Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-01-05

could be testified to was general reputation
| Celia Dibble Roberts and b. II. Roberts
were not seen together in public at the
| theaters or even at church, and no testi-
mony as to the marriage relations. beyond
| that of general repute, was offered. He
| called attention to the fact that the courts
| of Utah had not found evidence enough to
| prosecute him for adultery.
| Mr.. Roberts contended that no testimony
before the committee showed that he had
lived in open, fragrant defiance of the law.
IF it We're established asked Mr.. Tay-
Ter, that you had married three wives and
| were living with them, would it be in open
violation of law?'
Mr.. Roberts answered yes, if it We're SO
established.
At this point a recess was taken until =
o'clock
Conditions of Utnh's Admission.
After The Stars report of the Roberts
Investigation closed yesterday afternoon
Senator Rawlins of Utah, who was present
at the hearing, was drawn into discus
sion of poygamy. Mr.. Schroeder had con-
tinued his argument, when Mr.. Rawiins in
terrupted to correct a detail to when
certain testimony was given before con-
gressional committee relative to polygamy.
Chairman Tayer thereupon asked Mr..
Rawnns, who was once a delegate from
Utah, if it was not understood at the time
the state was admitted that polygamy was
at end.
1T was my understanding" said Mr.
Rawlins, that the solemnizaton of polyg-
amous marriages was interdicted by the
| Mormon Church, and that this would have
salutary effect in terminating the prac-
tice But did not hold out to Congress that
family relations already established would
be broken up
Mr.. Tayler asked If it was expected that
the law against polygamy would be Tie-
lated.
Mr. Rawlins answered that it was
| thought there might be sporadic cases, but
| as a general system polygamous relations
would gradually terminate.
DO you think continued Mr.. Tayler
that Utah would have been admitted if
it had been understood that in a few years
Utah would send to Congress a man main
tanning polygamous relations?'
Mr.. Rawlins said he did not think Con-
gress believed the practice of polygamy
would be continued. The course of events
in recent years had clearly shown that the
practice would end in time.
Did You not believe and state at the
time asked Mr.. Tayler, that the polyg-
amous system was dead and buried?"
Mr.. Rawlins did not recall such state
| ments.
Mr.. Tayler read from the speeches of Mr.
Rawlns of those days to the effect that
while polygamy had once existed, the world
was progressing, and that the discussion
was becoming ancient history"
Mr.. Roberts here asked to put a ques-
ton to Senator Rawlins, and asked: Il will
ASK the senator II he thinks Congress I'M
derstood al the time Utah was admitted
| that the President of the United States
would appoint to federal offices in the state
of Utah men practicing polygamy?
Prohibition of Plural Marriages.
There was some question as to whether
| Mr.. Rawlins should answer the question.
He finally proceeded, saying that for Years
polygamy had prevailed in Utah. Under it
many people had established strong con-
jusal relations and ties. But the proclama-
ton of the Mormon Church forbidding fur
Their polysamous marriages had given gen.
eral satisfaction, and it was commonly ac-
cepted that the practice would come to an
end
Mr.: Schroeder concluded his argument
which related mainly to the historical as
| pect of po.ygamy and the law in the case
Mrs. j. Ellen Foster addressed the COM
mlttee in behalf of the great number of
women interested in the case and who were
| not represented before the committee She
| spoke vigorously. dealing with the Roberts
case and the general moral interests 1t in
| volved.