Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-12-06

subsidized.
Richardson declared that the minor
ity was in no wise hound by his posi-
ton. He spoke FOR himself alone.
He WAS willing h. say that II IN"
charge against the member-elcct Wcr"
proven he should favor his expulsion.
If there, is one thing the American
n,opI., are a unit upon. said he. lit i
that the American home shall he pre-
served in all its loreliness. sweetness
and purity. tApplause). But it is not
wise to permit our Judgment I" be
warped by public clamor. To ii" 50
would amount to condemnation with
out trial
Richardson then brought forward
several precedcnts in support of his po
sition. The first was the case of
George Q. Cannon. who appeared in
the House as dclegate-clect from
Utah in 1873. Cannon was a Republi
can. Almost identically the same
charges now made against Roberts
were made against Cannon. He read
frcm the speeches Of S. S. Cox Of New
York, ana other prominent Democrats
opposing the denying of seat to Can
non on the ground that it would estah-
IlSll Al ldllStltuS pltN'htlit anu N
chaos in the future.
Those Democrats" said he. ''roSr
above party prejudice and stood by the
constitution and the right" Demo
cratic applause. He also quoted the
late President Garfield in support of
his contention that where the ere
dcntials presented We're regular in form
there was no power in the House To
exclude the holder of them.
Richardson read the words of Mr.
Garfield. which concluded: There ara
no personal objections"
Tut there are personal objections in
the case before the House" interposed
Taylor. amid laughter and applause.
Not personal objections to the mem
ber-elect," said Richardson. personal
disquallications only are alleged"
Yes. personal objections" shouted Il
member on the Republican side amid
another outburst-
Richardson read from alleged inter-
views with Dalzell Of Pennsylvania.
Steele Of Indiana. and Cannon of ILL
nois, in which they We're alleged to
have stated that Roberts was entitled
to take the oath upon the prima facie
evidence OF his credentials.
nalzal and Steele denied the inter-
views. cannon asserted that in his
opinion if charges of ineligibility We're
made it was competent for the House
to receive them now or hereafter.
Roberts himself took the floor in his
own defence after Richardson had con-
Guided. He occupied conspicuous
place Immediately in front of the
clerks desk. Several legal volumes
were piled up in front of him and Il
bouquet of carnations lay upon his
desk. The most intense interest was
manifested as he arose. Members
crowded about. but were compelled tn
retire to their seats. The galleries We're
hushed. The occupants leaned over TO
listen. eager to let no word escape
Roberts first sent to the clerks desk
and had read his naturalization pa
pers. He then began to speak. His
voice was soft and low. but his enun-
citation was distinct and could be
heard to the farthest corner of the hall
AS lie got into his argument, how
ever. his voice grew louder until on
several occasions j. rang out until the
fretted ceiling overhead gave back the
echo.
Proceeding he took up the charge that
Utah had broken her compact with the
United States by the election of2an al
legged polygain.us representative. II
that was trRe, he said. then Utah had
simply followed the illustrious example
Of the present national administration.
Il affirm" he. said. that there is
abundant evidence that objections SIM
liar to those in the present case were
presented TO the President and Senate
against the appointment of certain fed
eral officials in Utah. but the objec-
tons We're waved aside. ., . t..t
DO YOU mean to say that polyga-
miSts We're appointed to federal office in
Utah by the present Executive?'
quered Hopkins, Rep. Ills.
With the knowledge of the Presi-
dent" added Grosvcnor. quickly. amid
some laughter on the Democratic side.
When men were applicants for fed
eral offices in t'tah.'' reiterated Rob
ertS, COLLECTIONS were made and atii-
davits were filed both with the Presi-
dent and Senate. but nevertheless, the
appointments we're made"
THAT does not answer my question"
observed Hopkins .!t
Roberts urged that the case ought
to go 10 the Judiciary committee. where
it could he investigated He warned
the Republican side that this was 4
serious question. If the people Of Utah
We're guilty of violating the coiNpact
with the Union. what of the President.
who had appointed tQ,life positions H.
Utah. men charged wtsh the same Of
fenses?"
Roberts ridiculed> The manner in
which the petitiony hvoJng his expu'-
sion had been pnstured.' In concluding
he denied that the members who voted
to seat him were voting for poiySamv
the question of polygamy was settled.
II hold it is an honor" said he that
| viii be quoted long in Utah as one
who helped to settle that question ~
tine floor of the constitutional conven-
ton. 1 am not defending polygamy.
II is dead
Roberts concluded by thanking Tay-
Tor and the House for their Indulgence.
He WAS given 4 round of applause as
he took his seat
Dinsmore, Dem. Ark. briefly opposed
the Taylor resolution Grosvenor. Rep.
Ohio. denounced Roberts statement
concerning the appointment by the