The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1907-10-01
lands, RELUCTANT,
GRANTS IMMUNITY
Yields to Bonaparte in Chicago
and Alton Rebate Case.
REsENTs STANDARDS TAUNT
Moffett Subpoenaed - Judge Prompt
to Take Up Oil Mans Charges
Demands Proof of Persecution"
Pamphlets Allegations.


Chicago. Compelled, much against
his judgment, to grant immunity to
the Chicago and Alton Railway and
its former officials, Judge K. M. Ian
dis startled every one in his court
room by taking advantage of an open
ing that may again bring the Alton
before Federal court as defendant.
Instead of discharging the special
Grand Jury called to indict the Alton
he framed another attack. He or
dered that subpoena be issued for
James A. Moffett, president of the
Standard Oil Company of Indiana,
and instructed the jury to investigate
insinuations made by Moffett.
Judge Lands produced a booklet
written by Moffett, in which the $780,
100000 fine assessed by Judge Ian
lis against the Standard was ridi-
culed, and read this charge:
Thousands of tons of freight have
been shipped from these points dur
ing the fifteen years past under the
same circumstances as the Standard
shipments, and If the Standard is
guilty in this case so is practically
every other shipper in this great man
ufacturing territory. Is there pur-
pose in selecting the Standard as the
victims"
Then with an arm extended toward
the jurors and in an impressive voice,
the Judge said:
II hope do not need to say to you
gentlemen that the highest ambition
have as an occupant of this bench
is that no man may truthfully allege
what is contained in this pamphlet.
charge you to listen to the testi-
mony of President Moffett at 10
O'Clock next Tuesday morning and
give careful attention to it. And if
he gives you information confirma-
tory of these alleged statements, you
need no instruction from me as to
what you are called upon to do other
than to do your full duty"
Judge Lands action is regarded as
one of the most drastic moves that
have been made against officials of
the oil corporation during the entire
litigation. The scene in the court
room at times bordered on the dra-
uldtlN, buO OSNClORLACAbOe AOAlO Al {,
the granting of immunity to the
Alton road, coming as complete sur
prise to counsel for the Standard Oil
Company as we'll as to spectators.
Judge Lands denunciation of the
tactics employed by the directors of
the New Jersey corporation after the
imposition of the $29,240,000 fine on
the Standard of Indiana was couched
in language that could not be mis-
taken.
In the pamphlet distributed broad
cast throughout the country the
Standard Oil Company takes the posi-
ton that it was prosecuted rather
than prosecuted by the Government,
and the fat statement is made that
other corporations are just as culpa-
BILE of the practice of rebating as is
the oil concern. This is what Mr.
Moffett has been given an opportunity
20 prove.
If Mr.. Moffett accepts the challenge
Of Judge Lands and makes good o.
mis- charges, it is predicted that whole
sale prosecutions of shippers in the
Whiting district may follow.
In informing the Grand Jury that
1t had no duty to perform With refer.
snce to the Alton, thereby granting
the railroad immunity from prosecC
ton for rebates granted the Standard
Oil Company of Indiana, Judge
Lands followed the recommendation
of Attorney General Bonaparte, who
in letter addressed to United States
District Attorney Sims and read BY
him in court, set forth that the De
partment of jus ce could not in goot
faith proceed against the Alton il
view of promises made to the officials
OF the road in return for their testi
mony. 1t was on this testimony thai
the Standard Oil Company was found
guilty and fined $29, 100000.