The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-01-23
HUCK MI DAMAsK
SMOOT STANDS PAT.
He Upholds the President of the Nor
mon Church.

Washington, Jan. Ex-senator Reed
Smoot esumed his testimony in his
own behalf today before the senate
committee on privileges and elections,
Judge Tayler continued the cross
examination. Se~nator-elect George
Sutherland from Utah, who will sue
coed Senator Kearns, and former Gov
ernor A. L. Thomas of Utah, both of
whom are expected to testify in the
case, were present.
Relative to the trial of Apostle
Moses Thatcher's differences with the
church over politics Senator Smoot
said he would not say that politics was
the principal cause of differences be-
tween Thatcher and the church, but
admitted that it was n of the rea-
sons for the trial. Judge Iayler asked
If the fight against Thatcher was not
led by the church and the witness re-
piled that the Deseret News, the
church a charged that Thatcher's
candidacy was -'anti-church."
Tayler took up the political manifesto.
or the rule which required officials of
the church to obtain a leave of alb
sence. which Apostle Thatcher had
ppro and which he refused to
obey. As it was read clause by clause
Senator Smoot endorsed the state
ments made by Thatcher in that con-
nectiOn. Judge Tayler asked If Sen
ator SmOOt saw any criticism in the
statement of Moses Thatcher that the
church was getting out of it's proper
function in interfering in functions OF
the state.
II do not think there was any charge
that the church was trying to influence
the action os the legislature" answered
Senator Smoot. That would be wrong
and most r~eprehensible."
1.-THE first presidency is supreme III
everything pertaining to the church,
said Senator Smoot in answer to Il
question by Chairman Burrows. He
also said in explanation, o course,
when it comes to a question OF reVela-
ton. if to be binding upon he peo-
pie of the church the president him
self receives it and it must be accepted
by the people"
DO I understand you to say that the
apostles are not prophets?" asked
Chairman Burrows.
I say they are sustained as proph-
cts. but I do not think a man is n
prophet at any time unless he speaks
by the spirit of prophecy. In othei
words. I do not believe that a man has
always that spirit of prophecy with
do YOU think the president of the
church communicates directly with God
has direct revelation
If God desires to speak to his peo-
pie it would be through the president
of the church."
Does God speak through the apos
ties in the same way?
oh. not in the same way. An apose
re has no more authority in a stake OF
zion than its president has, unless sent
nv the head of the church to act in
+be stead of the stake president
In an endeavor to ascertain the
nroner procedure in a difference be-
tween churchmen, Judge Tayler asked
If there was authority to condemn al
member of the priesthood.
Il think the Lord has given any
man the right to do it." was the an
S" ST one of the Lords servants
should do a wrong to me 1 would con
denim him and bring charges AFTER
FIRST going to him personally IL IS
a rule of the church that a person ag
erievad should go to the person Of
Tending before condemning such per-
son." IL
belief in modern prophecy, senator
Men speaking today under the in
sniration of the Lord-their counsel IS
just as good as that OF me
thai spoke under lhsplIdeAoh IA
Senator Burrows Intercepted Sena-
for Smoot regarding the details Of the
endowment ceremony,
How long did 1t take TO perform
"From the beginning to he end
about three hours.
Thirty or forty"
state what you are able to recall
of it,
why not?"
For conscientious reasons. / made
a vow. not an oath, with my God, not
with any man. not with the president
of the church or with a living soul,
hut / did make a vow that I woul
keep these endowment ceremonies