The times., 1899-11-05

The charges made by Hon. N. l. Lock
wood. Of Pennsylvania, against the Indus
trial Commission. which were published
exclusively in The Times on Tuesday last.
have attracted widespread attention all
over the country and many interesting de-
veIopments are expected within the near
future Mr. lockwood, who is President
OF the American Antitrust League,
charged members Of the Commission with
having garbled and suppressed his sworn
testimony made before that body in refer
ence 10 the workings Of the Standard Oil
Trust
Proofs were offered that whole para
graphs had been deliberately suppressed by
The investigating body. and it vas further
claimed that members Of the Commission
had attempted to induce the witness 10
withdraw certain portions Of his evidence
After demanding that the 1uu statement
be published. Mr.. Lockwood received a
proof sheet OF what was headed as his tes-
timony and which, he submits, has been
changed, cut, and disguised until the full
meaning Of his evidence had been sup
pressed IN answer 10 the above. secre-
tary Hackett Of the Industrial Commis-
sion. prepared q statement which was pub
hshed in q local evening paper. The an
6Wer is based upon the argument that Mr.
Lockwood's testimony had not suffered
more than that Of any other witness. as
the Commission employed an editor 20 cor
rect revise. and cut the evidence sub
lntted by Witnesses appearing before that
body
This statement has caused no little com
IlaHt among lawyers and po.lu- iaus who
claim 10 be staggered at the idea Of any
court or commission zubpoenaiHE wines es
10 testify, and later taking tlei- tes-tml ny
and editing it 10 suit thems l.es tea1rz ii
is made public. Mr. Lockwood yesterday
issued a statement that the SfanCara Oil
Trust and not the Government. was con
trolling the Industrial Commission. and
thatno telling or harmful facts are allowed
10 appear before the public owing 10 the
rigid censorship established by the Com
mission ~ the cost of the Government.
Secretary Hackett, Of the Commits ion,
acknowledge that sn editor is empio ei 10
carefully eliminate from the copy al un-
essential statements One rea on for this
Us 10 save the money OF the Govern eut- F
Nr. Lockwood has submitted the portions
suppressed IN his testimony sh0ai that
AE States LlE LLQeL kllal portions nave
been considered '-uuesscntlaL" These in
olude the facts 10 the Matthews ass and
a number of strong details IN re er nee "a
the operations Of the STANDARD o.. Com
pany. IH regard 70 the suppressed por-
rtaus gfr. Lockwood said sc "a dv-
Thomas w Phillips. Vice Chairman Of
the Commission. presiding ruled that the
testimony was admissible, thar the oath
taken provided that the witness M gbt
swear 90 what he knew 70 De so. and 10
what. by his observation and invest cation
be believed 10 be- so. and The testimony
was accepted by the Commission
Later on. be claims. the testimony was
EiFla % the editor" and nearly 0ua-thiri
of IL suppressed
a prominent local attorney iu speaking
Of the employment of an editor 10 edit
and cut sworn testimony before court or
commission. stated yesterday thar the mat
Ter was without precedent Ia the history
Ct hearings OF trials. and that when tezri-
mguy had been ruled upon and accepted 10
was but a farce 10 allow a ccrsor 10 elm
mate anything Or everything be pleased
according 10 his preiudloes or Instructions
from individuals.
According 20 what I have learned n the
master. said be. "the work OF this Com
mission must be classed as mockcry and
It's conclusions verse than worthless and
the facts made public are certain to iujlre
missions appointed by the Government
ia the statement issued by Ar, Lockwood
il "a claimed that the Industrial Commis-