The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-03-04


ages as given to the church in a reye-
lation from Joseph smith. Jr. To bring
out the effect OF refusing to subscribe
to the teachings OF the church. Mr.. Hoar
asked a number Of questions. and Mr..
Smith said:
The principle OF revelation 10 the
fundamental principle OF the church"
lation direct from God?" asked Mt.
Taylor.
Il never said I had received a reveIa-
tion except that God has shown me that
Mormonism is Gods divine truth" said
Mr.. Smith How has God shown you
that" asked Mr.. Burrows.
'sBy Inspiration" Mr. Smith describ-
ed the accepted theory OF the revelation
Of the principle OF polygamy to Joseph
Smith. Jr., saying that an angel in
black had appeared unto him. He said
revelations had not come to him in that
form. but that he had received direct
revelations from God by inspiration.
At this point Mr.. Bailey said he as
sumed that all Of the testimony being
brought out in regard to the religion
of the Mormon church had some sound
relation to the influence the church had
in civil affairs. and that unless he was
assured of that, he should object.
Mr.. Hayler answered that the prose-
cution would attempt to show that the
tics. No further objection was made.
At the afternoon session, Mr.. Taylor
asked in regard 20 the manifesto of
President Woodford Woodruff in 1890
commanding a suspension OF the re-
quirement that polygamy be practiced
in the church, and also the prayer for
amnesty in 1891. The questions were
to ascertain whether the members of
the church considered these declarat tons
affected the continuance Of cohabita-
ton OF those previously married. Mr..
Smith said it was regarded that they
did affect such persons.
Mr.. Taylor asked: do you so regard
it?"
1.-The command did not change my
ages" he answered.
Being pressed for his personal belief
Mr.. Smith said: II believe plural mar
riages to be right
MI. Tayler then asked IL it is true
that the revela ton declaring plural
marriages remains in the books Of au-
thority as part OF the teachings Of the
church.
Mr. Smith said that it was true He
also said that the subsequent manifesto
declaring the principle not in operation
was fully understood
Mr.. Burrows directed a number of
questions to Mr.. Smith bearing upon
relating to his belief in and acceptance
of the divine revelations. He said:
II understand you to say you believe
in the revelation to Joseph Smith, Jr.,
in regard to polygamy and still think
it is right?"
Yes
And the manifesto Of President
Woodruff declaring a suspension of the
polygamy principle was a revelation
was it not?''
'sYxs."
How can that be?" pressed Mr.. Bur
rows.
''One declares in favor of polygamy
and the other stops it,"
Il adhere to both in my belief said
Mr.. Smith, 4 believe polygamy was
right, or I should never have married
more than one WIFE
LAS understand it, Mr.. Hoar inter-
rupted 1.-The last revelation does not
prohibit polygamy but merely suspends
tho former principle commanding it. 1t
may still be believed that the practice
is innocent and proper. but as the di-
vine command to continue it is stopped
the members of the church submit to
the civil law on the question OF plural
marriages.
THAT is right subscribed Mr.. Smith.
Protest was made by Mr.. VanCott,
Mr.. Smiths attorney, against questions
relating to religious belief.
Mr.. Taylor said the president OF the
Mormon church and a majority OF the
twelve apostles were practicing polyga-
my He said that Mr. Smith is the hus-
band of five wives and believes still in
the principles of polygamy.
do you expect to prove In tha. con-
nection that the president and the
twelve apostles form a propaganda of
pelygamy?' asked Mr.. Beveridge.
1--WE do" said Mr Taylor.
After some further discussion Of the
question of evidence the committee
went into executive session and decided
that great latitude should be allowed in
examining witnesses.
The committee then adjourned.