments as given to Moses and preserved through thousands of years; the teachings of the Savior during his ministry upon the earth; the words of apostles and prophets of ancient and mod- ern times all constitute the laws of God, and in these be has specific- ally included obedience to consti- tutional law. In every national crisis as well as in times of peace and security, the leaders of the Church have emphasized loyalty to state and nation and Church The Author alike. The Latter-day Saints have ever been quick to respond to the country's need, whether in war, in defense of her honor, or in in- dividually upholding and sustain- ing her laws. To the constitution of the United States are we loyal, believing implicitly as we do that through the principles therein set forth has arisen the degree of lib- erty we now enjoy. Our land, settled by people whose determina- tion to escape religious oppression led them from the old world, has ever been a symbol of religious freedom; it is the one land on the face of the earth where the restora- tion of the Church of Jesus Christ could have been made with com- paratively few difficulties. The monarchies of the old countries would have trampled under their intolerant feet the very beginnings of a new religion not in harmony with accepted doctrines; and for the purpose of establishing his kingdom in latter days, the Lord caused this new nation to be founded. In 1899 President Jo- seph F. Smith, speaking before the Saints in general conference as- sembled, said: "There are no more loyal people to their country on God's earth today than are the Latter-day Saints to this country. There are no better, purer or more hon- orable citizens of the United States to be found than are found within the pale of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I testify to this, and I know whereof I speak. We never have been enemies to our nation. We have always been true to it." (Gospel Doctrine, page 514). IT is a significant thing that the welfare of the nation is men- tioned in many prayers offered by members of the Church both in public and in the privacy of the family circle. Blessings upon the heads of officials are frequently asked, and in all sincerity do the Latter-day Saints voice this peti-

The Improvement Era for May, 1930 483 tion, for it is a desire deeply rooted in their hearts. Recognizing the fact that the country's good is the good of the individual citizen, we develop a national attitude strong- er than politics or partisanship. The Church, as a church, does not mix in politics, and each individ- ual member is free to form his own conclusions and vote accord- ing to his convictions. All the rights of any citizen are his rights, but of him is expected true patri- otism, not expressed only by word and the enthusiastic waving of flags, but by loyalty to right, ob- servance of law, and full support of those whose responsibility is to enforce the law. In this regard President Joseph F. Smith said : "While a great and good people neces- sarily adds greatness and goodness to national life, the nation's greatness re- acts upon its citizens and adds honor to them, and insures their welfare and happiness. Loyal citizens will probably be the last to complain of the faults and failures of our national adminis- trators." (Juvenile Instructor, July, 1912). In 1 857, at the time of the Echo Canyon war, when the govern- ment urged on by vindictive peo- ple who were not content to leave the Saints in the peace of their mountain home sent soldiers out to investigate and subdue this re- putedly belligerent band, and set them right, Assistant Justice Drummond, a notoriously evil man, sent back to Washington a report containing, among many libelous falsehoods, the following charge : "That Brigham Young is tthe ac- knowledged head of the Church of Jesus Christ, commonly called 'Mormons' and as such head the Mormons look to him, and to him alone, for the law by which they are to be governed; therefore no law of congress is by them considered binding in any manner." In refutation of this statement, the following was dispatched: "There is not a people upon the face of the whole earth more devoted and loyal to their government than are the peaceable, industrious citizens of Utah. They are wedded to the constitution and laws of the republic. Indeed, they go farther than other citizens; for it is a revealed fact, incorporated in their articles of faith, that the for;m and constitution of the American government are the products of the inspiration of the Almighty. To deny its authority and constitutional laws would be to deny the divinity of the revelations which God gave through Joseph Smith; it would be a denial of 'Mormonism.' It would be a flat denial of the constant teachings, counsels and practices of Pres- cient Young." VTATURALLY a peace-loving -^ people, believing in and advo- cating peace between nations, the Latter-day Saints are not pacifists, for we know full well that war will be visited upon the earth in the last days. Many prophecies are recorded, containing warnings of wars to come, and many of the warnings given in the hundred years since the Church was organ- ized have been realized. On Dec. 25th, 1832, Joseph, the Prophet, was given a revelation containing the following: "Verily, thus saith the Lord, concern- ing the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls: "The day will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at that place; "For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and the Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon other nations, in order to defend themselves against other na- tions; and thus war shall be poured out upon all nations. (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 87:1-3). And again: "And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men's hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth." (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 45:26). And: "Ye hear of wars in foreign lands, but, behold, I say unto you, they are nigh, even at your doors, and not many years hence ye shall hear of wars in your own lands." (Doctrine and Cove- nants, Section 45:63). p ARLY in the history of our ■^ people came the first great test of loyalty to the government, and their willingness to fight the coun- try's battles. From the time of the organization of the Church in 1830, persecution had increased, and opposition had become more and more bitter. Driven out of their homes, the Saints had fled to Illinois, where they were left in comparative peace for a few years, but by 1844 the feeling against them was again rampant. All manner of false accusations were made against them by their en- emies, and they were subjected to cruel and unjust treatment. The burning of homes and fields of grain, imprisonment of the men, and even shooting became an old story to them. Driven from pillar to post, mis- treated by citizens and officers of the government alike, they left their Nauvoo homes in 1846, de- termined to seek in the mountains to the westward, the place which the prophet had promised would be their haven of refuge. Gath- ered on the banks of the Missouri river, they were making ready to go forward when the war with Mexico brought to them a nation's call for five hundred men — the call of the "Mormon" Bat- talion. Persecuted on every hand, with leaders treacherously betrayed and slain by officials, insulted and abused, required to give up arms, and compeilled to flee for their lives, the "Mormon" Pioneers had every cause to consider the entire nation as enemies. In the midst of this situation came a requisition from the government. A people, migrating to some unknown spot to find peace, with no homes, scant provisions and poor cloth- ing were asked to furnish five hundred efficient men, and their refusal was to be regarded as trea- sonable. From a population of twenty millions, the equitable ratio for this particular group would: have been four men; and not only were five hundred re- quired, but five hundred respond- ed. It is said that Captain Allen, the officer in command, made the remark that this was the only bat- talion in the United States army in which every man could sign his own name. ^7ITHIN three weeks the vari- ous companies were organ- ized, and on July 16, 1846, they marched into service under the stars and stripes. Many a sad parting was enacted, for much sickness was in camp. Many a wife, through her tears watching her husband march away, wondered whether or not her children could survive the winter to come, and the men, knowing that they were leaving their loved ones in dire need, were sustained only by the conviction within them that a call from their nation was almost as important as a call from on high. The journey to California proved a dreadful one. Many of the men were taken ill on the Way, supplies and clothing were inade- quate, and food and water were extremely scarce. By the time their destination was reached, the war

484 The Improvement Era for May, 1930 was practically over, but since they had enlisted for the period of a year, they were obliged to remain in service for the six months yet remaining. After their demobil- ization they made their way back to their own people, giving no thought to the riches which Cali- fornia offered them. Drawn by the religious fervor which had car- ried them thus far, they took back with them not gold, but precious seeds which were to help in the development of their beloved Zion. pONSIDERATION of the sub- v>* ject of the fidelity of our peo- ple to their country in time of critical need would be incomplete without a brief record of our ac- tivities during the great World War. It was two and a half years after its beginning that the United States entered the conflict. On March 26, 1917, twelve days be- fore the declaration of war was made by President Wilson, a mass meeting was held in the tabernacle at Salt Lake, in which fiery speech- es were made by state and national officials, and resolutions adopted which said in part: "We solemnly reaffirm our allegiance to the flag of the Republic; our faith in the Constitution of the United States; our confidence in the commander-in-chief of our army and navy; our devotion to the principles of human liberty and to the rights of the weak to immunity from torture, slavery, debasement and destruction by the strong, and we sol- emnly pledge ourselves here and now to loyally support the President of this Republic in whatever course may become necessary to enforce our rights as a people, to preserve our honor as a nation, and to protect the lives of our fellow citizens at home or abroad, on land or sea." TN the above resolution is em- 7 bodied the spirit of the "Mor- mon" people, and while this was specifically a Utah group, mem- bers of the Church in other states as well as in Canada, and other lands, answered the call and stood by their flag. As the boys from every walk in life left their homes and went forth, the spirit and faith of their loved ones attended them. At a farewell given to some of them, the sentiments expressed by President Joseph Eckersley incor- porated the feeling of all when he said: "If you live to return, great will be the rejoicing when you meet with loved ones; if you lay down your lives, you will take them up again in the coming kingdom and glory of the Lord. There- fore, go forth with courage, hope and good cheer, feeling the joy of the pa- triot who is willing to fight for his country and the rights of humanity." 'TWENTY-ONE thousand boys were called from Utah, most of whom belonged to the Church. The 145 th Field Artillery was en- tirely a Utah organization, re- cruited from every vocation an,d locality. It was trained under the direction of Colonel Richard W. Young, a West Point graduate and a veteran of the war with Spain. In 1918 he was made Brigadier General, and he remained with the boys until the signing of the armis- tice. It was said that there were Utah boys among the allies on every front, although this unit did not get into action. Many were greatly disappointed, but to them might have been sent the same mes- sage as President McKinley sent to the soldiers of the Spanish-Ameri- can war twenty years before under the same circumstances: "The highest tribute that can be paid to the soldier is to say that he per- formed his full duty. The field of duty is determined by his government, and wherever that chances to be is the field of honor." 'THE Young family contributed *■ to practically every branch of the service, with one son, twenty- five grandsons, and fifteen great grandsons enlisted ; and many other O N April 4, 1917, the II. S. Senate was debating the question of war with Germany, and many speeches were made. Senator Reed Smoot had prepared a speech, but after arising to deliver it felt a change come upon him, and in- stead he said, "Mr. President, I arise to make this simple but earn- est appeal: "Cod bless and approve the ac- tion to be taken by the Senate this day. Oh, Father, preserve our Gov- ernment, find hasten the day when liberty will be enjoyed by all the peoples of the earth." A few days later Senator James H. Lewis of Illinois, in a speech said: "Sir, we beheld * * * the certificate to the world that this was a Christian country, when the eminent Senator from Utah brought the proceedings to a close by bow- ing his head in submission to the great Captain of us all, and breath- ed to his colleagues a prayer that the Father of our mercies and our destinies might guide us to where we would do no wrong. It was a courageous act. I likewise join in the prayer of that eminent Sen- ator!" well-known, as well as less promi- nent Latter-day Saint families were represented. Much was done during the war of which little has been said. Be- fore the United States entered, the Church conducted a relief cam- paign for the benefit of its members in other lands, and $28,411.52 was collected and distributed, with not so much as charge for postage deducted from the fund; the Women's Relief Society gave up the wheat it had been saving for years — over 100,000 bushels; the people participated whole-hearted- ly in the Red-Cross and Liberty Loan campaigns. At this time many classic gems of truth were uttered by the lead- ers of the Church which should be graven inviolate upon the hearts of the Latter-day Saints. C. W. Nibley said: "One who performs his full duty to the Church will always perform his full duty to this country." And: "A man cannot be a good Latter-day Saint and not be a good citizen." President Joseph F. Smith ad- monished the Saints thus: "Teach your children to honor the law of God and the law of the state and the law of our country. Teach them to respect and hold in honor those who are chosen by the people to stand at their head and execute justice and ad- minister the law." T has been said, and truly, that the history of the Latter- day Saints will never be written, for besides the actual events, there is an undercurrent of loyalty, pa- triotism, heroism, faith and devo- tion. Deeds may go into record, words may be uttered, events may transpire which indicate an atti- tude or influence, but courage, and patriotism are not to be measured thus definitely. Only by a com- plete understanding of the honesty of their hearts, the sincerity of their purpose and the faith which makes them strong to live up to their ideals can a people be known. Thankful with every breath for the gift of the restored Gospel which encompasses all other gifts, the Latter-day Saint people are es- sentially patriotic, as only they can be who know that their destinies are guided by the hand of divine power, and that each today is but another step toward the tomorrow which is Eternal Life.