The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-04-21
Ex-COngreSSman Discuss eS MOrmOniSm.
TESTIMONY INTERESTING
Reticent as to the EndOw- ment House Ceremony.
His Views as to the co-Habitation the Same as Those Who Have Preceded Him on the
 Stand.

Washington, April 20.-with the re- opening of the investigation In the Reed smoot case before the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections, the prosecu- tion devoted considerable time to the drawing from Brigham H. Roberts the character of oaths which are said to be necessary for a Mormon official to take to have the support of the church for po- 1itical offices. Members of the committee showed an equal interest in the obliga- tions which are said to be taken by Nor. mons who Ego through the endowment house.
 Along both lines much evidence was brought out It was shown by MT. Rob- ers's testimony that without the consent of the Mormon Church he failed of elec- tion to a seat in Congress, and that with church recognition of his candidacy he was elected. In relation to the endow- ment house obligation. Mir. Roberts was extremely reticent. He said that the sa- credness of the ceremony was such that he could not reveal 1t. and if he did so he would lose caste with the church as having betrayed 8 trust.
 Cid Ground Gone Over.
 Portions of the testimony given by Mir. Roberts, especially in regard to his req
 
 tation with his plural wives, was alslost duplication of the testimony given by other polygamists who have been on the stand. He said he regarded the laws of God higher than the laws of the land, and that his moral obligation to his wives were stronger than both the laws of God and man. . Edward E. Barthell of Nashville, Tenn, testified in regard to the literature Of the Mormon Church.
 At the afternoon session Mir. Taylcr asked about Mir Roberts's conviction In 1888 of the crime of polygamy.
 Senator Bailey objected to the line of Inquiry in regard to MT, Roberts. Mir. Tayier said this was to determine wheth- CT the authorities of the Mormon Church had taken any action In respect to the witness living with more than one wife. Mr. Roberts said no action had ever been taken by the church.
 Manifesto of 1889. Questions were asked regarding MT. Robertss views regarding the manifesto of 1889 against plural wives and living in polygamous cohabitation, and the witness said he regarded the manifesto as an ad- ministrative act of the church and of binding force upon all members. He ad. mitted that to disobey any of these laws would subject the member to liability to church discipline. The witness was liv- Ing then In polygamous cohabitation, and said that he and many others who were living in polygamy at the time the rule was made against such cohabitation con- sidered themselves under moral obliga- lions to live with the wives they had married.
 Do you think you are morally bound to cohabit with all of your wives?" Chair man Burrows asked.
 'I do."
 How many children have your"
 Thirteen living"
 ''How many not living"
 1.-TWO"
 ''when was the last one born?'
 "About two and a half years ago"
 Testimony for Defense.
 The witness was then turned over to the defense, and MT. Vancott opened the cross examination. MT vancott asked in regard to the rule which permits of ficials of the church to enter politics. The witness said he regarded it as merely leave of absence from church official duties during encumbency of political of hce." He did not regard 1t as an en- dorsement by the Mormon Church.
 It was brought out that in his first can vass for office when he had not the con- sent of the church, he was defeated. In his second canvass he obtained the "leave
 
 Senator Bailey asked the witness whether there could be religious obliga- lion which would justify him in denying his services to his State to discharge duties which would devolve on him by the acceptance of political position. Mir. Roberts said the emergency might arise whereby an official should resign his political office if the will of his con- stituents would not permit him to per- It, I,.ff tY. church mandates.
 Obligations to Church.
 Senator Bailey called attention to the church rule which forbids an official to hccept an office without the consent of The church unless he resigns his office In the church or is reduced to the ranks"
 'In the event of such a crisis" said the witness. "I think one would have to tely on the individuals patriotism" But patriotism and religion in such a ease would be in conflict" said Senator Bailey ''At one time you dehed the law of the church?"
 "I did
 And you were defeated?"
 "Yes"
 "Because you refused to submit to the orders of the church?"
 q think was enlightened by the Shurch." said the witness.
 And whenever enlightened and did sub nit to these orders. you were elected?" T was"
 Mir. Roberts said that both he and Apostle Thatcher had stood out against Inc church rule and that he had with arew his opposition to the rule. and was Admitted to office.
 The Case of Thatcher.
 Senator DuBais brought out the fact Ehat Thatcher did not submit to the church at that time. and was defeated. Senator Bailer asked if it was true that he political support of the Mormon shurch in Ctat was sought by political Rarties, the sane as the Irish. German Dr Italian vote was sought in other com nunities.
 And the negro vote" interrupted MT. Eorthington.
 T believe not" said. Mir. Roberts sThere may Ie individuals who try in hat way. but the church. no sir"
 On cross examination and quoting from