The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1905-11-18
ODELL REFUTES CHARGE
Declares Mr.. Hyde's Statements
Are Base Calumny.
SENATOR pEPEWALso A WITNESS
Former Governor Denies That Any
Threat Was Made Against the Mer'
camille Trust Company to Settle His

Threat Was Made Against the Mer-
camille Trust Company to Settle His
Suit.
New York. Nov. l7.-Former Gov
trnor benjamin b. Odol, Jr~ and Unit
"a States Senator Chauucey NJ. Depew
MS witnesses before the Armstrone
legislative insurance investigation COM
mittee denied parts OF the testimony OF
James Hazen Hyde in which their
names were used. Mr. Odell in the
course of his testimony called MI
Hydc's statements base calumny,
and when he was ASKED whether he
directly or indirectly had made threats
TO have the charter Of the Mercantile
Trust company revoked. mis- face flush
ed. and striking the arm of the witness
chair with his fist he exclaimed.
There is no truth in that statement
so help me God
Mr. Odell said no political pressure
was brought to bear in the settlement
Of his suit against the Mercantile Trust
comrany. and that it was settled the
same as suits brought by others. lie
said he had been advised by counsel
that his claim was just one and that
any court would have awarded him
more than ne received in settlement
He knew Of the introduction Of the
Amber bill. which it is said might
have affected the Mercantile Trust
company's charter, and while he did
not suggest its introduction. he saw
no objection to it. Mr. Odell denied
that ne ever made a statement to +.
II. Hartman or any one else that re-
taliatorv measures would be taken
against the Mercantile Trust company.
The witness said he and Mr.. Hartman
were personal friends. but that they
had no business relations. He wrote a
letter on behalf of Mr.. Hyde's candi-
dacv for the post of ambassador to
France. This was at the request OF
William Fl. Mcintyre one of the vice
presidents Of the Equitable Life Assur-
ance Society.
Mr.. Odell said he had never solicited
political contributions, but possibly
some moneys might have come to him
through the national committee or Sen
ator Thomas c. Plat as the latter had
always gathered together the funds IN
New York state except in the last
year.
Justice Ransome. of the state SUI
nreme court. representing George II
Squire was called and explained Mr.
Sources condition He said Mr.. Squire
was very III, and it was arranged that
his deposition should be taken. Judge
Ransome told what he knew Of the
transactions with which Mr.. Squires
name has been connected
Senator Depew was examined with
regard TO his syndicate participation
and his duties as counsel to the Equit-
able Society Regarding the ambassa-
dorship to Paris, Senator Depew said
MIR. HYDE came to him and solicited his
influence to secure the appointment
Senator DeDew brought the matter to
the attention of the president although
he told Mr. Hyde that he was too
young. and the president said it was
utterly impossible to make such an ap-
pOintment.
While admitting that he had been
In many bond syndicates of late years
Mr.. Depew said he had realized very
little profit from them, in fact only
1920. although he had 100000 tied up
at one time. He said he had high re-
gard for the abilities of James II. Hyde,
and thought he earned his 100000
salary.
The senator advocated in the inter-
est of the public the limiting OF risks
under insurance policies and favored
public audit Of the accounts of COM
panies at stated periods by a chartered
accountant. This he thought would
obviate many suits that are now fire.
quently brought for an accounting on
| tho mart of a DOlicyhOlder.