THE MORMONS.
At last we have official advices from Utah, denoting with almost absolute certainty that there is to be no war. The Mormon leaders, either yielding to what they perceive to be the necessity of the case, or persuaded by argu-ments of that weighty character which are so often found to be potent in so-called Christian communities, or with a keen eye to their own personal ease, comfort and safety, have advised their followers to abandon the thought of armed resistance, and adopt instead their old policy of emigration. From the tenor of the Governor s despatches, we should suppose that the whole population of Salt Lake City and Utah Territory, with a few exceptions, had either taken their course southward, or else were preparing to do so, But we hardly think it possible that such a can be the case. It is more probable that only the leaders and the more fanatical portion of the Mormon frater-nity will emigrate, and that a large number of the more sensible and less zealous will either remain in their own homes, or else gradually return to them after a few months of absence. As to the fierce threats of burning every dwel-ling in case the troops should attempt to enter Salt Lake City, it does not seem consistent with any general exodus of the people— while, if any large proportion of them should remain behind, it is scaresly probable that they will consume the roofs over their own and chil-dren's heads. As a few wild fanatics, how-ever, if unobstructed, might succeed in doing a great deal of mischief with the aid of incendiary’s torch, the Governor probably will have an eye— and a hand, if necessary—upon those indulging in such menaces.
Whether the bulk of the Mormons leave Utah, or remain there, is a matter of but little consequence— so that they resolve, in case of remaining, to submit to the laws, give up their polygamous habits and demean themselves generally as good and peaceful citizens. As a matter of choice, we should of course prefer that the more sensible portion would remain— but only because we would rather see them act wisely than unwisely, and live happy than un-happy lives.
What portion of the habitable globe is next to be blessed with the presence of Brigham Young and his followers, is a point upon which much curiosity is naturally felt. If Sonora is their chosen place of refuge, do they go at the instance of the Mexican government— granting that such a thing exists— anxious to rear a barrier against further encroachments from the United States; or is Sonora to be merely a stopping place on their route to some island in the Pacific or Indian ocean? Probably a few weeks or months will determine this question. We trust they will take at last the advice so often freely given to them in these columns, and transfer their peculiar political, religious and social doctrines and institutions to some island of the sea, where they may test them at their pleasure, without interfering with the rights and institutions of others.
