with Diaz; and that
astute dictator said "Yes," with emphasis. Diaz welcomed the
Mormons; they might be as polygamous as they pleased. He wanted
citizens; and he was not blind to those beauties of enterprise
and courage and hardihood that are the heritage of the Anglo-
Dane. He bade the Mormons come to Mexico and make a bulwark of
themselves between him and his American neighbors north of the
Rio Grande. The Mormons hated the Americans; Diaz could trust
them. The Mormons went to Mexico; there they are to-day in many a
rich community, as freely polygamous as in the most wide-flung
hour of Brigham Young. Diaz smiles as he reviews those prodigal
crops of corn and cattle and children which they raise. They make
his empire richer in men and money - commodities of which Mexico
has sorely felt the want.

Once when a Methodist clergyman went to Diaz, remonstrated against
that polygamy which he permitted, and spoke of immoralities, Diaz
snapped his fingers.

"Do you see their children?" cried Diaz. "Well, I think more of
their children than of your arguments."

From this Mexican nursery the Mormon President can, when he will,
order an emigration into Nevada or any of those other States I've
mentioned, to support the Church where it is weakest. Moreover,
as related, the settlements in Mexico offer a haven of retreat
should any tempest of prosecution beat upon the Utah polygamists
through some slip of policy or accidental Gentile strength.

In Nevada, in Colorado, in Oregon, in Idaho, in every one of
those States wherein the Church has planted the standards of
Mormonism, the Mormon, as fast as he may, is making himself a
power in politics. He is never a Democrat, never a Republican,
always a Mormon. What sparks of independent political action
broke into brief, albeit fiery, life a few years ago were fairly
beaten out when Thatcher and Roberts were punished for daring to
act outside the Mormon command.

Now, pretend what they will, assert what lie they choose, the
Mormon President holds the Mormon vote, in whatever State it
abides, in the hollow of his hand. He can, and does, place it to
this or that party's support, according as he makes his bargain.
He will use it to elect legislators and Congressmen in those
States. He will employ it to select the Senators whom those
States send to Washington. And when they are there, as Smoot is
there, for the safeguarding of polygamy and what other crimes
Mormonism may find it conveni