Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-20
THE SCHOOLS IN UTAH
EXTENT OF INSTRUCTION IN
MoRMoNISM.
Testimony of the State Superintendent
Before the Smoot Investigat-
the Committee

In the hearing yesterday afternoon of the
Senate committee on privileges and cleo
ttons. taking testimony in the Senator
Smoot investigation, interest was evinced
by members of the committee in statements
by A. C. Nelson superintendent OF public
instruction for Utah. concerning the use OF
school buildings for the teaching of the
Mormon religion.
Apostle Smith was recalled and question
ed by Chairman Burrows concerning the
immigration from foreign countries. He
had testified that from one-third TO one
half Of the converts to the church came
from Europe. These immigrants. he said,
are usually placed in charge Of an expert
enced man. brought over on steamships
with which the foreign missionaries do
business. There are about four sailings
year, he said.
"One question I neglected to ask YOU
said Mr.. Tayler. were you present at the
meeting at which Mr.. Penrose was elected
apoStle?'
Apostle Smith said he present and
the fact that Mr. Penrose was a poiygamist
was not mentioned or thought of.
That question does not enter into the
election. 1t is settled In country that
the people must obey the laws of the land
do your" said Mr.. Tayler
well, ] try to-"
But you have not succeeded very well,'
asked Chairman Burrows.
We'll. not so far"
Politics in Idaho.
Apostle Smith was then discharged and
William Balderson, editor OF the Boise
Qdaho) Statesman, was called. He had
been a witness at the spring session of the
committee He was formerly connected
with the Salt Lake Times. He testified in
regard to political conditions In Utah about
the time of the issuance of the Woodruff
manifesto and in Idaho after 1891. He was
examined at length concerning the passage
Of resolution calling a constitutional con-
vention, which was believed by Gentiles to
be for the purpose of repeating the Idaho
test. During the session of the legislature
Mr. Balderson said he Apostle Smith,
who asked him IL he thought the time had
come when an amendment could he made
to the constitution to eliminate that portion
so distasteful to his people. Shortly after
ward the resolution calling the convention
was offered and passed both house and SEM
ate without comment.
The witness said that polygamists living
in Idaho have increased, despite the fact
that there have been few plural marriages
within the state. He said that up to the
last campaign both political parties In
Idaho were disposed to go 10 salt Lake to
get a straight tip" as to which would get
the Mormon support. Mr.. Tayler asked IL
they got this tip and received tho response:
Yes, but they never knew whether it was
straight
Idaho attorney general is reputed to have
taken a plural wife within the last two or
three years.
Religion in the Schools.
A. c. Nelson of Salt Lake. state superin-
tendent of public instruction. and Nor
mon. was sworn. He IS now making an IN
vestigation of the extent in which religion
classes are maintained In the schools. An
sWers have been received, he said, from all
county superintendents except three.
Glasses are held in about 800 buildings.
These classes are assembled after the ad-
journment of the regular school day. winch
varies from 2::50 to > pm.
Mr. Nelson read a letter which he sent 10
all school superintendents calling attention
to a state statute prohibiting sectarian
he had information, Mr.. Nelson said that
the school teachers usually taught the Ie-
ligion classes.
ON cross-examination. Mr.. Nelson was
asked If Senator Smoot had been present
when any of the matters relating to re-
ligion classes had been discussed Wen,
answered the witness Il remember meeting
Senator Smoot and telling him L was about
to begin my Investigation and That De-
lieved the use of the school buildings Tor
religious purposes was contrary to law, and
he said. Good: am glad to hear it.
rs that intended to be Senator Smoot
answer on the witness stand? asked MI.
Tayler. .-,.....-,,,ur.,o,, 3,
which he IS the subject to have Senator
Smoot's name mentioned at least once Il
week" responded Mr.. Worthington.