The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-12-13
INCH BY INCH.
Congressman Elect Brigham Ii.
Roberts of Utah
Makes a Hard Fight Before the
Committee
TO OBTAIN HIS SEAT.
Challenges the Prosecution at
Every Turn.
His Objections Are Systemati-
cally OYerruled.
TO OBTAIN HIS SEAT.

Washington, Dec 13.-The committee
of the house of representative which
is investigating the case of Mr.. Roberts
OF Utah began the examination of wit
nesses at 1O:3O today. A large number
OF spectators were present. including
several ladies'. Mr.. Roberts occupied q
seat al the foot of the committee table.
While fanking him was the delegation
of gentiles, Rev. DR.. Iliff, Mr.. Schroeder
and others, here to direct the case
against the Utah member-elect
When Chairman Tayler (OhiO) called
the committee to order and asked what
witnesses would be heard, Mr. Roberts
arose and asked to be informed as To
his status before the committee He
made a short statement in line with
his brief, which has already been pub
Ished.
Mr.. TayIer responded that all of Mr..
Roberts rights had been fully looked
after and protected. and there was no
proper question which had not been
raised. Mr.. Tayler then asked Mr..
Schroeder what witnesses he would call
Does this man appear as attorney
asked Roberts.
HE viii examine witnesses" ex-
planned Tayler.
Then I wish to introduce the court
record relating to him." said Roberts
Mr.. Tayler said this had already been
passed on Saturday and Schroeder had
been recognized
Charles Austin Owen was then called
He 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 sta
tuS of DIR. Maggie c. ShIpD Roberts
The witness said that the general rep
utatiOn of the status of Roberts and DR.
Maggie c. Shipp Roberts was that they
maintained the relation of husband
and wife
While the questions were being put
as to Mrs. Maggie Roberts. Roberts
Interrupted with the objection:
hi re
immaterial in the absence of any show
ing that it was at the direction Of B. II.
Roberts
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 testimony
The witness was then crOss-ecam ned
by Mr.. Roberts, whose questions
brought out that the witness had no
! personal knowledge as to Mrs Maggie
Roberts, or Mr.. Roberts. based on talks
with them. but his Information was
| general and of common repute.
I want to know" asked Roberts. Ell
the general reputation you have been
testifying to, obtains since March 4,
1S992''
1T does
And what is that reputation"
That Maggie c. Shipp Roberts IS
the plural or polygamous wife OF Brig
! ham H. Roberts"
'.On what acts is this general reputa-
| tion based?" inquired Roberts.
No specific acts, but generally ac-
/ cepted reputation" responded Mr..
! Owen.
/ There was also considerable testf-
I mony on court prosecutions throughout
the state, on which the witness had in
j formation. AS his evidence closed. Mr..
/ Roberts asked to have all this testi-
! mOny struck from the record. as the
/ witness was unable to testify TO his
! own general knowledge.
The chairman permitted the testi-
| mOny to stand.