The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-12-06
The Utah Representative Spoke in
His Own Defence.
GREAT INTEREST MANIFESTED
Members Crowded from Their Seats
and Occupants Of Galleries Leaned
Far over to Listen, Eager 10
Let No Word Escapc-Ihc
Vote Overwhelming
Being 3O2 TO 80,

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5.-AItet an Nl-
teresting debate Of three hours the House
to-day by a vote Of 302 to 80 adopted the
resolution offered by Mr.. Taylor of Ohio
yesterday for the appointment of a special
committee to investigate the charges
against Brigham H. Roberts, the Mormon
representative-eiect from Utah. By tho
terms OF the resolution Mr. Roberls is
now not only excluded from all particita-
tion I'm the proceedings Of the HoJ5e nm
til the committee reports ana the dotse
passes upon his case but ne is dcE'ed "a
seat i'm the Hall. Whether this ill oeny
him admission within the chamber PEN
ding the disposition of his case, lj yet
TO be decided.
The reading OF the Presidents MESSAGE
was completely ovorshadowed by the
dramatic proceedings which resulted i'm
the action of the House to-day The
galleries were throngel with spectators,
mostly women who sat patiently through
the three weary hours that preceded the
debate and then waited three hours more
until It was concluded
The most remarkable feature OF the
debate was the fact that Mr. Roberts
presentation Of his own side of the case.
which lasted almost an hour became so
absorbing that he won the sympathy Of
many OF those i'm the galleries and WAS
several times shOwered with applause.
II was evident that he realized that the
House was Overwhelmingly against him
and at times he spoke hercely and de-
family.
Allr the reading of the message. the
Speaker laid before the House the Tayler
resolution TO refer the Roberts case.
Mr. Taylcr Immediately took the floor
II was arranged that there should Dee
three hours debate one half on each
side. one half hour TO be allowed Mr.
Roberts, and % come out OF the time Of
the minority This arrangement having
been made Mr. Richardson, the Demo-
cratic leader gave notice of substitute
DE should offer, as follows.
Whereas. Brigham n. Roberts. from
the State OF Utah. has presented a certi-
hcate OF election I'm due and proper form
as a representative from said State, there
fore be 10
Resolved that without expressing any
opinion as 10 the right or proprety of
his retaining his seat in advance of-any
proper investigation thereof the said
Brigham H. Roberts is entitled 10 be
Resolved further, that when sworn IN
his credentials and all the papers in zee
.at.on 10 his right 10 retain his seat DE
referred 20 the committee ON the judi
ciary with instructions 20 report thereon
at the earliest poss bic moment"
Mr. Tayler conterded that Mr.. Roberts
conviction Of violations Of the Edmunds
law in 1891 rendered him Ineligible un-
der that ac-. Secord. that II. since guilty
Of polygamy ne was ineligible under that
act. Third, that II a p0ygam.st within
the meaning of a decision OF the Supreme
Court, he is Ineligible independent of that
statute Fourth. that the compact between
Utah and the United States just.hes the
House In refusing him admission.
BETTER TO EXCLUDE HIM
Mr. Tayler urged that it would be bet
ter for the House to eXclBde Mr.. Roberts
than TO eNpel him. All tho authoritias.
he said, were against the right o, the
House 10 expel a member for acts d0uo
prior to his election no matter how vile
they might be.
When Mr. Tayler began 20 speak Mr..
Roberts LETT the seat he had been occupy
ing, and took a az near the main aisle
where he could hear with greater ease.
Throughout Mr.. Taylers remarks he sat
facing his accuser, when he turned 20 his
desk 20 take notes OF the points 20 which
he desired TO reply.
Mr.. Richardson. the minority leader.
followed Mr.. Tayler He did not intend,
he said. 10 discuss The merits OF the case.
The question in issue was as TO whether
the representatve-elect Roberts had
prima face right 10 his seat. He was
not willing % reject a representative
elect who appeared at the bar of the
House with his credentials i'm due form.
II he was denied admiss on a precedent
would be created which would rise 20
plague the House in years 90 come. He
was willing 10 say that II the charges
against the member-elect were proven
he should favor his expulsion.
IF there is one thing the American
people are a unit upon" sa.G h-. lit is
that the American home shall be pre-
served In all its lovelaess. sweetness and
purity" (Applause)
IN HIS OWN DEFENCE.
Mr.. Roberts himself took the floor in
his own defence after Mr.. Richardson had
concluded. lie occupied a conspicuous
place Immediately in front OF the clerks
desk. Several legal volumes were piled
up In front of him. and bouquet Of car
nations lay upon his desk. The most IN
tense interest was manifested as he rose.
Members crowded about but were com
pelled 10 retire 20 their seats. The gall
leries were crowded. the occupants leaned
over to listen, eager TO let no word es-
cape. Mr.. Roberts first sent to the clerks
desk and had read his naturalization
papers. lie than began 10 speak His
voice was soft and low. but h.s enuncia-
tion was distinct. and in the stiffness
could be heard to the furthest corner Of
the hall.
Mr.. Roberts proceeded to answer the
charges against him. He said two Presi-
dents had proclaimed amnesty since his
conviction for a m sdemeanor. He denied
that he had been law-breaker since 1850.
and asked why he had not been prosecut-
ed. II lawbreaker. lie referred to the
present agitation as a conspiracy 70
force this subject to the front at this
time.
Mr. Roberts dramatically invoked pro-
lection for the representative OF soveF-
een state. lie asked no privilege. no
favor. he exclaimed, but he demanded his