New-York tribune., 1905-08-23
HUGHES TO BE iNQUISIT0R.
FOR INSURANCE HERRING.
.NcKeen to DO the Research Work
of Committee.

There we're strong indications last night that
Charles r. Hughes who arrived yesterday from
Europe viii he the principal II not the only. IN
Quisitor' in the forthcoming legislative insurance
investigation and that James McKeen. his col
league. viii have charge OF the research"
Mr. Hughes viii hold his first conference with
Mr.. NvKeen this morning. Senator w w Arm
strong. the chairman Of the legislative committed
is expected back tonight Tomorrow the legis-
latve committee VIII hold its first session with
counsel The committee hopes TO hold its hrst
public session some time next week. Ii is pointed
out that Mr.. Hughes retained largely on the
strength Of the ''inquistion' he conducted in the
recent Eas investigation, and that Mr.. Mckeen.
while profound cross-exanliner, excels in re-
search. No definite plans have been formulated
this point.
The news Of Mr Hughes's probable selection
10 conduct the oral examination OF witnesses
caused deep interest in insurance and other circles
last night Except that he bronzed by his
vacation and in the pink Of condition. Mr.. Hughes
looked much he did throughout his gas
'inQuisition" wearing the same trim. square cut
beard that the host Of gas trust interests came
certainly 10 know and possibly to fear.
Mr. Hughes arrived on the Kronprinz Wilhelm
with his wife and his son. Charles E. jr.. When
seen later ar his Office Mr.. Hughes declared
that he had no insurance Affiliations which would
enbarrass him in the investigation. announced IN
effect. that the Equitable would receive dis
elimination. asked only that the work OF counsel
be Judged by its results. and added this significant
Naturally enough Mr.. Hughes. an hour or so
fter he had landed. could furnish little infor1na-
zion 70 the forthcoming inquiry.
"Al say" he suggested sis that We have
big Job in front Of US. and must begin as soon
can"
Asked II he thought the committee would begin
ats sessions by September / Mr.. Hughes said:
7 hope the committee will get at work as quick
ly as that, but OF course, I can say nothing It'll
know more about it and what engagements have
been made for me-"
Touching his retention BY James ". Alexander
ex-president Of the Equitable. Mr. Hughes said:
Mr.. Alexander retained me, with other counsel
10 give opinions on the feasibility Of mutuazing
the Equitable. I then had several consultations
with the other counsel. and got general idea OF
Equitable affairs but would not like 10 say that
I probed insurance questions 10 the bottom. That
IS the work which We now have TO do. At that
time regarded myself working in the interest
OF the company. and especially OF the Policyhold-
ers. rather fhan for President Alexander person.
ally
Asked II Mr.. Alexander had given his consent 10
his being retained by the committee, Mr.. Hughes
said. while he considered such sanction scarcely
necessary. he understood that Mr. Alexander had
no objection. As 10 his acquaintance with Mr..
.McKeen. Mir. Hughes said:
''Of course. familiar with his reputation, and
consider him an excellent for the position
very well pleased 10 be associated with him
IN this investigation.
Senator Armstrong. I understand. will be here
tomorrow. and the full committee will meet on
Thursday. Until then I do not there is any
thing that ! say about the investigation Even
If agreed with the suggested course Of procedure.
] would not like TO -ay until have had time TO
saIk II over with the committee and Mr.. McKeen-
You may be assured. though. that effort will
he spared 10 make the investigation full thorough
7 regard this a important matter
Than the gas investigation. That also a mat
OF the first Importance, but was, after ALL large
9y OF local concern. Life insurance is OF national
interest. ! presume that all Of us are policy
holders. I know that am. and have invested my
savings for years IN the Equitable and other So
cieties. ] conceive Of no business that touches
the people whole nearly as life insurance
But until i the committee l do not feel myself
al liberty TO into details
James II. Hyde is sIlN apparently out Of town,
his house being in virtual darkness last evening.
The old story Of the formation Of a new life IN
Eurance company revived yesterday. with the
lack Of confirmation which characterized the orig
5nal tale.
Reports 10 the contrary Notwithstanding. IL is
improbable that any Of the witnesses in the forth
coming investigation have received thus far their
notices os appearance