New-York tribune., 1906-12-20
TELLS OF TRUST TRICK
OIL WITNESS ON STAND.
Head Of "Tndependen:" Concern
Still DreaC Salary from Standard.

c Z Nichols. president OF the Republic on
Corpany, important witness Yesterday
N the bearing before Commissioner Robert A
Anthony at the Waldorf. IN the suit Of the state
Of Missouri against the Standard Oil Companv
tns fts subsidiary companies He testified n,
response 20 questions by counsel for the STAN
6ard on Company that the Republic Oil Com
psny was organized 70 maintain the trade Of
the schoheld company and was run as an inde-
pendent company IN competition w.sF the
waters-Pieroe company and the Standard OIL
Company of Indiana The Republic bought
much of its oil from independent rehneries. he
said.
Cross-eTanined by Attorney General T7adIe-
cs Missouri Mr- Nichols said he was employed
by the Standard oil Company before becoming
president of the Republic, assistant To
Walter Jennings, on the tenth floor Of No. %
Broadway. As president OF the Republic oil
Company he drew 81. 500 year as salary from
;hat company and the rest OF his salary from
the Standard OF. his salary altogether being in
creased only $500 a year. He also held some
stock of thS Republic. but he turned hack the
dividends on the stock 20 the Standard Oil Com
pRny's treasurer.
Mr. Nichols testified that the Republic on
Company was closing out its business in Mis-
sour- but he said Mr.. Hadley's Injunction had
prevented the company from getting out en-
tirelv. Mr.. Hadley remarked that he wanted
something 10 levy on. and continued the cross
sxsulins ton
o.-Rut YOU intend 70 get ont q Missouri. ana
gol are o1lE row IN Kansas City and St Louis?
e-Afte- the disclosures that the Republic COM
pElv was not an independent concern Won felt thar
the interests had been suhserved and the RepubIic
company could end its existence7 An a way.
o.-y7u hagc sold your business outside Of Mis-
o-Berause Il had served ;rs purpose when ths
eisrioSTe nae been made thar il was not an fnde-
special trade IN the special brand 'Palacine thar
nsd been built up by the Schofeld Company for
which ne Republic was organized when the busi-
ness q the latter company was sold
q the R-pubiic company? A9WiTb ]. A Moffett,
-Q-FoT now much was TIE business sold? A
o--To whom was the money turned over-ths
Standard Oh Company Of New Jersey? A-No.
Q-Whe-e is 81 now. An the National City
Bank In rhe name of the Republic OF Company.
A-yes
The witness testified further that the Republic
on Company had cut down its Office forces in
Kansas City and St Louis and was ready 10 sell
the Missouri business 10 the Standard OIL.
George 3. Wilson testified that he was the hrst
president of the Republic OF Company. but he
served only a short time. He had been in the
service a. the Standard Oil Company many
years
7 wac not a marketer." he explained. and
was elected only until such q time a mar
keter could be picked out"
Q.-vho spoke TO YOU first about becoming presi-
Cent ~ The Republic company Al think L. D.
Clarke controller Of the Standard oil Company.
Q-rheu YOU knew that the Standard oil COM
pany was forming a company 70 take over the
sehoheid company? Al understood
William s Heyer. OF Baltimore former St
Louis manager OF the Republic Oil Company.
testified that the company bought part OF its
supplies from the rehneries that supplied the
Waters-Pierce Oh Company. He said he occa-
sionally talked over the telephone with Mr.. Van
Harren. the manager oH the Waters-Pierce oil
Company. about tank wagon prices 70 be fol-
loved. He said they did not consult about fix
ing prices. but he was instructed 10 follow the
market prices. he followed the prices Of the
WaterE-Pierce oil Company
Ever give reba tes?'
We may have followed rebates OF the Waters |
Pierce Company. I don't think that We ever /
o. any originally"
Johu u Archbold. one of the Standard Oil |
directors. nav be witness to-day. It IS eX- |
pected that the hearing VIII end this evening.