The times., 1899-12-10

EEaiEst Mr. Roberts and what he believed
could be proved. He charged that since
1883 Roberts had maintained and was now
maintaining the status Of p0lyKamist and
Ehst. since pleading guilty OF this charge in
1883. he had and is now maintaining polyg-
sm9us relations with three wives.
t5e said that children had been born 10
Celia ID. Roberts since 1880, including
5wins on August H. 1891 and that Mr.
Roberts acknowledged the children as his
and their mother as his wife; that be had,
Untu yesterday morning. recognized DR..
NagEi Ship Roberts and Smith Roberts
as Eis wives, snd their children as his chill
dren Mr.. Schroeder said they had pre-
scented afldavits but il the committee
wanted more testimony witnesses could be
summoned here from Utah or the COM
Mite itself might visit Utah He thought
his committee could prove that the people
Of Utah were constantly breaking the
compact h=tweeu the State and the United
States bs contracting pOiygsmOus marriages
oud by ilegidmate births He thought if
Miss Ada Roberts were called she could
cas- considerable light upon the matter
Ar. Schroeder said there were many uu-
willing Witnesses in Utah who could give
3mpoEtant testimony 10 substantiate the
charges. He also charged that Mr. Roberts
mad rot received the benefit Of the amnesty
proclamation issued by Presidents Cleve-
laIl and Harrison.
Intended aS an Issue.
Representative Mcpherson interrupted
to enquire il Mr.. Roberts denial sub
mi'ted to the committee was in the ma
Iure Of testimony or denial Of the charges.
OF whether he wisely intended it 10 form
Rn issue.
Mr- Roberts said he had no intention Of
submitting the denial as testimony. but
merely 10 form an issue Mr. Roberts
declined TO be a witness and submit to
cross-eEamination. His plea. he said. put
Ihe burden Of proof on those who had
made the charge.
Representative Mcpherson made 2 state
ment to the committee in which he laid il
was clear that the committee would have
10 20 70 Utah. or that the witnesses must
como here. This was not a criminal pro-
ceeding. as Mr.. Roberts seemed deter
mined TO believe In answer TO Mr. Ne
Pherson Mr.. Roberts said he did deny the
charge that be was p0lygamist. He had
not completed the statement begun az the
morning session, and asked the committee
10 allow him to submit some additional
authorities. His request was granted. He
VIII submit the additional statement in
writing on Tuesday
Representative Lands asked Mr.. Rob
erts d De would have answered MI Ian
hams question relative TO his poygamous
relations the same had he been a witness.
Mr. Roberts replied by saying. mot nee
essSriiy the same answer"
After several more questions tie commit
zee went into executive session which
lesJed I'VE minutes. and then adjourned
uHJI Tuesday morning.
he impression prevailed after adjourn
meut hat the committee or a subcommittee
: iil go 10 Utah 20 examine Witnesses.
Iu regard TO Slr. Roberts charge that
AT. Schroeder was a convicted swindler
Nr- Schroeder made the following state
Dclt TO Times reporter last night
Mr.. Roberts referred TO z civil suit
brought 10 sci aside an execution sale
was attorney for the judgment creditors,
snd al the sheriHs sale made the pur-
chase in my own name. with the consent
OF my client. IL is a long story. but suf-
1ice ii 10 say that Judge BaTth. now on the
Supreme Bench, who tried the case, in rem
deTing his oral decision, expressly .eXoner-
sted me from all imputatiou OF a-tual
fraud. &r Roberts goes a long way 10 find
means Tor dislracting attention from him
self. bur his case is urgent. and perhaps I
ought 20 consider him justified il going 10
any extreme