Posted on 01/25/2012 6:56:24 PM PST by thecodont
During the time of the "Great Polygamy Purge", U.S. citizens who moved to Mexico or other countries in order to avoid polygamy charges were subject to extradition. The Edmunds–Tucker Act clearly stated those practicing polygamy faced a fine of $800 (about $20,000 adjusted for inflation) per individual and imprisonment up to 5 years. The Romney family faced at least a $40,000 fine. That is why so many of these individuals gave up their citizenship.
I find it highly unusual the Romney family would have risked felony charges and a hefty fine to remain U.S. citizens living in Mexico. It defies logic and the normal actions exhibited by other mormons during this timeframe.
I'm sure the Romneys would have been more than willing to bribe any local Mexican officials who were anxious to extradite someone.
How many cases do you know of Mexico extraditing American polygamists to the US?
How many cases do you know of Mexico extraditing American polygamists to the US?
I know of three, one of which was a murderer. If one reads the Mormon history Wiki, one will find many attempts (both successful and not) at extradition from the Western Territories to Missouri. At the time (1840's to the 1870's), Missouri was the last U.S. federal "outpost" before the western territories. One exception was California. It had already become a state by 1850.
Most of the polygamy settlers were forced to relocate in 1896 when Utah became a state. Romney's family lived just 40 miles from the Texas border. Marshalls could have easily crossed the border and extradited members of colonists in Colonia Dublán. How many, if any, were extradited from this colony is uncertain.
A simple Google search can provide you with more information.
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