The Oskaloosa herald., 1900-01-11
DRAWING TO A CLOSE
End of the Roberts Inquiry Rap
idly Approaches.


investigating committee resumed its
sessions Thursday for the purpose of
hearing arguments and bringing the
/ inquiry to an early conclusion.
Chairman Tayler CO., stated that the
statement of witness absent in Utah
had been received, but as Mr.. Roberts
declined to admit it in an informal
taken up later.
Mr.. Roberts said he wished TO present
matter tending to show the I'M
trustworthiness of the witnesses APP
pearing against him. 1t included pub
lished card signed by Thomas j. Bran
don, disclaiming having given out GER
tain information relative to Roberts;
also court records in which Roy Bran
don was party. Mr.. Roberts also Of
fered telegram from the proprietors
of the Salt Lake Herald concerning the
testimony of Mr.. McDaniels. Tayler
excluded the telegram, however, saying
there was no color of right or propriety
in receiving telegram as testimony, in
view of Mr.. Roberts refusing to admit
the statement of the absent Utah wit
ness.
Argument Against Roberts.
Mr.. Schroeder, head of the gentle
delegation here to oppose Roberts, then
opened the argument against Roberts.
The argument was largely technical,
and was divided under three general
heads, viz: First, whether or not the
member-elect has the constitutional
qualifications, including citizenship;
second, whether or not the constitu-
tional provisions as TO citizenship in
clude one who has impaired his citi-
zenship by crime or unlawful status,
and whether Mr.. Roberts has so i'm
paired his citizenship; third, whether a
member-elect has the statutory quail
fications, and whether the house has
the power to establish qualifications
beyond those in the constitution. Mr..
Schroeder read from many law books
concerning these propositions.
THE evidence clearly shows" proceeded
Mr.. Schroeder, that since 1880 Mr. Rob
erts has been in the status OF a polyga-
mist and the question is as to the effect
of this status" He said that while Utah
was a territory there was no doubt as
to Roberts Acknowledgement under the
Edmunds and Tucker act. And when
Utah was admitted to statehood, Mr..
Schroeder contended that Mr.. Roberts
citizenship was still impaired. The status
of polygamy was such that Roberts could
not relieve himself from it without some
affirmative act. AS to the right of the
house to exclude Mr.. Schroeder said:
Suppose raving maniac should present
himself at the bar of the house and ask
admission on proper credentials, could not
the house in self-proteCtion deny him ad
mission? Suppose a man afflicted with
leprosy presented himself, would not the
house have power to keep him out?'
Mr.. Schroeder said Roberts had admitted
his relationship with his plural wives. He
had publicly said he would "be d if
he would give up his wives" This was
an offense against the public morals as
against the law and Mr.. Roberts should
be excluded from a seat.
Senator RawIins on POIygnmy.
The afternoon hearing was enltvened
when Senator Rawlins, of Utah, was drawn
into discussion of polygamy. Mr.. Schroe-
der had continued his argument when
Senator Rawlins interrupted to correct a
detail as to when certain statements were
given before a congressional committee
relative to polygamy.
Chairman Tayler thereupon asked Sen
ator Rawlins, who was once a delegate
from Utah, if it was not understood at the
time the state was admitted that po!ygamy
was at an end.
at was my understanding" said Senator
Rawlins, that the solemnization of po-
lygamOus marriages was interdcted by
the Mormon church and that this would
have a salutary effect in terminating the
practice. But / did not hold out to con-
gress that family relations already estab-
liShed would be broken up"
Mr.. Tayler asked if it was expected that
the law against poygamy would be vio-
lated.
Senator Rawiins 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 X
had been understood that in a few years
Utah would send to congress man main
tanning pOlygamous relatious?"
Senator Rawlins said he did not think
congress believed the practice of poIygamy
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 po,yg-
amous system was dead and buriCd?"
Senator Rawlins did MOI recall such state
ments. Mr.. Tayler read from the speeches
of Senator Rawins of those days to the
effect that, while polygamy had once ex-
listed, the world was progressing and that
the discussion was becoming ancient his
tory"
Mr.. Roberts here asked to put a ques-
ton to Senator Rawlins, and asked:
Il will ask the senator If he thinks con-
gress understood at the time Utah was
admitted that the president OF the United
States wol ID appoint to federal offices in
the state of Utah men practicing polyg-
amy?'
There was some question as to whether
Senator RawlinS should answer the cues
ton. He finally proceeded, saying that for
years polygamy had prevailed in Utah. In
der II many people had established strong
conjugal relations and ties. But the proc
lamation of the Mormon church forbid
ding further polygamOus marriages had
given general satisfaction, and ii was COM
monty accepted that the practice would
come to an end.
Mr.. Schroeder concluded his argument
which related mainly to the historical as
pect of polygamy and the law in the case
Killed by a Live Wire.
o..