Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-03-03
FHE SM00T INQUIRY
THE TESTIMONY GIVEN LATE
YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.
President Jos. F. Smith Explains His
Belief in Plural Marriages-One
Point for Prosecution

Smoot of Utah yesterday afternoon no at
tempt was made by the defense to curtaii
the admission of testimony until President
Smith was questioned in relation to polyg1-
nous cohabitation of certain officials of the
church before the manifesto of 1890. The
attorneys then objected and much time was
devoted to the relevancy of such testimony.
The committee went into executive seS-
sion, and after a full discussion determined
to allow the utmost latitude to the hear
ings, which means that court practices Will
be avoided, and thus the first victory was
scored for the protestants. The committee
will hear practically all the prosecution
has TO offer and determine for itself what
is competent testimony. The committee
decided to meet at 1880 am. and remain
in session until u o'clock. Then meet at =
O'Clock in the afternoon
After The Stars report of the proceeding
was closed questions in relation to plural
marriage were continued.
In answer to a question, Mr.. Smith said
that prior to 1852 when the plural mar
riages in the church were declared by the
church TO be constitutional, polygamy had
been practiced lin a limited way"
Mr.. Beveridge inquired concerning the
reasons for the line of questions concern
ing polygamy. as he said he understood Mr.
Smoot was not charged with being a po-
lygamist. Mr.. Tayler explained that he
wanted to show that the demands of the
church are such that it might affect Mr.
Shoots allegiance to the United States.
Mr.. Worthington said that the line, Of
questioning was following out matters on
which there. was no dispute and which
are admitted by his client. At the same
time he said the questions relating to a
mans private beliefs and convictions are
improper and that If he was attorney for
Mr.. Smith he would advise him 20 decline
to answer
Believe in Plural Marriages.
Continuing the inquiry in relation to di-
vine revelations. Mr.. Tayler asked in re-
gard to the manifesto of President Wood
ford Woodruff in $780, commanding a sus-
pension of the requirement that polygamy
be practiced in the church and also the
prayer amnesty in 1891. The questions were
numerous and were to ascertain whether
the members of the church considered these
declarations affected the continuance of CO.
habitation OF those previously married. Mr..
Smith said 1t was regarded that they did
AFFECT such persons.
Mr.. Tayler asked: do you so regard it ?''
The command did not change my view
on the question of plural marriages." he
answered.
Being pressed further on the same subject
for his personal belief Mr.. Smith said: Il
believe plural marriages to be right"
Mr.. Tayler then asked If it is true that
the revelation declaring plural marriages
TeHdlNS III the DOCKS OF aOthOrlty a part
of the teachings of the church.
Mr.. Smith said that it was true. He also
said that the subsequent manifesto declar-
Ing the principle not in opera ton was fully
understood.
Mr.. Burrows directed a number of ques-
tons to Mr.. Smith bearing upon the con-
S1stency of Mr.. Smiths answers relating to
his belief in an acceptance of the divine
revelations. He said: Il understand you
to say YOU believe in the revelation to Jo-
seph Smith. jr., in regard to polygamy and
still think it is right?"
Yes"
And the manifesto of President Wood
run declaring a suspension of the polyg-
Yes"
How can that be-" pressed Mr.. Burrows.
one declares in favor of polygamy and
the other stops it,
Il adhere to both in my belief" said Mr.
Smith. Il believed polygamy was right or
one wife,
LAS 1 understand it." Mr. Hoar interrupt-
ed. the last revelation does not prohibit
polygamy. but merely suspends the former
principle commanding it. 1t may still be
believed that the practice is innocent and
proper. but as the divine command to con-
tinue 1t is stopped the members of the
church submit to the civil law on the ques-
ton Of plural marriages"
That is right" subscribed Mr.. Smith
Mr.. Tayler asked a number of questions
relating to Abraham H. Cannon and others
of the Mormon faith in order to bring out
the witness knowledge of the question
whether or not they were polygamists and
whether they married since the manifesto
of 1890.
Mr.. Smith said he was acquainted with
Limian H. Hamlin. who was known as the
wife or Mr. Cannon. but that he had never
seen her before 1896.
Mr.. Van Colt. on behalf of Senator Smoot
made protest against going into the con-
duct of persons not interested In the case
and asking questions which could have no
bearing on it before the committee.