New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-01-05
THE ROBERTS CASE ARG UED.
SENATOR RAWLINS DRAWN INTO A
DISCUSSION OF PoLYGAMY.
MR.. SCHROEDER. OF UTAH AND MRS J. ELLEN
FOSTER SPEAK AGAINST THE SEAT
ING OF ROBERTS.


Washington Jan 4-The Roberts Investigating
Committee resumed its sessions to-day. 1t was ex-
pected that ex-secretary John c. Carlisle would be
present to up the case against Roberts, and
that Mr. Roberts in person would make the argu-
ment in his own behalf. Word came from Mr.
Carlisle, however that he had not understood that
his presence desired but he ready to
submit written arguments any of the questions
involved.
Chairman Tayler said that the statement OF a
witness absent In Utah had been received, but as
Mr.. Roberts declined to admit it in an informal
manner the matter would have to be taken up
later.
Mr. Roberts said he wished to present matter
tending to show the untrustworthiness of the wit
nesses appearing against him. 1t included pub
lished card signed by Thomas ]. Brandon denying
having given out certain information relative to
Roberts: also court records to which Roy Brandon
was a party. Mr.. Roberts also offered a telegram
from the proprietors of THE Salt Lake Herald"
concerning the testimony of Mr.. McDanies Mr.
Tayler excluded the telegram. however, saying
there color of right or propriety in receiv-
ing a telegram testimony, in view OF Mr.
Roherts's refusal to admit the statement of the
absent Utah witness
Mr.. Schroeder, head of the Gentle delegation
here to oppose Roberts then opened the argument
which largely technical. THE evidence clearly
shows" said Mr.. Schroeder, that since 1881 MI
Roberts has been in the status Of poygamist, ana
the question is to the erect OF TINS STATUS I1o
said that while Utah was a Territory there was no
doubt as to Roberts's Acknowledgement under the
Edmunds and Tucker acts. And when Utah was
admitted to Statehood Mr.. Schroeder contendeo
that Robertss citizenship was still impaired He
declared that Roberts had admitted his relationship
with plural wives It offence against public
morals we'll against the law, and ROBERTS
should be excluded from seat.
The afternoon hearing was enlivened when SEN
ator Rawlins Of Utah. was drawn into discussion
of polygamy. Mr. Schroeder was continuing his ar
gllment when Mr.. Rawlins interrupted to correct
detail as to when certain testimony was given be-
fore a Congressional committee relative to polyg-
amy.
Chairman Tayler asked Mr.. Rawlins. who was
once Delegate from Utah, II 1t was not under
stood at the time the State was ADMITTED thal
polygamy at end.
'It was my understanding said Mr.. Rawlins.
that the solemnization of polygamous marriages
was interdicted by the Mormon Church, ana that
this would have a salutary effect in terminating the
practice 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 violated
Mr. Rawlins answered that it was thought there
might be Sporadic cases, but general system
polygamous relations would gradually terminate.
do you think" continued Mr.. Tayler, that
Utah would have been admitted If d 1t 6ad e been en-
Congress a man maintaining polygamous rela-
tions?"
Mr.. Rawlins said he did not think Congress be
ieved the practice of polygamy would De contin-
uedy The 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 polygamous system was dead
and buried?'
Mr. Rawlns did not recall such statements.
Mr. Tayler read from the speeches of Mr.. Raw
Inns to the effect that while polygamy had once
existed the world making progress, and that
the discussion was becoming ancient history
Mr.. Roberts interrupted to put question to Sen
ator Rawlins saying: Il will ask the Senator If
he thinks Congress understood the time Utah
admitted that the President of the URsf ed
States would appoint to Federal Offices in the State
of Utah men practising polygamy?'
There was some discussion to whether Mr. Raw
Inns should answer the question He finally pro-
ceeded, saying that for years poygamy had pre-
vailed in Utah. Under it many people had estab-
Hshed strong conjugal relations and ties. But the
proclamation of the Mormon Church forbidding
further polygamous marriages had given general
satisfaction, and it commonly accepted that
the practice would end.
Mr.. Schroeder closed his argument, which re-
lated mainly to the historical aspect of polygamy
and the law in the case
Mrs. j. Ellen Foster addressed the committee 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
1t involved.
This closed the days proceedings, and the COM
mittee adjourned until 1870 o'clock tomorrow