The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-01-05
THE ROBERTS, CASE.

THE ROBERTS, CASE.
The Committee Resumed Its Sessions
Yesterday.
Washington, Jsbuary 4.-The Roberts
Investigating COMMITTEES resumed its ses-
sions today. II was sxpscssd that TX
present to sum up the osss against Mr..
Robsfts, but word came from Mr.. Carlisle
that he had not understood hts personal
presenoe was desired. He said he was
ready to submit written arguments ON
any Of the questions involved.
Chairman Taylor said that the state
ment of witness absent In U tab had
bssn received bus ~ Mr.. Roberts declined
TO admit 10 In an informal manner the
matter weuld have 10 b taken mp later.
Mr.. Robsrts said he wished 10 present
matter tending to show the untrust-
worthiusss Of the Witnesses appearing
against him. II included published
card signed BY Thomas J. Brandon, dis
DIAL Mug having given out certain
information % to Mr.. Roberts. Mr..
Roberts also offered telegram from, the
proprietors of the Salt Lake Herald. CON-
corning the testimony Of Mr.. Mcdaniel.
Chairman Taylor excluded the telegram,
however. saying there was no color Of
right or propriety In receiving a telegram
o. testimony in view Of Mr.. Roberts re-
fufal to admit the statement Of the absent
Utah witnesses. Mr.. Schroeder, head Of
the GENTLE delegation then opened the
argument against Mr.. Roberts. The ar.
gument was largely tsohn ioal and was
div ided under three general heads, viz:
Whether on not the member eleot has the
constitutional qualifications, including
citizenship. whether or not the constitu-
tional provisions as to citizenship include
one who has impaired his citizenship BY
crime, and whether Mr.. Roberts has so
impaired his citizenship; whether q
mem Der elect has the statutory qualifica-
lions beyond those In the constitution.
"The evidence clearly shows" pro-
ceeded Mr.. Schroeder, "that since 1850
Mr.. Robsrts has been In the status Of
polygamist and the question is as to this
effect Of this status"
As to the right of the House to reject
Mr.. Schroeder said: "Supposs raving
maniac should present himself at the bar
Of the House and ask adm ission on proper
credentials, could not the House in sslf
protection deny him admifsion."
Mr.. Schroeder said Mr.. Roberts had
admitted bis relationship with 10 plural
wives He had publicly said he would be
odd II he would give up bic wives"
1t Was an offenee against the public
morals - well ~ against the law and
Mr.. Roberts should be excluded from .
ssat.
The afternoon hearing was enlivensd
when Senator Rawlins OF Utah, was
drawn into discussion of poly gamy. ::Mr.
Sob rosder had continued his argument
when Mr.. Rswlins interrupted 10 correct
q details as to when certain testimony
WAS given bsfore congressional commit
tee relative to polygamy.
Chairman Taylor. thereupon asked Mr..
Rswlins, who was once . delegate from
Utah II 1t was not understood at this time
thu state was admitted that polygamy
was at an end.
cit IVES my understanding" said Mr..
Rawlins. "that the solemnization of poly
gamous marriages was intertlicted by the
Mormon church and that this would have
a sslutary effect In terminating the
practice.
"Do you think" oontinusd Mr.. lay.
lor, "that Utah would have been ad-
mitred If it had been understood that In
a few years U tab would send to Congress
q man maintaining pclygamous rela-
tiopss'
MIR. Rawlins said he did not think
Congress believed the practice Of poly
gamy would be continued.
Mr.. Roberts here interrupted to put
question to Senator kawlins, saying:
81 will ask the Senator II he thinks
Congress understood at the time Utah
was admitted that the President of the
United States would appoint to federal
offices In the Stats of Utah men pracslc-
ing polygamy?'
MIR. Rawlins said that for years poly
gamy had prevailed in Utah. Under IL
many people had established a strong
con jugal relation and ties. But tn,
proclamation of the Mormon church for
bidding further polygamous marriages
had given general satisfaction and 1t
was commonly accepted that the practice
would come to an end.
Mrs. j. Ellen Foster addressed tho com
mlttee in behalf of the great number of
women Interested in the case ard who
were not represented before the commit.
tee.
This concluded the days proceedings
and the committee adjourned until 10 80
o'clock tomorrow.
REVISION OLE POSTAL LAWS