Virginia gazette. [volume] (Williamsburg, Va.) 1893-192?, 1905-01-28
VIA OUR NATIONAL lAwMAEtRs
THE Senate ard House Regularly al
Wsrk-whst They are Doing.


The Senate Investigation into the
protests against Senator Reed Smoot
VII be brought 20 a close this week.
The DISCRIMINATION OF the respon-
dent terminated earlier than expected
and several other witnesses for the de-
tense were examined. IL was the SuSg-
ment OF the committee on elections and
privileges that only a few more wit
nosses would be put on the stand. and
except for some documentary evidence.
the Investigation may concluded in q
Cav or two.
The cross-exsmsnation OF Senator
SmoOt resulted In az absolute refusal
TO testify in regard 10 ghe Endowment
ceremonies. He also asserted that Il
vas not his bushes sto call TO &C
count President Smith. OF the Mormon
f 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
+ p tell the committee the character OF
the Endowment ceremonies.
After testifying that President Smith
VAS supreme as head OF the Mormon
Church. Senator SmoOt was asked: DO
f communicates directly With GOd-has
direct revelation"
II God desires 20 speak 70 his peo-
pie. IL would be through the President
OF the Church
In answering a question as 20 his be-
lief IL modern prophecy. senator SmOot
said: Men speaking today under the
inspiration OF the Lord-their counsel
Is just as good as that OF the prophets
that spoke under inspiration in ancient
days"
senator SmOot said he only took the
Endowment ceremony once. but that he
could no; say what the ceremony was.
az be did not have any definite recol-
lection OF IL.
is there anything in the ceremony
about ayenging the blood OF the mar
tyrs % the Church? %
There Is not
How long did il take 20 perform
tfis ceremony"
Prom beginning 20 end. about three
or four hours"
State what you are able TO recall
OF it,
I would much rather not"
Why uot?"
"Fo- conscientious reasons. made
81 oath with my God. not with any
man. not with the President OF the
Church. but I did make a vow that
would keep these Endowment ceTe-
monies sacred. and not reveal them tC
anybody. and have kept that al ny
lie"
Was there any penalty attached fol
the violation 81 your obligation
Il prefer not TO say anything fur
ther."
I'D you remember whether ther'
vas OF noe"
II prefer not 90 say anything tur
ther~
DO YOU know Why. the oath OF Sc
crecy vas imposed"
III is purely a religious ordinance
refers absolutely 20 a mans hereafter
and has nothing whatever 10 do viii
auythiu- other than mans relation q
bis Cod and ! suppose that DO Us a.
ordinance in the Church. aad the rul
is that il Doe not revealed
do sou know how much money 8
paid the Church annually in tithes
asked senator Oyerman.
Sir Smo0t responded that the Chu-cl
income was some wears more than
million. and some years less Tn
. Church. De- said. has capital investe
iu industrial institutions. but in nearl
every case 4 minority o. the stock.
Chairman Burrows asked "NO
heard the testimony o. Presiden
Smith. that 10 is living in defiance q
the laws W the landc
Yes sir.
. And that he is also living in def
} ance ot The Divine law
Yes. cir. and 7 heard the Qualiica
tons be- made
HAS the Chur proceeded again'
] h.m be-ause ~ hiss violations OF th
l1wer"
"Has there been any attempt 90 q
u nous cOlab.tatiOn
There has not.
q Did you see him after be testae
g. before THIS committee
IL The Senator said he had seen u
A, President 90 the Church both In VAST
lngron and Do Utah after his test
mcny. and had MADE no protest 90 Dbl
conceLSin g his manner 90 living.
y you lave not sought 90 bring hi
q 10 trial in any manner. asked q
II Chairman.
& i have not.
r. do you intend to-
= 4 do not
M Smoot admitted he sustsin'
y Presideat Smith. but only as PRESIDE
?. CT the Church
ID do you teach polygamye'
y. Il DO not"
% do you preach against pOlygany
n unlawful cohabitatlOn?
b. Il never have I DO not know vi
!, should. II 81 not a tenet % the fait
II has been suspended. and ] think