The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1900-01-24
THG MORM0NITG At BAY
B. h. Roberts Argues Against E1-
olusion From the House.
WOMEN AUDITORS APPLAUDED.

Other Women, However, Manifested
Bitter Hostility by Hissing at Him
at Every Opportunity-win Proba-
ably be Admitted, Then Expelled.
Washington, Jan. 24.-Yesterday
was an oratorical field day in the house
over the case Of Brigham H. Roberts,
the Mormon representative from Utah.
The galleries were packed to suffoca-
ton, chiefly with women. and the spec
tators, after listening attentively to
the arguments Of Mr. Tayler, Of Ohio.
and Mr.. Littlefield, of Maine, 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 impassioned words Of the accused
as he faced the house, like an animal
at bay, knowing that every hand was
raised against him. Mr. Roberts was
very adroit 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 BUSTING him, he appro-
III ldtCu W AlAioOiA LhO VI Lup
minority that he was constitutionaliy
entitled to be sworn in and the argyll
ment of the majority that. once sworn
in. he could not be expelled. He de-
Tended the action Of the Mormons in
fighting the authority 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 have renowned
his religious tenets. He concluded
with an eloquent peroration In which
he said he had never been conscious Of
q shameful act, and II he was sent
forth he would 60 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 by Mr. Llttlefeld,
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
shreds jumped him into the front rank
Of debaters in the house. The speech
made deep impression. In fact, 1t Is
predicted by many members that the
majority resolution for exclusion cam
not now carry.
Mr.. Lacy, of Iowa, has proposition
which he will submit to expel Mr..
Roberts by two-thirds vote, without
seating him, which will have support
ers, and this may lead to compromise
proposition.
Miss Roberts, daughter of Mr.. Rob-
erts, was in the reserved gallery
throughout the debate. The debate
will close tomorrow at 4:30.
Again yesterday the senate's session
was devoted entirely to speechmaking.
Mr.. Turner (Wash) concluded his ad
dress upon the Philippine question. He
was followed by Mr.. 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. Mr..
McEnery Ia) delivered the conclud-
ing speech of the session on the race
question In the south. He took strong
ground In support Of the constitution
Of louisiana and of the proposed
amendment to the constitution of
North Carolina, which 1t is alleged
practically will disfranchise large
class of voters.