The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-04-25
PRAISES MORMONS.
Judge Powers Says Schools Rank
With Best in the Country.

Washington, April 25.-Judge o. W.
Powers was on the stand again at the
opening of the Smoot investigation be-
fore the senate committee on privileges
and elections today and Attorney van
cott resumed cross examination He
questioned the witness in regard TO
Mormon interest in educational affairs.
Judge Powers praised the people high
fessions, arts and the sciences
Mining schools and other scientific
institutions were praised by the wit
ness who said that Mormon schools
of learning in the country.
In regard to the Discrimination of
Mormons to inform on polygamists
Judge Powers said that no person likes
to be called or considered an inforner.
Reference was made to the attitude of
Democrats who were Gentiles in nom
mating Brigham H. Roberts, a Nor
mon, for congress.
well" said Mr. Powers 1--WE thought
who would lead us out Of our political
Roberts was going to be the Moses
difficulties. We thought he would take
US away from church domination in
politics"
While Judge Powers commended
much Of the educational policy in Utah
he said the admirable system was in
augurated before statehood. In answer
to a question by Senator Bailey the
witness said he understood that in
some sections the public schools were
tion. The Mormons found much to
complain of in regard to that, said the
witness.
Chairman Burrows ascertained from
the witness that he knew Apostle
Heber ]. Grant who was in Germany,
attending an international kindergar-
ten convention and asked: Apostle
Grant is a great educator, is he not2'
I'm some lines.'' said the witness,
laughingly.
He then detailed a speech before a
Utah. university made by Grant, at
which he contributed $3.50 for the
said $50 was for himself and $50 for
each of his two wives and said that
he was only sorry that the law would
not permit him to have more wives
Chairman Burrows desired to as
certain where Grant was nov. A
subpoena has been issued for him. but
he has not been reached
"Is there any special reason why
Grant left 50 suddenly asked the
YES / understand that a warrant
was issued for him and he went TO
| Germany"
it was not well known that Grant was
going to Germany before the warrant
! was issued
:tOh, yes was the answer. ''I do
not mean that he went to Germany
on account of the warrant. but that
he left town in the night on that ac-
count"
Moses Thatcher was then called to
the stand. He was an apostle at the
time of his candidacy for political
| Office and a great deal of testimony
has been given in regard to his diff
! ferences with the church on account
of politics. Mr.. Thatcher said the con
/ troversy with the church was in 1895
and 1896 and gave an explanation of
his study of politics before he became
active in any campaign. He also
| spoke of his duties as an apostle of
| the church.
Thatcher minimized his trouble
/ with the church. and said he always
recognized the power of a majority.
/ The first friction, according to his
story followed a speech which he
made in 1892. in which he criticized
/ the Republicans, and q letter was is
sued by Joseph F. Smith and John
Henry Smith protesting against his
/ remarks. Mr.. Thatcher read from
/ letters and speeches which appeared
/ in pamphlets and other records.
Among the speeches was one at Salt
! Lake in 1891. in which Thatcher de-
clined to take part in politics on ac-
count of his ecclesiastical position. but
| in which he counseled the Democrats
to instruct the people so they would
| be understood in their position in IA
Vor of divorcing the state and the
/ church in political affairs.
The committee adjourned until
1920 a. m. tomorrow. when Mr..
/ Thatcher Will continue his story.