New-York tribune., 1905-01-29
SHOOT INQUIRY ENDS.
Closing Arguments of Counsel
Hot Fight Expected an Senate.

Washington. Jan 2s-Ths investigation OF pro-
tests against Reed Smoot OF Utah. retaining his
seat in the Senate was closed to-day by the Com
mittes on Privileges and Elections. and when re-
port is drafted by the committee the investigation
will pass to the whole Senate. One question OF
great moment which viii be fought on the floor
Of the Senate IS whether a two-thirds vote or a
majority OF the Senate is required to expel a
member. Judge Tayler, counsel for the protestants
holds that a majority vote viii suffice, IN the same
manner that majority vote will prevent Senator
from first taking his seat 1t will be weeks
before the committee will be able to report The
committee granted until February for counsel to
revise their arguments and file written briefs. Only
one session Of the committee was held to-day. Mr.
WOrthington. counsel for Senator Smoot. finished
his argument. and Judge Tayler closed the for
the Drotestants.
Mr.. Worthingtoa discussed the political rule Of
the Church, which he declared meant nothing be-
yond the fact that Mormon shall not remain
high officer under certain circumstances without
the consent OF the Church. or. in other words. he
must resign his Church position to for politi-
cal office II the Church thinks he cannot perform
the duties of both offices. He took Judge Tayler
to task for his statement that who prayed
for the counsel OF his Creator is untitled hold
seat in the Senate. The decrease IN the number OF
polygamists was discussed at length. and Mr..
that subjec to show that it Is the Consensus Of
1Rtbit0n among M6rn0ns and ,,, entiles that
9 oefasd S that, that IN all ths mass mas b OF 0Sd
manifesto. and that was case in Mexico. where 1t
was not shown that the man performing the Gere-
band had another wife.
1T appeared" said Mr.. worthington. that
Apostle Taylor has taken plural wives since the
manifesto. though no proof IS offered. and will
say that Senator SmoOt and his counsel went TO
the president Of the Church and told him Taylor
should be produced witness
Mr.. Worthington closed with the statement that
great deal has been said about the matter Of the
protection of the home, which was said to be the
real for the prosecution OF Senator SEnoot.
lf this was true; l contend he said that Mr..
Smoot should retain his seat because 1t was shown
that he has coUnseled nothing but good. and the
Gentiles who voted for him did because they
knew he believed In upholdng the laws OF the land,
and that he led pure life
Judge Tayler made no effort to follow any par
tfcular line Of argument, but declared that Mr..
Worthngton had misinterpreted his remarks on
revelations. He stated his position anew but fol-
lowed practically the same line as In his opening
statement Of the case. Mr.. WOrthington had talked
at length of the effect of the manifesto, and Judge
Tayler declared that order TO have been the result
OF the ''pOIicemanS club the manifesto having
been issued at time when the country was stirred
by the Roberts investigation. He devoted most OF
his time 70 answering MIR. WorthingtOn- No new
arguments were advanced.