| 432 act-this is the cause of the Editor's vile vituperation. It will not require the gift of discernment to tell what spirit the Editor was possessed of, when he wrote the following-
"Bennett has but recently become an inhabitant of this state. He came here followed by evil report-he joins a sect and advocates a creed in which no one believes he has any faith-his true character is not known to our citizens, nor have they any confidence in him."
It is obvious, that the intention is to make the community believe, that General Bennett is a mere renegado [renegade]-hypocrite-and all that is base in humanity. But General Bennett's character as a gentleman, an officer, a scholar, and physician stands too high to need defending by us, suffice it to say, that he is in the confidence of the Executive, holds the office of Quarter Master General of this state, and is well known to a large number of persons of the first respectability throughout the state. He has, likewise, been favorably known for upwards of eight years by some of the authorities of the church, and has resided three years in this state. But being a Mormon, his virtues are construed into defects, and is thought a proper object of the base, cowardly, and ungentlemanly attack of the Editor of the "Signal."
Respecting the remarks of the Editor, on the disappointment of certain individuals, on their arrival here, we have to say that there may be individuals who feel dissatisfied, but it is far from being general. Those who have come expecting to find gold in our streets, and all the luxuries of an old country, will find themselves disappointed, but those who have maturely considered the advantages and disadvantages, are perfectly satisfied and contented, and cheerfully engage in cultivation the beautiful and wide spread prairie of the County. What objections they may have to the temporal government of this city we can not imagine, without it is, that the authorities do not allow persons to get intoxicated.
The Editor, then, after stating that it is not his intention to interfere in our religious concerns, says "But whenever they as a people, step beyond the proper sphere of a religious denomination, and become a political body as many citizens are beginning to apprehend will be the case, then this press stands pledged to take a stand against them." Terrible annunciation!-What! the Editor of the "Signal," concentrate all his mighty energies against us! Alarming! O ye free and independent citizens of Hancock County, whose misfortune it is to be associated with the church of Latter Day Saints, be careful how you use your elective franchise, do not concentrate on any one individual, particularly if opposed to the "Signal," for if you do, depend upon it, that an engine, more terrible than that which the ancient Romans used to bring down the walls of mighty cities, will be pointed at you, and play upon you with terrible destruction. Hear and take warning for "this press stands pledged to take a stand against them"!!
The Editor is alarmed at the prospect of a Mormon being elected to the office of School Commissioner for this County, and calls for a convention to be held in Carthage, and says "The reason of our calling public attention to this matter is, that there are now in the field three candidates, for the office of School Commissioner, two of whom are well qualified for the office but the third has no other qualification to recommend him, than the fact of his being a Mormon-and it is feared if some such step as is above suggested is not taken, he will be elected."
We were not aware, that any of our friends were aspiring for the office of School Commissioner, until we read the above extract; but if there by any, we have no objection. It is their prerogative, whatever be their recommendations. Since we read the above we were informed that Dr. Coulson is the person alluded to by the Signal, who is a gentleman of high standing in this County, and was elected to the office of County Commissioner about three years ago, and at that time, we believe, headed the polls. But he was not a "Mormon" when he was elected to that office, consequently had talents and qualifications necessary, but being so unfortunate as to join our society, he has lost his talents and qualifications for any office in the county.
The more we reflect on the subject, the more we are satisfied of the baseness of the motives which have induced the Editor to make an attack upon this community: a comuunity [community] that has never done him any harm, but ever treated him with hospitality and kindness.
His conduct must sink him in the estimation of all those who love the prosperity of this county and state, and who are possessed of those high toned feelings of republicanism, which animated the bosom of their ancestors, and which are the pride of Americans.
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