Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-04-07
S. c. 7: DoDD,
Chief Solicitor Of the
Standard Oil Company,
Says Rockefeller Came by His
Money Honestly.
Minister Should Be Free From Stain
The Statement.

New York, April 6.--S. c. r. Dodd,
chief solicitor of the STANDARD Oil Co,
gave out a statement, to-day, with refer
ence to the recent discussion as to the
acceptance Of gift CT 100000 offered
hy John ID. Rockefeller. for missionary
work. Mr.. Dodd declares that the state
ment that Mr.. Rockefeller made his
money dishonesty ''if false, is vile, and
being made by ministers in the pre-
tended interest of morality is doubly
vile"
Mr.. Dodd than says that the Standard
Oil Co. does not own a share of stock
of any railroad company, does not con-
troll any railroad company and that
since the enactment of the Interstate
commerce law, has not received lower
rates than other shippers, by rebates,
arrangements, devices or plans of any
character. The testimony Of Howard
Page, freight agent % the Standard Oil
Co.. before the Industrial commission is
quoted in this connection. With refer
ence to gas and copper companies Mr..
Dodd says:
No doubt many have been prejiu-
diced against Mr.. Rocke Teller by sensa-
tiOnal writer's whose articles accom-
panied by portraits and caricatures are
Intended to create the impression that
Mr.. Rocke teller was principal in the at
fairs relating to the organization of the
gas and copper companies. although no
fact showing such connection is stated.
The Standard Oil Co. has already de-
nied that it had any connection or in
terest directly or indirectly in the Or
ganiZatiOn of these corporations and on
the best authority the same denial is
now made for John D. Rockefeller. He
had no connection with nor interest in.
directly or Indirectly. the organization
Of these corporations"
Continuing, Mr.. Dodd says:
There may well be difference of
opinion or the abstract question wheth-
err the board of missions should receive
gifts unless satisfied that the giver is
honest; but all will agree that if he who
brings his gift to the altar must come
with clean hands still more should he
who ministers at the altar and receives
the gift be free from staiE. There is no
excuse for those who make money dis
honestly and still less excuse for those,
who in the name of religion falsely &C
cuse their fellow men.
The objection to Mr.. Rockefeller
gift is based upon the allegation that
he made his money dishonesty. This
accusation if false, is vile and being
made by ministers in the pretended in
tcrest of morality is doubly vile. The
assertion should not be made unless it
can readily be established by specifica-
ton and proof. have seen no proof
and no attempt even at specification.
except in the protest of DR.. GLADDEN..
He says:
I'm this case. the investigation has
been thoroughly made and the facts
known. The legislative inquiries. the
records of the courts have given the
reading people of this country the ma
terials for judgment upon the meth
obs Of Standard oil and there never was
4 day when their minds were as clear
on this subject as they are now
"Then follows the specification, Mr.
Rockefeller may deny that rebates are
now given to the standard: but the
standard now controls about two thirds
of the railroads of this country and its
mower is eXarted in establishing CLASH
fication of freights in such a way that
If can kill competition. Rebates are no
longer necessary
1.-THE assertion is not true. No such
state of facts has ever been disclosed
Inv any investigation )r supported by
evidence in any court of law. No such
facts exist to be proved. The Standard
Oil co. does not own a share of stock
in anv railway comapny. nor does it
cont ;,ol any railroad company. Stock
holders of the STANDARD undoubtedly
invest in railroad as in other shares:
hut Stockholders Of the Standard are
not a ma iority on the board of drec-
tors Of any railroad company. so far
.s am aware and therefore cannot
control.
"Tbe question of railway rebates and
Standard control Of railways was in
vestigated by the United States indus
.r;,, commission. in 1900. and they re.
,,ortad no such facts. Members of the
STANDARD and of the railways were eX-
,,,;ned in relation to these subjects.
- was shown that Drio- to the enact
Won't of the interstate commerce Law,
~. rahate system was universal Rail.
roads made their nominal rates higher
.ha,, +hey expected to obtain from regu-
fraioht to be paid was matter Of con-
tract Each shipper made the best terms
~, could. The standard did not invent
mic system; it found it existing AMI
could rot do business without submit
t;ng To it. Like all other shippers it
80, the best terms it was able to
,,aLa with the railroads. Its refineries
Voc located at points where it could
taLe advantage of railway competition.
r. cleo strove to give equivalents for re-
auctions in freight. 1t shipped not only
oar,oads. but trainloads 1t provided ter
, va, IA, and other facilities and assumed
~, r;sks of loss. Public opinion. more
a a., in these days than in those.
100 have discovered that this was all
, ,,,aonn. but At that time. the business
,',on who did not accept that method
,,.a,,,d better have closed his shop The
lie. 1871" told of the immense aggregate
s 81 the rebates paid to the Standard,
~ ,,oua shown by that investigation to b,
We, ,,,s A large portion of the rebates
continued on Page Two3