The Idaho recorder. [volume] (Salmon City, Idaho) 1886-1927, 1906-11-01

"a Statesman, who Is now writing
torials declaring that there is n(
rmon issue in Idaho, graphically
crihed the efforts of the Mormon
rarcby to control Idaho politics In
testimony before the Smoot in.
tigating committee, and particu
the surreptitious attempt OF
n Henry Smith, Mormon apostle
nolygamist, to remove the test
/ from the Idaho constitution.
i testimony was given less than
years ago.
his Is the same Balderston who de-
ed in the editorial columns of bis
or that Zion has Spoken" when
nix r. Gooding was nominated for
prnor in 1904. 1t is the same Bal
ton who in editorial after editor
In 1904 charged that the Mormon
rob and it's leaders had violated
solemn pledges to the people of
limited States and of the state of
DO.
his testimony before the Smoot
mjttee, Mr.. Balderston, after de-
Inc the early history OF the restor-
of the franchise to the Mormon
he In Idaho, after they had been
lived of it for years, was asked
question;
Mr. Taylor. What further, Mr..
erston, has occurred in your state
ecting this anti Mormon or anti
Famous legislation or constitu-
bl provision?"
dr. Balderston. In the session,
of 1897, resolution was in
heed in the legislature to submit
question of calling a constitu-
convention. That resolution
offered by Mormon member.
resolution, however, was never
I'D forward. 1t was dropped. |
understanding at the time was |
1T was the desire of the Nor |
people to have the constitution
Id in respect to polygamy. / do
ecall that any further step was
in that direction until at the
% two years ago referring to
ession of 1909. 1t was talked
betimes, but no definite step
bken until two years ago this
|.
Taylor. Tell US what occur
that time. -
Understandable in the seS-
resolution was introduced in
bate, providing for the submits
the vote of the people the
pn of calling constitutional ;
ltion. 1t was hurried through
bate, and sent into the house
llried through there, providing :
submission of that question 4.
electors at the succeeding
,. 1t aroused a great deal of :
among those of US who
i we understood what was be-
It, and subsequently, when ,
Pstion was raised, we caused !,
'Iable agitation, and those
ERE interested in politics were i.
rably concerned to knew what
bout this question. The dis !,
everywhere was to vote that :,
that Is among the nom Nor =
People-tbe belief prevailing r
we called constitutional :.
tlon some means would be -
Oh accomplishing this purpose ;,
drawing this safeguard, as .,
p it, in our constitution. =,
last summer, during the ;,
the encouragement of the
no is Mormon, rendered an :,
10 the effect that the matter :.
oeen properly submitted, and :,
IL could not go on the bal =
that disposed of the matter
isylor. During the session
fglslatLre at which this reso- e>
providing for the calling of at
sututional convention was 10
did you see apostle John ST
mith?"
oalaerston. Yes; | saw him ~
parry, | Think
iaylor,-Did you have a talk ",
D., til
halderston. i had a talk
Cd this subject. -
iaylor'-Tell US what that ~
tiOn was. " IL
n, ? AS nearly as l "
y tse conversation, apostle =.
o0S me aside in the hotel -
NE If | thought the time
y "hen an amendment to 'i'
''ulion could be submitted
ny what he termed those W
which were Objectionable III,
eOple' We did not discuss
81 l answered very prompt 70
= ume bad not come-that u,
& very unwise to do any,
'ue KIND, and he remarked q
~ bis friends there had u
'oe same thing. ID
''io''-iiow long was this =, ~
resolution was actually in. "
and passed?'
'aiuefstHD -Tbat NO. siN