History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

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PHYSIQUE OF THE SAINTS. 587
m the land of the saints accomplishes a wonderful
change, the contrast in mien and physique between
the recruits and the older settlers being very strongly
marked. Especially is this the case among the women.
" I could not but observe in those born hereabouts,"
writes an English traveller in 1860, "the noble, reg-
ular features, the lofty, thoughtful brow, the clear,
transparent complexion, the long, silky hair, and,
greatest charm of all, the soft smile of the American
woman when she does smile." 39
Much has been said about race deterioration aris-
39 Burton's City of the Saints, 278. Burton attributes this improvement in
the race to climate. In amusing contrast with Burton's remarks are those of
Surgeon Bartholow, who in his sanitary report says: 'It is a curious fact that
Mormonism makes its impress upon the countenance, ... an expression compounded
of sensuality, cunning, suspicion, and a smirking self-conceit. The
yellow, sunken, cadaverous visage; the greenish colored eyes; the thick, protuberant
lips; the low forehead; the light yellowish hair; and the lank, angular
person—constitute an appearance so characteristic of the new race, the
production of polygamy, as to distinguish them at a glance. The women of
this territory, how fanatical and ignorant soever, recognize their wide departure
from the normal standard in all christian countries, and from the degradation
of the mother follows that of the child.' Sen. Ex. Doc, 52, 36th
Cong. lstSess.,302.
The City of the Saints, and across the Rocky Mountains to California, by
Richard F. Burton, London, 1861, ranks among the best of gentile works on
Mormonism. Less philosophical than that of Gunnison, it is equally impartial,
and gives many details as to the social and industrial condition of the
Mormons for which one may search in vain elsewhere. His stay in S. L. City
lasted less than four weeks (from Aug. 25 to Sept. 20, 1860), excursions being
made during his visit to points of interest in the neighborhood, but he saw
more during that time than many others have done in four years. Travelling
in company with Lieut Dana of the U. S. artillery, and procuring introductions
to Gov. Cumming, Brigham Young, and several of the church dignitaries,
he had every opportunity to note the different phases of Mormon life. The
first and last portions of the work are taken up with his travels from St Joseph,
Mo., to San Francisco, the middle chapters only relating to Utah. In
style and tone the writer is sketchy and interesting, good-natured, but somewhat
disposed to regard matters in their ludicrous aspect, for which he offers
in his preface the excuse sic me natura fecit.
A Visit to Salt Lake; being a Journey across the Plains and a Residence in
the Mormon Settlements at Utah, by William Chandless, London, 1857, is the
title of a less entertaining and reliable work. As Mr Chandless remarks in
his preface, even at that date, 'fictions enough have been written about the
Mormons;' but it does not appear that his own work is less fictitious than
those of which he complains. There are chapters about religion, government,
settlements, morals, institutions, and some that appear to be about nothing
in particular, unless it be Mr Chandless. Nevertheless, items of interest may
be gleaned from them, as the author made a tour of the principal counties in
1855, and travellers in those parts were rare at this period. After informing
us where he slept, and where he dined, and what he had for dinner, he occasionally
finds time to tell us something about the condition of the settlements
through which he journeyed.