Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-04-22
Ter asked the witness when he was first
married. and he answered: 'sOn July IS.
1883,

Ter asked the witness when he was first
married. and he answered. "on July IS,
1858"
ITO whom?'
Sarah Maria Moasley.''
who next?e
with great emotion as he said: Il beg an
opportunity to explain and to ask ques-
ton of the chairman before proceed. Nine
teen years ago was brought into great
trouble. was prosecuted and sent to prison
because l acknowledged the mothers of my
children as my families. l was given the
opportunity of deserving my families or go
Ing to prison-and went to prison.
Il was sent to prison for eight months,
and served six months. when the Supreme
Court took UP my case and was released.
While was in prison I said to my associ-
ates who called to see me: You could not
come here in honor; could not stay out IN
honor
For long time have lived within the
law as far as it was possible to do SO In the
face of the obligations to my families. l
have not paraded my families. but in honest
pride have nourished them.
1.-The press of the country has caricatured
President Smith for the testimony he gave
in regard to plural families, and il l am
asked to make similar exhibitions of my
family I appeal for protection from any
consequences that may be the result of the
testimony. I will answer all questions In
regard to myself or the church If am as
sured that I will not be placed In peril by
reason of the testimony"
Mr.. Cannon sat down, quivering with Ill
suppressed emotion.
Mr.. Tayler observed that he did not de-
sire answers to any question which related
to marriages that were not fully exempted
from prosecution under the statute OF limi-
tation. and on that statement the chairman
directed that the question concerning the
second marriage of Mr.. Cannon should be
answered. The official reporter then read
the question
ITO whom were you next married?"
Ann Amanda Mousley.
when were you married to herr asked
Mr.. Tayler.
cat the same hour that was married
to Sarah Maria Mousley."
by the same ceremony"
Eyes"
"To whom were you next married.
Mr.. Cannon hesitated. and again ad-
dressed the chairman. He asked If the
prying into his family affairs was to be
continued and whether he was to be placed
in peril for not telling that which had
caused him to be sent to prison for pa
rading.
THAT is for you to answer or to decline
to answer" said the chairman. "Other
witnesses have answered similar questions.
think the question is proper one
Attorney Worthington asked: do I un-
derstand you to rule that the witness is
bound to answer this line of questioning"
Chairman Burrows said: THE question is
proper ONE and Mr. Cannon answered:
MIS- clara u mason, IN 1910, also saying
he was married to Martha Hughes in 1884
Maria Bannion in 1888. Johanna c. Dom
nelson in 1886, and that he had not been
married since that time, and all his wives
were living
Endowment House Oath.
Again and again the witness evaded ques-
tons relating to the character of the obli-
cations taken in the endowment house. and
finally that God had made it known that
the sacred covenants should not be spoken
Of to the world" He would not say that
there was any penalty attached to such
disclosures, or whether promise was given
that the questions should not be answered.
In answer to Senator Overman Mr.. Cannon
said the twelve apostles had taken the en-
dowment house oath.
Great interest was manifested by mem
bers OF the committee concerning the char
acter of the endowment house marriage
ceremonies, but little could be obtained
from Mr.. Cannon. When pressed too
closely he answered that he could not re-
member.
The committee adjourned until today at
1870.