New-York tribune., 1905-01-24
SM00T WOULD NOTANSWER
SILENT ON ENDOWMENT.
Sad 1t Was Not HIS Duty to Call
Smith to account.

oHttE W <1LCO0Hts
Washington, jan 23-The Senate investigation
into the protests against Senator Reed Smoot will
be closed this week. The ninatiOn of the
| respondent terminated earlier than expected and
several other witnesses for the defence were ex-
amined. 1t announced just before adjourn
ment OF the Committee Privileges and Elections
that only a few more witnesses would be put on
the stand. Except for documentary evidence. the
investigation may conclude tomorrow. Chairman
Burrows remarked that It was necessary to get
through with the arguments also this week. Mr..
Tayler, counsel for the protestants. will assume
his duties federal judge in Ohio Tuesday next.
The cross examination of Senator Smoot resulted
In an absolute refusal to testify in regard to the
endowment ceremonies. He also asserted that it
was not his business to call to President
Smith of the Mormon Church because Mr. Smith
had admitted to the committee that he was liv-
Ing in violation OF the laws Of the land. Three
other witnesses refused to divulge the character
of the endowment ceremonies
After Mr.. Smoot had substantiated much of the
testimony of Moses Thatcher regarding his Quarrel
with the Church. and had discussed the powers OF
prophecy possessed by apostles Senator Burrows
asked him regarding the details Of the endowment
ceremony.
State what you able to recall OF the cere-
mony?"
l would very much prefer not TO-"
why not?"
For conscientious reasons I made a vow, not
an oath. with my God. not with any man. not with
the president of the Church. with a living SOUL
but did make that would keep these en-
dowment ceremonies sacred. and not reveal them to
anybody; and have kept that all my Iife and IL
l went out of the Church tomorrow and remained
out OF the Church until I gray headed. 1
would never feel that it my duty. that
should divulge what little I even remember of
them"
The Senator was asked number of other ques-
uons regarding the ceremony. which he said he
preferred not to answer.
CONCERNING CHURCH FINANCES.
do you know how much money is paid into the
Church annually in tithes2'' asked Senator Over
Il could not say, except as a guess"
las much as s1.00,oOo?'
Some years more. and some years less.
derstand'
Senator overman said he wished information
to the extent OF Church investments in industrial
and commercial institutions.
The Church has some money so invested. but
small cent of the capital OF these institutions.
said the Senator. He then gave a detailed state
ment of the stock held by the Church in various
institutions said to be controlled by the Church. to
show that in nearly every case the Church holds "a
minority of such stock.
Judge Tayler announced then that his cross-ex-
animation was concluded.
DEFENDS PRESIDENT SMITH.
Chairman Burrows then inquired Of the witness:
us there any method by which the president Of
the Church may be deDosedT'
IF he should engage in any unchristian act
that would unfit him for his place could be tried.
the any other member of the Church, and.
If found guilty. he may be removed"
"You heard the testimony of President Smith
that he is living in defiance OF the laws OF the
land7'
And that he is also living in defiance of the
divine IawT'
Yes sir. and heard the qualifications he made"
Has the Church proceeded against him because
OF his violations Of the laws?"
'It has not"
HAS there been any attempt to try him because
he is living in polygamous cohabitationT'
There has not
The Senator said he had seen the president of the
timony. and had made no protest to him concerning
You have not sought to bring him to trial in any
manner" asked the chairman
II have not"
II ..p9 S you at intend tor
You voted to sustain him at the conference last
Then you net only failed to rsprimand Smith for
MS don't Sf yas esn OIs a you & nam N
tanned him as president Of the Church"
the Church or your membership in the church,"
do you intend to continue sustaining Smith in
his commission OF crimes against the law Of the
Senator suoot again said that he was not sus-
d tanning & smith except PIT as president OF the Church
citizen of Provo to bring action against
Smith, a citizen of Salt Lake City.
Senator Bailey referred to ''Eph" Homer. Repub-
lican chairman OF the Senator's home county, and
asked the witness If he had circular attack
ing a candidate for Congress because of his testi-
mony before the Senate committee.
Senator Smoot Geplored the circular. and said he
would have prevented its issuance If he had known
of II in advance
Senator Burrows asked Senator Smoot II he was
at liberty to resign his apostleship any time. To
this an affirmative answer was given.
On redirect examination Senator Smoot said he
believes the Church rule requires Church officials
TO obtain leaves OF absence to engage in business
politics anything else which might take them
away from their Church work. and is not confined
to politics
This concluded the examination of Senator
Smoot. and he resumed his seat back of his coun-
cation.
Three other witnesses refused to testify concern
ing the endowment ceremony