MORMONS AND POLYGAMY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 11323, 29 September 1930, Page 2

MORMONS AND POLYGAMY

HOAV-: THE' rBACTKT 01-MU IN A'T!•:!).

YIHUTN-G WR EST LEIFS MXRIjAN ATiON.

“1 am often-asked how many wives l have,” said Tom Alley, tin* lightheavyweight- champion wrestler .0! the world at Hastings, and lie smilingly and somewhat proudly mentioned that'he had one only; and also a hoy four years of-age. '“The lad is a chip off "tlie old block, too, ’ he commented.' “In New Zealand last year ho collected £l6' with his ‘rassling’ and knows all the holds.” With a. view, to .dispelling the idea that- polygamy is practised by : the Mormons, Alley briefly traced their history. In the old times the State of Illinois was in a turmoil ; the Mormon' church was • getting too strong so the other sects drove them from the state. Then came that famous trek westward, across the Mississippi and the Rockv Mountains. The arduous inarch and the Ireqnent skirmishes -with the Indians had reduced the original party when the remnant arrived, at the TJtah Valley and it was found that- to every man there were seven women. As the valley was‘to bo 1 then* home and descendants were necessary if the colony was to increase,, polygamy was decided upon.' : “There were .110 divorces or separations' then,” defended -Alley, who Went; on' to say tha t- in 3899, when Utah entered 1 the Union-,' it was a Weed that there .should be no poly-o-amy though inen who already-had Several wives were allowed to keep them. To-day there were very few with more than one wife aqd they are all old-timers. " , - “So it will he seen that' the association of polygamy,.with the Morm6ii faith "ceased to be a. fact - 40years ago.” , ■ t ■' • .»-A ;