New-York tribune., 1903-02-08
DEBATE IN THE SENATE.
Polygamy in Relation to Statehood Again
Discussed

Washington, Feb THE Statehood bill again
to-day claimed the greater share of the Senates
attention Mr.. Kean continued but did not con-
clude his speech on that subject, and toward
the close of the day there was general debate
on the allegation of the opposition to the bill
that it does not contain sufficient safeguards
against polygamy In the course Of his re-
marks, Mr.. Kean read from a book OF travel by
a German author to show that polygauy now
exists in the Mormon Church in the republic of
Mexico and the fact was commented on by
Senators Beveridge Spooner and Depew as 60
ing to show that the contention that polygamy
had been abolished is not we'll founded. Mr
Spooner asked Mr.. Rawlins whether the revela-
ton for abolition had covered Mexico.
Mr.. Rawlns referred him to the documents,
saying he did not to put any construction
on them but Mr.. Hoar remarked that possibly
the revelator had not been able to speak Span
ish" Mr. Rawlins added later that, as he re-
called President Snow proclamation forbid
ding polygamy it had covered the Mormon
Church throughout the world
Mr. Depew read the proclamation TO show
that polygamy had only been suspended" and
not prohibited. He thought another revelation
from the Mormon Church should be forthcoming
IF the Senator wants an authoritative state
ment in the Senate the subject he may have
all his doubts removed next session. when the
Senator from Utah takes his seat re-
marked Mr.. Bacon.
That" replied Mr.. Depew. lis the only argu-
ment that I have heard for the admission of a
Mormon to the Senate.
Mr.. Teller expressed the opinion that. notwith-
standing the declaration of the book quoted,
poygamy does not exist among Mormons in
Mexico He did not believe the people or the
priests of that country would tolerate the prac-
tice He added that it was his conviction that
the question of polygamy is entirely foreign to
the subject of Statehood. He went on TO say
that the question was a mere bugaboo which
had been brought in only for the purpose of
delay.
Mr.. Spooner took issue with the last state
ment and urged the Importance of the subject.
With me-" he said, "it Is triling matter.
mere question of delay, and when are told
here that the Mormon Church controls elections
in State now in the Union, think must
admit that State was not prepared for adnis-
sion' He meant to refer to the matter In future,
and he hoped that he would not be charged with
filibustering
Replying Mr.. Teller contended that the few
Mormons in Arizona would not be capable of
controlling elections there. So small consid
GRAFTON should not he contended. stand in the
way of a promise made in the treaty of Guada-
loupe Hidalgo to admit as States the territory
acquired from Mexico.
Mr.. Spooner said that long as the bill had
been pending Mr. Teller was the first to break
silence on the Democratic side of the chamber.
Mr. Teller said the reason why the Demo-
Gratis had not spoken found in the fact that
they did not want TO assist in the delay, which
he believed had been "preconcerted. prearranged
and studiously followed by what he believed
to be q minority in the Senate.
The Senate then went into executive session,
and few minutes later adjourned.