New-York tribune., 1907-10-17
PROXIES IN DISPUTE.
H4RRfM4N-FTSH DUEL ON.
Illinois Central Stockholders Put
off Election of Directors.

N order at noon to-day, was finally adjourned
late in the afternoon until o'clock tomorrow
roo71ling No vote the directors was taken
and If is possible that none will be reached
before late tomorrow. It is generally expected,
however that the early session will see the new
directorate established.
The delay was caused by the inability of
three election inspectors. appointed to act as a
committee on credentials in considering the
nroxies. to finish their work. The adjournment
was taken after an interesting tilt between
William Nelson Cromwell. Mr. Harriman's lead
ing counsel. and James A. Patten. a prominent
member of the Chicago Board of Trade Mr.
Cromwell desired that the meeting be adjourned
until 30 o'clock tonight while Mr.. Patten
was set on having it held over until o'clock
tomorrow morning.
Both sides are still apparently confident Of
the result Stuyvesant Fish said tonight: Il
have great hopes but we cannot tell as yet"
Mr Hartman declared: Il cannot predict the
results Of the meeting, but it may be said that
it will be a clean cut fight. If we fail to vote
enough stock to control the meeting the issue
will be up TO the courts"
Only once during the days open proceedings
die the bitterness underlying the struggle come
10 the surface. Charles A Peabody questioned
q statement made by Stuyvesant Fish in the di-
rectors' meeting. Every one looked at Mr. Fish
who, leaning over the table with eyes flashing
said in low, tense tones:
Don't you use such language TO me, sir
When I say voted that way did, and I allow
no one TO dispute my word"
There anxious moment, and then
director called attention TO another matter and
the incident passed
NO APPLAUSE FOR HARTMAN.
The proceedings of the day were opened by a
meeting Of the directors. On motion of Mr.
Fish it was decided to admit representatives Of
the press. 1t was stipulated yesterday by Judge
BAH that a committee Of three should be ap-
pointed TO pass upon the eligibility of the
proxies. For this committee Mr.. Fish. who was
TO select one member, chose his private secre-
tary, Charles H. Wenman. Mr.. Hartman Sc
lected Louis Fritch, assistant to the president
Of the Illinois Central. These two were 10 Sc
lect third, but the choice of the additional
member left TO Judge Farrar acting for Mr.
Fish, and Mr.. Cromwell, for Mr.. Hartman.
The two men argued for the greater part of
the night and discussed many names, but We're
unable to agree upon the third man. When the
meeting Of directors was called it was still un-
decided. and finally a motion, originally made
by Judge Farrar. that Judge Ball be asked 70
select the third man, adopted. The judge
named E. S. Conway, prominent manufacturer
Of this city.
The meeting of the stockholders was called TO
order at noon by President Harahan. about four
hundred persons being in attendance. Mr.. Fish
was greeted with applause when he entered, but
the smaller stature of Mr.. Hartman allowed
him to enter unobserved.
Soon after he arrived Mr.. Fish walked over to
where President Harahan was seated. and
placing his hand upon Mr.. Harahan's shoulder
bent over and said few words to him which
were evidently Of a pleasant character. Presj-
dent Harahan, however, was not in the mood for
social greetings and threw off Mr.. Fishs hand
with a manner Of much impatence. Mr.. Fish
merely smiled and returned to his seat.
Mr.. Fish occupied q seat at the left of Presi-
dent Harahan, being surrounded by his attor-
neys and advisers. Mr.. Hartman who left the
conduct OF his affairs entirely 10 Mr.. Cromwell.
occupied a chair in the front row of the stock
holders seats, sitting next 10 Governor Deneen
OF Illinois, with whom he conVersed cheerfulIy
throughout the greater part of the meeting.
Next TO Governor Deneen sat the of Stuy-
vesant Fish, with whom Mr. Hartman cordially
shook hands.
The actual proceedings of the meeting were
opened by the collection Of the names of stock
holders personally present. Then Mr.. Cromwell.
who TO all intents and purposes was the pre-
siding officer, declared that the three inspectors
would receive the proxies in adjoining room.
He also moved that the meeting take ad-
journnnent until $3.50 o'clock in the afternoon.
The motion adopted
CLASH OVER ADJOURNMENT.
Immediately after Mr.. Harahan had called the
meeting TO order with three raps of his gavel at
8:45 o'clock Mr.. Cromwell arose and said:
'T am informed by the members Of the com
rlittee on proxies that they have been unable to
finish their work and are not prepared TO report
for several hours I therefore move that an
adjournment be taken until $3.50 o'clock to-
night"
Instantly James A. Patten was on his feet
Mr. Patten is large man, whose appearance
and manner suggest that he is entirely capable
Of caring for himself in any kind Of a fight. He
objected strongly to the adjournment. saying:
Il move TO amend the motion by making the
hour o'clock tomorrow morning There are
many stockholders here who live outside the
city and for whom IT is inconvenient to attend
pight meeting"
4r Cromwell arose again, courteous in the
extreme IL would call the attention Of the
stockholders he said, 'to the fact that this is
business meeting for the conduct Of impor-
tant affairs. / regret IL any stockholders should
be put 20 inconvenience, but this is case
where should attend 10 business without
considering our comfort too closely. ! there
fore insist upon the adoption of my motion"
4 desire said Mr. Patten with aggressive
manner and in warlke tones ''to call the atten-
uon OF the meeting to the fact that when the
right session Is over the lawyers can take a cab
and reach their hotels in FIVE minutes. while the
stockholders' who live out of town cannot do
so without taking a much longer time. This
meeting is a meeting Of Illinois Central stock
holders and is being by the stockholders
BG moi 60