The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1904-12-13

mon church Sunday school society and
secretary of the missionary committee
Of the apostles and formerly clerk, or
recorder, of the endowment house. This
relation was severed in about 1871. The
endowment house was torn down ih
1890. but the temple is now used for
the same purpose. Mr.. Reynolds told
the committee that he has given certifi-
C ties of marriage since he ceased to
be recorder of the endowment house, in
cases where widows sought to obtain
pensions. He made the certificates
from records in his possession, but
these records he said had since been
removed TO the temple and he has not
access to them now.
Brigham Young,s Threat.
Mr.. Reynolds resumed the stand this
afternoon and testified that the presi-
dent of the church has always the pow
er to issue ecclesiastical divorces. Mr..
Tayler read from the republished ad-
dress of Brigham Young, on the cues
ton Of the unhappiness of first wives
after plural marriages had been con-
tracted by their husbands. In this ad-
dress President Young said he was go
ing to give all women until Oct l date
of address was not offered in evidence),
TO decide whether. they wanted to ac-
cept the teachings of the church. In
the event that they did not want to ac-
cept the doctrines, President Young
said he was going to give them their
freedom to go where they would. He
said he was talking to all women. his
own wives included, the first wives and
all plural wives.
Mr.. Reynolds Opinion.
promise to the women related to Pres
ident Youngs authority to divorce. The
witness said that he thought that Pres
ident Young did not mean that
Then what did he rncanP"
Il think he was talking as man
who was annoyed and did not mean
what he said,' replied Mr.. Reynolds
Continuing, he said the action of the
president was based on the same au-
thority in '1oesing on earth" or bind
ing on earth" referring to divorces and
marriages.
Marriage With the Dead.
In answer to questions by Senator
Overman. Mr.. Reynolds said that mar
riages were performed with dead per-
sons in the endowment house.
Mr.. Tayler then asked if divorces
We're granted in the endowment house
The church grants divorces to those
who have been married for time and
eternity. but does not divorce legal
marriages until the courts have acted"
said Mr. Reynolds. Plural marriages
are not recognized by courts and there
fore the church does not consult the
court in granting divorces in cases Of
such marriages"
Dead Men Divorced.
Senator Foraker asked if such di-
vorces were granted from dead per
sons.
In a few instances only, / should
say said the witness.
For something done after death or
befOre2' the senator asked
In life time"
rs the dead person given an oppor-
tsnity to be heard2" the senator asked.
NO. sir: II is because such cases are
held 10 be unjust to the dead accused,
so that few divorces of this kind are
granted" said the witness.
rs anyone appointed 70 defend the
accused? %
Never: but the complainant is given
a hearing if satisfactory evidence is
furnished to the church"
Then it is purely ex parte?"
Purely So"
Senator OverInan was attempting to
bring out what assurance a man may
have of meeting his several wives in
heaven if divorces are granted after his
death. when a recess of the committee
was taken.
Mr.. Tayler showed tne witness n
contract Of separation. between George
n III 1
rods Acknowledged he executed in 1897.
EC said that he does not know now
whether the marriage he dissolved was
q plural one or not
Sensational Testimony
Are you a polygamist?" Mr.. Tayler
asked.
Yes. sir answered Mr.. Reynolds.
Have YOU any children married in
rolygamy?"
Il believe so: one daughter"
ITO whom is she married?'
eff married, it is to Benjamin
Cuff"
The witness explained that the mar
rage had taken place in Mexico. but
that he had no knowledge of the cefe-
mony and never had made any in
quiries concerning it. 1t was brought
out by Mr.. Taylsr that the witness had
displayed no curiosity on the subject
of the marriage because he believed
the marriage 90 be a plural one.
Has Two Living Wives.
Mr.. Reynolds testified that he had
twenty-six children. He gave the
names OF the seven presidents OF the
seventies. Of which he is fourth IN rank
Three Of the seven were pOlygamists.
He CReynolds) had two wives now.
"If YOU were to marry any woman
tomorrow which would be your legal