The Washington times., 1904-04-26

This frank admission was followed by
a qualifying statement in response TO a
question from Mr. Dubois. Witness said
ne thought every man had the right OF
tree speech and action. as an American
citizen, and that he could resign II the
church tried TO bind him TO its decre@s
regardless Of his own wishes
Would a man rot be thrown OUT
inquired Mr.. Dubois. IF he did not ac-
cept the decree of the church,"
Not in every instance witness re-
piled. but in many cases it might be
So
Witness discussed the subject Of
church consent TO members TO run for
office. He did not know of particular
instances where consent had been given
10 only one man to run in an election, or
where the high officials had refused such
cOnzent
Mr.. Tayler reverted 10 witness ac-
ceptance of the Interpretation OF the
political manifesto by the Salt Lake
high council. composed OF Angus NJ
Cannon. Joseph Z. Taylor, and Charles
w. Penrose. and the concurrence OF the
twelve high priests. Discussing this wit
ness =aid;
''The decisions OF the high councils
are regarded as equal to those of the
first presidency. was summoned before
the high council on serious charges of
spiritual nature. charge of apostasy.
''The colitical manifesto was issued
by the Conference of the church in 1886.
but had not been adopted as a rule
until 1 objected TO it. I had always
objected to union Of church and state
Within two hours after the document
was handed TO me by President Lorenzo
Snow. who was then head of the quorum
of apostles. and Brigham Young. who
was a member Of the apostles, l was
dropped from Office.
In answer 10 query from Mr.. Dubois.
witness said he was next after Brigham
Young in line TO succession to the first
presi iency. Had he remained in fellow
ship With the apostles he would have be-
come head of the church.
Il was simply dropped out Of my Office
on April 8 1885. witness continued.
My quorum acted on the matter No
vember 10 1896. saving / was dropped
from office. So / think ] am practically
the only man of my age in the Mormon
Church who does not hold an Office in
the church..
Barred From the Temple
Are you denied the privilege OF en-
tering the temple?" asked Mr.. TayIer.
II am. 7 appeared there after being
dropped from Office and was denied ad-
mission. The right 10 enter the temple
is right given 10 all good Mormons
who come properly recommended by the
bishop of the ward
''The twelve apostles and the first
presidency We're in the habit OF meet
ing in the temple once week When I
appeared there / was refused admission
by the doOrkeeper. 1 asked him by
whose authority he did so, and he said:
BY authority of the first presidency OF
the church. I have never since then
asked 10 be admitted TO the temple
Witness detailed some further incl
dents of this period. and. as if in con-
uast with his position of being prac-
tlcally in contempt of the church au-
tnorities. commented:
And ! am glad TO say l am a good
American citizen.
Since you have been deposed?" sug-
gested Chairman Burrows.
Yes" assented the witness. with
= made little effort to save my posi-
ton: I made great effort TO save my
standing in the church
Race for the Senate.
Would you have been elected to the
United States Senate If it had not been
for the interference Of the chureh?''
asked Mr.. overman.
II think so. witness replied; at least
I thought so at the time. I was not
elected. but / came very near being
elected"
Witness told of standing by Joseph L.
Rawlins and saying at a meeting in the
Logan Opera House that Il Kawlins
went down on a charge of apOstasy.
witness, although an apostle. would do
so too. In the later campaign witness
knew RaWlins was strong before the
people and would probably have been
elected but he himself. as a candidate
and although in poor health. expected
TO make a good campaign. He thought
certain influences were 1T work