The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-12-08
The House by Overwhelming Vote Passes
the Tayler Resolution.
MR. ROBERTS DENIED HIS SEAT
the Charges Made Against Him
Special Debate
g. citing Roberts Speaks in His Own Behalf.
The Presidents Message Read i'm Both Houses.
Death Announced in Both


say that If 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," said he, sit is that the Ameri-
can home shs n he preserved in all it's
lovlinesS, swe0tueHa and purity" -t.-
plause.)
MIR. ROBERTS SPEAKS.
Mr.. Roberts himself took the floor in
his own defense after Mr.. Richardson
had concluded. He occupied a conspic-
uouS place Immediately in front of the
clerks desk. Several legal volumes
were piled up in front of him, and a
bouquet of carnations lay upon his
desk. The most intense interest was
manifested as he arose. Members
crowded about but were compelled to
retire TO their seats. The galleries were
hushed. The occupants leaned over
to listen, eager to let MO word escape.
Mr.. Roberts first sent to the clerks
desk and had read his naturalization
papers. He then began to speak. His
voice was soft and low, but his enun>
citation was distinct and, in the still
ness. could be heard to the farthest
corner of the hail.
Mr.. Roberts proceeded to answer the
charges against him. He said two
presidents had proclaimed amnesty
since his conviction for a misdemeanor.
"
breaker since 1889 and asked why he
had not been prosecuted if law break
er. He referred to the present agita-
tion as conspiracy to force this sub
ject to the front at this time. He dra-
matically invoked protection for the
representative a sovereign state. He
asked no privilege, no favor, he. ex-
claimed, but he demanded his rights.
This was given with such emphasis
and feeling that vigorous and long con-
tinued applause greeted the speaker.
When Mr.. Roberts time expired MT.
Newlands, of Nevada, asked that the
time be extended, but Tayler, objected.
Richardson then yielded Mr.. Roberts
the balance of democratic time, ten
minutes. Mr.. Roberts asserted tina
presidential appointments had been
made without consideration Of charges
of poDygamy.
Mr.. Hopkins, VI Illinois, challenged
Roberts statement as to presidential
appointments. Roberts declared that
appointments had been made notwith-
standing charges similar to those
against him. He said that names were
duplicated on .tthe petitions against
him
Mr.. Tayler drew applause by grant
ing Roberts more time.
Mr. Roberts read a letter from the
justice of the supreme court OF Otah,
stating that the present administra-
tion had appointed Utah pOStmaSters
charged with unlawful cohabitation.
Mr. Roberts closed with a dramatic
statement that Utah had not br oxen
faith; that polygasny was no longer an
issue and that he had had the honor
in the constitutional convention of set
tling that issue forever.
Mr. 'Grosvenor, Of Ohio, declared
Roberts guilty of miserable subterfuge
in asserting that the president had ig-
nored charges of polygamy in making
Utah appointments He exclaimed that
the ISLANDERS against'Ithe president were
false.
Mr. Tayler concluded the debate. Mr.
Roberts, he said, had exhibited a large
incapacity to understand his (Tayler's)
position, his (RobeTtts) position or the
spirit of the American people-a right
eous expression of their sentiment
Justly founded, however much misdi.
rected He did not say Mr.. Roberts
was guilty; but he indicted him upon
his own responsibility.
The vote was then taken, first on the
substitute, which was defeated-59 to
24z.
The vote then recurTed upon the
adoption of Mr.. Tayler's resolution, the
roll being called upon the demand OF
the republicans. The resolution was
adopted-302 TO 80.
The speaker then appointed the spe.
cial committee under the resolutions.
The death of the late Representative
Settle, of Kentucky, was then announc.
ed and at 6:25 o'clock as furthel
mark of respect, the house adjourned
until Thursday.