The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-01-24
To WRITE FINS
Inquiry Into Smoot Case
Closes This Week.
The Testimony of the Mormon Senator
Concluded. Refusal TO Testify of
Endowment House
Ceremonies.
lEv the Associated Pregs.:


Washington, ID. g., Jan. Z3.--Thc
Senate investigation into the protest
against Senator Reed Smoot VIII be
brought to a close this week. The
cross-examination OF the respondent
terminated earlier than expected and
several several other witnesses for
the defense were examined. 1t was
announced just before adjournment
of the Committee on Privileges and
Elections that only q few more Wit
nesses would be put on the stand. and
, except for some documentary evidence
the investigation may conclude to-
morrow.
The cross-examinatiOn of Senator
Smoot resulted in an absolute refused
to testify in regard to the endowment
ceremonies. He also asserted that il
was not his business tO call TO account
President Smith OF the Mormon
church, because of the fact that Smith
admitted to the committee that he was
living in violation of the laws of the
land. Three other witnesses refused
, to tell the committee the character
OF the endowment ceremonies.
Afr testifying that the President was
supreme as head Of the Mormon
church. Senator Smoot was asked
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 presi-
dent of"the church." he said. Then
in answering a question as TO his be-
lief in modern prophecy, he said:
Men speaking today under the in
spiration of the Lord--their counsel
is just as COOL as that of the prophets
that spoke under inspiration III an
Client days"
senator Smoot said he only took
the endowment ceremony once, but
that he could not say what the cere-
definite recollection of it.
state what you are able to recall
of IT,"
Il would much prefer not"
why not?"
For conscientious reasons. I made
4 VOW, not an oath, with my God,
not with any man. not with the presi-
dent of the church or with n living
soul, but l did make a VOW that I
would keep those endowment cere-
monies sacred and not reveal them
TO anybody and IL have kept that all
my life"
Was there any penalty attached
for the violation Of your obligation -
Il prefer not toisay anything furth-
er."
DO you remember whether there
was or not ?'
Il prefer not 10 say anything
! further"
DO you know why the oath of Sc
crecy was imposed ,"
1T is purely a religious ordinance
refers absolutely to a mans here
after, and has not,s+ag whatever 10 do
with anything other than mans rela-
ton TO mis- God, and / suppose that
1t is an ordinance in the church and
the rule is that il be not revealed"
'oD YOU know how much money
is paid into the church annually in
| uthes?" asked Senator Overman.
Mr. Smoot replied that the church
income was some years more than Il
million and some years less The
church, he said. has capital invested
in industrial institutions but in nearly
/ every case MINORITY Of the stock
Chairman Burrows asked:
/, You heard the testimony of Presi-
| dent Smith that he is living in de
hance OF the laws Of the land, and
| also of the divine law"
Yes, sir and | heard the qualif-
! cations he made"
Has the church proceeded against
| him because OF his violations of the
| laws?'
ct has not"
HAS there been any attempt to try
| because he is living in polygamous
/ coma DltauOn
There has not"
Did you see him after he testified
! before this committee"
! The Senator said he had seen the
president of the church. both in
! Washington and in Utah, after his
/ testimony, and had made no protest
to him concerning his manner of liv-
| ing.
You have not sought to bring him
! 10 trial in any manner" asked the
| chairman.
Il have not"
do You intend to-"
II do not"
Mr.. Smoot admitted that he sus-
tanned President Smith but only as
president OF the church.
DO YOU teach polygamy?"
Il do not
DO you preach against polygamy
| or unlawful Capitalization ?"
Il nevC" haze. ! do not know why
/ should 1t is not tenent of the
faith. It has been suspended and /
think it would not be proper for me
! to bring it uD.'