The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1904-12-21
RELIGION IN SCHOOLS.
Testimony Of State Superinten-
dent of Education In Utah.
Testimony That a Woman Was Ex.
communicated by Mormons Because
She Woulo Not obey Decision of a
Bishops Court Which Deprived Her
Of Property.

She Woulo Not obey Decision Of
Bishops Court Which Deprived Her
Of Property.
Washington. Dec. 20.-The senate
committee on privileges and elections
developed nothing sensational in the
Senator Smoct investigation yester-
day. Interest was evinced by mem
hers Of the committee in statements
by A. C. Nelson, superintendent of
public instruction for Utah, concern
ing the use of school buildings for the
teaching Uf the Mormon religion.
Other witnesses were Isaac Birds
all, a Mormon, who said that his
daughter was communicated be-
cause she would not obey decision of
bishops court, which had deprived
her Of piece of property to which
she held the lawful title, and William
Balderson, editor of the Boise, Idaho,
Statesman, who testified to political
affairs in his state.
William Bulge of Paris, Idaho, was
recalled by counsel for Mr.. Smoot. He
said that as a bishop of the Mormon
church he has never entertained
case involving the title of land, for
the reason that presidents of the
church have given instructions that
bishors and presidents of stakes
should not hear such cases.
Apostle Smith was recalled and
questioned by Chairman Burrows con-
corning the immigration from foreign
countries. He had testified that from
one-third to one-half of the converts
to the church came from Europe.
Those immigrants, he said, are usual
ly placed in charge of an experienced
man brought over on steamships with
which the foreign missionaries do bus
mess. There are about four sailings
year, he said
To Mr. Tayler he said he was pres
ent at the meeting at which Mr.. Pen
rose was elected an apostle.
The fact that Mr.. Penrose was a
polygamist was not mentioned or
thought of, and he added: THAT ques-
tion does not enter into the election.
It is settled in our country that the
people must obey the laws of the
land"
"Do you?" said Mr. Tayler.
"Well try to-"
"But yon have not succeeded very
well?" asked Chairman Burrows.
"Well. not so far"
Apostle Smith was then discharged
and William Balderson editor of the
Boise, Idaho, Statesman, and former
ly connected with the Salt Lake Times,
testified in regard to political condi.
tions in Utah about the time of the is
suance Of the Woodruff manifesto, and
in Idaho after 1891.
Asked concerning the passage of a
resolution calling a constitutional con-
vention which was believed by Gen
tiles to be for the purpose Of repeating
the Idaho test, he said that during the
session of the legislature Apostle
Smith asked him If he thought the
time had come when an amendment
could be made to the constitution to
eliminate that portion so distasteful
to his people" Shortly afterward the
resolution passed both house and SEN
ate without comment.
| The witness said that polygamists
living In Idaho have increased despite
the fact that there have been few
plural marriages within the state. He
said that up to the last campaign both
political parties in Idaho were dis
posed to go to Salt Lake to get a
straight tip" as to which would get the
Mormon support.
Mr.. Tayler asked If they got this tip
and received the response: Eyes, but
they never knew whether 1t was
straight"
1t was brought out by Mr.. Tayler
that the Idaho attorney general is re-
puted to have taken a plural wife
within the last two or three years.
A. c. Nelson of Salt Lake, state SUI
perintendent Of public instruction and
a Mormon, was sworn. He now is
making an investigation of the extent
in which religion classes are maintain
cd in the schools Answers have been
received. he said, from all county su,
perintendents except three. Glasses
are held IN about 300 buildings. These
classes are assembled after the ad-
iournment of the regular school day,
which varies from 2:30 to p. m.
Governor.Elect at Albany.
| Albany Dec % - Governor elect