Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1899-12-11

were alleged to have stated that Mr.
Roberts was entitled to take the oath
upon the prima facie evidence of his
credentials. Mr.. Dalzell and Mr..
Steele denied the interviews
Mr.. Cannon asserted in l.as opin-
ion that if charges of ineligibility
were made i. was competent for the
house to receive them now or hereaf-
ter. He then cited the case of Geo. Q.
Cannon, who was expelled after taking
the oath
Mr.. Roberts took the floor in his
own defense after Mr.. Richardson had
concluded The most intense interest
was manifested as he arose Members
crowded about but were compelled to
return TO their seats. The galleries
were bushed. The occupants leaned
over to listen. eager to let no word
escape Mr.. Roberts first sent to the
clerks desk and had read his naturali-
cation papers.
He then began to speak. His voice
was soft and low, but his enunciation
was distinct, and in the stiffness could
be heard to the farthest corner of the
hall. AS he got into his argument his
voice grew louder until on several
occasions it rang out until the fretted
ceilings overhead gave back the echo.
ROBERTS'S SPEECH
II proceed to the consideration of the char
ges that are supposed to justify what the gem
Gentleman from Ohio (Mr Taylor himself con-
cedes to be an unusual proceeding The gen.
tleman from Ohio bases his charge upon court
record; that some twelve years ago in the
midst of our conflict in the then Territory of
Utah over the subject of polygamy that plead
ed guilty to a charge of misdemeanor.
1.-The gentleman seems to be oblivious to the
fact that since the date OF his court record upon
this subject we have had two Presidential am
nesties proclaimed that have been applied to
men disqualified by the Ednunds-Tucker act.
The gentleman seems also to forget the fact
that since the confession of that misdemeanor
TO which he has referred, there was passed by
Congress an enabling act authorizing the peo-
pie of the State OF Utah to form government
That enabling act also had provision embod-
led in it that qualified all citizens within the
limits OF the territory to become citizens of the
United States and was particularly framed to
remove the disqualihcations and disabilities
which had been created by the Edmunds- Tuck
er law.
The charge, which is supposed to go to the
question of eligibility of the member from Utah.
is made upon affidavit and other papers in his
possession. The gentleman from Ohio says
that ever since 1859 have been persistent
10. in, of -ta1 hot no
true let me ask why it is that was not pun
ished for lawbreaking? Certainly there was no
disposition not to execute the law on the part Of
the people of Utah Its administration was in
the hands OF -Mormons of those who had
no sympathy with men of my religious faith.
All the machinery OF the law was in the hands
of Federal appointees How is it then that
could be an open and defiant lawbrea<er and
yet escape the penalty of the law:
And now as to the manner in which these
charges are made. 1t has been about fifteen
months since they began. since the representa-
tive from Utah was heralded throughout this
land as defiant lawbrealSer. And yeti walked
the streets OF Salt Lake City in open day, with
in easy reach Of the law, and my faults lay open
to the law il 1 were guilty of transgressing
Other men were arrested before the courts of
Utah and were fined for the very offense al
legged against me- and yet no complaint was I
made against me. No. ii did not suit the pur
pose of those who had this present agitation in
hand to vindcate the law quietly, and by the
usual methods They desired particularly to /
have this case upon which apparently to arouse
the sentiment of the country.
Not until my business called me east did they I
undertake to make any charges against me.
But the moment. or shortly after my departure
they began this agitation. resulting in the /
present sentiment of the country now aroused /
against me.
understand that the members OF Congress |
are granted certain privileges while in attend
ance upon this House. 1t would be impossible
to arrest any enc OF the members upon the
charge of q misdemeanor. And yet you would
deny me the privilege OF being sworn as mem
Der OF this House. upon the allegation of the /
existence OF some charge or other that was /
guilty OF a misdemeanor.
For the thing for which the law itself could
not lay hand on me, while in attendapce upon 4
this House. you proposed speak of the little
coterie of men who have entered into this con-
spiracy to crowd this question TO the front at (
this. and for the reason that they are fearful I
that if the matter should go to a consideration /
under resolution to expel the member from 1
Utah. they could not marshal the necessary i
two thirds vote to accomplish their purpose
to pass the present resolution.
understand sir. that these immunities are
not given for the benefit OF the individual mem
bers They are given rather for the benefit OF
his constituency, who are entitled to his SER
vices as their representative. And therefore
invoke the protection that is given to the con-
stitusncy Of sHyereign State against the pro-