The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-01-24
lN-HIS OWN DEFENSE.
Brigham II. Roberts Makes a
Mastery Address in His
Own Behalf.

Washington, Jan. 24.-There has been
an oratorical field day in the house over
the case of Brigham H. Roberts, the
Mormon representative from Utah.
Mr. Roberts was very adroit in the
handling of his case and at times ex-
ceedingly dramatic. Taking advantage
of the issue raised by the division in
the committee as to the method of GUST
ing him, he appropriated to himself the
argument of the minority that he was
constitutionally entitled to be sworn in
and the argument of the majority that
once sworn in he could not be expelled.
Strange to say, most of the applause
he won was from women. But while
they appeared to be his only partisans
other women manifested their bitter
hostility by kissing him at every OPP
portunity The speech made by Mr..
Littlefield, who succeeds the late MI
Dingley, in defense of the minority pro-
position to seat and then expel Mr..
Roberts was a masterful effort and
stamped him as one of the coming men
in the house. The manner in which he
tore some of the arguments of the ma
jority into shreds jumped him into the
front rank of debaterS in the house. The
speech made a deep impression. In
fact, it is predicted by many that the
majority resolutions for exclusion can
not now carry. Mr.. Lacey Qowa) has
a proposition which he will submit to
RxDGl RODeTIS DX d lWO-lu1IQS NOlG
without seating him which will have
supporters and this may lead to a COM
promise proposition.
Miss Roberts, daughter of Mr.. Rob
erts, was in the reserved gallery
throughout the day. The debate will
close Thursday at 4:30.
Mr.. Roberts was given one and a half
hours in which to present his side of
the case. He spoke at first very low,
but his voice soon rose and he was at
ease apparently.
For a few moments" said Mr.. Rob-
erts, Il want to pay attention to the
nature of this crime, not with a view
of showing that the American people
have not the right to establish mono
gamy as a system of marriage that
shall prevail and not for the purpose
of defending polygamy either; for in
the early debate that took place with
reference to this case on the floor of the
house I then declared that l was not
here to represent polygamy, nor to de-
fend it. We have long ago passed that
stage and the thing is out of the realm
of discussion. I do not wish my re-
marks construed as a defense of polyg-
amy; but I do want to call attention to
the nature of this crime, in order that
we may ascertain whether it is so awful
in it's aspect as to warrant a more law
less act than pOlyganly itself in order
to rebuke a man who has been elected
to the house of representatives Take
the Jewish people who were made the
depository OF CTOu,S reVelaJlOn TO nu-
mainly You shall not find the crime
of polygamy referred to among that
people as of the character it is descrih
ed here in the report of the committee.
Evidently it is nahum prohibitum. 1t
is not mala in Sc. If it were you would
not find the jury law enforcing it under
some circumstances, regulating it under
other circumstances and men after
/ Gods own heart sustaining those rela-
j lions which are now supposed to justify
in CLOSING the doors AGAINST the
| member from Utah. If you go to the
teaching of the Great Master whom !
take it we all revere. although He de-
! nounced every crime. every sin that
man can commit, you shall find no word
| of His in condemnation of the conduct
| of the patriarchs or of the law as it
was given to Moses and ancient Israel
Last week, when taking a walk il
| the resident portion of your city,
| passed a magnificent heroic statue OF
stern old Martin Luther, whom the ma
lions of western Europe and America
| owe no man more than they do to hin