The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-04-20
ROBERTS TESTIFIES.s
Reed SmoOt Investigation Is Resumed
at Washington.

Washington, April 2O.-What may be
Sao. Ine secono found OF me. he eco
senate committee on privileges and cleo
tions- 1t was announced that seven wit
nesses would be heard before the ad-
4 journment of congress, and it is prac-
I ticalIy certain that the committee will
| then adjourn to convene July IS. At that
| time viii be examined witnesses who
We're unable to come to Washington and
summons to come here. Important testi-
mony for the prosecution is expected to
mittee. The hearing opened without for
mality of any character Brigham H.
| Roberts was called to the stand by Mr.
Tayler. He was questioned to bring out a
statement of his official connection with
the church.
Mr.. Roberts said he was elected to
the position of one of the first seven
presidents in 1885, and entered politics
about 1889. His interest was manifest
ed in making speeches but he was not
a candidate for office until 1894. He
then was elected as a member of the
principal convention and that he had
accordingly consented not to urge his
candidacy He was nominated during
his absence and informed that the or
der had been rescinded. He said that
Joseph Smith was the member of the
first presidency who said the ruling
had been modified. He explained fully
certain criticisms which had been
made of an alleged influence which the
first presidency and apostles had
brought to bear against the aspirations
o himself and Moses Thatcher, be-
cause their attitude was not in har-
mOny with the Democratic convention
which adopted a declaration of prin-
ciples against the church influence Mr.
Roberts said he protested and later
the church took up his protests. Mr..
Roberts was defeated the first time he
ran for congress. He thought the last
child was born three or four years
ago.
In response to questions of Mr.. Tay-
Ter, Mr.. Roberts said his first plural
marriage was performed by D. H.
Wells, counsel to the apostles and he
thought the ceremony was performed
at the home of Mr.. Wells son.
Senator Overman inquired of Mr..
Roberts whether his first wife and his
second wife had consented to his mar
riage to his third wife.
mo, sir" said Mr.. Roberts. Con-
tinuing. he said they did not learn of
the marriage for three or four years.
How was that?" asked Senator
Beveridge. do you mean to say that
the marriage was not known to any
1T was known to some of my
friends, but not to my wives, was the
answer.
s'Why was this marriaged concealed
from them % asked Chairman Bur-
rows.
''Because did not want to en-
barrass them
How embarrass them p"
well, we know the marriage was
/ illegal and it might be embarrassing to
them if they should for any reason
be called on to testify
Mr.. Roberts said his third wife was
the divorced wife of DR.. ShiDp and in
regard to his courtship he said he al
ways had met her at the house of
mutual friends and had never called
on her at her home. He also said
that she continued to live in her home
/ but that he never had called on her
there unit! she removed to rooms on
Main street. Salt Lake. Mr.. Tayler
asked NJ. Roberts if he knew that
Maggie Shipp-Roberts lived in a
house where lived her divorced huS-
band and two of his divorced wives.
Mr. Roberts said he was not aware
i of that fact