The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-01-05
ROBERTS CASE ARGUED.
Ex-sECRETARY CAHLfsLE DOES
NOT PUT IN APPEARANCE.
Schroeder, Head Of the Centils Dele
cation FROM salt Lake, shows
Reasons why PoIygamist should
He rxeludkd From Congress.

WARRINGTON. Jan. 1.-THE Roberts
investigating committee resumed its ses-
sions today for the purpose OF hearing
arguments and bringing the inquiry to an
early conclusion.
II was expected that ex-secretary John
q. Carlisle would be present to sum up
the case against Roberts and that Mr..
Roberts personally would make the argu-
ment In his own behalf Word came from
Mr.. Carlisle. however. that he had not
understood his personal appearance was
desired, but he was ready to submit writ
ten arguments on any OF the questions In
volved.
Chairman Tayler, of Ohio, stated that
the statement Of witness absent in Utah
had been received, but as Mr. Roberts
declined to admit It In an informal man
ner the matter would not be taken up
until later.
Roberts said he wished to present matter
tending to show the untrustworthiness Of
witnesses appearing against him. 1t in
cluded published card, signed by Thomas
j. Brandon. disclaiming having given out
certain Information relative to Roberts:
also court records. in which Roy Brandon
was party.
Roberts also offered telegram from the
proprietor OF the Salt Lake Herald con-
corning the testimony Of Mcdaniel. Tay-
Ter excluded the telegram, however, saying
there was no color Of right or .propriety In
sefs se In view o. y ROB- OBJ
schroeder Head of the gentle delegation
here to oppose Roberts then opened the
was largely technical and was divided un-
der three general heads, viz: First
whether or not the member,elect has the
constitutional qualifications. including citi-
zenship; second, whether or not the con-
stitutional provisions as to citizenship in
ciudes one who has impaired his citizen
~ an lux ri stotr
whether Roberts has SO impaired his citi-
zenship; third, whether the member-elect
has the statutory qualifications and wheth-
tablish qualifications beyond those in the
constitution. Schroeder read from many
law books concerning these expeditions.
ed Mr.. Schroeder. that since 1880 Roberts
has been in the status of poygamist,
and S,, the question is as to the effect Of this
He said that while Utah was territory
reimbursement under the Edmunds-T
statehood. Schroeder comtended' Roberts Is
citizenship was still impaired The status
OF polygamy was such that Roberts could
net nst,r relieve himself from l. without some
house to exclude, Schroeder said: Sup
pose raying maniac should present him
self at the bar Of the house and ask ad
the house, IN self-protection, deny him
admission? Suppose a man afflicted with
,keprosy presented himself. would not the
schroeder said Roberts had admitted his
relationship with HIS plural wives. He had
publicly public s said he would be - If he would
This was an offense against public
morals as against the law, and Mr.. Rob-
erts should be excluded from seat.
o'clock. PONY : r''sss was taken uh'li
The afternoon hearing was enlivened
when Senator Rawlins. of Utah, was
Schroeder had continued his argument
when certain statements were given be-
fore a congressional committee relative
Chairman Tayler thereupon asked Raw
Inns. who was once delegate from Utah.
II 1t was not understood at the time the
state was admitted that polygamy was at
an end.
at was my understandings" said RawIins.
that the solemnization of polygamous
church and that this would have sal
utary effect in terminating the practice.
But I did not hold out to congress that
family relations already established would
Tayler asked IL It was expected that the
law against .polygamy would be violated.
Mr.. Rawlins answered that 1t was
as a general system, polygamous rela-
tions would gradually terminate.
do you think" continued Tayler. "that
been understood that in a few years she
would send to congress man maintain
ing polygamous relations?"
Rawlins said he did not think congress
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 belieye and state at the
system was dead and buried?"
Rawlins did not recall such statements.
Tayler, reading speeches of Rawlins of
those days. to the effect that while polyg-
crossing and that the discussion was be-
coming ancient history"
Roberts here asked to put question to
Senator Rawlins and asked:
congress understood at the time Utah was
admitted that the president of the United
States would appoint to federal offices in
the state of Utah men practicing polyg-
amyT'
There was some question as TO whether
Rawlins should answer the question. He
finally proceeded, saying that for years
polygamy had prevailed In Utah. Under
1t many people had established strong con-
jugal relations and ties But the procla-
nation of the Mormon church forbiddng
further polygamous marriages had given
general satisfaction. and 1t was commonly
accepted that the practice would come to
an end.
Schroeder concluded his argument as to
the historical aspect of polygamy and the
law in the case.
mittee 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
terests It involved. This concluded the
days proceedings and the committee adj
journed until 10 o'clock.