The Forrest City times. [volume] (Forrest City, Ark.) 1871-1919, 1899-12-15
Fighting FOR HIS PLACE.
Open Session of the Committee
Investigating the Case of
Brigham h. Roberts. q (
| QUESTION OF GENERAL REPUTATION.
Mr. p,beyt. Wanted a witness Tes-
tfmony stricken Out Becnuse ne
Could Not Testify of Personal
knowledge ms to Roberts Polyg-
amous Relations.

Washington, Dec. 14.-The commit
tee of the house of representatives
which is investigating the case of Mr..
Roberts, of Utah, began the eNamina-
ton of witnesses.
A large number of spectators were
present. including several ladies. Mr..
Roberts occupied a seat at the foot OF
the committee liable, while thanking
him was the delegation of Gentiles,
Rev DIR. Tiff, Mr.. Schroeder and 9th
ers-here TO direct the case against
the Utah member-elect.
All Rights Looked After.
When Chairman Taylor called the
committee TO order and asked what
witnesses would be heard, Mr.. Rob
erts arose and asked to be informed as
10 his status before the committee. He
made short statement in line with
his brief submitted Tuesday.
Mr.. Taylor responded that all of
Mr.. Roberts rights had been fully
locked after and protected. and there
was no proper question which had not
been raised.
Already Passed Upon.
Mr. Taylor then asked Mr.. Schroeder
what witnesses he would call.
Does this man appear as Attorney"
asked Roberts.
HE will examine witnesses" ex-
planned Taylor. #t
'1hen / wish to Introduce the court
records relating to him." said Roberts.
Mr.. Taylor said this had already
been passed on Saturday, and Schroe-
der had been recognized.
Charles Austin Owen was then
called. lie gave his residence as Salt
Lake City. In response to questions
by Mr.. Schroeder, he said he knew the
general reputation, in Salt Lake City,
Of the status of DIR. Maggie c. Ship
Roberts"
Matter of General Reputation.
The witness said that the general
reputation of the status of Roberts
and DR.. Maggie Z. Shipp Roberts was
that they maintained the relation of
husband and wife. While the ques-
tions were being put as to Mrs. Mag
gle Roberts, Roberts interrupted with
the objection:
'What this lady may have done is
inmaterial in the absence 10 any
testimony showing that it was at the
direction of u. II. Roberts"
Would Show Later.
Mr.. Schroeder said later testimony
would bring out the materiality of the
questions, and Mr.. Tayler ruled that
the competency of the questions could
be judged by the subsequent tesi-
mony. The witness was then cross ex-
amined by Mr. Roberts, whose ouns-
tions brought out that the witness had
no personal knowledge as to Mrs Mag
gle Roberts or Mr.. Roberts, based on
talks with them, but his information
was general and of common repute
POlygnmous Wife.
81 want to know" asked Roberts,
IF the general reputation you have
been testifying to, obtains since March
4, 1892"
ut does"
And what is that reputation -
THAT Maggie c. Ship Roberts is
the plural or polygamous wife of
Brigham III. Roberts"
"On what acts is that general re,~
utation based?" inquired Roberts.
No Specific Acts.
NO specific acts, but gene ralallv-ac.
cePted reputation" responded NJ,
Owen.
There was also considerable testi
mony on court prosecution through
out the state, on which the witness had
information. AS his evidence closed.
Mr.. Roberts asked TO have all this ties
hmony struck from the record, as tn.
witness was unable to testify to hi:
own knowledge.
The chairman permitted the test