The Lamar register., 1907-02-20
DEFENDS SM0OT
MoRMoNIsM is NOT A plsouAtI-
FicATION.
SPEECH OF SENATOR KNOX
Says That the United States Has Guar
anteed Religious federation In Utah
States Should Be Left Free in
Choice Of Senators.

Observation-Disclosures Knox of Penn
sylvania made an address in the SEN
ate Thursday in support of Senator
Smoots title to seat IN the Senate as
representative from Utah. He strongly
opposed the report Of the committee on
privileges and elections which favors
BUSTING Smoot. He insisted that moth
ing short of a two-thirds vote of the
entire Senate membership could un-
seat the Utah senator.
Mr.. Knox insisted that Smoot should
not be expelled because of his Nor
monism, as the United States had guar
anteed religious federation in Utah. He
should not be expelled even II he ap-
proved polygamy, and the Senate
should not go out of its way in defeat
ing Utah's choice.
Mr. Knox argued that there is no fed
eral law against polygamy or polyga-
nous Capitalization applicable to Utah.
Mr.. Knox said he had Intentionally
referred to the proposed action against
Senator Smoot as expulsion, as he did
not think the Senate would seriously
consider that any question is involved
except one Of expulsion.
He contended that there Is no Ques-
ton of Senator Smoot possessing the
qualifications prescribed by the consti-
tuition, and, therefor. he could not be
deprived of his seat by majority vote.
Subject to the constitution. said Mr..
Knox, the states are left untrammeled
in their right to choose their senator's
1T is an easy step after the first one
Is taken" continued Mr.. Knox, be
cause of mans religion. to take the
next and logical one of exclusion be-
cause of a mans politics, and then be-
- 1.
and then because of his attitude to-
ward certain legislation.
las regards Senator SmoOt. all have
agreed that he is a man OF unblem-
ished character. possessing every con-
stitutional qualification as senator OF
the United States. The only charge
against him is that he is member and
officer of the Mormon Church. Clearly,
that in itself cannot disqualify him In
this government, where, as Mr.. Justice
Story said: 1.-The Catholic and the Pro
testant, the Calvinist and the Arme-
MAN, the Jew and the infidel. may Sit
down at the common table OF the ma
tional councils without any inquisition
into their faith and mode OF worship.
Discussing the doctrines of the Nor
mon Church, Mr.. Knox quoted from
MI. Shoots testimony that the law OF
inc lana Is DlnulHs IL IL SoihSS IA NoA
flict with the church.
"In this country" said Mr.. Knox. re
,!gious belief is not an offense or
defense. A man may believe what ne
chooses without fear of molestation
from the law or deprivation OF his civil
rights. The only thing alleged against
Smoot is that he tolerates polygamy::
II this disqualifies him, every citizen OF
Utah. Mormon and Gentle, Is likewise
disqualified, who likewise refrains
from prosecuting the old Mormon
northumberland they all do"
Declaring that polgamy is dying out
and that polygamous marriages have
ended in Utah. Mr.. Knox said:
81 do not see how the sanctity OF the
American home is at stake In this is-
que. II the Mormon Church teaches
polygsmy and encourages its practice,
surely the fact that Senator Smoot Is
monogamist and has from his youth
AGAINST polygamy is conclusive evil
dence that he is fighting for the home.