The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-03-04

toned IN regard to Vile named DeVlra,
who was divorced from him and died many
years before 1890.
EMBARRASSING QUESTIONS.
Mr.. Smith protested that the questions
were very embarrassing and trying to him.
II dislike" he added, Ito announce my
private and personal affairs. 1 do it re-
luctantly and solely because 1 am required
to do so by this honorable committee. This
matter is going before the public and 1
do not want it to appear that 1 am
'spotter' or an informer He added:
''If there is anything despise it is in
famous 'spotter,' and an fnformer.' "
Mr.. Tayler asked if Mr.. Smith had not
claimed in 1896 or 1897 that his wife Levra
was not divorced and whether he did not
claim a part of her estate for that reason.
Mr.. Smith declined to answer the question
in regard to the property, but denied that
he had said she was not divorced.
inquiry having been made by several
members OF the committee as to what Mr..
, T,ayIer expected to prove by certain ques,
prove that Mr.. Smoot could not by any
possibility put himself up against his asso-
ciates in his actions"
Not even in his vote as United States
senator?" asked Senator Beverage.
No; not even in his vote as SENATOR,
responded Mr.. Tayler.
bound to follow the direction of the church
not only in spiritual affairs, but also in
temporal things. because under the defini-
tions of the church it is impossible to
distinguish between the two. He would
have TO obey or resign his apostleship.
In answer to questions concerning revela-
lions Mr.. Smith reiterated former state
ments that such revelations were accepted
or rejected at will: that there is no restraint
upon any member except his or her volun-
tary wish. He said he did not always obey
reveal lions from OhpV
disobey with impunity." he said.
Then that is the kind of God you believe
in?" said Mr.. Tayler.
Yes, that is the kind of a God L believe
| in declared Mr.. Smith with emphasis.
A rule of the church was quoted in regard
to the release from duties of certain MEM
bers of the apostles or others in high po-
sitlonS in order TO perform their duties,
and Mr.. Tayler asked: WAS it necessary
for Mr.. Smoot to get consent to run for
senator?'
He had to get the consent OF his assoc
ciate apostles and the first presidency"
said Mr.. Smith, lin order to go before the
Legislature. He obtained that consent" If
Mr.. SmoOt had persisted in running for
office without the consent of his associates,
said Mr.. Smith. he would not have lost his
official position, but would have been out
of harmony with 1.-The twelve"
NO NEW POLYGAMOUS MARRIAGES.
Mr.. Smith. in answer to questions by
Chairman Burrows, declared he had per-
| formed no polygamous marriages since 1890
anywhere on earth.
Mr.. Dubois asked if any of the apostles
had performed such service and Mr. Smith
said if they had they would have been fined
and imprisoned if found guilty, and if the
charge could be proved the offender would
| be accommodated.
| Senator Hoar made another request for
the four books, which have been described
| by Mr.. Smith as the standards of author
| ity, saying that they would be needed in
considering the case.
| But" interposed Senator Dillingham;, 81
| suppose we can furnish our own Bibles ~
| Mr.. Smith volunteered to supply all the
volumes himself, even the Bibles, if the
| committee desired TO have copies of the
! book.
Mr.. Tayler devoted considerable atten-
! ton to a discussion of the Mormon mar
| riage ceremonies. 1t was brought out that
| all high officials of the church and all of
! the elders are authorized to marry persons
and that such marriages are registered in
! accordance with the State laws on that
| question.
The Celestial marriage, or the marriage
| for eternity, Mr.. Smith said, was one of
| the things the Mormon Church believed in.
| but the practice had been in disuse for
| twenty years more. This marriage was
| described one to carry two persons
| through heaven in happiness and that often
| was performed when party was dead
| and sometimes when both parties were
| dead. In that event the relatives of the
| contracting parties represented them When
| questioned closely Mr. Smith admitted that
man and woman, both living, were some
| times married for eternity
| Mr.. Tayler concluded with Mr. Smith
and the defense will examine the witness
) Tomorrow