Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-04-26
RESUMES The STAND
Former Mormon Apostle
Thatcher ross-Examined.
CHURCH AND POLITICS
RIGHTS OF A FREE AMERICAN
CITIZEN.
Continuation Of the Smoot Inquiry
Committee Wants to Sit
During the Recess.

The Smoot investigation before the Senate
committee on privileges and elections was
opened today by Attorney Tayler for the
prosecution calling upon Moses Thatcher
to resume the stand. This was for the
Identification of a pamphlet issued by Cal
win Reasoner, purporting to be an accurate
account of the Thatcher episode. The doc
ument was put in the record and the wit
ness was turned over to the defense for
cross-eXamination.
Mr.. Van Cott interrogated Mr.. Thatcher
in regard to his views on church interfer-
ence in politics. The witness said he had
no fault to find with the political rule, but
in answer to a question of Senator Dubois
as to the result of a Mormon official run
ming for a political office in opposition to
the wishes of church authorities, he said:
1T might result as in my case, but a
free American citizen has the right to re-
tire from his church office, and / believe
every man who loves his country would re-
sign such Office under these circumstances.
Mr.. Thatcher defended the church and
the political rule. He admitted, however,
that his views had been modified In regard
to the church interference, but insisted that
he knew of no instances where church con-
sent had been given or refused a Mormon
candidate for political office.
Dropped From the Rolls.
Mr.. Thatcher stated that at the time he
was removed from the apostolate he was in
line for the presidency of the church. He
said he was dropped from the rolls in April.
1885, and formal action was taken by his
quorum in November, 1896. Continuing he
said: Il suppose 1 am the only man of my
age in the Mormon Church who has no
priesthood"
"And you were denied the right to enter
the temple?' asked the chairman.
Yes, SIR" He said he was denied en-
trance to the temple by the doorkeeper at
the order of the first presidency, and had
never made application since, and he added:
And l am glad to say that am free
American citizen"
'Since you were deposed as an apoStle?
Chairman Burrows asked.
"Yes, SIR
Mr. Thatcher discussed his defeat in pol
itics, speaking frankly of the popularity of
former United States Senator Rawlins. and
also of the church opposition to his own
candidacy.
Endowment House Ceremony.
All questions were answered with the ex-
ception OF several by Chairman Burrows in
relation to the ceremony which is perform
ed in the endowment house.
IT think should be excused in regard to
that replied the witness.
"Why?"
Because of the general sacredness of the
ceremony.
Have you taken any obligation not to
reveal it?'
II think have"
What would be the effect If you should
disclose the nature of the obligation or
ceremony?"
mo effect except upon my conscience"
No further effort was made to obtain
description of the ceremony, and Mr..
Thatcher was excused The hearing was
adjourned until 1890 tomorrow, and the
committee went into executive session.
For Recess Sessions.
Chairman Burrows was authorized to re-
port a resolution to the Senate requesting
permission that the committee bs-allowed
to take testimony during the recess of Con-
gress. The purpose is to authorize the
committee to proceed with the investiga-
ton in Utah.