The morning call., 1892-12-03
NOT IN EVIDENCE.
Expert Morgan's Report
Laid Over.
HIS BILL WAS APPROVED
The Man From Illinois Objects to the
Criticisms on His Great
Work.

Richard p. Morgan appeared before the
railroad Commissioners yesterday to testify
IN the Shlvely case. and to tell how he came
10 the famous conclusions his expert report
contained.
On Wednesday, when he HANDED in the
report. he said he was in hurry togo home,
and that If anybody wanted to ask him any
questions they must do SO Immediately.
Attorney Richards declared that he had a
few queries to PROFOUND TO the expert, and
yesterday was the day set for him to satisfy
his curiosity.
But when Mr.. Morgan found that his
report, favoring the present high rates and
fares OF the Southern Pacific Company. did
not meet the approval of the people OF Cali
fornia. he got mad and changed his mind
about going East.
lie told the commission Yesterday that he
Ielt deeply hurt over what he termed "the
unjust criticism and the unjust comments"
the press has published on his report. and
that he had decided TO remain here indefin-
ltely 10 defend the statements 1t contained.
lie evidently meant what he said, but it
was quite apparent that his deepfelt in-
dlgnation was largely due to oveisensitive-
ness
He has big reputation as an expert, and
MS reputation being his fortune lie natu-
rally does not want to lose it.
Besides, he has never been adversely criti-
clZed. ana therefore TO be Jumped on is q
novel experience to him.
Ferhaps IL he keeps on. exporting he
VIII get used to this sort OF thing and wont
take 1t so much to heart after while.
Commissioners Lltchted cons0led Mr.
Morgan by telling him that he should n OF
MIND what the papers say about him, and
by quoting Burns Mans inhumanity to
man."
Beckman said "me. too" and Chairman
Rea made the reass1ring announcement
that he would have every one of 'these
editor fellows" Oh the witness-stand before
the ShIvely case is ended. so that they can
be made TO prove their ASPIRATION OF the
great and only expert.
Mn Richards started In 10 examine Mr.
Morgan Oh the facts he asserted in his
report.
de wanted TO know why he considered
California such an extraordinary country
that Its rates cannot be compared with
those oil any other State.
Mr.. Morgan got out of that by saying
that general comparisons would be unfair
and detailed comparisons impossible.
Then Richards asked why the expert,
when he mentioned how expensive the
southern Pacihc's ferry system Is, did not
also state how large Messrs. Huntington Sc
Co.'S revenue from that source is.
Morgan answered IN the language of the
immortal Dundreary. that railroad revenues
dEo SODetulDR no IellON can unu out.
Then they werc getting down 10 the rate
question, and things promised to become
Interesting, but Mr.. Morgan stopped
answering questions to ask of the commits
sion whether his report was in evidence Ia
the Shively case.
When he was told that the precious docu-
ment had as yet not been introduced he de-
ellned To discuss 1t any further until il Is
made a part of the proceedings.
This brought about acontroyersy between
the attorneys and the Commissioners.
Martin for the railroad company said the
report OF Morgan was not on trial and
should not be referred TO al all.
Richards considered II document on file
with the commission and at the disposal of
any one who wants TO use IL. He was, how
ever. not willing to put 1t as evidence. be-
cause, as he stated, "he did not approve of
the expert conclusions ii contained, and be-
lieyed that he could prove that they were
all wrong"
The question whether the report will be
considered evidence remained undecided
until the board meets again on Wednesday
next, and the Shlvely case was postponed
until that time.
The Commissioners then held an execu
tive session, during which they approved of
the experts bill. which amounted TO $500 oS.
The balance OF the $4,000 the Commits
sioners wanted from the Governor is. ac-
cording TO Chairman Rea, to be used for
other expenses connected with the Shively
investigation.
The board addressed letter 10 Governor
Markha forwarding Morgan's report and
bill
No comment On the report was made in
the letter, which simply stated 1.-THE report
speaks for itself" but the payment OF the
bill was recommended.
The Governor was also Informed In the
letter that an Investigation Of the equity of
the freight and fare schedule of the South
eTn Pacific Company is at present in prog
ress and that the Commissioners conclu-
slons would probably appear in their annual
report Of 1898.