No. 594.
Mr. Stevens to Mr. Evarts.
Stockholm, July 26, 1880. (Received August 16.)
Sir: I have received the following communication from Mr. G. Gade, United States consul at Christiania, relative to the action of the Norwegian Government concerning Mormon proselytism and emigration:
United States
Consulate,
Christiania, July 20,
1880.
Dear Sir: In compliance with instruction from the Department of State, I have the honor to transmit to you the subjoined translation of a circular issued by the Norwegian department of justice, on the 6th instant, relating to Mormonism in Norway.
“In consequence of a communication from the minister for foreign affairs to the effect that the Government of the United States has, through its minister resident at Stockholm, expressed the wish that Mormon agents should be, as much as possible, checked in making proselytes in Norway and Sweden, and the latter prevented from emigrating to the Mormon community in Utah, at the Salt Lake, in America, the Department deems it its duty to warn people against listening to the enticement of the emissaries of Mormonism. The department makes also known, that the United States Government has resolved to enforce the law with its full severity against those who may be found guilty of polygamy, which is prevalent in the Mormon community”.
I remain, &c.,
GERHARD GADE.
John L. Stevens,
United States Minister Resident, Stockholm.
The above proof of the friendly response of the Norwegian authorities to the request of the United States Government, as well as what I have previously made known to the Department of State, respecting the assurances and action of the Swedish Government, accord entirely with all the information which comes to me in an informal manner, that the United States Government has the entire sympathy of the government and public opinion of these countries in its efforts to put an end to the crime of polygamy in the Territory of Utah.
There can be no doubt that the most vigorous measures by the United States authorities to stamp out this crying iniquity will give sincere satisfaction to the best friends of our country on this side of the Atlantic and receive the general approval of the public opinion of Europe.
I have, &c.,