Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-06-11
TRIAL MAY CONTINUE
THROUGHOUT NEXT WEEK
Defendants Are Admitting Nothing
and Commonwealth VIII Put Many
More Witnesses on stand-Import-
ant Facts Brought Out Through Mr..
Lecksy--Flve Others Testify.

That net profits from the insurance
business are greater in Virginia than
in the State OF New York, in spite
OF the fact that license taxes in Vir-
ginia are larger than in New York;
that practically all, II not all, OF the
Insurance, companies doing business
IN Virginia do business according 10
the rates promulgated by the South
eastern Underwriters Association;
that any company which uses rates
,ower than those prescribed by the
association cannot get reinsurance,
and that any agent who handles the
business of "cut-rate" company Is
smore likely to lose his regular COM
panies, were the important facts cs-
tAhlished by the commonwealth yes
terday in the trial of officers and
members OF the Southeastern Under
writer's Association on the charge OF
maintaining an unlawful conspiracy to
fix and control insurance rates in
Newport News.
The admission as to the net profits
In New York and Virginia was drawn
from Robert Leckey, Jr., of Richmond,
dllti q INK W.
Leckey declined to answer n question
as to the commission paid agents In
New York by his company, and the
court granted him permission to con-
suit counsel before persisting In his
refusal to answer. II Commonwealth's
Attorney Berkeley desires II, the wit
ness will have 10 return to the city
later to answer or decline TO answer
the question. II he is required to
come back, he probably will face the
alternative of answering the question
or going to Jail.
Importance of Question.
The commemorative attorney de-
mand that this question be answered
was made because, the defense hay-
ing attempted TO show that rates are
high In Virginia because of excessive
taxation, II was deemed essential that
1t be proven that the insurance com
panies make greater profits in Vir-
Finia, In spite of the fact that tax
alton is higher in this State than In
New York.
Many Facts Brought Out.
Mr.. Leckey left the stand yester
day afternoon at $3.50 O'Clock. after
Uttn uuutf utdtlN
two days. He was put on as a COM
monwealth's witness, and in spite of
the fact that he proved to be won
dsrfully resourceful and effective ad.
yocate of the beneficial features of the
underwriters association, many facts
of importance to the commonwealth
we're drawn from him.
After Mr.. Leckey, left the stand four
other witnesses were examined In
short order. When Howard Saunders.
OF Hampton. took the stand. however,
his examination did not progress so
speedily and he was still giving direct
testimony when o'clock arrived.
At the suggestion of Mr.. Stuart,
court will be in session oaiy two
hours today. from 10 o'clock until
room. Then an adjournment will be TAX
en- until Monday morning. Mr.. Batchior
asked that court adjourn until Tues
day, In order that the defendants and
witnesses from a distance might
spend Sunday with the families, but
the ccurt. saying that those who
could 60 home at all could arrange to
return Monday, declined TO grant fur.
Their delay.
They Admit Nothing.
The commonwealth will not finish
putting on testimony before the mid
die OF next week. as the trial hardly
can conclude before the end of the
week All hope Of an agreement upon
facts aas been dissipated. Thursday
Mr. Bachelor SYSTEMATICALLY said a
sood deal about wanting TO lay bare