Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-10
Smoot Polygamy Case Sub
ject of Much Concern.
QUESTION FOR SENATE
PRESIDENT ASKED TO DINE WITH
MIDDLESEX CLUB.
Minister Bowen and Federico Degetau
Among the Callers-More Nomina-
lions Sent to the Upper House.

Congressional callers at the White House
are manifesting increasing interest in the
case involving the seat OF Senator Smoot OF
Utah. and the indications now are that the
contest which II Is asserted, is certain to
result from the present agitation will rival
in Importance and In earnestness the case OF
Brigham II. Roberts before the House of
Representatives few years ago While the
President is familiar with the developments
thus far in the Smoot case. no effort is be-
ing made by either side TO draw him into
the controversy. the realization being gen.
eral that 1t Involves a question which the
Senate must determine for itself
1t is understood that the Senate committee
on privileges and elections will meet In a
few days to take up in a preliminary way
the case Of Senator Smoot. That thor
ough investigation of the subject will be
made by the committee now appears to be
beyond doubt.
BY those who pressing the investiga-
ton II is said it will be more comprehend
sive and searching than any similar IN
quiry ever has been. An effort will be
made to ascertain accurately the attitude
of the Mormon Church toward the gov
eminent of the United States and to learn
whether or not a member of that organi-
cation is bound by any pledge or oath. the
taking of which is incompatible with his
oath as a senator Of the United States
Charges Hard to Prove.
1t is believed by some at least. of those
who are opposing Senator Smoot that any
effort made to prove he is a polygamist
would result in failure and while that
point cannot he said to have been aban-
doned absolutely, it is quite certain the
opposition will concentrate its endeavors
to prove that the position he holds in the
Mormon Church is incompatible with the
oath of allegiance he has taken to the
United States. That proof must be ample,
in the opinion of senators. before he can
be unseated.
AS to the ability of the opposition to Sen
ator Smoot TO establish such a proposition
there is wide divergence of opinion among
senators. but there is pretty general
agreement that if it should be established
its result would be the unseating of the
Utah senator.
Invited to Dine
Senator Lodge accompanied James B.
Reynolds, secretary of the republican state
committee of Massachusetts. who invited
the President to attend a dinner of the
Middlesex Club In March next. This is one
of the famous clubs of Massachusetts, and
its dinners have frequently been attended
by Presidents. MI Roosevelt said that he
would be pleased to consider the invitation,
but he would not be able TO give an answer
at this time.
Herber. w Bowen. United States minis
ter to Venezuela. called to pay his respects
and to thank the President for permitting
him to represent Venezuela during her trou-
bles the past year. MIR. Bowen has been to
The Hague where he was one of the repre-
sentstives of this country and of Fene-
zr;eia in the claim for preferential treat
Inent for the blockading powers in the set
Element of the difficulties with Venezuela.
WAYNE MacVeagh and Judge Penfeld of
the State Department represented the
United States.
Federico Degetau the delegate of Porto
Rico to this country, paid his respects to
,he President and gave the latter copy OF
his brief before the Supreme Court in the
case argued few days ago involving the
relationship of Porto Rico to the United
States
Senator Fairbanks talked with the PreSi-
Cent about an Indiana constituent VINO
wants a consulate. The senator remained
with the President some time. Represent
alive Crumracker Of Indiana also made
brief call.
The President today sent the following
nominations 10 the Senate:
To be consui-VictOr l. Duhaime OF New
Han,psnire ut Saitiilo. Mex. To be colec-
tor of customs-Walter c. Witherbee OF
New York for the district of Champlaln
n V To be chief engineer, revenue cutter
eeryicc-Ffrst Assistant Engineer Carl NJ
Green To be first assistant engineer, reT-
erue cutter service-Second Assistant En-
.:neer Edwin ". Davis.