The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-06-08
STRIKING DAY
IN RATE MATTER.
General Manager Spen-
Ger Tells Of Officers
Salaries.
LAWYERS FIGHT
OVER QUESTION
Braxton and Anderson Contend
That This Information Is
Necessary to Inquiry, and
Mr.. Thorn Thinks It Is
Company's Private.
Business.

Each days sitting OF the State Cor
poration Commission on the freight rate
matter brings out some new and inter-
esting feature OF the inquiry. but the
session yesterday excelled all previous
ones In this line.
Mr.. Braxton, who is conducting the
case in conjunction with Attorney-Gen
eral Anderson for the State, had General
Manager IL B. Spencer on the stand oil
day on cross-examination, sand when the
commission adjourned until IL o'clock to-
day, he said he might have some further
questions to PROFOUND. The inquiry yes.
tcrday was interesting Throughout, and
there were strong debates between coun-
sci as to the adnissibility Of testimony,
Mr.. A. H. Plant, the auditor OF the
Southern. will probably go on to-day,
and will occupy the stand for some time.
The commission will not hold session
tomorrow, but will adjourn over this
evening until Monday
When court convened. Attorney. Cen
eral Anderson was beside MIR. BraXton
for the first time. and took part in the
proceedings. He had been Detained IN
the Supreme Court ut Wytheville,4 and
only arrived here Wednesday night
A Striking Feature.
The main feature OF yesterdays ses-
sion was the able and striking debate
between counsel over admitting questions
as to the salaries Of the general officers OF
the Southern Railway Company.
When Mr.. Spencer was testlfying on
his examination in chief on the previ-t
ous day, Mr. Thorn brought out that
wages paid to laborers, englnemen, fire.
men. conductors and other employees had
largely increased In the last few years,
and the object OF this was to show that
along with other expenses of operation
the increase had been So heavy as 70
warrant the company In asking that
their rates be not reduced.
Mr.. BrnXton cross examined the wit
less g. to these matters at some length,
and having finished this line OF inquiry,
he suddenly asked him as to the salaries
OF the general officers OF tho road. Mr..
Thom was on his feet In second to
object, and brilliant controversy was
prosecuted for more than an hour.
Strongly Stated.
N1essrs. Braxton and Anderson argued
earnestly that this was a proper line of
questioning and Mr.. Thorn took the op-.
posite view and spoke with great force.
The testimony was admitted by the
commission, anu MT. OpeiiSeI eoiu eiiS
amount OF his own salary and OF all the
officers under him.
He said his salary was $1,000, and those
of the other officers mentioned by MN
ranged down to $500 per year.
Mr.. Braxton was rigid IN his cross
examination OF Mr. Spencer and asked
him great many questions which Wit
ness said were out OF his particular line,
and which he could not therefore an
swer intelligently.
Good Judges are at sea as to the prop
able length Of the inquiry, and some OF
them express the opinion that It may last
for several months,
Major Anderson Present.
When the commission convened at II
q clocl, Attorney-General Anderson, who
is leading counsel for the State, and
who has been detained Mt Wytheville
In the Supreme Court, appeared for tho
first time, and Joined Mr.. BraXton In tho
conduct OF the case. Comptroller Coke,
of the Norfolk and Western. was re-
Ecallcd for moment to shy whether or
not he was certain the Valley Railroad
had ever been In tho hands Of receivers.
Witness was not sure about tho mat
ter, but ho said he would look up data
on tho subject
Mr.. Braxton then resumed his cross
examination Of General Manager II B..