New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-21
IM0RMONOATHSANDWI WIVES
SHOOT LNQUIRY AGAIN.
B. II. Roberts Tells Of Plural Mar
Tiages and Secret Obligations.


mon TO take IN order 70 have the support OF the
church sor political Office Members Of the COM
snittee showed equal interest IN the obligations
which are said TO be taken By Mormons who go
through the Endowment House" Along both lines
much evidence was brought out Il was shown by
Asr Robe-tss testimony that without the consent
OF the Mormon Church he failed OF election 10
seat IN Congress- and. later with church recogni-
don OF his candidacy. he was elected In relation
20 the Endowment House obligation. Mr. Roberts
was extremely reticent. He said that the sacred
ness Of the ceremony was such that he could not
reveal Il TO the world, and. II he did so. he would
lose caste with the church having betrayed
frust. Portions OF the testimony given by MT
Roberts. especially IN regard to his reasons Tor
maintaining polyEamous cohabitation with his plu-
raj wives, was almost duplication OF the tesu-
snony given by other polygarnists who nave peer. on
The stand he said he regarded the laws or God
IS higher than the laws Of the land. and that his
moral obligation his wives was greater than the
laws OF God and man. Edward Z BartheH| OF
Nashville Tenn, testified IN regard 10 llera'U'e %
the Mormon Church.
NJ Roberts said he had three wives one married
sn 1871 the second in 1856 and the third IN 1880 He
had children by al OF the wives and by the nrst
plural wife since his election 10 Congress. Hls
Nrst plural marriage was performed by d. II.
wells counsel 10 the apostles. and he thought TIE
iusremony was performed at the home OF Mr.
F-wens's
CONCEALED PLURAL MARRIAGES
Senator ovsrnan inquired whether his first and
hssoond wives had consented TO his third VIE
no SIR" said MI Roberts. He said they dc not
l,sarn of the marriage for three four years.
How wac that?' asked Senator Beverloge- do
,rou mean 70 say that the marriage was not known
20 any one7'
at was known 10 some Of my friends but not 70
sny wives" the answer.
why was this marriage concealed from them7'
asked Chairman Burrows.
because did not want to smbarTass them"
How embarrass themg'
- -a-r-n
u might be embarrassing TO them II they should
Cor any reason be called on 20 testify"
Mr. Taylor asked Mr.. Roberts why he thought 1t
sncumbent on him TO take plural wives
From boyhood," replied the witness. Il had been
taught the rightfulness OF plural marriages. and
believed this practice TO be the law OF God
knew that this practice contrary TO the man
dates Of Congress. but believed that the law OF
God was the highest rule. and felt impelled 10
obey f."
DIsoBEYs LAWS OF GOD AND MAN.
Chairman Burrows asked a number Of pointed
questions. which brought out the confession from
DIR. Roberts that st believes IN and IS practis
sng polygamy. lie said that he believed that the
woodruT manifesto divinely inspired. and
that now. IN practising polygamy, he knows he is
dsobeying both the laws OF the land and the laws
He was asked why he continued TO disobey the
laws OF God q he believed them TO be the highest
law. snd with a resigned ar he said: We'll TIE
these wives. I trying TO do the best ] can 70
i've within the law, but have obligations cannot
The witness was asked then in regard to the
polygamous cohabitatio and SAID ne ana many
others living IN poyEawy at the time the rule
was made against such cOhabtation, and they con-
viii the wives they had married
do you think you are morally bound 70 CO
asked
Il DO"
How many children have you?"
Thirteen living"
How many not Iiyfng7"
when was the last one born
The witness then was turned over 10 the de-
sioR. ''o AL y - 00'' ''' 81 '-@ ~
MORMON CHURCH N POLITICS.
III. van Colt asked in regard to the rule which
permits officials OF the Church enter politics, and
she witness SAID lie regarded II as merely leave
q absence from Church Official duties during IN
bency OF political Office" lie said he did not
regard Il as an Endorsement by the Mormon Church.
II was brought out that in his first canvass FOX
Office when he had not the consent or leave % alb
sence. he was defeated. IN his second canvass he
Senator Bailey asked the WITNESSES views Of his
obligations as etlzen, alo ~LeIs 5 te e19Io
IA denying his services TO his state to discharge the
6utes which would sszoiVe OF nm ny me accept
Mr. Roberts said the emergency might arise when
OF his constituents would not permit him TO per
form his duties in harmony with the Church's man
senator Bailey called attention to The Church rule
OF the Church. unless the man resigns his Of
nee IN the Church or is reduced 20 ne ranks"
y think one would have 70 rely on the individuals
sTrs patriotism and religion IN such case would
Re IN conflict" said Senator Bailey. AT one time
you defed the Church. did you not?
-And you were defeated"
Because you refused to submit to the orders Of
7 think was enlightened by the Church." said i,
..Ana when you were enlightened and did submit
20 these orders you were electedE
Senator Bailey asked the witness 81 # was not
church in Utah was sought BY political parties. the
same az the Irish German or Italian vote was
And the negro vote?" interrupted Mr. Worthing-
Il believe not" said Mr.. Roberts There may Be
spoviouals who trim their sails that way, but not
IF You were invited to accept a political ONCE
would you feel. liberty % acceoe e ne reqSest
without FIRST getting consent from the Church?
Chairman Burrows inquired.
=, in souE - r15r sor The oFiee7. 0''- -0'
/ That would depend upon the emergency. and
sr5eer 81 the Church or my duties as citizen
s'And IL you decided the Church should be con-
Then / should decline the orice."
~WeIi II the Church shonld refuse consent and
Be taken BY the Church,
y would probably be called upon for ex-
what il you should inform the Church that you
regarded your GUY 10 ne - OSf tst 70 me
II Cannot believe there would be any action taken
ENDOWMENT HOUSE OATH
. IN. witness said he had been through the En-
1o,vroent House and that the Endowment House
oath or ceremony was now performed IA the Tenn
.an you not tell US IN regard to this ceremony"
hair