The Washington times., 1904-01-09
DEFENSE OF FAITH
IS SMOOT'S REPLY
Utah Senator Declares That Not Only Is He No POIyg
amiSt, But That the Mormon Church Does
Not Sanction Such Practice

The answer Of Senator Reed Smoot Of
Utah to the charges filed against him
with the Senate Committee on Privileges
and Elections was formally laid before
that committee today. at its regular
meeting. by Chairman Burrows Senator
Smoot was not present.
The answer is a document of about
5000 words. and discusses the matter
fully in all it's phases. II says in part:
This respondent is advised that but
two of the charges against him in said
protests are such as, If true could
legally affect his right to hold his seat
in the Senate"
Cites Two Charges.
These two charges are:
IL That the respondent is a polyga-
mist
- That he is bound By some oath or
obligation which is inconsistent with
the oath required by the Constitution.
which was administered to him before
he took his seat as a Senator.
Both these charges the respondent
denies
AS to the charge that he is a polyga-
mist. the respondent says that he was
married on the 18th day Of September.
1881 to Alpha May EIdridge She is
still his wife. and is the mother Of all
his children. He has never had any
other wife
"Secret Oath Myth"
''As TO the charge that the respondent
is bound by some oath or other obliga-
ton controlling his duty under his oath
as a Senator. the respondent says that
be has never taken any such oath. or in
any way assumed any such obligation
He holds himself bound 70 obey and up
hold the Constitution and laws of the
United States. including the condition in
reference TO polygamy upon which the
State Of Utah was admitted into the
Tn.11.
The respondent denies that the
Church OF Jesus Christ Of the Latter
Day Saints. or any part thereof. or any
person therein, inculcates or encourages
belief in the practice of polygamy,
and this respondent denies that ne is
guilty Of pClygamy. that he is polyga-
mist. or that he ever has been polyga-
mist.
Defends Mormonism.
This respondent further denies that
he has ever countenanced or connived
at any violation Of any law, either OF
tho State of Utah. or of the United
States; or that he has ever protected
or honored any person or persons who
Iray have violated the laws Of the
land
Respondent further alleges that since
the manifesto of President Wilford
Woodruff was issued in 1880. neither d
belief in nor a practice Of polygamy has
either been taught or encouraged
No Political Dictation.
The answer then goes into lengthy
discussion Of the principles of the Nor
mon Church, averring that there is moth
ing I'm its organization or doctrines
subvervise Of the Constitution or laws
OF the United States, and that the
leaders of the church have never as
sumed the principle or practice OF poll
teal dictation.
He asserts that although the prac-
tice Of polygamy has been continued
by some few individual members Of tho
church since the manifesto Of President
WufOrd Woodruff in 1880, il is done OF
the sole responsibility Of such person
and subject to the penalties Of the law
The answer concludes as follows:
This respondent says that he has
never advised any person. either di-
rectiy or indirectly. either to go into
polygamy or to continue the practice OF
pOlygamy.
Gentle Vote for Smoot.
This respondent states and alleges
that in May. 1902 ne announced that
he would be a Republican candidate for
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