New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-10-08

the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroads counsel
arrayed against that law. Similarly, the
Kentucky case involves the constitutionality
Of the "McChord act" regulating railway
rates.
All Of these cases Will be heard in a
group, as they involve much the same gen
era principle The chairman Of the Gov
ernors' committee, Judson Harmon-now
In the Umelight as a Presidential POSSIBLE
ity-has suggested that his body will ask
leave 20 present to the Supreme Court
brief argument In these cases, so vitality in
volv.ng The right Of the states 20 regulate
commerce within their borders.
The anthracite suit coming up now for
final hearing, is better known as the Read
ing case" II is an antitrust lawsuit COM
menced az President ROosevelts insugaton
in 1907. The government seeks TO have the
court declare illegal the alleged schemes by
which the Reading, New Jersey Central,
Lehigh Valley. Lackawanna, Erie and New
York. Susquehanna & Western railroads, to-
gether with certain subsidiary coal COM
pan.es. entered into a combination and con-
spiracy 10 end competition IN anthracite
coal among the states and 10 prevent their
competitors output in this prime neces-
sary OF life"
SO. you see. there Will be an abundance
OF railway law Laid down this session
Two big suits brought by gram elevator
operators and lumber interests will deter
mine 10 a finer point the powers Of the
Interstate Commerce Commission, while
another will decide whether stock yards IN
big cities are common carriers" IN the
meaning Of the interstate commerce law.
In its hearings the court ordinarily al
lows TWO hours 70 each side OF suit
When the first two hours have expired the
tribunal takes a recess, the justices eating
their Iuncheons In q room across the hall
way. where their negro messengers make
coffee and spread viands generally brought
70 the Capitol in baskets After this in
formal repast their honors march back
across the corridor and for two hours moro
hear the other side OF the argument IN
very important suits an extension OF time IS
often given counsel
While an attorney Is arguing the printed
brief Of his case is before each Justice and
the attorneys argument is merely an eluci-
dalton upon the main points. To facilitate
concentration some OF the justices close
their eyes thus giving the appearance that
they are taking cat maps This is a favor te
pose Of Mr.. Justice Harlan, the senior asso-
ciate justice. Just when an attorney IN
accustomed 20 the traditions Of the court
feels certain that this venerable jurtst IS
ready TO snore his honor will suddenly
thrust forward his index finger and shoot
al the speaker Hypothetical question for
which he Is unprepared and which Is likely
10 take away his breath for the time beng
During the hearing OF the great Tobacco
Trust case last year Justice Harlan de-
parted from bis usual tactics and astound-
ed counsel by asking the question:
Then why is II I cant get good chew
ing tobacco any more7"
Some time ago, while an attorney was
euughten,ng the court on the most eIe-
mentary principles Of law Mr.. Justice NIL
Ter made the sarcastic interruption.
.I hope the learned counsel VIII give the
court credit for knowing the rudiments Of
Law"
Il beg your honor's pardon" replied the
lawyer "but I made that mistake in the
court below.
Al another time Mr.. Justice Brewer in
. an endeavor 10 relieve the embarrassment