The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-03-03

PLAINLY THE EFFECTS OF THE SUI
When the committee was called to or
der. seven senators were present. Chair
man Burrows gave the ruling on the
questions asked OF President Joseph F.
Smith. relating TO the pclygamous CO.
hsbitation OF George r. Teasdale a Nor
mon apostle. Objections TO such question
ing had been made by the defense.
The committee ruled that testimony
bearing upon plural marriages OF any
members OF the 12 apostles, OF which Mr..
Smoot was one, is competent. so far as It
relates to such polygamous cohabitation
since Sept. 26. 1890, the date Of President
woodrur's manifesto. Withdrawing the
order OF the church commanding plural
marriages.
Senator Beveridge stated that there had
been a misunderstanding as to whether
Mr. smoot was being tried on charges of
polygamy. and with having taken an
oath incompatible with his oath as a
United States senator.
Now he said, IL is apparent that these
charges are not pending in this investiga-
tion. Senator Dubois dissented from the
statement that there had been such mis-
understanding. and said the real barge
Is that Mr.. Smoot Is member OF
Mormon hierarchy, which subscribes to
vows in conflict with the laws OF the
country. and was bound TO support such
vows.
FIRST TIME IN so YEARS
For the first time In 80 years" said
Mr. Dubois. 1.-The relations OF this organl-
zation towards the United States are TO
be tried"
Senator Pettus made protest against
the debate between members OF the COM
mittee and Chairman Burrows directed
Mr.. Tayler 10 proceed.
Questions were then directed TO ascer-
tain Mr.. Smiths knowledge OF the poly
gamous marriages OF Frank Cannon and
whether Mr.. Smith had performed the
service united Mr. Cannon and Lillian
Hamlin.
Mr.. Smith said he had seen newspaper
reports saying that he had done so. but
he denied the truth OF the statements.
Then Mr.. Taylor asked a number OF
questions, which brought out a statement
from Mr.. Smith regarding his own posi-
tion under the laws covering polygamy.
VIOLATED CONTINUOUSLY
He Acknowledged. that he had violated
them continuously since the manifesto OF
1890 and is ready now and always had
been ready to face the laws OF the land.
Mr.. Taylor asked: lis co-habitation
with plural wife contrary to the rules
Of the church,"
Mr.. Smith asked and received permits
sion to make n statement and then answer
the question In his own way. He spoke
with great feeling and directness, just
the reverse OF his attitude on the stand at
yesterdays hearing saying:
STATUS OF PoLYGAAfy.
"In regard TO the status OF polygamy at
the time OF the manifesto I want 10 say
that after the hearing before the master
OF chancery, ] understood that we should
abstain from relations with our plural
families and that rule was observed up 20
the time the enabling act went into eff
feet admitting Utah as a state Under
that act the only prohibition was that
plural marriages should cease. Nothing
was said about co-habitation with our
wives"
with the wives you had married pre-
vious 20 the manifesto, you mean?" in
terrupted Mr.. Hoar
THAT IS what I meant" said Mr..
Smith. II understood that plural mar
riages were 10 cease and ever since the
manifesto until the present time there
has been a plural marriage performed in
the church IN accordance with is teach
ings OF with connivance of the church"
He added with emphasis. Il know where
OF speak"
Then, I'm answer 10 the question wheth-
er polygamous cohabitntion was regarded
by the church as contrary 10 the law, he
answered. 1T was"
Continuing. he said.
This was the case, and Is the case nov5
But ! was placed IN this position" said
Mr.. Smith. II had a family-a plural
family. ~ you please. I married my first
wife more than q years ago. and my
last wife more than ~ years ago By
these wives i have had children, and I
have preferred 70 take my own chances
with the law and suffer any consequences
the law might visit upon me rather than
20 abandon these children and their
mothers.
II have continued 10 co-habit with them
since the manifesto OF 1890 and they have
borne me children since that date. / was
fully aware OF what I was doing
knew 7 was amenable TO the law. but as
j say, I preferred to face the situation
rather than 90 desert them. 1 have not
co-habited with these wives openly or
Haunted the fact. but / have acknowl-
edged these wives and children as my
family
The people % Utah have regarded the
situation sn existing fact These people
ss n rule. are broad minded and liberal m
their views and have condoned the OF.
fence-if offence ~ n. rather than inter-
fsre with my situation az they found H.