New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-01-07
Observation-Disclosures
II oULD GIFE NO 4NSWER.
La5cyer Ordered to Leaue Room, but
Refuses to Go.

o. Attorney General Hadiey. He occupied the
witness chair for about half an hour
To most Of the important questions asked by
Mr. Hadley, bearing directly on the matter of
stock ownership. Mr.. Rogers declined to give
any answer on the advice of counsel. Mr. Had
ley requested Commissioner Sanborn to certify
the questions and Mr.. Rogers's refusal to the
Supreme Court of this State for determine
1ion as 10 whether not Mr.. Rogers must n
sWer them be adjudged in contempt. Mr.
Rogers declined To reply TO questions TO
whether he controls any stock in the Waters
Pierce oil Company; whether NJ. Van Buren,. of
New York. holds controlling interest in that
company for the Standard oil Company of New
Jersey: whether the New-Jersey company con-
trols the Standard Oil Company of Indiana
the Waters Pierce company. and whether two
thirds of the dividends of the Waters Pierce
company paid to H. NJ. Tilford, who Mr.
Rogers said. has office at No. IS Broadway.
Mr. Hadey said last night that he would take
all these questions to the Supreme Court Of New
York State to obtain order for Mr.. Rogers to
show cause why he should not answer them.
Mr.. Rogers did say, however that he never
heard of an agreement between the Standard Oil
Company of Indiana and the Pierce
Company divide the trade of Missouri and
that he does not believe it ever was made.
Mr.. Hadley said this afternoon that he has
injunction against such division, but that he
unable in Missouri to show from the officers
of the oil companies that they are owned by the
same party. This, he said. is what he is trying
10 show in the New-York hearing
The little library room of Henry Wollmans
law office at No "A Broadway was uncom-
fortably crowded yesterday morning when the
hearing began. Before the first witness, Mrs.
Ida NJ. Butts, of Marietta. Ohio, called to
the stand. the attorneys of the Standard Oil
f1oTa
the lawyers of the other side. and consent to
typewriter taking the evidence. instead of hav-
ing it written out by long hand as Fri
days hearing Although it improve
ment on the former method. it was much slower
than if the testimony had been taken by stem
ographer,
After Mrs Butts was excused. Henry H. Rog-
ers was called. Attorney General Hadley asked
the witnesses name, address and occupation.
Mr.. Rogers demanded TO see the paper on which
the questions written. and his attorneys
insisted that he had that right. Commissioner
Sanborn said he could not agree that Mr.. Rog-
ers should read each question until the end of
the examination
In a low voice Mr.. Rogers replied that his
name was Henry H. Rogers, that he lived in
New-York, and that he was engaged in the law
business.
With what oil companies are you connected?'
asked Mr.. Hadley
question, and Mr.. Rogers was advised by his
counsel. Mr. Rowe, not to answer. The Com
missioner told Mr. Rowe that he would brook
no further interference upon his part, he
represented interest present
Mr.. ROGERS DECLINES TO ANSWER
Il decline TO answer said Mr. Rogers
II direct you TO answer said the Commits
sioner.
~On advice of counsel I decline TO answer"
Mr, Rowe insisted that his objections be noted.
but the Commissioner refused
GIN refusing 70 answer do you claim any priv
State of New-York or the State of Missouri? Al
Q"Do YOU claim that the answer might tend TO
incrnlinate you or cause you to De subject TO pen
Of instructed by the commission that the SUI
ITerne Court ordered you to answer would you then
Q.-who would decide?
An objection was raised that the witness
should not he compelled 10 define that matter in
advance
Oar, you connected with any Of The respond
public oil Company of New-York or the Water
Pierce company? AYES, with the Standard Oil
Q.EWhat is that connection? Al am a director.
Q.-Are you a stockholder?
Counsel advises witness not to answer in
terjected Mr.. Rowe
Mr.. Rowe. I must ask you not TO interfere
again. said the Commissioner with emphasis
mir. Rogers not to answer the question. The
Commissioner then ordered Mr.. Rowe to leave
the room. and the lawyer said he refused to do
so and remained seated.
Il would like TO be in fis place" srnilingly in
terrupted Mr.. Rogers. which caused a general
laugh. in which even the Commissioner. lawyers
and spectators Joined.
THE hearing viii not proceed until Mr. Rowe
leaves the room then declared the Commits
sioner, firmly. would not like to resort to
force. but Mr.. Rowe must leave the room at
once"
Mr.. Ragerman, the principal attorney for the
oil interests then said that Mr. Rowe meant no
disrespect 10 the Commissioner and asked him
TO proceed. saying that the lawyer would make
no further trouble.
THE Commissioner must preserve some kind
of order here insisted the Commissioner.
Let pour oil the troubled waters by
taking q recess Of five minutes" suggested Mr..
johnson. the lawyer who represents the Waters
Pierce Company. one Of the respondents
The Commissioner thought this a good idea
and announced adjournment until O'Clock
Mr.. Rogers laughed as he left the with
his attorneys He laughed and chatted with his
counsel and seemed pleased at the turn things
had taken, did the attorneys
REMEMBERS NO TRADE AGREEMENT
When the session was resumed Mr. Hadiev
said:
In view Of a slight unpleasantness, have to
say that Mr.. Rowe. representing one Of the wit
nesses will be in easy reach and give advice
when it IS asked Otherwise the proceedings
will be interrupted"
Mr. Rogers was asked about the majority
ownership of the Standard Oil Company Of
Indiana. but declined to answer. on the ad-
vice of ar. Johnson
Il instruct the witness TO answer" said Com
missioner Sanborn.
..Tlo Won refuse TO answer because it will tend
TO incriminate you or subject you to penalties
forfeitures or criminal prosecution?" asked the