From the St. Louis Republican, Oct. 14.
Mormon Troubles in Illinois.
Although there are no public demonstrations just now, yet we are well satisfied, from information, that the spirit of opposition to the Mormons is deeper and more intense than it appears on the surface; and that it will require but little to fan such a flame, not only in Hancock County, but in the surrounding Counties, and even in some of the remoter Counties, as, when once set at work, will not leave a vestige of Mormonism in the State. The exasperation of the anti-Mormons is deep, bitter and unrelenting, and every day but adds to it—and if circumstances do transpire to bring about a general collision between the Anties and the Mormons, during this Fall or Winter, the war will be a most fearful one. Indeed, we doubt the ability of the Governor and his officers, and their force of one hundred men, who are to be stationed in Hancock county until next Spring, to keep down the spirit of opposition, and prevent an out-break.
It is reported to us, though not in such a shape as to justify us in asserting that it is entirely true, that Gov. Ford has requested the Mormon leaders to send, imme-diately, to some other and distant point, all the members of their church who do not bold real estate or have no visible means of support. In urging this, he is said to have told them, that such is the feeling in other coun-ties, that if a fresh outbreak occurs, it is questionable whether the power of the State can be so exerted as to protect them from being driven from their homes in the winter. If the Governor has given such advice, it is a prudent step, and the Mormons should profit by it.
Reports of continued depredations on the property of the Anti-Mormons—the old settlers—continue to reach us from Hancock.
Considerable excitement has been created, especially in the northern part of the county, by the discovery of the murder of an old citizen and Anti-Mormon, by the name of Debonaire. The body was found about midway between Carthage and Pontusuc, and from appearances, much force had been used to get it into the small hole in which it was buried. No clue had been found to the perpetrators of the offence.
