The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1903-02-06
MIXED IN POLITICS
IS THE RELIGION Of THE NOR
MON CHURCH.
IN TALKING OF STATEHOOD
SENATOR'S TOUCH STRONGLY UPON
MORMON INFLUENCES.

Hale Said the Information ELECTED
During the Debate Is Valuable.
shows n Powerful Religious Or
RanizatiOn Dominating Its Fol
low ers POIitIcauy-Consen of the
First Presidency of the Church
Must be Had Before IA Mormon
VIII Run for Office.
Washington. Feb. 5.-The discussion
of the statehood bill in the Senate to-
day turned on the question of polyg-
amy. A number of senators, who
heretofore have taken no part in the
debate, participated in the discussion.
Senator McComas had started the de-
bate yesterday by criticising the pend
ing bill as being too liberal and when
the subject came up to-day Senator
Gallnger adverted to his remarks and
said that he was in favor of an amend
ment, covering this question, as strong
as could be drawn.
The influence of the Mormon Church
over politics occupied "a large share of
the debate, which Senator Hale
characterized as interesting, valuable
and startling because it had disclosed
erting itself as a dominant, potential
force over the mind and action of its
followers, which should be taken into
account in future legislation"
Senator Dubois of Idaho said no
polygamist could occupy any high po-
litical place without the consent of the
first presidency of the Mormon Church.
The same influence, he said, was ex-
ercised in New Mexico and Arizona.
lie said that Idaho could control the
Mormon people whenever II so desires
Senator Hale replied that the matter
was a dark element that cannot be
penetrated by the light that usually
illuminates and enlightens comThuni-
ties generally in the states.
CHURCH AII-POwerfuI.
Senator Teller said the Norman
Church is all powerful, and that when
ever it spoke through it's first presi-
dency, the great body OF the church
responded to the demand that was
made.
Senator Rawlins of Utah said the
Mormon Church influence in politics in
Utah is an important factor.
Senator Spooner inquired II II was
true that the first presidency could die
tate whether or not a Mormon should
hold high political office.
Mr.. Dubois answered the question by
saying no Mormon would run for a
high political office without the consent
of the first presidency.
Senator Rawlins said that when the
approval is given the man goes forth
with the benediction of the church.
While the other man." interjected
Senator Hale. rests under the frown
of the church."
Senator Rawlins declared that there
was large element which would
overthrow the church domination in
the affairs of state because it was OBJ
noxious to them. The disposition to do
this, he said, is growing, and that in
Utah conditions were improving. He
admitted, replying to Senator Nc
Comas, that a majority of the Legis-
lature are members of the Mormon
church, although. he said, they have
not Disseminated against non-Mor-
mons on religious grounds.
Opposed TO American Spirit.
IF there is anything in the spirit of
American Institutions" said Mr.. Hale,
''it is that it is never permissible on
the part of the authorities of religious
organizations to exercise control in
temporal matters over their followers
and to influence elections. This day
has not been Ill spent in bringing out
conditions that obtain where the Nor
mon church has secured it's lodg-
ment."
Senator Quay said he was not just
now prepared or authorized to accent
an amendment to the bill embodying
the Edmunds law and applying it to
Arizona and New Mexico. The best
way to settle that question, he said,
was to fix a day for vote on the bill
After some further remarks by SEN
ators Patterson, McComas and others,
the Senate went into executive session
and soon afterward adjourned until