The Washington times., 1905-02-20
DIRECTOR GRljNSKY
DID ACCEPT FEES
FOR HIS SERVICES
Expressed Lofty Prlnci-
pies in Letter to
Drake.
REGARDED FEE ILLEGAL
Afterwards He Took All
Money Coming, Including
Sum Once Returned.

II transpired at this mornings meeting
of the House Committed On Interstate
and Foreign Commerce that C. EwaId
Grunsky, member Of the IsIhrnian
canal Commission and, IN that capacity,
Of the board Of directors oe the Panama
Railroad Company, had suffered a
change Of heart as to the acceptance by
| him Of fees for his services as direc-
tor.
The testimony of E. A. Drake, vice
president Of the road. placed Mr. Gruas-
ky in exactly the same box as the other
members Of the commission The com
nittee was greatly surprised. and just
a little shocked.
Grunsky's Letter to Hepburn.
On Saturday Chairman Hepburn re-
ceived a letter from Mr.. Grunsky, which
| was read TO the COMMITTEES. It inclosed.
without comment, q copy of a letter
| written to Mr. Drake. On September Ii.
1904. returning the fee paid him for at
tendance upon the directors meeting Of
July 8. This letter to Mr.. Drake con-
tanned the following statement:
1.-The Presidents letter makes our ser
vices on the board OF directors part
of our official duties, for which We are
otherwise compensated. I cannot con-
strue the attendance fee other than
| compensation, and. therefore, must de-
cline TO accept any such fee for at
tendance at meetings..
Mr. Grunsky did not intimate that his
views on the matter haG been changed
| other than by quoting the resolution Of
the commissioners, enbodying the Pres
ident's approval OF the policy of accept
ing fees. There was no suggestion that
1Ir. Grunskyss own views had changed,
and the members of the committee Were
highly edited by the sentiments OF LOFTY
principle the letter expressed Ifae SEN
timenJs were in perfect accord with
those held by themselves.
Came as Cold Shock.
Testizlony of Mr. Drake this morning
came as a cold shock In accordance
with the committees request he submit
ted a statement of the amount OF direc-
tors fees paid the canal commissioners,
from which it appeared that Mr. Grun-
sky had not only been accepting fees
steadily since his letter TO Mr. Drake.
but had accepted even the fee he had
| originally pat aside.
well, did Mr. Grunsky keep this
! money!" asked Representative Town
SO far as we know, was the. re-
us
Mr. brakes Statement
Mr. brakes statement showed that
Admiral Walker. Mr.. Grunssy. ard Mr..
Harrod had been paid $3.50 each fer at
tendance upon ten meetings of the
board: Mr. Earrod s125 for attendance
upon FIVE meetings. and Mr.. Parsons.
who is d member Of the executive COM
mittee. s395 for attendance upon seven
/ board meetings and ten committee meet
| ings.
| Pacific Mail Services.
| Mr.. Drake argued strongly against the
| discentnuance OF the exclusive centrae.
with the Pacific Mall Steamship Com
pany, which. he said was absolutely es-
! sential to the continued prosperity of
| the Panama Railroad Company Vari-
Gus attempts had been made. he said. To
substitute other services for that OF the
i Pacific Mail, and invariably with disas-
/ trOus results.
| "a regular efficient and satisfactory
| serTice is absolutely necessary" he said.