The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-01-26

repetition. Tho argument Of the ma
5ority, that the method OF turning Mr..
Roberts out mattercd not was the argu-
ment OF Judge Lynch. The real Ques-
ton at issue was of importance through
the centuries. 1t was. shall the con-
stitution be observed?'
Roberts was entitled to be sworn In.
Some gentlemen feared that II Roberts
were declared entitled to be sworn In
he might HE himself of to Utah without
taking the oath and leave the house
poweriess to expel him. In such remote
and improbable contingency. De Almond
said, there would be no difficulty. II
Mr.. Roberts declined TO be sworn in he
vacated his seat instanter
De Almond devoted much of his time
to legal argument against the PROPOSE
ton that the house could add to the
constitutional qualifications OF members.
He scored those who had unnecessarily
abused Roberts. Roberts. he said. had
not n solitary champion or defender on
the floor, and he would scorn, as be-
meath him and beneath contempt, an eff
fort to evoke applause by denunciation.
IT oppose polygamy; 1 scorn it," he
said, 'but I do not feel II necessary in
order to show how good am, how
love motherhood and chastity, to lend
myself to cheap abuse which requires
neither ability nor courage
This utterance drew forth a round of
applause. Mr.. Roberts. who sat within
twenty feet of De Almond, his head rest
ing on his hand. did not move a muscle.
Lanbam Closes the Debate.
Lanham OF Texas closed the debate
in behalf OF the majority resolutions.
He was listened to attentively and fire.
quently evoked applause.
Representative Lanham said that IL
there had been a necessity for a rational
assertion and vindication Of the supreme
prerogative OF the house, this occasion
was now upon .us. He loved the con-
stitution of his country and the institu-
lions of hts government. but neither the
constitution requires nor do the people
expect the house to do anything ridicu-
lous.
I'VE can never convince the American
people," said he, ''that to admit Roberts
ana instantly expei him is a logical and
consistent procedure. The motive that
will prompt the vote either to expeI or
exclude will be precisely the same, and
that Is because he is polygamist. II
a disqualification not mentioned in the
constitution is imposed in the one case,
1t will be equally superadded in the
other"
He maintained that the house possessed
the inherent power, aside from its ex-
press and implied constitutional warrant,
to protect and uphold itself In its dignity,
integrity and reputation.
House Warranted In Excluding.
He cited instances which would war
rant the house in standing aside person
bearing certificate of election. Sup
pose.' he said, there had been an cleo
ton for territorial delegate held in our
alleged antipodal possessions, the Phil
ippine islands. and coming with certif-
cate of election issued by the president
or consul. whoever might be authorized
to sign the commission, the sultan of
Jolo. fresh from his seragio. should APP
pear and demand to have the oath adj
ministered to him delegate to this
congress; IL the facts which have been
alleged against him were ascertained to
be true, should he not be excluded? I'm
der the theory of the minority of the
committee we might say: Will your
royal highness be sworn?' and kick him
out instantly. Under the theory of the
majority we would say to him at the
threshold: Avaunt and quit our sight,
No Danger I'm Precedent.
He said there was no danger Of the
Roberts case ever being invoked as a
precedent; that 1t was unique and soli-
tary in its originality, and the case and
the precedent would expire with each
other. He said the citizenship qualifca-
ton in the constitution was to prevent
olo ~
extraneous influence in the legislative
action of the new republic. The dis
qualifications mentioned in the constitu-
ton were negatively stated and hence
not exclusive. There was a reason for
each rule of disqualification, and each
was constructed and designed for a
specific purpose, pertinent to particular
conditions and surroundings. He urged
the claims of Christian civilization. and
quoted from Franklin and George Wash
ington to show that the members OF the
constitutional convention respected NOR
atty and religion. He said:
1--WE are not here to impose moral or
religious tests. We are here to accord
to the people of Utah all the privileges
and immunities of citizens of sovereign
states. They may elect whomsoeyer
they will, Mormon or GENTLE, but we will
not recognize his credentials nor well
come the representative-elect, If he be
n polygamist in fact and have more than
one wife living. The people of Utah
must keep their covenants with the
American people and respect the laws
and civilization of the age.
"In behalf of the affairs and fresides of
our common land-the roof trees of Ameri-
can homes--the holy state of matrimony
and the sacred and inviolable associa-
tons of the family circle, with a solemn
regard for the constitution Of my country
and the dignity of the popular branch of
its legislature. with a decent respect to
the opinions of mankind and the fear of
God before my eyes. I declare my belief
that Brigham IL. Roberts ought not for
one instant OF time to be admitted to
membership in the house Of representa-
lives"
The right to exclude. he argued, could