The record-union., 1893-01-05
3apnal paktsso s1na,,elsr.

bility of a just and speedy solution of
the railroad problem in the State of Cali
fornia."
Commissioner Litchfeld opposed the
adoption of the resolutions. 81 don't
think it is either proper or necessary"
ne SAID, for this commission to take any
hoIice OF Mr.. Leeds criticisms and
charges. whether uttered verbally or pub
Ilshed through the newspapers. If he
has any charges to make against us, let
MN do it in a proper manner. We will
not shrink from meeting them, whether
DeIore the Legislature or any other tri-
bunal.
III MI. Leeds doesn't succeed in cut
uhg better figure then than he has in
giving his testimony in this case that we
have been investigating. his charges
won't amount to much. l don't think
that the time has arrived for us to call on
the Legislature to clear us of any sus-
plclon that may have been caused by Mr..
Leeds utterances."
CHAIRMAN Rea, however, urged that
something ought to be done to make it
evident That the members of the commits
SION courted full investigation. Il
want everybody to know he said. "that
TINS IS an honest commission, and that its
members are actuated by honest motives.
l know this myself-we all know it.
Now let us take what seems to be the
best means Of proving it to the public"
Mr.. Litchfield still opposed the propo-
sition.
"A wise writer has said, - he remarked,
that we should first have the approval
OF our own consciences ~"
We've got that" suggested Chairman
Rea.
And should then seek the applause of
the public,' continued Mr.. Litchfeld.
Just So" remarked Rea, smiling.
That's what we're after now"
well, desire to deserve and obtain
the approval Of the public" said Mr..
Lltchtield, but don't think this is ex-
actly the way to go about it at present"
Then Commissioner Beckman settled
the matter for the time by moving that it
be laid over FOR one week.
EXPERT MORGAN.
Secretary Kelly read the following let
ter to Chairman Rea from Colonel Richard
T. Morgan, the expert, who lately pre-
pared and submitted report, at the in
stance Of the commission, upon the ques-
ton Of railroad freights and fares III this
State:
DEAR SIR: 1t is now a month since
my report was delivered to the commits
sion, and nearly month since you gave
1t to the public, and since / also gave Off
cial copies OF it to the press.
'Inasmuch as it was satisfactory to YOU
and your colleagues, and also because no
qualified person has formally dissented
from its facts, discussions and conclu-
sjons, 1 deem it to be unnecessary for me
to remain here any longer for the pur-
pose Of justiiying my report.
q also believe that the LEGISLATURE
about to convene viii readily perceive
that l have, to the best of my ability.
faithfully served the State Of California
and that therefore l am entitled to a re-
turn OF the considerable sum of money
l have advanced from my personal
means for expenses. and also to remuner-
alton for the service have rendered.
For these reasons, and because of
urgent demands upon my time elsewhere,
| have decided to start Tomorrow for my
home at Dwight, III.
some of the newspapers there are
several honorable exceptions) have pub
lished libelOus and damaging statements
i'll respect to myself in connection with
my work for the State, with a reckless
ness that indicates responsibility.
Therefore 1 desire to formally say to the
Commissioners, for such use as they see fit.
that every and all charges and intima-
tiOns that my report was in any degree
affected by influence other than the per-
sonal desire of myself and my son to ar
rive at the truth, are maliciousIy false.
''Ii it is necessary for ME to return to
California I shall do so. Yours very re-
spectfully, RICHARD p. MORGAN.
'December %, 1892"
The letter was ordered received and
placed on file, and at the same time, in
view of statements made by Attorneys
Martin and Richards that they both de-
sired to examine Colonel Morgan further
as a witness, the Secretary was instructed
to notify that gentleman i'll order that he
might make his arrangements to return
to California when needed.
A letter was received from the National
City and Otay Railroad Company of San
| Diego County asking authority to in
crease the road fares on it's lines by the
additional five cents more than was
charged for tickets sold at the office
The road in question is about twelve
miles long and extends from National
City in San Diego County to the Mexican
line.
Action on the application was deferred
until next Wednesday, to which day the
I Commissioners then adjourned.
BRIEF NOTES