New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-01-26
DOORS SHUT ON ROBERTS
THE HOUSE REFUSES TO AID
NIT A POLYGAMIST.
EXCLUSION RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY
26s To 5o-PRoPoSAL TO SEAT
AND EXPEL LOST on
VOTE OF 81 TO pa.
VOTE OF 81 TO pa.
FBT TELEGRAPH TO THE TR1BUSE.I


Washington, Jan. 25-The House of Represent
stives declared invalid this evening by a vote Of
26s TO 30 the prirna facie title presented by Brig
ham H Roberts, the polygamist chosen to repre-
sent them at Washington by the people Of Utah.
There could be no ulistaking from the very open
Ing Of the session OF the purpose OF a vast major
fly in the popular branch TO deny TO Mr.. Roberts
the exercise Of any Of his functions as fully
qualified lawmaker. and the decision Of the spe-
ciaI committee appointed 10 examine into his ell
gibiity that hts unconditional exclusion was de-
rnanded by every consideration Of moral and con-
stitutionaI expediency was overwhelmingly sup
ported by the judgment OF both sides Of the
House
In Kidding itself OF Mr.. Roberts's obnoxious
presence the popular branch was forced 10
choose between two alternatives, either TO admit
the validity Of his credentials and then expel
him as persona non grata, or 10 deny outright
the suficiency OF the title he presented and
refuse 10 allow him to take the oath. Consu-
tUtional hair splitting over the niceties OF the
two courses presented failed evidently to ap-
peal 10 the House, for in the end II took the
shortest cut toward exclusion. and frankly shut
the door without parley or circumlocution in
the polygamist's face.
The vote 10 adopt the minority resolution.
which favored acknowledging Mr.. Roberts's con-
81 10 pa. On the final roIcall, on the accept
ance OF the majority report. excluding him with
out any preliminary legal maneuvres the vote
was 26S 10 80. In effect each division showed
nassed against him more than the necessary
tvo-tfirds for m expulsion. The vote on the
majority report was in no sense partisan one.
Yet il showed only one Republican-Nr. Little
field. OF 8Iaine-arrayed against the policy Of
unconditional exclusion OF the fifty Repre-
sentatives who opposed exclusion to the end
four were from York-Messrs Chanler
Fitzgerald, Mcclellan and May.
There were over score Of speakers to-day,
and the closing speeches on each side were par
ticularly able. Mr.. Lanham. Of Texas. closed
for the majority. and Mr.. De Almond Of Mis-
souri,. for the minority. Mr.. Roberts was pres
ent throughout the day and only left the hall
after the result Of the last vote had been an
nounced.
When Mr.. Lanham concluded Mr.. Lacey Rep
Iowa. offered an amendment 10 the majority
resolution providing for the expulsion Of Mr.
Roberts. To this Mr.. Tayler made the point Of
order that the amendment was not germane.
The Speaker sustained the point Of order on the
ground that the original proposition only re-
ouired majority vote. while If the amendment
were added, II would require tvo-thirds vote.
The Republicans applauded the Speakers ruling.
Mr. Lacey appealed from the decision Of the
Chair. Mr. Taylor moved 10 lay the motion on
the table. While the vote on the latter motion
was being taken, II being apparent that il would
carry by large majority. Mr.. Lacey withdrew
the appeal.
MINORITY RESOLUTION LOST
The first vote was taken on the adoption Of
the minority resolution, TO seat and then expel
Mr. Roberts At the conclusion Of the roIIcaH
Mr. Tawney, the Republican whip. announced
that on account OF the non-partisan character
OF this motion he had made no offer 70 pair
the absent Republicans. Mr.. Underwood Dem.
Ala-) made similar announcement concerning
the Democratic absentees. The minority resoIu-
tonic seat and expel Mr.. Roberts-was de-
feated. 81 10 pa
The following members voted for the minority