New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-13
SHOOT TO BE HEARD.
Elections Committee Outlines It's
POEcy IN Making Investigation.

Washington. Dec. 1.-THE Senate Committee
Privileges and Elections met to-day to outline q
policy TO be pursued in investigating the protests
filed against Senator Reed Smoot being permitted
TO retain his seat, and decided that before taking
further steps Senator smoot should have oppOr-
tunity TO reply TO the charges.
Senator Burrows, chairman of the committee
instructed to inform Mr.. Smoot OF the deci-
sion of the committee and 10 request that what
ever reply he may desire to make shall be in
writing.
In addition to the innumerable petitions filed
with the committee for the expulsion of Mr..
Smoot, two protests from citizens of Utah were
presented and briefly considered by the committee
These protests charge Mr.. SmoOt with being a
polygamist. They also charge that the Mormon
Church. Of which Mr.. Smoot is apostle, holds
its own laws TO be superior to those of the State
and they contend that the Church still stands for
polygamy.
Neither Senator Smoot nor his opponents were
represented at the meeting, and for that reason
members OF the committee avoided taking action
which would in any manner show the sentiment
OF individuals.
The specific charge that NJ smoot IS a polyga-
mist is made by John T. Leilich. The other
charges are signed by eighteen citizens of Utah.
Of whom fourteen Republicans and four Demo-
Gratis A statement has been filed with the COM
mittee giving the occupations and other facts con-
corning the signers. This statement shows them
to be Of standing. Their charges fol-
lows:
!. The Mormon priesthood. according to the doc
trines of that Church, is vested with supreme
authority in all things temporal and Spiritual.
2 The first presidency and twelve a3ostles are
mandates of this authority.
3. As this body of men has not abandoned the
principles and practice of political dictation. so
also it has not abandoned belief in polygamy and
polygamous Capitalization
f. That this Is the attitude of the first presidency
and apostolate, even since the suSpenSory mani
festo OF 1890, is evidenced by their teachings
officials of p
Smoot is one, also practice cOnnive and n
courage the practice of polygamy and polygamouS
cohabita ton, and those whom they have permitted
10 hold legislative Office have. without protest or
objection from thom. sought to pass a law nufy =
ing enactments against pOlygamous cohabitation
eixth-The supreme authorities in the Church of
whom Senator-eect Smoot is one, to wit, the first
presidency and twelve apostles not only connive
at violations Of but protect and honor the vio-
lators OF, the laws against polygamy and polyga-
nous eohabitation.
At the meeting IT said behalf OF Senator
smoot that he had employed counsel. and that
There was considerable informal discussion of the
case in the course OF which Senator Hoar spoke
OF the charge that the Mormon Church had under
taken dictate the OF political affairs. and
said that. If true this very serious matter
He urged careful inquiry The consensus OF opinion
was that II the investigation was begun it should
be thorough.
After the committee adjourned Senator Burrows
informed Senator Smoot IN writing, of the COM
mittees action. and forwarded a copy of the
charges 10 him
The Utah Senator said he would be glad TO pre-
pare statement IN denial OF the charges Affecting
his integrity Senator as soon as practice HE
and added that If necessary he would hiring VIII.
nesses 10 substantiate his assertions