Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-03-26

the Interior Department than before the
Interstate commerce commission"
And more favorabley'
IF you mean that improper influence
would be brought to bear I submit that
your question is not fair one.
Il take 1t you would rather do business
with one man than with Congress?"
Il should say so.'' replied the witness
with enthusiasm.
Mr.. Steele said bill was pending in
Congress exempting the Copper river rail-
road from taxation for a period Of five
years. This same measure Of relief had
been granted to other roads.
And we ought to have as much help
AZ you can give u.s." continued the wit
ness.
I've no doubt your syndicate needs
heip remarked Representative James.
On cross-examination Mr. vertrees
asked the witness II he considered an op-
ton on the Cunningham property a valid
one
Mr.. Steele objected to answering the
question and was sustained by the COM
mittee. He admitted that enforcement OF
the contract would be diff1cult. The wit
ness also stated that the Guggenheims
mad never received formal notice from the
committee OF claimants that they consid-
ered the contract void Cunningham him
selI took that position, however. in jan
uA!y' EO0. Mr.. Steele said the Guggen-
heims had made no effort to enforce the
contract-he didn't see how they could
nave done anything
Tilt Between Counsel.
When Attorney Brandeis began his re-
direct examination Attorney Vertrees pro-
tested that the lawyer was distorting an
swers by, the witness.
''I'll let you examine him further II
you DESIRE" said Brandeis to Vertrees.
81 shall have to insist unless you do
IL properly" retorted Vertrees:
Il should be glad to take instructions
from YOU
You need them," replied Vertrees.
Several members of the committee OBJ
jected to the attorneys "crOss-firing' at
each other.
II want to make a statement right
here" said Mr.. Vertrees Mr.. Brandeis
several times has done these things. Only
this NOR ming, under the guise of a protest
against a ruling by the committee. he in
dulged in most malignant, leprous and
deliberate insinuations against the Sec
rotary Of the Interior. and / was not
allowed to reply"
Proceed" directed Chairman Nelson to
Attorney Brandeis. who was examining
the witness.
Mr.. Steele was finally excused as the
luncheon recess was ordered.
Defense Opens This Afternoon.
The prosecution practically closed it's
case before the committee at the morning
session.
The defense will, proceed with it's case
late this afternoon. Mr.. Ballinger prob
ably will not be called until near the
close Of the inquiry.
Power Of the Alaskan Syndicate.
Yesterday afternoons session was taken
up with efforts Of members of the inves-
tigating committee and attorneys for the
Pinchot side of the investigation to get
some light on the power Of the Alaska
syndicate-controlled by ]. p. Morgan &
Co and the Guggenheims-in Alaska and
the value of coal deposits in the territory.
Stephen Birch, managing director of the
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS syndicate, was on
the witness stand throughout the after
noon.
Attorney Brandeis obtained from. the
witness an admission that the develop
ment of Alaska depended much on the
opening up Of the coal fields. Then he
demanded to know If. in view of that
fact, the Morgan syndicate
had sat quietly by for two years and
made no efforts to have patents granted
to the Cunningham claimants with whom
they had an option.
''All we did was to tell Cunningham to
hurry up with his patents replied the
witness.
When did you tell him."
Every time l saw him +"
do you mean to say that with all the
influence and power of the Morgans and
the Guggenheims in this country, they
made no efforts in this direction except
your feeble efforts? 1t that what you
wish this committee to understand? ?"
pressed Attorney Brandeis.
ut is" replied the witness
The committee adjourned shortly after
ward until today.