The Washington times., 1906-10-05
CUBAN SITUATION
DELAYS OIL SUITS
Departmental Justice Wait
ing for Return of Taft
Before Acting.
PRESIDENT WANTS ADVICE
Believed Proceeding Against STANDARD
Win Be in Nature of Conspiracy
Prosecution.

Il has been reported recently that the
department of Justice is delaying the
filing of suits against the Standard
OH Company because of some difficult
questions as 10 the jurisdiction in which
they ought 20 be instituted, This is
not true. it can be stated on good au-
thority. Further. there has been no
delay in the Ming OF the cases. except
such as is incident 20 the work OF pre-
pairing them in detail. and 10 securing
the hnal approval of the Presidents
closest advisers. The matter being one
OF the very largest Importance. Presi-
dent Roosevelt is anxious 20 have his
most valued counselors In agreement
before the step is taken.
Stayed by Cuban Crisis.
Il is understood that the crisis in
Cuba has been one cause of delay When
Attorneys Kellogg and Morrison came
here some days ago, the understanding
was that their visit would be marked
by the final consideration of prelimin-
aries. But the Cuban situation called
Secretary Taft away and SO no deter
miuative action was taken in his alb
sence. IL is now the impression that
until his return, nothing more Will be
done In the case II seems To be
his Judgment be secured before suits
are started.
That Secretary Taft is likely to be
back In Washington In very short
time is inferred by officials from the
fact that MessFs Kellogg and Morrison
now have their plans for resumption OF
the conferences here next week MIR.
Kellogg is in New York on business and
Mr.. Morrison returned 20 Chicago,
with the arrangement 20 meet here
again next week
Probably Criminal Prosecution.
II is thought that at that time. unless
something unexpected develops in Cuba
the conclusive consideration of the
Standard oil program viii be had The
impression is that the proceeding viii be
In the nature Of conspiracy proseCu-
ton under the sherman Jaw, though IL
IS admitted that there are phases which
il they develop as now seems highly
possible. may justify criminal prOsecU-
tons.
To Pass on Ohio Ice Trust.
Il IS understood that the Department
of Justice Will shortly pass upon The
report of special attorneys In what Is
known as the Ann Arbor Ice Trust
case. This is the alleged combine of
railway officials and an ice company
which stirred Toledo deeply during the
which was ordered 10y President Roose- g.
welt IL is understood that the special 1
investigators have made out what they
cpnsluer strong case If this receives
the Endorsement of Attorney General /
Moody. the district attorney AT Clevc-
land viii be directed 20 begin action.
Complaints Against Contractors.
The Department of Justice is passing
promptly upon scores OF complaints
against Government contractors Tor vio- |
lauon Of the eisht-hour law. In many
cases the evidence warrants action and /
district attorneys IN a number OF States
have been directed 90 begin suit with
Out delay The department prefers at
this time not To make public the names
OF the firms involved.
CharEes against contractors engaged |
IN Ohio river Improvement work are /
now being closely investigated by spe-
Cial agents selected for that purpose by /
the department Final action Is ex-
Fected shortly.