Then, it lacks wisdom when we look at the evil to be overcome. The political evil to be overcome is the existence of a non-republican government in Utah. The government now there, though _republican in form, in substance is oligarchical_, the real rulers being the triumvirate who constitute the First Presidency of the Mormon Church. The problem is, how to remove that un-republican oligarchy and set up a republican government there as elsewhere. Now, see what is proposed! _A legislative commission of nine appointed by the President!_ Why, the present government there is more republican than that proposed. The government now in existence is republican _in form_ at least, and the officers are elected by the majority of the people and represent them truly. But the Legislative Commission would be not even republican in form. The people would have nothing whatever to do with their appointment--not even the Gentiles. That government would be thoroughly undemocratic both in form and substance; and even if it would truly represent the _Gentile_ population, it would only represent a minority of citizens, and consequently would be undemocratic; for the fundamental doctrine of democracy is that the majority should rule the minority. As a proper substitute, then, for the present form of government in Utah, the Legislative Commission must be regarded as strikingly wanting. It does not solve the problem. It is unwise, inexpedient, and unnecessary. Another law, which is far more just than the preceding, has been proposed recently by ex-Governor Murray (in his last official report), and was strongly advocated by Joseph Cook in his Boston Monday Lecture delivered February 8th, 1886. It was also introduced into the House of Representatives on April 1st, 1886, by Mr. Woodburn, of Nevada. It is known as the "Idaho Statute," because it has been in operation in the Territory of Idaho. _It disfranchises every man and woman who believes, teaches, or practices bigamy or polygamy, or who belongs to any organization or association which believes, teaches, or encourages the practice of bigamy or polygamy, and renders all such ineligible to any office._ That law would only disfranchise the Mormons, the disloyal element in the Territory, and would put Utah in the hands of the law-abiding citizens alone. But it is open to the grave constitutional objection of interference with a religious belief. Those who simply _believe in polygamy_ would be punished by this enactment; but our Government, whether national or State, has no right to inquire into _the beliefs_ of our citizens. It is only when they carry their beliefs into _actual practice_ of that which is contrary to the laws of the land that our Government can rightfully punish them or deprive them of civil rights. CHAPTER VII. THE POLITICAL PUZZLE (_concluded_).