And yet this moral bondage is suffered in this land, which is famed for its light and liberty. It is a shame and disgrace to our nation. "How good to lead the nations of the earth In every field of valor and of worth! How good to hold the lightning in our hands, And flash our energies to other lands! How sweet erewhile to see the slave go free! How dear to-day the breath of liberty! How good to draw the larger, purer breath, After the years of battle and of death; To feel how well our country bore the strain, And settled back to rectitude again! "And yet--and yet, just now a wailing came Out of the West--our women steeped in shame, The name of wife and mother made disgrace, Home in our midst become the vilest place! What if no black wrist feels the iron chain, When snow-white breasts must bear the scarlet stain? What if the old plantation homes in ruin lie, If Mormon temples proudly kiss the sky? * * * * * The day-break of true chivalry is now; And every knight is ready for the vow. * * * * * How shall our flag, by Freedom's breath unfurled, Greet Liberty enlightening the world! Cowards! The brazen image at a glance Shall see the craven in each countenance! The torch it bears in its uplifted hand Shall not make light the shame-spot on our land. Day-break indeed! The midnight is not past. Freedom, forsooth! Not while yon temples last! Enlightenment! Our bitter inland sea Gives back the word in shameless mockery!" CHAPTER X. THE SOCIAL PUZZLE (_continued_). _Reasons why Mormon slavery is maintained_--Hope of earthly gain--Complete organization of the Mormon Church--Prospect of promotion in office as a bribe--Fear of earthly loss--System of espionage--Apostasy formerly punished by death--Mode of inflicting the punishment--Social ostracism--Religious conviction the mainstay of the Mormon social system. Having already shown that the Mormon social system is a system of slavery so complete as to bind with its fetters body, mind, and soul--the entire man, let us now briefly inquire into THE REASONS WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO THE MAINTENANCE OF THIS DEGRADING SYSTEM, which is so utterly hostile to the enlightened and progressive spirit of the age. I. There is, first, THE HOPE OF EARTHLY GAIN.