The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-07-27
Head of the Southern Railway
Taken Into Custody.
Police Didn't Get to Leave the
Hotel With Him.
UNCLE SAM STEPPEDIN
Deputy United States Marshal
Took Him Away.
Agent Sentenced to Chain Gang
Is Again in Custody.

Asheville, N. c., July 27-Develop-
ments came thick and fast in the rail-
road rate law controversy today. War
rants were issued for President Finley of
the Southern railway and City Ticket
Agent o. c. Wilson, of the same road.
The warrant for President Finley was
placed in the hands of policeman, who
went to the Battery Park hotel to serve
the papers upon the executive head of
the Southern. In the meantime arrange
ments had been made for habeas corpus
proceedings before Judge Pritchard to
secure Mr.. Finley's release.
The policeman did not succeed in
reaching the police court with his pris-
oner. Just as he was ready to leave the
hotel a deputy United States marshal
walked into the hotel and took charge
of Mr.. Finley.
The policeman stood aside and Mr..
Finley was taken to the federal court
room, where he will be given liberty by
Judge Pritchard.
The warrant against o. G. Wilson, who
recently was sentenced to 80 days on
the chain gang for violating the new
rate law and who was released on
habeas corpus proceedings by Judge
Pritchard in the United States court,
was sworn out before Police Judge
Reynolds, who figured as witness In
the habeas corpus hearing. Wilson was
selling tickets to Lake ToxaWay when
taken into custody and many passengers,
it is said, were compelled to board the
train without tickets.
General Counsel Thorn and other Off
Gals of the Southern left last night for
Raleigh to consult with state officials
there in an endeavor to arrive at a set
Element of the difference existing be-
tween the railway company and the
state. The attorneys who remained here.
were greatly disturbed by the new turn
of events.
Judge Pritchard released Mr.. Finley
just before 1 o'clock.
1t was stated here today that the
of Police Judge Reynolds
Judge Merriman, counsel for the state
in the previous habeas corpus pro-
ceedings, when Division Passenger
Agent Wood was arrested, disclaimed
any knowledge Of what was going on
and has appealed to Governor Glenn
for Instructions. United States Mar
shall Milliken has arrived from Green's
boro, which is believed to show that
the federal authorities were not taken
by surprise and the presence of sew
eral deputy marshals of known cOur-
age and determination is commented
upon.
In the police court Judge Reynolds
postponed the trial of Ticket Agent
Wilson until Monday The railway
company, through counsel offered bond
for Wilson but Judge Reynolds said he
would take personal charge of the pris-
oner. Later he remarked that Wilson
could follow him around all the time
# he wanted to- and then walked off.
Wilson went in an opposite direction
and was still at liberty this afternoon.
1t is assumed Judge Reynolds postpon-
I'd the case to give the state authorities
in opportunity to send additional coun-
sci here.
Conference at Raleigh.
Raleigh N c. July 27-Southern rail-
way authorities and attorneys repre-
senting it and the Atlantic coast line
arrived today from Asheville and
sought a conference with Governor
Glenn on the railway rate litigation.
Governor Glenn arranged the confer
ence for o'clock. Governor Glenn ask
ID his counsel, Merriam & Merriam at
Ashevi1le, to continue everything until
if possible because of the con-
,ultation this afternoon.