Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1900-01-11
THE ROBERTS CASE.
ATTORNEYS AGAINST ROBERTS
MAKE ARGUMENTS.
senator Rawiins Drawn Into tho Inquiry
by Chairman Tayier-Roberts Asks
About PoIyeamous Postmasters.

'osaihg tous Jdu o.--l ne hODerts
investigation committee has resumed
its sessions for the purpose Of hearing
arguments and bringing the inquiry to
an early conclusion. 1t was expected
ex-Secretary John g. Carlisle woald be
present to sum up the case against
Roberts and that Mr. Roberts person.
ally would make the argument In his
own behalf. Word came from Mr.. Car
llsie, however, that he had not under
stood his personal presence was desired
but he was ready TO submit written
arguments on any of the questions In
| volved
chairman Tayler stated that the
statement of a witness absent in Utah
had been received, but as Mr.. Roberts
declined to admit II ia an informal
manner, the matter would have to be
taken up later,
MIR. Roberts offered telegram from
the proprietors of the Salt Lake Herald
concerning the testimony of Mr.. Nc
Daniel. Tayler excluded the telegram,
however, saying there was no color OF
right or property in receiving a tcle-
gram MS testimony in view OF Mr.. Rob-
ert's refusal to admit the statements Of
absent Utah witnesses.
Mr. Schroeder then opened the argu-
ment 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, in
Guiding citizenship; second, whether or
not the constitutional provision as to
citizenship includes one who has i'm.
paired his citizenship by crime or un-
lawful status and whether Mr.. Roberta
has SO impaired his citizenship; third.
whether member-elect has the statu-
tory qualifications, and whether the
house has the power to establish auali-
hcations beyond those in the constitu-
ton. Mr.. Schroeder read from many
law books concerning these PROPOSE
tions.
The afternoon hearing was enlivened
when Senator Rawlins OF Utah was
drawn into discussion of polygamy.
Mr. Schroeder had continued his argu-
ment when Mr.. Rawlins interrupted to
correct detail as TO when certain
statements were given before a oon-
gressional committee relative TO polyp-
amy.
ohairman Tayler thereupon asked
Mr. Rawlins, who was once delegate
from Utah, II il was not understood Mt
the time the state was admitted that
polygamy was ut an end.
II was my understanding, said Mr..
Rawlins, that the solemnization of
polygamous marriages was interdicted
oy the Mormon church, and that this
would have salutary effect in termi.
mating the practice. But | did not
hold out to congress that family rela-
tons already established would be-
broken up"
Mr.. Tayler asked II it was expected
that the law against polygamy would
be violated?
Mr.. Rawlins answered that Il vaa
thought there might be sporadic cases.
out as general system, polygamous
relations would gradually terminate.
do You think, +" continued Mr.. Tav-
Ter, that Utah would have been ad-
mitted If IT had been understood that
In few years, she would send to con-
gress man maintaining polygamous
relations?
Mr.. Rawlins said he did not think
congress believed the practice of poly0.
amy would be continued The course
OF events in recent years had clearly
shown that the practice would end in
time.
Ihd you not believe and state at the
time, asked Mr.. Tayler, that the
polygamous system was dead and
buried?"
Mr., Rawlins did not recall such
statements.
Mr.. Iayler read from the speeches of
Mr. Rawlins of those days to the effect
that while polygamy had only existed,
the world was progressing and that the
discussion was becoming ancient his
tory"
Mr.. Roberts here asked to put oues-
tlon TO Senator Rawlins and asked.
i will ask the senator If he thinks
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
practiclng polygamy?p
There Was some question as tn
whether Mr.. Rawlins should answer
the question. He finally proceeded.
saying that for years polygamy had
prevailed in Utah Under Il MANY peo-
pie had established strong coningai re.
iations and ties. But the proclamation
OF the Mormon church forbiddinp fur
ther polygamous marriages had given
general satisfaction, and it was com
monty accepted that the practice would
come TO an end.
democrats Had n Lucky Day.
Frank fort XIV Ian . mzoria.x