The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-04-07
SPEAKS AT LAST.
Rockefeller Replies to the Pro-
testing Ministers
Through His Chief Solicitor
S. G. 7. DOdd.
DENIES EVERYTHING.
Declares That Standard Does
Not Own Amy Railroad.
Resents Charge That He Has
Acted Dishonesty.

New York, April is. c. T. Dodd
chief solicitor of the Standard Oil COM
pany, has given out a statement with
reference to the recent discussion as to
the acceptance OF a gift Of 100000 Of
fered by John D. Rockefeller for mis-
sionary work Mr.. Dodd declares that
the statement that Mr.. Rockefeller
made his money dishonesty is false,
is vile, and, being made by ministers
1n the pretended interest of morality
IS doubly vile" Mr.. Dodd then says
that the Standard Oil company does
not own a share Of stock of any railroad
company, does not control 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 OF the
Standard Oil company, before the in
diVidual commission is quoted in this
connection. With reference to gas and
copper companies, Mr.. Dodd says:
NO doubt many have been preju-
diced against Mr.. Rockefeller by sensa-
Gional writers, whose articles, accom-
panied by portraits and caricatures, are
intended to create the impression that
MIR. Rockefeller was principal in the
affairs relating to the organization of
the gas and copper companies, although
no fact showing such connection is
stated. The Standard Oil company has
already denied that it has any cOnnec-
tion or interest, directly or indirectly,
IN the organization of these corpora
tions 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 corporation "
Mr.. Dcdd's statement is as follows:
There may we'll be a difference of
er the board of missions should receive
gifts unless satisfied that the giver is
honest: but all win 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 stain. There is no
excuse for those who make money dis
honestly and still less excuse for those
who in the name Of religion falsely ac-
cuse their fellow men.
"The objection Of MI. ROckefeller's
gift is based upon the allegation that
he made his money dishonesty. This
accusation is false, is vile and being
made by ministers in the pretended in
teEest Of morality, is doubly vile. The
assertion should not be made unless it
can be readily established by specifica-
ton and proof. I have seen no proof
and no attempt even at specification,
except in the protest Of Dr. GLADDEN.. He
q In this case the investigation has
been thoroughly made and the facts are
known. The legislative inquiries, the
records of the courts have given the
reading people of this country the ma
terials for a judgment upon the methods
of Standard Oil and never was a. day
when their minds were as clear on this
subject as they are now Then follow
the specifications: Mr.. Rockefeller
may deny that rebates are now giver
to the Standard; but the Standard nov
controls about two-thirds of the rail
roads of this country. and its power is
exerted in establishing classification o.
freights in such a way that it can xii
competition Rebates are no Longer
necessary
''The assertion IS not true. No sucl
state Of facts has ever been disclosed
by any investigation, nor supported u.
evidence in any court of law No sucl
facts exist to be proved. The Stand
ard Oil company does not own a shar
OF stock of any railroad company, no
does 1t control any railroad company
Stockholders of the Standard undoubt
edly invest in railroad. as in othei