The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-01-16
sMOOT BEFORE
THE COMMITTEE
Appears to Answer Charges Which
May Drive Him from the
Senate.
Attorney for Protestants Outlines His
81 Case-No Attempt to Prove
Polygamy.

Washington, Jan. 16.-The senate
committee on privileges and election
met to-day to hear the attorneys on
both sides of the case involving the
right of Senator SmOOt of Utah to Oc-
cupy his seat. Former Representa-
tive Taylor of Ohio was heard for some
of the protestants and T. P. Stephen
son for those who are representing the
National Reform association. A. S.
Worthiugton and Waldemar Van
Colt were present on behalf OF Sena-
tor Smoot, who also was in attend
ance.
Mr.. Taylor said he did not know
that any proof would be presented in
support of the charge that Mr.. Smoot
was polygamist, but added that the
professionals expected to prove the 1ol-
lowing charges:
What They VIII Prove.
First-rhe Mormon priesthood according
to the doctrine Of the church and the belief
and practice of it's membership, is vested
with and assumes to exercise supreme
authority, in all things temporal and
spiritual, civil and political. The head
of the church claims to receive divine
revelations. and these Reed Smoot by his
covenants and obligations is bound to &C
cept and obey.
second--The First Presidency and
Twelve Apostles. of whom Reed Smoot is
one. are supreme in exercising the au-
mission Of the authority to their sue
cessors.
Third--As shown by their teaching and
by their own lives, this body Of men has
not abandoned belief in polygamy. On the
contrary, - -.... ....- d..
(a)-As the ruling authorities of the
church they promulgate in the most solemn
manner the doctrine, of polygamy, without
reservation.
Connive at PoIyeamy.
(b)-The president of the Mormon
church and a majority Of the Twelve
Apostles now practice polygamy and
polygamous Capitalization and some Of them
have taken polygamous wives since the
manifesto of 1890. These things have
been done with the knowledge and coun-
tenance Of Reed Smoot. Plural marriage
ceremonies have been performed by apos-
ties since the manifesto of 1890 and many
bishops and other high officials Of the
church have taken plural wives since that
time. All Of the First Presidency and
the Twelve Apostles encourage, counte-
nance, conceal and connive at polygamy
and polygamous cohabitation and honor
and reward by high office and distn-
guished preferment those who most per-
sstenty and defiantly violate the law OF
the: land.
Fourth-Though pledged by the compact
Of statehood and bound by the law OF
their commonwealth this supreme body
permitted, without protest or objection
their legislators to pass a law multiplying
the statute against polygamous cohabi.
tation.
For all these things, declared Mr..
Taylor, reed Smoot is responsible in
law and In conscience, to this body and
to the American people," =" IS" -
Defense Asks for Delay.
In reply Mr.. Worthington said the
statements made by Mr.. Taylor differ
materially from the charges made in
the former statements and he asked
time in which to make reply, which
was granted. -
Mr.. Worthington agreed that there
was no linit~to, the. power of the sen.
ate to pass upon the qualifications OF
It's own members but laid down the
general proposition, that the senate
was without jurisdiction of offenses
which may have been committed be.
fore a member became a senator un
less in connectionWi his election.
In Behalftof Smoot.
Mr.. Van Cott,s in Senator smoot':
behalf, referredSto5 the act of the Utal
legislature multiplying the anti-polyg
amy act and said Senator Smot hat
nothing to dp with the passage of tina
bill and shenld 3nleot be charged with it