The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-04-22

sence from church official duties dur
ing incumbency of political office"
He said he did not regard it as an
endorsement by the Mormon church.
1t was brought out that in his first
canvass for office, when he had not
was defeated.
In his second canvass, he obtained
the leave of absence" and was
elected.
Senator Bailey asked a number Of
questions regarding the witnesS views
of his obligations as a citizen, and
whether there could be a religious OBJ
legation which would justify him in
denying his services to his state, to
discharge duties which would devolve
upon him by the acceptance Of po-
litioal position.
Mr.. Roberts said the emergency
might arise whereby an official should
resign his political Office, if the will
of his costituents would not permit
him TO perform his duties in harmo-
ny with the church mandates
The inconsistency Of the rule that
compels a good citizen TO obtain the
consent of non-political, organization,
was the subject Of many questions in
which Senator Bailey took the leading
part. He called attention to the
church rule which forbids an official
OF the church, unless he resigns his
office in the church or Is reduced to
the ranks"
I'm the event of such a crisis" said
the witness, II think one would have
to rely on the individuals patriotism"
But patriotism and religion in such
a case would be in conflict" said Sen
ator Bailey. AT one time you defied
the church, did you not?'
Il did"
And you were defeated?"
Yes"
Because you refused to submit to
the orders of the church,"
II think L was enlightened by the
church." said the witness.
And when you were enlightened
and did submit to these orders you
were elected?"
II was"
Senator Bailey asked the witness if
it was not true that the political sup
port of the Mormon church in Utah
was sought by political parties the
same as the Irish. German and Italian
vote was sought in other communit-
les.
And the negro vote" interrupted
Mr.. Worthington.
II believe not" said Mr.. Roberts.
There may be individuals who
church"
II believe" said Senator Bailey,
that the first election was carried by
the Republicans, the second by the
Democrats the third by the Repub-
licans. The next appears to be our
turn. That appears to indicate that
some influence has been brought to
bear on the church"
Chairman Burrows inquired: IF
4 inv tn a
| office, would you feel at liberty to
| accede to the request without first
getting consent from the church"
'I think not
IF your request were refused, you
| would not feel at liberty to run for
| the office 2"
THAT would depend upon the emer-
| gency, and which was the more bind
| ing, my duties as an officer Of the
| church or my duties as a citizen"
| And II you decided the church
| should be considered f1rst?"
| Then l should decline the Office .
We'll, if the church should refuse
| consent and you should still accept
| the office. what action would be taken
| by the church,"
81 would probably be called on fol-
an explanation"
What if you should inform the
| church If you regarded your duty tc
1 the state above that to the church
| Would the attitude Of the church be
one of hostility"
| II cannot believe rnere would bt
any action taken politically"
Chairman Burrows asked the wit
ness whether he ever had beer
through the endowment house"
Yes, sir
Can you not tell us in regard tt
A ~ a
Burrows
II cannot dc not feel at libert!
to DO So
why not,"
"I consider myself in trust and no
at liberty to disclose what take
place.
Mr.. Roberts said that the obliga
tions were secret, and he though
them not unlike the oaths of the Ma
sonic order or other secret societies.
What would happen if YOU did re
veal what took place within the tenn
ple?" asked the chairman.
II would lose cast and be regarded
as betraying a trust. If 1 keep faith
1 cannot disclose what takes place
Then" pursued Chairman Bur
rows. "any person who takes the en-
dowment house obligation is unde
oath not to reveal it's nature?"
Il think so.'
And Senator Smoot could not re
veal his oath of that character?'
The witness nodded his head in ac
|, quieScence.
! Edward z. Barthell, OF Nashville
, Tenn, was called to identify certain
, books and documents. which had beer
sent to him by the Mormon propa
= ganda al Chattanooga, Tenn. H
: then requested these documents 70
: the purpose of preparing a paper o.
Noruonism. which he was to rea
before a Nashville club. Before h
, left the stand. he related converse
} tons he had with George E. Fox. 0
: the Mormon church. who called upo
} him after the papers had been re
l ceived. This meeting resulted in Fo
: being invited TO attend the session o
; the club and in his making an addres