The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-07
ORAL ARGUMENT ENDED
Written Briefs TO Bring The Rob-
erts Case TO a Close.
The ttah Mcmbcr-Eiect Makes n
Final Statement to the Committee
the House-Nr. Schroeder Ends the
Discussion for the Opposition.

The special committee appointed to in
vestigate the charges preferred agains
Representative-elect Roberts of Utah. afte
brief executive session. adjourned yes
terday afternoon until 10 O'Clock wednes
day morning. in order to give former See
retary of the Treasury Carlisle time tt
sGbmit any further written argument ht
may desire. Mr. Roberts will be given ar
opportunity to reply in writing
The proceedings yesterday marked the
close of this most interesting case the
committee having notified all the parties
Interested that it would now begin work on
its report.
The committee vas called to order at
1o:15 o'clock yesterday mLfning by Chair
man Tayler. and Mr.. Roberts resumed his
argument. He spoke for two hours. He
took up the question of the compact made
netween the United States and Utah and
quoted from the official reports of the
debates in the constitutional convention
10 prove that Utah had not violated her
compact. for il was agreed In the corsti-
tutional convention that polygamous or
plural marriages were to be forever pro-
hibited. II was never contended nor be-
lieyed by the people Of Utah, he said, that
plural or polygamous marriages contracted
prior TO the admission of Utah into the
Union should be disturbed
In reply to a question from Mr. Freer.
OF the committee. MIR. Roberts said the
understanding of the people of Utah was
that all Congress demanded was Il cessa-
tion of plural marriages.
He called attention to the fact that he
had been nominated for Congress in 1895
and that no protest had been made against
him on the ground Of polygamy although
he went through very stormy campaign
He said that appointments had been made
by President Mckinley of men charged with
living in polygamy. and that the Presi-
dent had been advised of the matter The
appointment of these polygamists. he said
had occasioned no animosities in Utah
and no one objected except a few mar
rowminded bigots who had collected af-
fidavits against them.
The question OF plural marriages he
said, after the adoption of the State cor
stitGton. was accepted as a settled fact
Women. he said. who were in the position
of plural wives were generally received in
Gentle society and were respected in the
community in which they lived. There had
never been any trouble to speak of since
tie admission Of Utah into the Onion, he !
said. until a sensational newspaper tina.
wanted TO run the universe had started the (
crusade against him A public sentiment /
had been aroused by false reports. be said. |
and Congress called upon TO exceed it, 1
constitutional authority by excluding him
from his seat in the House of Representa-
iiyes.
Discussing the question OF his prima ia
c;e riGhi 10 his seat. he repeated the argu-
meRt which he had made several times be-
fore
in reply 20 the arguments in former
Secretary Carlisle-s letter that his natu-
rpliyaffora Nm Iaf.. fp.f, ]
quoted several authorities to shcw he had
been natnralized according to law
Nr. Roberts closed with an appeal for
justice TO himself aud his State. Utah
had stood with the Union. and in III.
present war sent soldiers TO the front
whose services had been most brilliant !
He insisted he had every qualification for
membership in the House, IA he possessed
all the qualifications mentioned IN The
Constitution. and the House could neither
add to nor take any hing from H. He
thanked the committee for its attention
and the fair treatment which had been
accorded him, and left the matter in its
hands
few minutes discussion among the
members showed the general desire to be
10 close the case as speedily as possible so
a T Schroeder OF Utah replied to Mr.
Roberts argument closing the case for
the prosecution. Mr.. Schroeder. in open {
ing. said he personally hoped the matter
OF Mr.. Roberts naturalization would not
be taken up He WAS Democrat as was
Mr.. Roberts. and il the exclusion of Mir. |
Roberts from the House of Representa-
tiyes could not be had on the ground OF |
his being poiygamist. he wanted him
seated He was not retained by any body ;
TO argue against Mr.. Roberts. No one had
paid him, and no one had promised TO pay !
him he said in replv 10 a quesffon h,- | 5
Mr. Littiefeld.
Mr.. Schroeder referred 10 the promises
and statements made in Congress in con-
pection with the admission of Utah Rep {
Littleheld asked il he cons.d-
cred that a contract IN legal sense existed
between the United States and the State
Of Utah.
Mr.. Schroeder replied that be did as
certain qualifications were imposed upon
Utah when il was admitted.
Mr. Littlefeid wanted TO know how far 7
Ills contract was binding. and how il T
could be enforced Representative Morris ;
and Mr.. Schroeder agreed that its keeping
was more matter of good faith than any =
thing else. although Mr.. Schroeder thought :
Congress could enforce the terms of the !.
contract by denying the State representa- /
ton in Congress when the State violated | D
The terms OF the contract. lie maintained
the committee had right 10 enquire
into the original guilt OF the candidate
FOR Office, without a court having first
passed upon il.
At the conclusion OF Mr.. Schroeders ar u
yurnent the committee went into an oxecu- 4
tive session lasting about ten min
ltes. and then adjourned until "Wednesday. l.
Il is believed the committee will have its p"
report ready about the middle of the a
month.