Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1909-07-16
MARTlNsBuRG. W. VA, FRIDAY JULY IS. 1909,


Eight officers, directions or law
yers Of Sugar Trust have been indicted
for conspiracy in connection with the
famous-and infamous-Segal refinery
deal. Concerning the indictments
there is still something Of myststy, be-
cause the Federal attorney In charge
Of the investigation had expressed the
opinion that an indictment would not
be worth anything, AZ. he doubted
whether 1t could be- followed by con-
viction. There was widespread Pro-
test against this expression, ard in
view of the fact that indictments have
been secured, it is difficult to explain
why the prosecutor in charge Of the
case should have been at so much pains
TO bear the stock of the prosecution.
Attorney General Wickersbam app
pears to good advantage In this case
Thus far. He has decided the uncertain
questions In favor of the Government,
concluding that whatever may be the
possibilities that the surviving direr-
tors of the Trust were not personally
responsible for the conspiracy, and
whatever may be the chance that the
statute Of limitations will lie against
successful prosecution, 1t is worth
while to so ahead and make the most
Of the case.
h 10 NJ IN In, n. tfI, IN
conspiracy appears to have been n
peculiarly wicked and reckless one.
The indicted men, as well as the GER
poration, are liable TO fines: in addition,
the directors and lawyers, if found
guilty, are liable to prisonnent. 1t
is plain enough that imposition Of the
extreme fine would be mere farce; the
Sugar Trust can well afford TO pay the
fiKes. There should be no stoppage
short of sending a few gentlemen OF
social and financial prominence to jail.
1t has been plain enough that tile
Officials Of the Trust will seek to hide
behind the name of man now dead
ana beyond the reach OF the law But
the fact that thess mem now under
indictment adopted u resolution, as
board of directors Of the Trust, Iudem-
nifying two of their humble for any
acten they might take in futherance
Of the project for suppression of the
| Segal refinery, seem to make clear
that they were upon their notice as to
the propriety Of such action as Henry
| o. Havemeyer was taking In the preis-
/ ises AS to the statute of limitations,
there is said TO be an interesting legal
question whether the period Of lmita-
tions to that. offense starts from the
adoption of the resolution, or starts
from the latest date ON which the res,
elution remsined in force. If the lat.
ter is held to be the case, thea there is
no possibility that the prosecution ia
barred by limi tation.
This conspiracy against the Segal re-
fnery was in class by itself for Ma
| chiavelion wickedness. It's results in
Guided not only the destruction of the
property waite in the refinery; they in
cIuded also the wrecking of great
| financial concern, the suicide of its
president, and disaster to many people
who were absolutely isnoccnt For
such far-reaching conspiracy a. this
none but the extreme penalty OF the
law shoulft ne 1fficienf
And once more IL is demonstrated
that the Sugar Trust has left but one
devoted friend. That friend is the
Senate of the United States. VIII the
Senate continue to interpose for the
protection of the Sugar Trust against
fort to break its monopoly ID its
power for crime7