The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-06
MORMON CHURCH
 TOPIC IF DEBATE
Senate Branches Off in Discus
 sion of Statehood Bill
PoLYGAMY IN POLITICS
Mir. Hale Says 1t Exerts a Dominant Potential Force-clayton of Ala bama Fights the Trust Bill
 In the House.

Washington, February 5.-The discus sion of the statehood bill in the senate today turned on the question of poly gamy, and a number of senators who heretofore have taken no part in the debate participated in the discussion
 MT. McComas had started the debate yesterday by criticising the pending bill as being too liberal. and when the subject came up today, MT. Gallinger adverted to his remarks and said that he was in fa- vor of an amendment covering thls sques- tion as strong as could be drawn. The influence of the Mormon over politics oc- cupied large share of the debate, which Mir. Hale characterized as interesting, valuable and startling, because it had disclosed a powerful religious organiza- tion "exerting Itself as dominant, poe tential force" over the mind and action of it's followers, which should be taken into account in future legislation.
 MT. Dubois of Idaho declared that 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 exercised in New Mexico and Arizona. He said that Idaho could control the Mormon people whenever it so desires.
 Mir. Hale replied that the matter was dark element that cannot be penetrated by the light that usually Eliminates and enlishtens communities generally in the states. MT. Teller said the Mormon church is al-powerful and that when ever 1t spoke through its first presidency the great body of the church responded to the demand that was made.
 Mormon Church Factor.
 MT. Rawlins of Utah declared that the Mormon church influence in politics in Utah is an important factor. MT spoon- CT inquired If 1t was true that the first presidency could dictate whether or not Mormon should hold a high political office.
 Mir. Dubois answered the question by stating that no Mormon would run for high political office without the con- sent of the first presidency.f Mir. Rawlins said that when the ap- pointment is given, the man goes forth with the benediction of the church.
 While the other man." interjected MT Hale rests under the frown of the church"
 Mir. Rawllns declared that there was large element which would overthrow the church dominating in the affairs of
 
 to them. The disposition to do this, he said, is growing, and that in Utah con- ditions were improving. He admitted, re- plying to MT. McComas that a majority of the legislature are members of the Mormon church. although he said they have not discriminated against non-Mof- mons on religious grounds. If there Is anything in the spirit of American in- stitutions, said MT. Hale, 1t is that it has never been permissible on the part | of religious authorities to exercise au- thority in temporal affairs over their followers and to influence elections
 This day has not been i'll spent" he declared. " In bringing out conditions that obtain where the Mormon church has secured it's Judgement"
 MT. Quay said he was not just now prepared or authorized to accept an amendment to the bill embodying the Edmunds law and applying 1t 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 fur ther remarks by Messrs. Patterson, Me- | Comas and others the senate went into executive session and soon afterwards adjourned until tomorrow.