Norwich bulletin., 1911-03-01
President Me11en Outlines Proposition to
 Members of Legislature
PROTECTS MOST HUMBLE CITIZEN
Railroad Maqnate Declares that N Y, N. H. & H. R. R. Is Not In Politics and Is Not Controlled for Nor aans Bene6t-Believes Political Board Could Not Be Fair in It's Judgment.

controlled solely for the benefit Of MT. Morgan, saying that MT. Morgan 1t is not because of stock ownership. It is because of his energy. his ability and yirility, which command conf dence.
 MT. Mellen declared that not one dishonest dollar of capitalization is shown on it's books. The future was hard to forecast It has grown rapidly and needs the time and patience in which to assimilate and mould into shape it's many properties which must have liberal outlays upon them to pro- duce the best results.
 He said that the efficiency of the road had steadily improved and 1t had inc record of leading in the lowering of rates.
 Prefers Men Not in Politics.
 Senator Judson asked MT. iMellen whether he preferred a commission of high class men to handle. public util- ties matters to a single lawyer on the bench, assigned from time to time to consider questions brought before him. MT Mellen said that he preferred one man who was not controlled by poh- tics.
 But our judges are appointed by the governor" said MT. Judson.
 Yes" replied MT. Mellen, ''but they are taken from a class of men of high intelligence, education and refinement and standing in the community"
 Mr. Mellen said that a political board cannot always be fair in it's con siderati.,n of matters before it, as rhere is always the going back to get votes, nor can the appointing power for 8 board of this kind be always free from the influences which arise from the de- sire for votes.
 Farmers' Rights Already Protected.
 MT. Johnson asked Mr. Mellen if the court could enforce payment to a farm CT for. loss of buildings due to fire set by a locomotive. Mir. Mellen said it was not necessary to go to court in such a matter as this. The claim agents settle such cases. Mir. Mellen believed that nine-tenths of the griv- ances could be settled by his court in 1905 and plead for . monopoly and say Create Us monopoly and then regulate usT"
 Yes replied Mir. Mellen, ~and am fiot demurring against regulation What I am demurring against is att ministrative and judicial powers"
 Johnson Asked Pointed Question.
 To another question, MT. Meleln said he would say "Amen;' if a bill was brought in to regulate public service corporations on the basis of the Mas sachusetts railroad commission bill.
 As the hearing closed Representative Johnson asked MT. Mellen if he did not think better service could be given the state if he used the money paid for lobbyists at the capitol to improve the service.
 Mir. Meilen answered quickly: Have the lobbyists offered you anything?"
 MeIIen Makes . Hot Rejoinder.
 Representative Johnson repeated the question and a deep hush fell upon the audience. The representative then said that last session they came and offered to give him a ride in an auto mobile through the northern part of the state.
 Said Mir. Mel1en: sIf that is all they offered, and if were you, would pun myself down as cheap, and I would kick like steer."
 Representative Chandler and several others asked questions, and then the hearing continued, with the labor or ganization men having the floor.