Evening journal., 1908-04-29

Il don't know" he replied hotly 10
all the questions
What was the cost Of fuel in 1907
More than 1906" he said. 'sI,e
coal was worse in 1907"
why don't you get better coal?"
1--WE intend to-" replied Mr. Shaw.
Numerous other questions were ask
ed Of Mr.. Shaw for him to give GER
tain figures or within fifty per cent. Of
the figures. but Mr.. Shaw continued 20
reply. Il don't know"
These curt replies OF Mr.. Shaw evil
IDENTIFY Jared Mayor Wilson.
Are you aware oyu are under oath2"
asked the mayor at this juncture.
II am, and I am telling the truth"
retorted Mr. Shaw vehemently.
Mr. Shaw said he depended upon the
registrar for financial statements Of
the department and upon the chief ~
gineer for statements as to the me-
ohanical department.
He was asked TO tell what items he
considered in making up the rates for
meters and the fiat rates, and he said
he didn't know
Mayor Was Indignant
Knox was next called as a witness.
ASK him the same questions you
asked me-" called out Mr.. Shaw rom
the ba kcof the room.
Mayor Wilson, his face betraying his
indignation, arose and face Mr. Shaw.
'Mr. Shaw, don't interrupt this inves-
ltigation," commanded the mayor in no
uncertain tone. Mr. Shaw sat down.
Commissioner Knox said he was un-
able to answer most OF the questions
asked Of him by Mr.. Townsend-slmi-
lar TO those asked Mr.. Shaw-because
the 1907 report OF Chief Engineer Lei
sen Is not out yet and he said he had
not seen IT.
rs this information furnished to
you at stated periods"
1T Is not-at least to me. have
seen no reports except a financial state
ment showing us what amount OF
money we had to spend, what is to
be paid and the balance that would
remain"
Mayor Wilson asked Mr.. Knox Il
he had any intlmation from anybody
that he was to be called as a witness
today, and he said he had not.
Mayor Wilson asked If he consider
ed the information he received at the
meetings OF the department was CON-
prehensive enough for She proper con-
duct OF the department and Mr.. Knox
said he did not regard IL as conpre-
henslve enough.
Mr.. Knox said the board looked to
the president to take the Initiative.
There are many things I have rpt
known about lately until after they
are DONE" said Mr. Knox
"Then I understand you are not con-
suited about some things"
Eyes, sir"
Mr.. Knox also said some things aro
considered and decided in private con-
ference prior to the meeting. and then
are formally acted upon in a public
meeting OF the board.
Councilman Cassidy questioned Mr..
Knox and the latter said he had acsoss
to the books Of the department and he felt
he was as conversant now with the tinan-
cial end as the other members are. Mr.
/ Knox said that conditions as he saw
them caused him 20 make the chargs OF
unbusinesslike and extravagant manage
ment. In reply to Mr.. Higgins he said
he had sometimes asked for informa lion
and had gotten II in general way. but
sometimes not enough to satisfy him.
President Shaw was recalled as wit
ness He said he had reports from Mr..
Grohe, but there was no serious report
Of the cost OF operation OF the plant re-
ceived from Mr. Leisen He said he had
heard figures Of the cost OF opera Ssn but
did not remember II am satisfied The de-
partment IS run right" said Mr.. Shaw.
'rhis department has turned a million
dollars over to Council. and don't think
it has lost money. OF course Il YOU are
going to manipulate the ngucee---"
''Do you mean to say these figures are
manipulatedT
Il don't mean there has been any dis
honest transaction" said Mr.. Shaw, 'brt
the figures may be arranged IN differeut
ways to show different thiSSs.