The Washington times., 1905-12-15
"RyAN'S PURCHASE
AB|T STAGGERING" !"
AVOWS HARTMAN
Man Accused of Threat
by Equitable Owner
Faces Hughes.
HIS ASSISTANCE ASKED
Says Hyde's Successor Was
Ambitious to Win Big
Name.
HIS ASSISTANCE ASKED

NEW YORK, Dec. 15.-E. II. Harri-
man went on the stand today at the
insurance investigation. TO reply to the
accusation by Thomas F. Ryan. that
Hartman threatened to use his intiu-
ence in the Legislature against Ryan.
unless he were allowed TO share in the
purchase of the Hyde stock by Ryan.
Paul ID. Cravath. attorney for Mr..
Ryan. put In appearance early and
strengthened the belief that Hartman
would be allowed to appear today in
accordance with his request made 10 the
committee through his attorney, Colonel
Lovett.
Mr. Cravath was mentioned by Ryan
as having been present at least at one
OF the interviews he had with Harri-
man at which the purchase OF a share
OF the Hyde stock was discussed. 1t
was thought Cravath was present as
Ryan's counsel TO hear Harriman's tes-
timony.
Hartman was late In reaching the
City Hall. 1t was nearly 10:40 when he
appeared. accompanied by Mr.. Lovett.
On Stand at Once.
The committee waited for Hartman
On his arrival. he took the stand i'm
mediately
Mr.. Hughes plunged into the negotia-
tions between Hartman and Ryan.
Mr. Hartman testified that he first
stock on Friday. the day Paul Morton
was made chairman of the Equitable
board, while on the way from the Erie
ferry TO his Office
On reaching his office he called RYAN
on the phone and told him he had heard
the rumors OF Ryan's purchase of the
stock and Ryan replied that the pur-
cnase OF the stock was conditional on
Inc selection Of Ryan's nominee as
chairman OF the board Ryan said he
wanted the Harrimans assistance in car
rylng things through
He had criticised Ryan's injection of
nlmselI into the Equitable situation and
asked what IL meant.
Sale Staggered Him.
Hughes asked why he had criticised
Ryan's entry into the insurance field.
Hartman replied:
We'll, IL was rather staggering that
Ryan should have come into control of
the EQUITABLE.
Fifteen minutes after this phone CON
Eersation. Hartman went TO Ryan's Of
fce. where he discussed the matter fur
ther
AT this interview. Ryan said HIS pur-
pose In buying the Hyde stock had been
10 make a name for himself. He said he
mao made plenty OF money. but had
never done anything in particular and
saw IN the Equitable purchase the
public and win a name
Ryan asked Harriman's assistance I'm
elecunS bis nominee for chairman. He
sald that while Hartman was not a
director. Ryan thought Hartman could
influence directors and wanted tho aid
Hartman said he did speak 10 one
director in behalf Of Mr.. Morton
Suspected Ryan.
Hartman said re doubted Ryan's mo-
i've wac purely 10 help the company
and that he was acting unselnshIv and
told him SO
Mr.. Hughes asked why. II ne feared
RNans control OF the society he had
peen willing 70 speak for Mr. Morton.
Hartman answered he thought rho
matter over on his way 10 his office
and decided Mr.. Morton was a good
man 10 have at the head OF the Eoui-
table and so was willing TO help elect
him.
At this interview he said. there was
no mention made Of selling him an IN
terest in the Hyde stock or that any
thing was then said Of trusteeing the
stock.