The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-01-05
HEARING RESUMED
IN ROBERTS CASE
Mr.. Schroeder, Head Of Gentle Del
egaticn, Opened the Argument
Against the Mormon.

WASHINGTON. Jan. 4.-The Roberts
Investigating Committee resumed its ses-
sions to-day for the purpose of hearing
arguments ana bringing the inquiry to
an early conclusion
Chairman Tayler of Ohio. stated that
The statement of "a witness absent in Utah
had ,een received, but as MIR. Roberts
declined 10 admit it i'll as informal, the
matter would have to be taken UP later
Mr.. Schroeder. lead of the Gentle dele
CATION here, TO oppose Roberts then
opened The argument againsl Roberts.
The evidence clearly shows" proceed
ed Mr.. Schroeder, that since 1889 Mr.,
Roberts has been III the status of poly
sam:st and the question IS as 10 the effect
OF this status.
He aid that while Utah was a territory.
there was no doubt as to Roberts' dis
reimbursement under tic EdmunGs and
Tucker act. and when Utah was admitted
10 statehood, Mr.. Schroeder contended
that Mr.. Roberts citizenship was sun
impaired The status OF noiyGamy was
such 1hat Roberts could not relieve nm
self from ii without some affirmative act.
RIGHT OF. ENCLUSION.
AS to the right of the House TO exclude,
Mr. Schrge5er said:
..SuppCSe q raviDg sianiac should pre-
sent himself at the bar OF the House and
ask admission On proper credentials, could
not the House III selfprotection deny him
admission? Suppose man afflicted with
laprosy presented himself. would not the
House have power 70 Keep him out?
Ar Schroedar said that Roberts had adj
niited his relationship with his plural
wives. Il had rutlicly said he would he
id if he would give up his wives ms
was an offe2s.7 against the public morass
when Senator Rawlns. of Utah, was
drawn into discussion Of polygany.
Chairman Tayler asked Mr. Rawlins.
who was once a delegate from Utah. II
II was not understood at the time the
State was admitted that polygamy was at
an end
III was my UNDERSTANDING said Ar.
Raw!ins, that the solcnnization OF pc
lygalnous marriages was intecdicted by
the Mormon Church and that this would
have a salutary effect in terminating TIE
practice. but / did not hold out to Con-
sress that family relations already es-
tablshed would be broken up
SPORADIC CASES.
Mr.. Tayler asked Ii il was expected
that the law against polygamy would be
violated.
Air. Rawlins answered that 1T was
thought there might he sporadic cases,
but as q general system polyEamous re-
latsors would gradually terminate.
..Do you think continued Mr. Tavler.
that Utah would have been admitted
If it had been understood that in few
years Utah would send to Congress
man maintaining polyganous re'ations?"
Mr. Rawlins said be dit. not think Cen-
cress believed the practice Of polyganly
would be continued The course of
events in recent years had clearly shown
tha. the practice would end in time.
Mr.. Schroeder concluded his argument.
which related mainly TO the historical
aspect Of polygamy and the law IN the
case.
Mrs. J. Ellen Foster addressed the COM
mittee IN behalf OF a great number Of
women interested In the case ana who
were not represented before the commit
tee.
The COMMITTEES adjourned Until 1880.
Tomorrow. AZ 5e as