New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-12-07
TRIBUTE TO MORSE
Oilers Resolution in Evidence at
Ice Trial.

The trial of the American Ice Company
before Justice Wheeler and a jury in the
Criminal Branch of the Supreme Court on
an Indictment charging a violation OF the
anti-monopoly law entered It's third month
yesterday. Wesley NJ. Oler. president of
the defendant company. completed the d.
rect testimony which he began to give on
Friday. and his cross-examination at the
hands OF Mr.. Osborne was I'm progress when
the trial adjourned until to-day.
Mr. Oler testified that when he became
president OF the American Ice Company. In
1904. he found the business force in New
York demoralized. and because many OF the
old employees had left he had 10 obtain new
men Under the prompting of Mr.. Stanch-
field. of counsel for the defence, he en-
lsrged upon his management of the COM
pany until Mr.. Stanchfeld asked. as his
las; question before turning over the wit
ness 10 Mr.. Osborne:
Now. Mr.. Oier. have you ever tried or
attempted 10 create a monopoly in the sale
of ice?''
Nothing was ever further from my mind.
II would be foolish for any man to at
tempt IT," replied the witness.
After the witness had denied that he took
control of the American at the instance Of
Charles W. Morse. Mr.. Osborne produced
the minutes of Mr. Oler's testimony before
the grand jury. wherein he was quoted as
saying that he made II a condition Of his ac-
ceptance that he should have a new board
of directors which would command the re-
spect OF the public. and that Morse had
offered 10 advance $500 coo for working capt.
tai if Mr.. Oler took the presidency. The
witness recalled the testimony.
Mr.. Osborne then asked him II he did not
draw up with his own hand a commenda-
tory resolution, which, with a loving cup,
had been presented 10 Mr.. Morse AS Mr..
Oilers memory on this point failed him, Mr..
Osborne refreshed il by bringing out the
resolution as IL appeared in one of the
Americans minute books. drawn up by
Wesley NJ oler and Thomas Sturgis. and
adopted unanimously by the board. Later
the prosecutor read the resolution with evil
dent enjoyment. II read as follows;
Whereas. Charles W. Morse. who has
since its formation. has declined a re-elec-
ton TO that position, and
Whereas, II is the desire OF the board or
directors 10 express in some fitting way
their regret that his decision is final, not
withstanding their urgent request that he
Whereas Mr.. Morse has devoted his ex-
ceptional abilities during a continuous
period or years TO establishing the DuSl-
ness or this company upon broad and nrm
foundations. bringing TO its assistance hts
personal resources and credit, while de-
Ginning 10 receive from IL any cOmpensa-
ton. be IL, therefore.
Resolved. That in giving these valuable
services TO the company MIR. Morse has set
an example OF devotion TO its welfare and
OF high conception of the position of a
trustee Of corporate interests that well
may be emulated by others. And further,
be IL
Resolved, That, as executive head of the
company, Mr.. Morse has displayed such
genius for organization and such rare tact
in the handling of men and affairs, that
his withdrawal therefrOm would be an ir-
reparable loss but for the fact that he
continues to be chairman OF the board and
executive committee.
Resolved, That We express our deepest
regret at the parting with Mr.. Morse as
our president and our earnest wish for his
future welfare and prosperity.
That's the sort of resolutions that are
passed upon retiring members OF the bar"
commented Mr.. Stanchfield.
And the members OF the bar are now
glad that his business is distributed among
them" rejoined Mr.. Osborne.