The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-06-27
SUGAR and THE CHURCH
Mormon Head Tells of the Deal With
Havemeyer.

Washington, June 27.-The story
of the alliance of the Mormon church
and the Henry o. Havemeyer interests
in the beet sugar business was told
and the deal characterized as entire
Iy legal by Joseph F. Smith. president
Of the Mormon church and of the
Utah-Idaho Sugar Company, before
the house sugar trust" investigating
committee today.
The head Of the church explained
how Mormon affairs are conducted,
how its funds come principally from
the tithes of its people, how they are
Systematically accounted for and as
serted that the interests of the Nor
mon people are safeguarded at all
times.
The committee made no effort to
pry into the affairs of the church ex-
cept insofar as they related to business
matters. The venerable representa-
tive of the Mormon hierarchy said the
deal with Havemeyer was not cOnSid-
cred important enough for formal
consideration by the council of tho
church, but was effected with the ac-
quiescence of the church officials. Mr.
Smith testified that it was not the gen.
eral practice of the church to make
business investments; that the sugar
business was its largest investment
and that that was entered upon to
help the Mormon people. He emphat-
ically denied that the church had any
stock in the American Refining COM
pany.
why haven't you folks bought out
the Havemeyer interests?" asked
Representative Baker of California.
I'VE have not the money"
You knew Havemeyer was a very
powerful man in the business world
and you were glad to get him inter-
ested in your business weren't you p
I'VE were only interested in getting
his money"
Mr.. Smith was accompanied to the
hearing room by Senator Reed Smoot,
Bishop G. n. Nibley, busin esJ manager
of the Mormon church, 7. R. Cutler, a
former bishop of the church, and Rep
resentative Joseph Powell and R. w
Young of Salt Lake, counsel for the
representatives of the Mormon hier-
archy.
Many Curious Women.
The party was forced to pass a line
of curious women. This was not Mr..
gressional committee. Many present
TODAY when the venerable Mormon
leader appeared recalled his visit dur
ing the investigation into the right OF
Senator Smoot to retain his seat.
Though his mission today was an en-
tirelv different one=submission to ex-
animation as to business relations of
the Mormon church with the Ameri-
can Sugar Refining company through
the Utah-Idaho Sugar Refining com
pany-it was expected that the inter
ests of his people in Mormonism would
not escape inquiry. OF the Utah Idaho
Sugar Refining company stock, IN
which Mr.. Smith has trustee holdings,
more than 100000 shares are owned
by the sugar trust, Henry o. Have
meyer having taken a personal inter-
est in the experiments of the Nor
mons in the beet sugar industry and
financed their enterprises. which have
been successful.
Have you any official connection
with the Utah-Idaho Sugar company ?"
asked Chairman Hardwick at the out
set of today's session.
II am president Of the company
Mr.. Smith replied.
DO you own any stock ?"
Yes, I own about 5000 shares in
dividually."
DO you own any stock in a repre-
sentative capacity?"
Eyes, hold 1885 shares. The title
is held in the name CT Joseph f.
Smith, trustee"