The Washington times., 1905-07-14
FORE MAN RICKETTS,
IS CALLED BACK TO
THE FIRING LINE
Cross-Examined by At
torneys, He Holds to
Previous Statements.
SECURING OPERATORS
Comparison Of Skill on Re-
Spective Machines Skillfully
Drawn by Witness.

The Keep departmental investigating
commission continued its session at the
Government Printing Office today. The
morning session was begun at 10 o'clock,
half an hour later than usual.
The hearings are fast drawing to a
close. Tomorrow VIII probably be the
last day for the taking of testimony
It was noticed this morning that extra
precaution had been taken, If such a
thing could be. to guard the secrets Of
the committee room
None were permitted to approach the
Inner sanctum unless equipped with the
necessary passports.
The first witness called this morning
was Oscar j. Ricketts,, foreman of print
: ing. He Is being cross-examined by the
Lanston attorney. Mr.. Ricketts,. while
on the stand a few days ago, told a
straightforward story of the machine
controversy. that is said to have created
a favorable impression with the com
mission.
Ricketts, Held Fast.
In the cross-examination this morn
ing, the attorneys failed to shake the
testimony previously given by the fore
man on material points. He again said
that he was not personally inclined
either toward the Lanston or Mergen-
thaler machines. In response to further
interrogatives. he said that he had given
both contrfvances the same impartial
consideration. as foreman of printing.
and had endeavored to secure the best
results that each was capable of pro-
ducing.
Mr. Ricketts, stated that he had en-
deayored to secure from the force Of
printers at his command those who had
had previous experience as machine
operators. whether Lanston or Mcrgen-
thaler, and these were given preference
in the assignments.
Small Number of Lanstons.
The smaller number of Lanston ma
chimes In the Office, and the necessity
for only a day force Of operators for the
same, had made it possible for him 10
secure almost sufficient number OF
printers from the force to operate them
The Mergenthaler force of operators
was much larger in the Record division,
consisting of a day and night force.
numbering about seventy. The expert
cnced Mergenthaler men available were
far short of the number required, and
il was consequently necessary to spend
great deal of time In practice.
This had served to put the Mergon-
thaler machine to somewhat of a dis
advantage in the comparative state
! ment of type set. The foreman en-
phaticalIy denied at this point that he
had in any way hindered the work OF
either machine. either in the selection
OF operators or the ordering of new sup
plies for same.
An Emphatic Denial.
Foreman Ricketts, was asked at the
morning session If It were not true thai
he owed his appointment as a member
Of the committee OF awards of the
Worlds Fair to the influence of the Mer.
genthaler people.
He replied emphatically no. That the
appointment was secured for him by {
member of Congress from Illinois. who
was a warm personal friend, and one
OF the exposition commissioners.
Witness was then asked to explain hi.
relations with the Mergenthaler com
pany. and how 1t was that he had voteC
to award the Mergenthaler machine thu
prize at the Worlds Fair.
He replied that he had no interest II
the Mergenthaler machine, whatever
and that IL was the unanimous opinion
of the committee on which he served
that the Mergenthaler machine was en-.
titled to the prize as the best all-roun6
machine He stated further In answe,
to a query that he regarded the Lans.
ton machine as a good one for ia bu-
or Fifth Do