The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-21
WILL NOT TELL CHURCHSECRETS Investigation of the Shoot
 Case is ReOpened BRIGHAM ROBERTS TESTIFIES Says He Places His Moral Obligations to His Wives Above the
 Laws of God and
BRIGHAM ROBERTS TEST|F|ES

Washington, April 2O.-With the reopen ing of the investigation of the Reed-Smoot case before the committee on privileges and rules, the prosecution devoted con- siderable time to drawing from Brigham Roberts the character of paths which are said to be necessary for Mormon offi- cial to take in order to have the support of the church for political office. Mem bers of the committee showed an equal interest in the obligations which are said to be taken by Mormons who go through the endowment house.
 Along both lines much evidence was brought out. It was shown by MT. Rob- erts testimony that without the consent of the Mormon church he failed of eec- ton to a seat in congress. In relation to the endowment house obligation MT. Roberts was extremely retieent. He said that the sacredness of the ceremony was such that he could not reveal 1t to the world and that If he did so he would lose caste with the church as having betrayed trust
 Portions of the testimony given by MT. Roberts, especially in regard to his req sons for maintaining polygamous cohabi- tation with Is plural wives was almost a duplication of the testimony given by other polygamists who have been on the stand. He said he regarded the laws of God as higher than the laws of the land and that his moral obligation to his wives were stronger than both the laws of God and man.
 Edward E. Barthell of Nashville, Tenn, testified in regard to the literature Of the Mormon church.
 Opens Without FormaIlty.
 The hearing opened without formality of a Rr{o . was called to the stand by MT. Taylor. He was questioned to bring out a state- ment of his official connection with the church. MT. Roberts said he was elected to the position of one of the first seven presidents in 1888 and entered politics about 1889. His interest was manifested in making speeches, but he was not a candidate fer Of ) until 1894 He then was elected as 8 member of the consti- tutional convention and said that he had accordingly consented not to urge his can didacy. He was nominated during his absence and was informed that the order had been rescinded. He said that Joseph F. Smith was the member of the first presidency who said the ruling had been modified. He explained fully certain criti- cisms which had been made of an alleged influence which the first presidency and apostles had brought to bear against the aspirationus of himself and Moses Thach- CT. because their attitude was in harmony with the democratic convention which adopted declaration of principles against the church influence.
 :" MT. Roberts said he protested, and later the church took up his protests. MT. Roberts was defeated the first time he ran for congress. He thougth the last child was born three or four years ago.
 In regard to questions of MT. Taylor, Mir Rnharf9 id hia fret ar,-;a ea was performed by D. H. Wells. counsel to the apostles and he thought the cere- mony was performed at the home of MT. Wellson.
 Senator Overman inquired of MT. Rob- erts whether his first wife and his second wife had consented to his third wife.
 "No. sir said MT. Roberts. Continuing. he said they did not learn of the marriage for three or four years.
 How was that, senator?" asked Mir. Beveridge.
 Do you mean to say the marriage was not known to anyoneY'
 Tt was known to some of my friends, but not to my wives" was the answer.
 Why was this marriage concealed from them?" asked Chairman Burrows.
 Because I did not want to embarrass them"
 How embarrsss SIS them?''
 Wtilt WC hltW tHt iidiildbc Wdo illegal, and it might be embarrassing to them if they should for any reason be called on to testify"
 Married a Divorced Wife.
 MT. Roberts said his third wife was the divorced wife of Dr. Shipp, and il, 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 had never called on her there until she re- moved to rooms on Main street Salt Lake MT Taylor asked MT. Roberts if he knew that Maggie Shipp Roberts lived in a house where lived her divorced hus- band and two of his divorced wives.
 MT. Roberts said he was not aware of that fact.
 Chairman Burrows desired to know whether MT. Wells the witness had a wife living when he married the third wife.
 ssHe had" said MT. Roberts. He mar Tied me to my second wife,
 MT Pettus asked If the church ever had reprimanded him or the high official who performed the ceremony. MT. Roberts said nothing had been said to him.
 Mr. Taylor asked Mir. Roberts why be thought 1t incumbent upon him to take plural wives.
 From boyhood,' he replied, "I had been taught the rightfulness of plural marriages and I believed this practice to be the law of God I knew that this practice was contrary to the mandates of congress, but believed that the law of God was the highest rule, and I felt im- pelled to obey il"
 Chairman Burrows asked number of pointed questions which brought the con- fession from MT. Roberts that he still believes in and Is practicing polygamy. He said he believes the Woodruff mani festo was diviney inspired and that now in practicing polygamy he knows he is disobey ying the jaws of the land and the laws of God. He was asked why he con- tinued to disobey the laws of God If he believed them to be the highest law, and with resigned air, he said:
 Well the manifesto left me in the midst of obligations to these wives. l am trying to do my best to live within the laws, but these obligations cannot shirk."
 The committee adjoined until D. m. with Mir. Roberts testimony unfinished.
 Roberts Still on Stand.
 At the afternoon session MT. Taylor