The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-04-12
LAST STAGE REACHED.
Argument Is Begun in the Case OF
Senator SmOot.

Washington, April Arguments
in the case of Senator Reed Smoot
were begun today before the senate
committee on privileges and elections
after an inquiry extending over three
years into his right to retain his seat.
Former Secretary of the Treasury
John G. Carlisle opened for the pro-
testants. He will be followed by A S.
WOrthington of counsel for Mr.. Smoot
The mem bers of the committee pres
Messrs. Foraker, Knox, Dolliver, Dill
bingham, Dubois, Bailey, Overman
Frazier and Pettus.
The committee room was crowded.
most Of the spectators being women.
Mr. SmoOt was present as we'll as sew
eral prominent AformOns who have as
sisted Mr.. SmOot in his defense. The
Utah senator apparently was not con
cerned as to the outcome of the pro-
ceedings.
Mr.. Carlisle reviewed first the testi-
mOny of President Joseph F. Smith
and other Mormon officials to show
that the first presidency and twelve
apostles are a -perpetuating body
responsible for everything that is
done, either spiritual or temporal. Mr..
Shoots mem bership in this body as
serted Mr. Carlisle made him equally
responsible for any wrong doings IN
der the laws of the nation. He said
the Mormon church is more than a
church; it is commercial and polit-
zeal organization He criticized at
some length church control over can
didacies of its members for public
Offices and asserted that the situation
is such that the politics of Utah can
be dominated by the Mormon church
at will.
Senator Knox inquired of Mr. Car
Isle whether he contended that the
laws OF the church require members
to submit to the jurisdiction, of the
church laws when in conflict with the
laws of the state and nation.
Mr.. Carlisle replied that was his con-
tention and that the officers of the
church could. do nothing without con-
sent of the apostles
Speaking of the endowment house
Oaths, Mr.. Carlisle admitted that he did
not know the exact form of the obi
cation taken but he believed it could
not be disputed that some oath of the
character described by several Witness
es is administered and that each per-
son taking the ceremony assumes an OBJ
legation to avenge the blood of the
prophets upon this nation.
Discussing the constitutional provis-
ion relating to the eligibility of MEM
bers of the senate. Mr.. Carlisle said
that three disqualifcations are enum-
Grated. insufficient age. notwithstanding
of the United States and non-citizen-
ship of the state of the requisite period
but that these are all of the disoualifi-
cations of which the senate may take
cognizance He mentioned certain
classes of law breakers. lunatfcs and
finally, women. Dissenting laughter
from the women greeted this classif1-
cation and Mr.. Carlisle paused a mo-
ment to make his peace, during which
he said he hoped to see constitutional
amendment that would admit them
Mr.. Carlisle contended that the sen
ate or house should determine the fit
ness of its members to serve. in the
same manner as if the constitutional
provisions did not exist. He declared
that expulsion OF a senator can not be
made because of something that oc-
Cured prior to the beginning of his
term; that expulsion must be for an
act committed as a member of the
legislative body and that this would