The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-03-05

amsnded?" Mr.. Tayler asked of the oppos-
ing counsel
well. do believe there are some things
In the Bible, Mr. Worthngton was say
ing, when Senator Hoar interrupted hastily
with the statement that such discussion had
no place in the hearing.
MIR. Smith testified that the law making
polygamous relations a crime was passed
by the Utah territorial legislature which
was Overwhelmingly composed Of Mormons
and that the constitutional convention was
also composed of large majority OF Nor
mons, so that the existing laws of the
State legislating against polygamous rela-
lions really were the result of the efforts
of MormonS themselves.
reference was made to the Evans bill
which passed the Utah Senate March g.
1901, and few days later the House. This
bill provided that no prosecution for polyg-
amouS relations should be instituted ex-
cept on complaint OF husband or wife. The
bill was vetoed by Governor Wells. Mr..
Smith had said he was in favor of the
bill and was asked why.
We'll ii was rather a personal matter
with me. l was one of those unfortunate
or otherwise-men who had numerous
family and we were made the prey of a
prying individual who was continuously
spying into martial relations. | thought il
such law was passed it would be a boon
TO myself as well a relief to those in a
similar position and put an end to this
continual 'spottinS' Of our private affairs.
| spoke to few friends about the bill but
TO none or the members of the Legisla ture'
senator Hoar asked number of Ques-
tons TO determine the relative weight of
revelation and the law of the land when
the TWO came into contact and asked par
tlcnIarly In regard TO the old revelations.
Mr.. Smith said that with the older mem
pers II was the effort TO uphold the laws,
put with the younger ,ones-well. they were
a little hard to control.
Bringing the question up to the latter
periods Senator Hoar wanted to know what
Mr. Smith would do if the revelations
obey?' he asked
with me. perhaps. the revelation would
be uppermost." said Mr.. Smith.
MR.. HOAR SURPRISED.
Can you say perhaps to such a ques-
! tion?" interrupted Mr.. Hoar severely. Con-
tinuing, he asked: Suppose you received
a revelation commanding your people to do
something which would conflict with the
law of the land. Which would they obey?''
Whichever they pleased" was the re-
ply. There is no compulsion." Then he
read from one Of the standards of author
ity: Let no man break the law of the
| land, for he that keepeth the laws of God
| hath no need to break the law of the land -
Mr.. Smith, in answer to Senator Bever-
| idge. said that under the discipline that had
been maintained for the last twenty years
! the people in the Mormon Church would
! obey laws rather than any revelation which
might be in conflict.
What would you do?" asked Senator
Burrows.
Il would strive with all my might TO
obey the laws of the land" saiG Mr.. Smith.
| and he added: But 1 should not like to
be put into a position where l would be
compelled 10 abandon my children. l could
| not do that"
Mr.. Smith said that he never had re-
! ceived any revelations direct from God. but
that If any should come IL might be by
audible voice, inspiration known only or
heard by himself, or, as in the case of
| Joseph Smith, jr., who received the book OF
! Mormon writing.
| Senator Bailey showed a great deal OF
| interest in the subject OF the manifesto
1 and directed a number Of questions to ascer-
| tain whether that was a revelation or a
/ proclamation provoked by the knowledge
| that Congress intended 10 interfere in the
| continuance Of polygamous marriage Mr.
| Smith said the manifesto was a revela-
| ton to President Woodruff.
Senator Dubois asked many questions 70
| determine the effect OF the revelations
| which were contrary 10 State laws, open
| ing a new line OF inquiry, which, on &C.
count OF the lateness of the hour. IL was
| not thought best TO go into before to-
morrow. The committee adjourned at Az
until 1870 tomorrow.