Mr. Swenson to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States,
Copenhagen, March 29,
1900.
No. 160.]
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith
copies of the correspondence in re Charles C. Rönnow and Thomas P.
Jensen, Mormon missionaries, banished from Denmark. The case is in
substance as follows: On the 1st of January, this year, the above-named
missionaries, citizens of the United States, domiciled in the State of
Utah, called at this legation and informed me that they had been ordered
to leave the country at 11 o’clock the following morning. They related
the circumstances connected with their banishment and asked me to
intercede for them with the Danish authorities. Being satisfied from
their representations that they had been given no opportunity to be
heard in their own defense, I requested, through the foreign office, a
suspension of the order, for the purpose of having the case carefully
investigated. The desired extension of time having been granted, I
formally laid the matter before the foreign office in a note dated
January 9, 1900, inclosing the communications that I had received from
the parties involved, in which Mr. Rönnow specifically denied having
performed any kind of missionary work in Denmark, and in which Mr.
Jensen, though pleading guilty to the charge of having labored as a
Mormon missionary in this country, denied “having at any time taught
anything against the good morals or the laws of the land.” I requested
that the case be thoroughly examined into, and that the decree of
banishment be revoked should the facts be found to be as set forth in
the petition, affidavits, and other documentary evidence transmitted
with my note. I added that Mr. Jensen had assured me that he had not
taught polygamy, which he alleged is no longer a tenet of Mormonism. I
stated that as long as these missionaries did not preach or practice any
doctrine violating law or morality my Government would accord them the
same impartial protection that it does to other American citizens in
defense of their just and lawful rights, and that it was incumbent upon
me to ask that they be treated as other propagandists, and that no
discrimination be shown against them for belonging to this particular
sect. The foreign office forwarded my communication to the ministry of
justice, with the recommendation that my request be acceded to. In
reply, dated January 24, 1900, the minister of justice declined to
revoke the decree of banishment, giving as his reasons that Mr. Rönnow,
who had been in Denmark more than half a year and who had admitted that
he has no other vocation than that of a missionary, had, in conjunction
with Mr. Jensen, taken certain preliminary steps for the holding of
public missionary meetings; that even if polygamy is no longer practiced
in Utah,
[Page 414]
after its admission
as a State, it does not follow that it is no longer a constituent part
of the Mormon creed, in which case the Danish Government must be
considered justified in using the means at its disposal to combat the
dissemination of this doctrine, even though the permissibility of
polygamy be not openly taught; that it must be presumed that the tenets
of Mormonism are still of such nature that its missionaries will
continue to entice to emigration in a manner injurious to the Danish
State, and that the banishment is in accordance with the previous
practice of the Danish Government in dealing with this question. The
minister also refers to the fact that on a number of former occasions,
notably September 8, 1879, and August 24, 1881, the diplomatic
representative of the United States has requested the Danish Government
to adopt measures looking to the prevention of Mormon emigration from
Denmark to the United States. Having been advised of this action on the
part of the minister of justice, I addressed a second note to the
ministry of foreign affairs, replying to the points raised by his
colleague, and requesting that the case be reconsidered. In refutation
of the allegations made touching polygamy and emigration, I inclose a
copy of a statement signed by Andreas Petersen, president of the
Scandinavian mission of the Mormon Church; Jacob Christensen, president
of the Copenhagen Conference, and eight other Mormon missionaries in
Copenhagen and other parts of Denmark, together with a clipping from the
Deseret Semiweekly News, of Salt Lake City, Utah, containing a manifesto
by Lorenzo Snow, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints, under date of January 8, 1900. I further showed that the
attitude of the United States Government toward Mormon missionaries has
changed since 1879 and 1881, in proof whereof I inclosed a copy of a
dispatch, with inclosure, from the Department of State to Mr. Risley,
United States minister to Denmark, dated July 23, 1897.*
Replying to my second note, the minister of justice says:
The additional information given by the American minister has not
entirely removed the doubts expressed in my communication of the
24th ultimo with regard to the permissibility of polygamy being
a constituent part of the Mormon creed; and as long as it is not
established that the doctrine regarding the gathering of the
saints no longer forms a constituent part of Mormonism, the
ministry of justice must assume that the tenets of said religion
of necessity will result in its missionaries encouraging
emigration in a manner injurious to the Danish State, a
suspicion fully confirmed by the emigration, which has continued
up to the present time, via Copenhagen, to Utah of members of
the Mormon Church.
The ministry of justice can not, therefore, revoke the decree of
banishment.
In an interview which I had with the minister of justice, he regretted
his inability to accede to my wishes in the matter, but said that, in
view of the information contained in my second note, the Danish
Government might hereafter change its policy in dealing with Mormon
missionaries. He expressed a desire to be further enlightened on the
points of polygamy and emigration. He also assured me that in case the
parties banished should desire to visit the country in the future
permission for that purpose would be granted them by the department of
justice. Subsequently I secured permission for Mr. Jensen to remain in
the country until April 12.
I will thank you to furnish me such additional information on the subject
of protecting Mormon missionaries as the above report may suggest the
desirability of.
I have, etc.,
[Page 415]
[Inclosure 1.]
Mr. Swenson to
the minister of foreign
affairs.
Legation of the United States,
Copenhagen, January 9, 1900.
Excellency: In the matter of the banishment
from Denmark of Thomas P. Jensen and Charles C. Rönnow, missionaries
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in whose
interest I called on your excellency and on Director-General Kragh a
few days ago, I now have the honor to submit their case formally for
further consideration and action by the proper authorities.
From a copy of the decree of banishment of the proceedings before the
police court at Rónne it appears that the above-named persons were
ordered out of the country for laboring as Mormon missionaries. In
requesting my intervention in their behalf Mr. Rönnow specifically
denies having done any kind of missionary work in Denmark, and Mr.
Jensen, though pleading guilty to the charge of having labored as a
Mormon missionary, denies “having at any time taught anything
against good morals or the laws of the land.” As American citizens
they apply to me for protection, and request that I take the
necessary steps to have the decree of banishment revoked. I
respectfully request that the case be thoroughly examined into, and
that the decree in question be revoked if the facts are found to be
as stated in the petition, affidavits, and other documentary
evidence inclosed herewith.
The cases not being identical, I have this to add as to Mr. Jensen:
He has represented to me that he has not preached polygamy, that no
longer being a tenet of Mormonism. As long as he does not preach or
practice any doctrine violating law or morality, my Government will
accord him the same impartial protection that it does to other
American citizens in defense of their just and lawful rights.
If these conditions have been complied with, it is incumbent on me to
ask that these missionaries be treated like other propagandists, and
that no discrimination be shown against them for belonging to this
particular sect.
Be pleased to accept, etc.,
[Subinclosure 1.]
Messrs. Jensen and
Rönnow to Mr. Swenson.
Copenhagen, January 4,
1900.
Dear Sir: We, the undersigned, Thomas P.
Jensen and Charles C. Rönnow, citizens of the United States of
America, have had an order of banishment from the Kingdom of Denmark
served on us, though we have not been made acquainted with the
nature of the “complaint” upon which said order has been issued; but
assume from the order of banishment, which reads, “Mormon predikant
og Amerikansk Borger, etc., udvist fra Landet,” etc., that we are
banished for the reason that we represent the doctrine of the
Latter-Day Saints, commonly called “Mormons.”
We deny having in any way broken the laws of the Kingdom; but on the
contrary have always upheld and respected the laws of the land and
conducted ourselves as gentlemen.
We admit Mr. Jensen has taught the gospel of Jesus Christ, but deny
that he has ever at any time taught anything against “good morals”
or the laws of the land, nor encouraged emigration to the United
States or any other country, and, further, that Mr. Rönnow has not
yet acquired sufficient knowledge of the Danish language to teach
nor to do missionary work.
We herewith present affidavits from residents of Rónne certifying to
the foregoing facts, and submit the same for your consideration, and
pray for your assistance in having the order rescinded, and
otherwise receiving the protection and consideration that we as
American citizens are entitled to.
Trusting that this request will meet with your approval and kind
consideration, we subscribe ourselves,
Your humble servants and fellow-citizens,
- Thomas Peter Jensen.
- Chas. C. Rönnow.
[Page 416]
[Subinclosure 2.]
Affidavit signed by citizens of Rönne, Bornholm,
certifying that Thomas P. Jensen has taught no doctrine
violating law or morality.
We, the undersigned citizens of Ronne, Bornholm, hereby certify that
we have personally known Thomas P. Jensen since April 15, 1899,
during which time we have occasionally heard him preach in our homes
and at private gatherings.
We have at no time heard him preach doctrines inconsistent with good
morals, nor have we heard him preach polygamy or anything connected
therewith. He has admonished all with whom he has come in contact to
be virtuous, honest, and upright in their intercourse with one
another; and he has himself shown a worthy example in this
respect.
We further certify that he has, as far as we know, conducted himself
as a Christian gentleman, and that he has in no way violated the
laws of the land.
Rönne, Bornholm, December 22, 1899.
F. Svendsen, Merchant.
Having had special opportunity to become intimately acquainted with
Thomas P. Jensen, I fully concur in the above.
Rönne, January 5, 1900.
C. V. Henriksen, Journeyman Turner.
I have not, during the time I have known Thomas P. Jensen, heard an
unfavorable report regarding him.
P. Chr. Lund, Master Joiner.
That there is nothing known to me about Merchant F. Svendsen or
Master Joiner P. Chr. Lund that would impair the truthfulness of the
above testimony is hereby attested.
Olivarius.
Justice
Court, Rönne, January 6, 1900.
Affidavit signed by citizens of Rönne, Bornholm,
certifying that Mr. Charles C. Rönnow has not labored as a
Mormon missionary at that place.
[Translation.]
We, the undersigned citizens of Ronne, Bornholm, hereby certify that
Charles C. Rönnow, who has been visiting in Bornholm since November
5, 1899, has not during that time labored as a missionary of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, being unacquainted with
the Danish language, and for that reason unable to preach the
doctrines of the above sect.
We further certify that in our acquaintance with Mr. Rönnow we have
found him in deed as well as in word to be a Christian gentleman,
who in no way has violated the laws of the land.
Rönne, Bornholm, December 30, 1889.
Mr. Rönnow has not to my knowledge labored as a Mormon missionary in
Bornholm. I furthermore have the impression that Mr. Rönnow is in
every respect a cultured and respectable man.
Rönne, January 5, 1900.
F. Svendsen, Merchant.
Having become intimately acquainted with C. C. Rönnow, who a number
of times has visited me at my home by invitation, I fully concur in
the above.
Rönne, January 5, 1900.
C. V. Henriksen, Journeyman Turner
That there is nothing known to me about Consul C. F. Lund and
Merchant F. Svendsen that would impair the truthfulness of their
testimony is hereby attested.
Olivarius.
Justice
Court of Rönne, January 6, 1900.
[Subinclosure
3—Translation.]
Statement signed by citizens of Rönne, Bornholm,
certifying that Mr. Thomas P. Jensen has taught no doctrine
violating law or morality.
We, the undersigned citizens of Ronne, Bornholm, hereby certify that
we have personally known Thomas P. Jensen since April 15, 1899,
during which time we have occasionally heard him preach in our homes
and at private gatherings.
[Page 417]
We have at no time heard him preach doctrines inconsistent with good
morals, nor have we heard him preach polygamy or anything connected
therewith. He has admonished all with whom he has come in contact to
be virtuous, honest, and upright in their intercourse with one
another; and he has himself shown a worthy example in this
respect.
We further certify that he has, as far as we know, conducted himself
as a Christian gentleman, and that he has in no way violated the
laws of the land.
Rönne, Bornholm, December 22, 1899.
Kristian Tritze (not
Mormon),
Slagtergade 7, Rönne.
We, the undersigned, who are not members of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-Day Saints, can conscientiously certify to the
above.
Rönne, January 3,
1900.
- Christian Vilhelm
Henriksen,
Journeyman
Turner, Nörregade 28.
- Klara Henriksen (wife of
above).
- O. H. A. Möller (not
Mormon),
- Green grocer, Klokkegade
1.
- Andrea Möller (wife of
above).
- H. K. Hansen,
Driver of beer wagon, Bredgade
9.
- Karl Andersen,
Stonecutter, Landemarket
21.
- Karoline Andersen,
Landemarket 21.
- Bengta Andersen,
Lille Madsegade 100 B.
- Johanna Kristine
Ertel,
Larsegade
192.
- N. Svensden (not
Mormon),
Lille Madsegade
51.
- Marie Svensden (not
Mormon),
Lille Madsegade
51.
- Adolf Mundt (not
Mormon),
Otergade
50.
- Carl Nilsen
(Lutheran),
Paridisgade
20.
- Chr. Pedersen
(Lutheran),
Larsegade
25.
- Mina Pedersen (wife of
above).
Though not having heard the above-named Mr. Jensen speak
publicly, we have in private conversation with him gathered that
the doctrines he preaches are in no way dangerous to society. He
and the other Mormon missionaries that have visited this place
during the last six years have, as far as we have known them,
conducted themselves in a manner worthy of imitation.
Rönne, January 3,
1900.
- F. Svendsen, Merchant.
- Ottomine Hansen (not
Mormon),
Kapelstrade,
Rönne.
Statement signed by citizens of Rönne, Bornholm,
certifying that Mr. Rönnow has not labored as a Mormon
missionary at that place.
[Translation.]
We, the undersigned citizens of Ronne, Bornholm, hereby certify that
Charles C. Rönnow, who has been visiting in Bornholm since November
5, 1899, has not during that time labored as a missionary of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, being unacquainted with
the Danish language, and for that reason unable to preach the
doctrines of the above sect.
We further certify that in our acquaintance with Mr. Rönnow we have
found him in deed as well as in word to be a Christian gentleman,
who in no way has violated the laws of the land.
[Page 418]
Rönne, Bornholm, December 30, 1899.
We, the undersigned, who are not members of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, hereby certify that since his arrival
on Bornholm, the 5th ultimo, Mr. Rönnow has, as far as we know, been
a model of virtue and morality.
- Christian Vilhelm
Henriksen,
Journeyman
Turner, Nörregade 28.
- Rönne, January 3, 1900.
- Clara Henriksen (wife of
above).
- Karl Andersen,
Stonecutter, Landemarket
21.
- Karoline Andersen (wife of
above).
- M. O. H. A. Möller (not
Mormon),
Green Grocer,
Klokkegade, No. 1.
- Andrea Möller (wife of
above).
- H. K. Hansen,
Driver of Beer Wagon, Bredgade, No.
9.
- Kristian Fritz,
Slagtergade 7.
- Bengta Andersen,
Lille Madsegade 100, B.
- N. Svendsen (not
Mormon),
Lille Madsegade
51.
- Marie Svendsen (wife of
above).
- Johanna Kristine
Ertel,
Laresgade
192.
- Adolph Munda (not
Mormon),
Otergade
50.
- Carl Nelsen
(Lutheran),
Paridesgade
20.
- Chr. Pedersen
(Lutheran),
Larsegade
25.
- Mine Pedersen (wife of
above).
Though not having heard the above-named Mr. Rönnow speak
publicly, we have in private conversation with him gathered that
the doctrines he preaches are in no way dangerous to society. He
and the other Mormon missionaries that have visited this place
during the last six years have, as far as we have known them,
conducted themselves in a manner worthy of imitation.
Rönne, January 3,
1900.
- F. Svendsen
(merchant).
- Ottomine Hansen (not
Mormon),
Kapelstrade.
[Inclosure
2.—Translation.]
The Minister of Foreign
Affairs to Mr. Swenson.
Copenhagen, January 26,
1900.
Mr. Minister: Referring to the note which
you were good enough to address to me on the 9th instant relative to
Mr. Thomas P. Jensen and Mr. Charles C. Rönnow, Mormon missionaries,
I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a letter from my
colleague, the minister of justice. It appears that the decree of
expulsion against the above persons is in conformity with the Danish
laws and the practice heretofore followed in Denmark, and that His
Majesty’s Government regrets that it does not find sufficient reason
for modifying this practice.
Be pleased to accept, etc.,
[Subinclosure.
Translation.]
The minister of
justice to the minister of foreign
affairs, January 24, 1900.
In a communication of the 10th instant the ministry of foreign
affairs transmitted a copy of a note from the minister of the United
States at this place, dated the 9th instant, with reference to a
written complaint which he had received January 4 from
[Page 419]
Charles C. Rönnow and
Thomas P. Jensen, United States citizens from the State of Utah, at
present residing in Copenhagen, who, having labored in this country
as missionaries of the Mormon religion, have been banished from the
Kingdom, in accordance with a communication from the minister of
justice dated the 21st ultimo, to the governor of the province of
Bornholm, and by virtue of paragraph 13 of the law of May 15, 1875,
respecting foreign travelers in this country, pursuant to paragraph
2, of which the above-named persons are forbidden to appear again in
this country.
The minister of the United States requests that the case be
investigated to the end that the decree of banishment may be revoked
if the facts are found to be as set forth in the complaint referred
to, which alleges that Mr. Rönnow has not labored in this country
for the propagation of the Mormon faith, and that Mr. Jensen, who
admits having performed such labor, denies having preached any
doctrine in violation of morality or the laws of the land.
In addition, the minister has been assured by Mr. Jensen that he has
not preached polygamy, that no longer being a tenet of
Mormonism.
In referring the case to this department, the foreign office
recommended that the minister’s request be granted.
I beg to say in reply that inasmuch as Mr. Rönnow, who has been in
this country more than half a year and who has no other vocation
than that of missionary, has, in conjunction with Missionary Jensen,
taken certain preliminary steps for the holding of public missionary
meetings; that even if polygamy is no longer practiced in Utah,
after its admission as a State, it does not necessarily follow that
it is no longer a constituent part of the Mormon creed, in which
case the Danish Government must be considered justified in using the
means at its disposal to combat the dissemination of this doctrine,
even though the permissibility of polygamy is not openly taught;
that inasmuch as it must be presumed, at all events, that the tenets
of Mormonism are still of such nature that its missionaries will
continue to entice to emigration in a manner injurious to the Danish
State; and that inasmuch as it is established that the above-named
missionaries are citizens of the United States, therefore the
banishment is in accordance with the previous practice of the Danish
Government in dealing with this question; and the ministry does not
find sufficient reason to change this precedent in deference to the
representations made by the envoy of the United States.
In addition I beg to remind the ministry of foreign affairs that on a
number of former occasions the diplomatic representative of the
United States has requested the Danish Government to adopt measures
looking to the prevention of Mormon emigration from this country to
the United States. See in this connection the ministry of foreign
affairs to the ministry of justice, September 8, 1879, and August
24, 1881.
[Inclosure 3.]
Mr. Swenson to
the ministry of foreign
affairs.
Legation of the United States,
Copenhagen, January 29, 1900.
Excellency: I have had the honor to receive
your excellency’s note of the 26th instant, inclosing a copy of a
communication from your colleague, the minister of justice, in which
he declines to revoke the decree of banishment against Thomas P.
Jensen and Charles C. Rönnow. Though appreciating the force of his
excellency’s reasoning, I feel confident that additional information
will give the subject an entirely different aspect, and with the
view of securing a reconsideration of the matter I respectfully
submit the following:
In reply to the point by the department of justice regarding polygamy
and the encouragement of emigration to the United States, I beg to
inclose herewith a copy of a statement signed by Andreas Petersen,
president of the Scandinavian Mission of the Mormon Church; Jacob
Christiansen, president of the Copenhagen Conference, and eight
Mormon missionaries in Copenhagen and other parts of Denmark,
together with a clipping from the Deseret Semi weekly News, of Salt
Lake City, Utah, containing an official declaration by Lorenzo Snow,
president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, under
date of January 8, 1900.
Mr. Andreas Petersen has informed me that no money is solicited or
collected in Denmark for the support of the Mormon Church or the
maintenance of its missionaries in this country.
[Page 420]
The minister’s reference to my Government’s action in 1879 and 1881
is not applicable to this case. The present attitude of the
Government toward Mormon missionaries is indicated in a
dispatch1 from the Department of State to Mr.
Risley, United States minister to Denmark, dated July 23, 1897, a
copy of which is herewith inclosed.
The case therein referred to was not brought to the attention of the
Danish Government, the banished persons having left the country
before Mr. Risley’s intervention was requested.
In the light of the above facts, I trust that your Government will
revoke the decree of banishment against Thomas P. Jensen and Charles
C. Rönnow. I beg to make grateful acknowledgment for your
excellency’s good offices in recommending favorable action on my
previous request, and to assure you of my highest consideration and
esteem.
[Subinclosure 1.]
Statement signed by Andreas Petersen and
others.
We, the undersigned, missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints, hereby affirm that we have not been advised or
instructed by the president of our Church, nor anyone else, to teach
or encourage the practice of “plural marriage” or polygamy, nor to
teach or encourage the emigration from Denmark or any other country
to the United States; neither have we advised or instructed those
who labor with us, or under our direction, to teach or encourage
polygamy or emigration; hut, to the contrary, we are instructed and
do instruct those we labor with not to teach polygamy nor
emigration, but to teach the people to live and abide by the
“manifesto” issued by President Wilford Woodruff April, 1890, and
approved by his successor, President Lorenzo Snow, and to teach them
that they can live Christian lives in their own country as well as
elsewhere.
And we further affirm that we have not taught the people any other
doctrine than that contained in “Holy Writ.”
Copenhagen, January 29,
1900.
- Andreas Petersen,
President of the Scandinavian
Mission.
- Jacob Christensen,
President Copenhagen
Conference.
- Thos. P. Jensen.
- Olaf Johnson.
- C. J. Plouman.
- C. C. Rönnow.
- A. J. Neilson.
- Peter Hansen.
- Fredrick Christensen.
- Albert H. Bergman.
[Subinclosure 2.]
Polygamy and unlawful cohibitation.
[Clipping from Deseret Semiweekly News.]
From the reading of the various editorials and articles of the public
press it is evident that there is much misconstruction and
misunderstanding as to the present attitude of our Church respecting
the subjects of polygamy and unlawful cohabitation; and, believing
that many good and conscientious people have been misled and much
adverse criticism occasioned thereby, I feel it but just to both
Mormons and non-Mormons to state that, in accordance with the
manifesto of the president, Wilford Woodruff, dated September 25,
1890, the Church has positively abandoned the practice of polygamy
or the solemnization of plural marriages in this and every other
[Page 421]
State, and that no member
or officer thereof has any authority whatever to perform a plural
marriage or enter into such a relation.
Nor does the Church advise or encourage unlawful cohabitation on the
part of any of its members. If, therefore, any member disobeys the
law, either as to polygamy or unlawful cohabitation, he must bear
his own burden, or, in other words, be answerable to the tribunals
of the land for its own action pertaining thereto.
With a sincere desire that the position of our Church as to polygamy
and unlawful cohabitation may be better understood, and with best
wishes for the welfare and happiness of all, this statement is made,
and is respectfully commended to the careful consideration of the
public generally.
Lorenzo Snow,
President of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints.
Salt
Lake City, January 8,
1900.
[Inclosure
4.—Translation.]
The Minister of
Justice to the Minister of Foreign
Affairs, February 19, 1900.
In a communication dated the 24th ultimo, which was occasioned by a
request from the United States minister at this place to the foreign
office, touching the banishment from this country of the Mormon
missionaries Charles C. Rönnow and Thomas P. Jensen, United States
citizens from the State of Utah, the ministry of justice stated that
it did not find sufficient reason for reversing its decision in the
case in view of the representations made by the American
minister.
In a communication of the 31st ultimo the ministry of foreign affairs
recommends that the case be reconsidered, inclosing a copy of a note
from the American minister dated the 29th ultimo, in which he renews
his request for a revocation of the decree of banishment, inviting
attention to the inclosed clipping from the Deseret Semi-weekly
News, containing an official declaration by the president of the
Mormon Church, dated the 8th ultimo; to a statement signed by
Andreas Petersen, president of the Scandinavian mission of the
Mormon Church, and by others; and to a dispatch from the Department
of State to the former minister to Denmark.
In reply, I beg to say that the additional information given by the
American minister has not entirely removed the doubts expressed in
my note of the 24th ultimo with regard to the permissibility of
polygamy being a constituent part of the Mormon creed, and that as
long as it is not established that the doctrine regarding the
gathering of the saints no longer forms a constituent part of
Mormonism the ministry of justice must assume that the tenets of
said religion of necessity will result in its missionaries
encouraging emigration in a manner injurious to the Danish State, a
suspicion fully confirmed by the emigration, which has continued up
to the present time, via Copenhagen, to Utah of members of the
Mormon Church.
The ministry of justice can not, therefore, revoke the decree of
banishment.
[Inclosure 5.]
Mr. Swenson to
the Minister of Foreign
Affairs.
Legation of the United States,
Copenhagen, March 7, 1900.
Excellency: Referring to your excellency’s
communication of the 28th ultimo, with inclosure, in regard to
Thomas P. Jensen and Charles C. Rönnow, I have the honor to inclose
herewith a copy of a letter from Mr. Jensen, in which he expresses a
desire to be permitted to remain in the country until April 12,
pledging himself not to “raise any agitation in favor of Mormonism”
during that time.
I understand that he is staying with relatives in Jutland, and that
he has planned to sail from Liverpool about the middle of April in
company with a number of Mormon missionaries. I will thank you to
bring his request to the attention of the minister of justice, to
the end that the desired extension of time may be granted.
I avail myself, etc.,
[Page 422]
[Subinclosure.]
Mr. Jensen to
Mr. Swenson.
Urbansgade 26, Aalborg, March 5,
1900.
Dear Sir: As I am just informed that the
order of banishment is to be carried out, I hasten to write you. I
desire, if possible, to have the time for leaving Denmark postponed
until April 12. Could this be done I would be much pleased to have
it so arranged. If I am permitted to remain until that time I will
then leave the country, and during the interval I promise not to
raise any agitation in favor of Mormonism.
If the time can not be extended I hold myself ready to obey the
order, and will be on hand whenever wanted. Thanking you for all
favors,
I remain, very sincerely, yours,
[Inclosure
6.—Translation.]
The Minister of Foreign
Affairs to Mr. Swenson.
Copenhagen, March 13,
1900.
Mr. Minister: In your note of the 7th
instant you request my intervention for the purpose of obtaining for
Mr. Thomas P. Jensen, a Mormon missionary against whom a decree of
expulsion has been issued, permission to remain in Denmark until
April 12.
In reply I have the honor to inform you that my colleague, the
minister of justice, consents to Mr. Jensen’s postponing his
departure to the above date.
I avail myself, etc.,
[Inclosure 7.]
Mr. Swenson to
Mr. Jensen.
Legation of the United States,
Copenhagen, March 14, 1900.
Sir: The minister of foreign affairs
advises me, under date of the 13th instant, that your request to be
permitted to remain in Denmark until April 12 has been granted by
the ministry of justice.
Respectfully, yours,
