The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-01-24
ROBERTS
FACES HIS
ACCUSERS
In the House and Makes = Dramatic
Speech in HIS Own
Behalf,
SENATOR'S TURNER AND ROSS
Spoke on the Philippine Question,
and McEnsry on the
Race Issue

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2s.-This has
been an oratorical field day in the house
over the case of Brigham H. Roberts,
the Mormon representative from Utah.
The galleries were packed to su1oca-
tion, chiefly with women, and the spec
tators, after listening attentvely to the
arguments Of Mr.. Tayler. of Ohio, and
Mr.. Llttleheld. OF Maine. for the adop-
ton OF the majority and minority re-
ports, respectively. Of the special com
mlttee that investigated the case, re-
malned long after nlghtfall to hear the
impassioned words Of the accused. as
he faced the house, like an animal at
bay. knowing every hand was raised
against him. Mr.. Roberts was very
adroFt in the handling of his case. and
at times exceedingly dramatic. Taking
advantage of the issue raised by the
division in the committee as to the
method OF ousting him, he appropriated
to himself the argument Of the minori-
ty that he was constitutiOnally entitled
10 be sworn in, and the argument Of the
majority. that once sworn in he could
not be expelled. He defended the ac-
ton OF the Mormons in fighting the au-
thority of the United States for years,
because, he said, they believed that SEN
timent would change. and dramatically
stated that In those days he had rather
have his flesh hewn from his bones
than to renounce his religious tenets.
He concluded with an eloquent perora-
ton, In which he said he had never
been conscious Of shameful act, and
II he was sent forth he would go with
head erect and undaunted 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 opportunity. :
The speech made to-day by Mr.. Lit
tlefield. who succeeds the late AIr. Ding
lev in defense Of the minority PROPOSE
ton 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 shreds, jumped him into tAe front
rank Of debators In the house. The
speech made deep Impression. In
fact. 1t is predicted tonight by many
members that the majority resolutions
for exclusion cannot now carry. Mr..
Lacey of Iowa, has proposition which
he will submit, to expel Mr. Roberts
by a two-thlrds vote without seating
him. which will have supporters. and
this may lead to a compromise PROPOSE
tion. Miss Roberts. daughter Of Mr.
Roberts, was In the reserved gallery
throughout the debate to-day.
The debate will close next Thursday
at 4:sO.
Again to-day the senate's session was
devoted entirely to speechmaking. MIR.
Turner twashn.), concluded his address
upon the Philippine question. He was
followed by Mr.. Ross Cvt.), with a
thoughtful and carefully prepared
speech in which ne also discussed the
philippine question In connection with
resolutions which he had offered. Hls
presentation Of the question was given
thoughtful attention by his colleagues
Mr. McEnery dad, delivered the con-
Guiding speech OF the session on the
race question in the south. He took
strong ground In support OF the consd-
tuition Of Louisiana and Of the proposed
amendment to the constitution Of North
Carolina, which, 1t is alleged. will dis
franchise large class OF voters.