The San Francisco call., 1897-02-26
AND THE CHAIRMAN INTERPRETERS
The Water Committee Delegated to Make
an Examination Of the Company's
Books and Report Later---Sec-
retary Ames Gives
Evidence.

The water rates Investigation was con-
tinued by the Board of Supervisors in
committee of the whole last night and
proved intensely interesting and dra-
matte throughout.
Chief Engineer Schussler and DR.. Rot
tanzI were the principal actors during the
earlier portion of the proceedings, though
Mayor Phelan resumed the thread OF
croSs-examination somewhat later.
Supervisor Britt took the chair at
O. clock, in the temporary absence of the
Mayor, and Immediately afterward re-
signed it to DR.. Dodge, on the board resolv-
ing itself into committee of the whole. DR..
Clinton, the usual chairman, was not
present.
What" asked the chairman, "is the
pleasure OF the committee
81 move that Mr.. Shussler take the
stand again, said DR.. Rottanzi
al move" remarked Supervisor Delany,
that he be allowed to continue, without
interruption, until he gets through"
'Is there any seconder 10 the motion, I"
asked the chairman.
IL will do so to expedite matters" said
Supervisor Haskins.
IL AeOhhohHl AOSS WIN q DHRcT
uplifted. "I would like to know" said
he, 1.-The object of this motion. 1 have
several questions to ask him and l do not
desire that l should be cut off from doing
so. l deem it of great Importance that
the board should be acquainted with the
true facts of the case. If he is afraid to
answer them L do not see why 1 should
be deferred from asking them"
This is to merely facilitate business, 4"
said Delany, land as soon as Mr.. Schuss-
ler is through we have no objection to
your asking questions"
as it your object" asked the chair, "to
prevent any interruption while he is max
ing a statement in answer TO question
or 10 allow him to continue without being
questioned?"
Delany was understood to say that the
latter was his proposal, while Haskins
leaned to the former Interpretation.
"Well, that's all we DESIRE" observed
Rpttanzi.
Supervisor Smith moved that the motion
be laid on the table, but the committee
declined TO take such action by vote of
to 5. Devany, Delany, Dodge, Morton,
Britt and Rivers voting in the negative,
Clinton being absent.
The committee tacitly accepted the
original motion.
Mr.. Schussler said he would suggest to
DR.. Rottanzi the propriety of refraihing
from the statement that he (Schussler)
had failed to answer any questions.
Il prefer" he continued, mot to have
him make the sIur that 1 try to evade
questions. 1 simply tell you the cold facts,
and that is all you will get from me. If
you will be pleased to be more careful
with your statements after this"
81 will refer you TO the reporters notes."
cried Rottanzi. "Those are sufficient for
me-"
The chairman-Please come to order.
gentlemen. As it is a rule for mem bers
not to address each other by name. I
would suggest to the witness that he do
the same.
at was not my desire to say anything"
protested Rottanzi, "but when l am told
that do not understand the question
wish to say that have studied it as thor
oughly as any mem ber of the board, and
comprehend it probably too well to suit
some people"
II wish to tell DR.. Rottanzi," said Mr..
Schussler, warmly. when he talks to me
not TO shake his hands at me-"