Daily Kennebec journal., 1904-03-03

Inc Testimony NiS hiiNN'Na A'i -
sjiaht degree only at Senator Smoot
and no attempt was made by the de-
fence to curtail the admission of testi-
mony until President Smith was ques-
toned in relation to polygamous CO.
habitation of certain officials of the
church before the manifesto of 1871.
The attorneys then objected and much
time was devoted to the relevancy OF
such testimony.
The committee went into executive
session and after Il full discussion de-
t,r,ninrd to allow the utmost latitude
10 the hearings which means that court
rractice will be avoided. The protest
ants said they regarded this as n VIC
tory for them.
The committee will hear practically
Ill the prosecution has to offer and de-
termine for itself what is competent
testimony. The committee will hold
daily sessions.
Washington, March THE investi-
CATION which is to decide whether Reed
Smoot of Utah. is to retain his seat in
the United States Senate fand incideR-
tally define the political status of the
Mormon church, was formally begun,
Wednesday. before the Senate commit
tee on privileges and election.
Never before has there been inaug-
uratcd an inquiry into creeds or polit-
ical factors to determine whether an
unlawful influence is being exerted in
The political affairs of the nation. Such
Is the nature of the Smoot inquiry and
at the opening session. Wednesday, it
!. was conceded the hearing would extend
( over several weeks and percipitate a
contest in which noted talent will fight
every inch of the way.
Interest increased with the announce
,ncnt. that Jos. +. Smith. president of
Tho Mormon church, would be the first
witness and in all probability. occupy
the attention of the committee for sew
cral days. The attorneys for the de-
Tense. a. S. Worthngton of this city.
and Waldemar Van Cott of Salt Lake,
arrived early and engaged in CONSUL
tation with their client. J. G.. Carlisle.
former secretary of the treasury. and
r.. w. Taylor, former representative in
Congress. and the attorney who pros
"cuted the successful contest against
brigham Roberts retaining his seat i'll
Congress. as representative of the Nor
mon church, are the counsel for the
prntesiants. Half dozen witnesses
nearly all of them officials of the Nor
mon church. occupied seats in the rear
of the large committee room.
Quite number of ladies were il,
attendance and watched things with
interest. Chairman Burrows after as
certaining by roll call that q quorum
of the committee was present, directed
Mr.. Taylor to proceed with the case
President Joseph F.. Smith was the
first Witness. Franklin S. Richards. Z
salt Lake attorney. stated that lie was
present as an advisor Of the witness
in the event amy impropcr question.
were asked. go i'szss
The first questions asked brought ou
that NJ. smith is president of th'
church and was Born in Utah in 1Si;
and always beeH in the church. Mr.
Taylor asked Smith if he was :
prophet. seer and revelator. The wit
ness said he was so sustained" Fur
thrr questions along the same line
brought outSthe statement that he re
/. cclved his powers by reason of the po
Il fition he holds in the church. He sliC
D the apostles of the church were "sus
q taincd" in the same powers us proph
Sets. scers and rcvelators. He was ask
ol to name his predecessors as presi
don't OF the church and gave them il
order back To the first president. 10
soph smith. .Ir. The witness said HI
sustain; tho same powers as his prede
Ccssors.
Questions directed to ascertain tn,
i,,s. Ar II
addition to the presidency of tn,
church brought out the following lis
of concerns OF which he is president
Zion Cooperative & Mercantile Co.
State Tank of Utah. lions Saving
Bank. Utah Sugar Co, Consolidate;
Wagon & Machine Co. Utah Light {
Railway Co. Salt Lake & Los Angelo
Railway Co.. Salt Air Beach Co. an,
Salt Lake Knitting Co. He said h
was president of 4 number of othe
small concerns. the names of whicl
he could not recall. and that he is
director of the Union Pacific Railwa,
Co. editor of the Improvement Era an'
Juvenile Instructor. and director or of
fetal Of n number of mining companies
A list Of the first presidency or twelv
apostles governing the church was rea'
by MIR. Taylor and identified by Nj
Smith. This list included the name o
Reed Smoot.
Mr.. Smith explained that the firs
presidency is the president of tn
church and two high priests or couil
rii!ors and that the 12 apostles are mex
IN authority. The presidents are elect
ed by the council and the apostles. h
said. but he believed and it is taugh
mat the presidents are really chose
hy divine revelation, and they are the
endowed with the authority of the hol
priesthood by authority direct frol
God. He said the apostles might elet