Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-17
At THE White HOUSE
Important Conference Held
This Morning.
THE RAILROAD CASES
SECRETARY MORTON AND ATToR-
NEY GENERAL MOODY PRESENT.
Probably Two Statements to Be Issued
Cardinal Gibbons Caller
Oregon Judge Appointed.
THE RAILROAD CASES

The Sante Fe railroad cases, and the con-
nection Herewith of Secretary Paul Nor
ton, was the subject of a long conference
at the White House today, those present
with the President being Attorney General
Moody and Secretary Morton. When the
conference had concluded the two cabinet
officers were next to dumb, at least on this
subject. MIR. Moody said there would be
nothing to give out for publication until
some time next week, and Secretary Morton
said that Mr.. Moody would have something
to give out some time
The differences over what action should
be taken in the Sante Fe rebate cases,
which Secretary Morton is closely connect
ed with because of his admission that the
road, of which he was then vice president,
granted rebates to the Colorado Fuel and
Iron Company was the main subject of the
conference.
Some months ago the Department OF JUS
tice, at the direction of the President. APP
pointed Judson Harmon of Cincinnati,
former Attorney General in the second
Cleveland cabinet, ard Frederick n. JUDI
son of ST. Louis as special counsel in these
cases. directing them to make thorough In
vestigation and report 10 the Attorney Gem
eral. The testimony taken by the inter-
state commerce commission gone over
and much additional testimony was taken.
has generally been reported that the two
special attorneys recommended criminal
prosecution against Secretary Morton and
others. The report goes further and says
the Attorney General few days ago
Mr.. Harmon and Mr.. Judson sent in their
designations to the department, saying that
their recommendations had not yet met the
approval of the department, and they con-
sdered ii best to withdraw.
Attorney General Moody. after consulta-
ton with the President, deemed it best that
a statement covering the whole thing should
be be made public, but he thought 1t proper,
il possible, to prevent contention and dis
pute, that an agreement be reached as to
what should be given to the public-that is
that both sides should jon in a single
statement, provided they could agree upon
the exact thing they had disagreed about
Mr. Moody has been in correspondence with
Mr. Harmon with this object in view. but
the outcome is not known.
On pretty good authority, however, 1t is
stated to be most likely that no agreement
can be reached as to what was the cause
OF the difference and that each side Will
its own statement, leaving the
public to judge as to the facts. 1t Is eX-
pected that the statement will be of i'm
mense interest and that they will differ
in the facts.
Secretary Mortons friends say he has
no fear as to the outcome. no matter what
is done. He believes that the greater the
derstand the situation. He does not court
secrecy and is willing that everything shall
be made public.
Gan Angel of Peace"
Cardinal Gibbons of Baltimore. accompa-
MED by Rev. Father Stafford of this city,
paid his respects to the President and con-
graduated him upon his success in bring
ing Russia and Japan together in peace ne
gotiations
He's an angel of peace to the world"
said Cardinal Gibbons, referring to the
President. and the world owes him great
debt He deserves congratulation and
praise for his splendid efforts
Cardinal Gibbons wore the insignia of his
high office, including the red silk cap. He
to be greatly pleased with his con-
ference with the President.
Judge Appointed in Oregon.
w. w. Cotton. prominent attorney of
Portland Ore. has been named as United
States district judge Of that state, succeed
ing the late Judge Charles ]. Bellinger.
Mr.. Cotton has agreed to accept the posi-
ton If he is allowed until September / to
qualify. His desire Is to close up some i'm
portant legal work he has on hand. His
wishes have been accejed to. The land
fraud cases will be tried before Judge De-
Ravens of California. who was assigned
by the circuit Judges for that purpose,
and Judge Cotton will not have to bother
with them when he comes into Office. He Is
said not to be identified with the fighting
Oregon factions in the land fraud cases.
and this made his appointment desirable
William P. Lucke has been appointed as
appraiser of merchandise at New Orleans,
succeeding Algernon 8. Badger. deceased.
Lucke was agreed upon by the Louisiana
referees.
Chief Justice Fuller Not to Resign.
Secretary Taft. upon visit to the White
House today in connection with some army
appointments, was asked about a freshly
printed story that Chief Justice Fuller IS
about to retire and that the place will go to
him The emphatic statement was mada
by Secretary Taft that he had heard moth
ing to indicate that there is any truth IN
the story.
1t is stated that Chief Justice Fuller has
no intention of resigning his position lie
has frequently told friends and neighbors
that no chief justice of the Supreme Court
has ever resigned and that he does not IN
tend to do so, his duties not being so on
erous as to require the rest that would
come from complete severance of ofilctai
ties If this attitude is maintained Secre-
tary Taft may never become chief justice.