Salt Lake evening Democrat. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1885-1887, 1885-06-15
THE IDAHO UNLAWFUL COHABs.
Judge Morgan interviews Ihe
oners Before Passing sentence


In the Third Judicial District oil ldaho'
Judge Morgan presiding, the following is
the verbatim report of the proceedings IN
the sentencing of Charles Simpson ana
Martin Boyson, found guilty of unlawful
cohabitation:
CHARLES SIMPSON.
The Court-Have you an attorney, or
do you desire one?
Simpson-NO, sir.
The Court-Have you any legal cause.
to show why a judgment of the Court
should not be pronounced against you?
Simpson-In regard to taking my sec
ond wife. was married to her on the
oath of April, 1879.
The Cortland you have not taken
any wife since that time?
Simpson-No, sir l have not. AT the
present time l do not live with her; L
have lived with my first wife since the
Dist day of March, this year.
The Court-Were you brought before
the Commissioner?
Simpson-Yes, sir.
The Court-When were you arrested?
Simpson-Tenth of May.
The Court-What was your reason for
ceasing to live with your second wife?
Simpson-She concluded OF her own
choice to leave. l have document here
written by her to show that
The Court-Do you desire to say any
thing about your future conduct?
! Simpson-Knowing the law now, my
intention is to live within the laws of the
land in which live, in good faith.
The Court-Is that your intention,
without regard to instructions that you
may have received from anybody else?
Simpson-Yes, sir; it is. My intention
is to live within the law.
The Court-Have you any other except
the first and second wife?
Simpson-No, sir; | have not had but
two wives at any time; and | now have
only my first wife.
The Court-What was the reason of
your wife going away?
Simpson-IIer reason was that | was
not good enough Mormon; in that L was
not religious enough.
The Court-Where do you live?
Simpson-At Montpelier.
The Court-It is very difficult for the
Court to say in this case whether the de-
PENDANT, who comes forward and makes
vow, intends to keep it. Of'course It
depends great deal upon the character
of person. The Court is unacquainted
with this defendant; and the Court is
also uncertain as to whether this promise
! is made knowing that it will probably
have an effect with reference to the
judgment, or whether it is made simply
because the defendant is arrested,
brought into court and knows that he
could be convicted, and does this simply
to escape punishment or whether he
does it in good faith. These are some Of
the difficulties that the Court labors
under with relation to all these questions
When the Court is satisfied that the de-
PENDANT intends to live hereafter within
the law, then the defendant is entitled tC
some consideration. The Judgment OF
the Court will be that you pay a fine Of
$500 and stand committed until the fine
is paid.
MARTIN BOYsON.
The Court-Have you an attorney?
Boyson-No, sir.
The Court-Do you desire one?
Boyson-No, sir.
The Court-Do you desire to say any.
thing with reference to this judgment
Have you any legal cause to show why
judgment should not be pronounced upon
you? You may also state anything with
reference to your past conduct and future
intentions.
Boyson-I would like to state to the
Court that, in 1873, came to this coun.
try from Utah, and in the fall married
another woman. | did not know any
thing about the laws of the United States
About three years afterwards 1 found out
that was not living according to the laws
of the United States; and the following
summer l wrote to Mr.. White, as he has
stated. l stated that / had two wives
and my desire was to get divorce from
my second wife, and to live with nv
legal wife, and according to the laws o.
the United States. | went to another at
torney to get it settled, but did not make
any Roadway. Then l wrote another let
ter to Mr.. White. He advised me to &C
to the Judge for it; that l was not legally
married to the second wife. The Judge
could do nothing for me. 1t was put of
from time to time, and | did not get my
divorce.
The Court-What is your intention il
the future?
Boyson = Same as before: To live
within the laws Of the United States and
be obedient to the laws.
The Court-You intend to do this in
good faith.
Boyson-Yes, sir.
The Court-Without reference to any
advice from any one?
Boyson-Yes, sir.
The Court-How long is it since YOU
have lived with your second wife ?
BOyson-It must have been about one
year ago.
The Court-Is it not fact that, at the
time they were getting out warrant that
you was informed of the fact, and was adj
vised to leave the Territory?
Boyson-Yes, sir. | was informed OF
it, and advised to go away until the court
was over, but told them | would STAY
and have it settled
The Court-You refused to leave the
Territory when they notified you that a
warrant was being issued for you?
Yes, sir. | knew of it. | was sick at
the time, but knew that warrant was
out for my arrest; [ had been notified of
it.
The Court am we'll acquainted with
this man, and l have every reason to
believe that what he says, he saws in good
faith that he intends to carry these
statements into effect in good faith in the
future. think his conduct such as to
recommend him to the clemency of the
Court. But he has pleaded guilty to the