The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-06

world
Mr.. Rockefeller was shown to
seat to the left of the judges desk.
His presence in the court room was all
most unnoticed by the spectators I'M
til he was we'll up the side aisle. Then
buzz went up from the sweltering
crowd packed in the rear of the room
and rustic and movement as each
one tried to get a glimpse of the oil
magnate. There was no demonstra-
ton, however. Mr.. Rockefeller looked
curfously around him for a moment as
he settled in his seat and then COM
menced whispered conversation
with one of his attorneys.
Are you comfortable here, Mr..
Rockefeller" asked Marshal Hoy.
Perfectly thank YOU" answered
the oil magnate.
ROckefelIers Sit Together.
William Rockefeller, who had been
sitting in the rear of the party came
forward moment later when beckon-
ed to by his brother, and took a seat
at the latter's side They conyersed
watch the proceedings that preceded
the calling of the Standard OIL case.
The oppressive heat of the court room
made the crowd uneasy but it quoted
when Judge Lands threatened to have
the court room cleared.
William Rockefeller welded his soft
straw hat fan as the clerk droned
through the call of some minor cases
mails pleaded briefly for leniency for
their convicted clients. but John d.
Rockefeller. apparently suffering no
inconvenience. listened and watched
Judge Lands closely, leaning forward
the better to hear Is the judge pro-
nounced his sentence on a prisoner
convicted of improper use of the
mails.
Immediately after the entrance of
Rockefeller to the court room PAN
n ar mi INN hl-O1 tn =
The crowd pushed at the policemen
and the policemen. gasping and per-
spring. showed them back in desper-
ate fashion. From struggling with the
police. two members of the crowd soon
turned upon each other and a few
spontaneous punching matches enliv-
ened the already strenuous proceed
ings in the hall. So serious did the
situation become that United States
Marshal Hoy was compelled to tele-
phone to police headquarters for adj
ditional help. The parallel for such a
situation was never before witnessed N
or about federal court room in Chi
cago. Inside the court room the jam
was nearly as bad as In the hall out
side. The walls were lined with spec
tators unable to secure seats. Others
filled the window seats. damned the
doorways. sat upon chairs in couples
and even sQuatted on the floor.
Standard Case Is Called.
The Standard Oil case was called at
1927 by Judge Lands. District At
torney Sims briefly stated the facts in
the case as previously outlined.
Attorney John S. Miller for the
Standard oil company then announced
that Mr.. Rockefeller and other wit
nesses summoned by the court were
present and prepared to answer the
questions of the court. Mr. Miller then
entered a motion IN arrest of judgment
Of the case.
"overruled," said Judge Landis
shortly.
Fred A wann. former general
freight agent of the Chicago & Alton
railroad during the time covered by
the Indictment. was the first witness
called. He was asked by Judge Lands
If he had given any instructions that
the rate on oil between Chicago and
East st. Louis should apply by way of
Ind. He declared that he
had no personal recollection of such
instructions. The judge asked several
objected to by Mr.. Miller, who was
promptly overruled.
H. E. FELTON,, president OF the Union !
Tank line, was then called. Judge |
the payment of money by the Union
Tank line to the Alton during the time
covered in the trial.
I'VE paid three-quarter of a cent a |
mile on loaded and empty cars alike"
said Mr.. FELTON,.
Are you sure you paid it on empty |
cars?" asked the judge.
That is my best recollection"
stock of the Union Tank Line COM
pany is owned by any other COM
pany?"
The major part of its stock is
owned by the Standard OIL company of
New jersey
do you know what the outstanding |
stock of the Standard Oil company of
New Jersey is?''
mo, SIR
Rockefeller Is Called.
John D. Rockefeller" called Judge |
Lands.
Amid dead silence the oil magnate
arose and started for the witness |
chair. At the same time the Standard |
OIL attorneys clustered around Judge |
Lands desk and began a whispered |
Ter hesitated.
''Sit right still a moment, john" said !
his brother and Mr.. Rockefeller re-
Sumed his seat.
Messrs. Miller and Rosenthal of the
Standard Oil company, United States
District Attorney Sims and his assist |
ant, Mr.. Wilkerson, and Arthur Eddy. |
attorney for the Standard Oil
ton with Judge Lands, which stretch |
ed into minutes, Mr.. Rockefeller wait |
ing with a mildly curious expression on |
his face. Finally an understanding as |
to the questioning was reached and the !
attorneys resumed their seats.
John D. Rockefeller" again called |
Judge Lands, and the president of the |
Standard Oil company left his seat |
walked slowly to the witness chair at /
the right of Judge Lands and raised |
his right hand as the clerk administer |
ed the oath to swear ito tell the |
truth, the whole truth and nothing but |
the truth, so help you God"
II do" affirmed Mr. Rockefeller dis |
tinctly as the clerk finished.
Mr.. Rockefeller sat down, crossed his |
legs, leaned his right hand on his cane, |
put his left hand on the Judges desk, |
and looked intently at Judge Lands
Mr.. Rockefeller asked Judge Lam
dis. ''have you any connection with the |
Standard Oil company"