The Oskaloosa herald., 1900-01-25
BOTH SIDES HEARD.
Arguments for Majority and Mi
nority Reports in Roberts Case.

Washington, Jan. 24.-Tuesday was
an oratorical field day in the house over
the case of Brigham III. Roberts, the
Mormon representative from Utah.
The galleries were packed to suffoca-
ton, chiefly with women, and the spec
tators, after listening attentiyely to
the arguments of Mr.. Tayler CO., and
Mr.. Littlefield (Me.), for the adoption
of the majority and minority reports
respectively of the special committee
that investigated the case, remained
long after nightfall to hear the impas-
stoned words of the accused as he faced
the house, like an animal at bay, know
ing that every hand was raised against
him. Mr.. Roberts was very adroit in
the handling of his case, and at times
exceedingly dramatic.
In His own Behalf.
Taking advantage of the issue raised
by the division in the committee as to
the method of ousting him, he appro-
priated TO himself the argument of the
minority, that he was constitutionally
entitled TO be sworn in, and the argu
ment of the majority that, once sworn
in, he could not be expelled. He de-
Tended the action of the Mormons in
fighting the authorities of the United
States for years, because, he said, they
believed that sentiment would change,
and dramatically stated that in those
days he had rather have his flesh hewn
from his bones than to have renounced
his religious tenets. He concluded with
an eloquent peroration in which he
said he had never been conscious of
shameful act, and if he was sent forth
he would go with head erect and I'M
daunted brow.
Strange to say, most of the applause
he won was from women. But while
they appeared to be his only partisans
other women manifested their bitter
hostility by Kissing him at every OPP
portunity.
Made n Good Impressions
The speech made by Mr.. Littlefield,
who succeeds the late Mr.. Dingley, in
defense of the minority proposition to
seat and then expel Mr.. Roberts, was a
masterful effort, and stamped him as
one of the coming men in the house.
The manner in which he tore some of
the arguments of the majority into
sheds jumped him into the front rank
of debaters in the house. The speech
made deep impression. In fact, it is
predicted by many members that the
majority resolution for exclusion can
not now carry.
Mr.. Lacey, of Iowa, has proposition
which he will submit to expel Mr.. Rob-
erts by two-thirds vote without seat
ing him, which will have supporters,
and this. may lead to a compromise
proposition.
Miss Roberts, daughter of Mr.. Rob-
erts, was in the reserved gallery
throughout the debate. The debate will
close next Thursday at 4:30.
Senate.
Washington, Jan. 24.-Again the
senate's session was devoted entirely
to speechmaking. Senator Turner
(Wash.) concluded his address upon
the Philippine question. He was fol-
lowed by Senator Ross (Vt.) with a
thoughtful and carefully prepared
speech in which he also discussed the
Philippine question in connection with
resolutions which he had offered. His
presentation of the question was given
thoughtful attention by his col
leagues. Senator McEnery Oa,) de-
livered the concluding speech of the
session on the race question in the
south. He took strong ground in sup
port of the constitution of Louisiana
and of the proposed amendment to the
constitution of North Carolina, which
it is alleged, will disfranchise large
class OF voters.
The Clark Case.
Washington, Jan. 24.-The senate
committee on privileges and elections