The Savannah morning news., 1904-03-03

uEAp TIE TEMETC
HAHU I'LL LIVLIO
OF MORMON FAITH
SENATORS PRY DEEPLY
INTO THE SECRETS OF THE
CHURCH OF REED SHOOT.

InnermOst Secrets of MormOnism
Are Wanted by the Investigating
COmmittee-Preside Smith of the
Mormon Church Was ON the stand.
He Was Questioned MinuteIy RE-
garding Revelation and PoIyga-
my.
Washington, March Am effort to
air the innermost secrets of the Nor
mon faith was manifested in the first
days proceedings before the Senate
Committee on Privileges and Elections
in an investigation of the protests
against Reed Smooth retaining his
seat as a Senator from Utah.
President Joseph f. Smith. the
highest official of the church. was on
the stand all day. He was questioned
closely in regard to the principles of
divine revelations. He said he adj
hered absolutely to all the teachings of
the church in that regard. and that
he himself had been visited with d.
vine Inspirations from God. He also
said that he still believed in polyg-
amy.
The testimony was directed in a
slight degree only at Senator Smoot,
and no attempt was made by the de-
tiinony until President Smith was
questioned in relation to polygamous
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
session, and after a full discussion, de-
termined to allow the utmost latitude
to the hearings, which means that court
practices will be avoided, and thus the
first victory was scored for the pro-
teStants. The committee will hear
practically all the prosecution has to
offer, and determine for itself what
is competent testimony. The commit
tee will hold daily sessions.
Prophet. Seer and Revelator.
President Smith of the Mormon
Church was the first witness. r. w.
Tayler. counsel for the Protestants.
asked Mr.. Smith If he was a prophet,
seer, and revelator.
The witness said he was 80 sus-
tained," and received his powers by
reason of the position he holds in the
church. He said the apostles of the
church We're sustained" in the same
powers as prophets. seers and revela-
tors.
Mr.. Smith explained that the first
presidency is the president of the
church, and two high priests, or coun-
cillors. and the twelve apostles are
next in authority. The presidents are
elected by the council. and the apost-
les, he said. but he believed and 1t
is taught that the presidents are really
chosen by divine revelation, and they
are then endowed with the authority
Of the holy priesthood by authority
direct from God.
In regard TO revelations. the witness
said the church holds that any elder
may receive a revelation for his own
$ridance.
Then Mr.. smoot may receive such
revelations direct from God?' said Mr..
Tayler.
For his own guidance. yes" was the
answer.
Mr.. Smith said only those revelations
70 the president. which had been pre-
sented to the church. and accepted by
the members were binding upon them.
Mr.. Ovarman wanted 10 know what
happened 20 those who ala not believe
IN the insuired revelations. Were
they unchurched7" he asked.
''rhey unchurched themselves" was
the rcs-onFe.
Mr.. Tayler put the situation in this
lcOntInusd on Ninth PaEe,l