The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-02-10

Washington, February 5.-The dis
cussion OF the statehood bill in the SEN
ate today turned OF the question of
polygamy. A number of senator's Nho
heretofore have taken no part in the
debate participated in the discussion.
Mr.. McComas had started the debate
yesterday by critieising the pending
bill as being too liberal and when the
subject came up today, Mr.. Gallinger
adVerted to his remark and said that
he was in favor Of an amendment COW
ering this question as strong as could
be drawn.
The influence of the Mormon church
over Politics occupied a large share of
the debate, which Mr.. Hale character
lied as interesting. bic and start
ling, because it had disclosed a power
full religious organization "eXorting it
self as a dominant. potential force"
over he mind and action of its fol-
lowers, which should be AXE into ac-
count in fl. ure legislation.
Mr.. DUBOIS. of Idaho, declared that
no polygamist could occupy any h.gI
political 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 hat Idaho could con-
troll the Mormon people whenever it SO
| desires.
Mr.. Hale replied that the matter was
a dark element that canno be pene-
trated by the light that usually illumi
mates n enlightens communities in
the states.
Mr.. Teller said the Mormon church
is all powerful and that whenever ii
spoke through its first presidency, the
great body Of the church responded tC
the demand that vas made.
Mr.. Rawlins. Of Utah, declared tina,
the Mormon church influence in politics
in Utah is an important factor.
Mr.. Spooner inquired if it was true
that the first presidency could dictate
whether or not a Mormon hOu hold
a high political office.
Mr.. Dubois answered the question BY
stating that no Mormon would run fol
a high political office without the con,
sent of the first presidency.
Mr.. Rawlins said that when the ap
prevail is given the man goes fortf
with the benediction Of the church
while the other man." interjected Mr.
Hale. rests under the frown of tn
church,"
Mr.. RawlIns declared that there wa,
a large element which would overthrow
the church domination in the affair
of state because it was obnoxious t.
them. The disposition to do this. h
said. is growing, and that in Utah con
ditions were improving. He admitted
replying to Mr.. McComas, that a ma
jority of the Legislature are member
OF the Mormon church, although, h
said , they have not discriminate
against non-Mormon on religion
grounds. II there is anything in tn
spirit of American institutions, sait
Mr.. Hale, 1t is that it is never permits
sible on the part Of the authorities o
religious organizations to exercise con
troll in temporal matters over their fol
lowers and to influence elections. '"Thi
day has not been i'll spent" he de
clared. I'm bringing out conditions tina
obtain where the Mormon church ha
secured it's l~odgnent."
Mr.. Quay said he was mot Just nov
prepared OF authorized" to accept a.
amendment to the bill ~embodying tn
Edmunds law and applying it to Ari
IONA and New Mexico. The best wa
TO settle that question, he said, was t
tx a day for a vote On the bill.
After some further remarks b
5 Messrs. Patterson, McComas and 9th
ers. the senate went into executive SEES
sion and soon after adjourned, unit
! tomorrow.
;, House of Representatives..
The antitrust bill which opened /