The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-17
P0LYGAMISTS IN OFFICE.
Mr. Lentx's Charges Being Invcsu
gated by a House Committee.

by u
Some sensational features attended the
session of the Committee on Postotfices
and Postroads yesterday, when It began
the consideration of the resolution offered
by Mr.. Lentz of Ohio, relating 10 the
charges that the postmasters at Logan
and Provo City, Utah. were polygamists.
Mr.. Lent was present and was the first
witness. He said he understood that the
committee. under its Limitations. could not
go to the bottom of such an investigation
as was necessary TO settle the truth in
this case. He expressed his opinion that
the resolution would be pigeon -holed. For
this, the witness. was taken sharply TO
task by Chairman Loud, who plainly told
him that he had no warrant for holding or
1ttering such opinion.
Mr.. jentZ, after recovering, said he xas
able TO prove by alIidavits that letters no.
tifying the authorities OF the fact that these
candidates for appointment were polyga-
mists had been received and receipted for
by Mr. Porter, Secretary of the President.
but these he understood. had since disap-
pesred. In an interview with General
Grosvenor. Mr.. Lentz said that he (Gros-
yenor) had said; You don't suppose we've
been idle since your resolution was intro
duced?'
Several members asked Lentz If he meant
to charge that the letters had been alb
stracted.
II didn't use the word distracted" re-
piled Mr.. Lentz.
Mr. Bromwel of Ohio said Mr.. Gros-
venors remark was susceptible OF the per-
fcctly proper interpretation-that persons
interested in the matter haG had an eXami-
nation made. Chairman Loud present
the following personal letter from Post
master General Smith on the subject:
January Is. 1000
Mv Dear Mr. Loud. On looking into the papers
as to the pnstInastership at Logan, Utah. | find
the facts 10 be follows: Orson Smith was ap.
pointed postmaster November 49, 1881. upon the
recommendation Of the referees in the usual way.
There was nothing in the papers 10 indicate that
he a polygsmist that any such allegation
had ever been made respecting him, not word
to raise that question in connection with the APP
pointment. He vas confirmed by the Senate Jan
uary 20, lsgS. After his appointment there
letter from the Rev. n. Clemenson. bearing
date November %, 1897. and addressed TO the
Print" which sent to the Postofiice De
partmcnt. and there received November 20. There
is nothing 20 indicate that any attention was at
trscted 10 II. The appointment had been made.
and thousands Of papers conc in, 1t filed
away apparently without examination There Is
other paper in the indicating any such
allegation until December 81, some weeks after
the nomination was in the Senate.
In the Provo City the facts that there
~ he pape III NV Impairment "a any "dts htah-
ing allegation Of p0lygamy against the incln-
bent, but that, whaL it became matter OF pub
lie report some time Hgo, wrote to the marshal
of the Territory asking him for any information In
his possession. aud he replied that a charge had
been made in the State courts, and the post
master hello for trial. which was soon 10 take
place We decided that ought not to convict
in advance Of trial. and reserved action until the
judicial determination. Very truly yours,
CHARLES EMORY SMITH.
The committee adjourned until Friday
next when Postmaster General Smith,
Secretary Porter. and General Grosyenor
will be heard.