The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-05-10

Him Would Do Good Facts Relating to Federal Judge and Culm Pile Deals Re- lated to Committee Washington, May 1N-Judge Robert w. Archibald. of the Commerce Court, resumed his place under the public spotlight today, when the House Ju- dietary commattee continued it's im- peachment inquiry.
 Edward P. (Option) Williams. Scran- ton coal speculator, was recalled to the witness stand to give further de- tails of his partnership with Judge Archibald in their speculation in culm coal piles of various railroads in Penn sylvania. Williams is the witness who, it was reported. planned trip to Europe when the impeachment in Quiry was contemplated. Before the hearing today Chairman Clayton announced that Interstate Commerce Commissioner B. H. Meyer has been subpoenaed. Meyer, 1t is said, told President Taft of Arch
 
 properties. while the railroads were vitally interested as parties in lttiga- tion awai.ing Archbald's decision. To conclude the hearings in three or four days is expected. by Clayton. Williams appeared greatly agdtated on the witness stand today. First, he was cross-exarnined by the com- mittee regarding the alleged negotia- tions with Archibald to buy the Erie railroads culn pile near Moosic. Pa. for $8, 600 and its attempted sale for $20.O00. He reiterated that Judge Archibald was to get one-half of the profits -$6. coo
 Another deal, in which Archibald is said to have been interested, for a culm coal pile of the Lehigh Valley railroad was the next tack taken by the committee.
 The committee today issued snlo- poenas for William F. Roland of ion Coal Company. and his brother. e. e. Roland. also of that city. The BO- land brothers turned down a note by Archibald for $500. They are sfAr witnesses, named by, Archibald a1 h4s 'spersecu&orS.' A4secreta session of the commlttee delayed the hearing for an hour. Be. hind closed doors the course of the Inquiry was considered and the papers submitted by President Taft read over asain
 "Option'' williams was then called. He was first asked by Chairman Clay ton regarding an alleged offer by clinch the deal for the Katy Ddd" culm pile of the Erie railroad.
 "The judge wanted to clear up the tftle,' said Williams.
 Roland sat at Williams elbow as the latter testified. Roland and Arch bald exchanged no signs of recogni- tion.
 williams said the Katy Did" prop erty was previously offered by Captain w. ". May manager of the Fries coal properties to the Dupont Powder Company for $2.O00. He said he and Judge Archibald were 'held up'' for 4.EOO for the Fries interest in the coal pile and that John M. Robertson. a part owner with the Erie, asked $3.- 500 more for his share. or $8,O00 in all
 '1why was it necessary for you to obtain a letter of recommendation to Captain May from Judge Archibald to negotiate ?'' asked Clayton.
 T thought 1t would do good-that 1t would not hurt to have a. letter from Judge Archibald" !" said Williams. '"rhey were we'll acquainted"
 'sYou knew Judge Archibald was federal judge and that the raiiroaa 00Q gCO0SaO0EdOI6 AG60SAVA All AAA0 court?" asked Clayton.
 ''Yee, sdr," said Williams
 "And you knew that Judge Arch bald's being . federal judge with radl- road litigation before him would be an advantage in closing the deal?"
 ''Yes, sir" williams admitted.
 You knew Captain May was a railroad-a corporation-man interest ed in railroad cases before Judge Archbald?"
 'sYes, sir"
 williams was then quizzed as to deal for the Lehigh coal pile.
 'sWas MT. Dainty sent to Pnaiaoel-
 "No. sir" williams declared. T sent him myself"
 fused to close the deal for the Katy Did' culm bank when he heard the Department of Justfce was investigat-
 "I don't know about that"
 He admitted hearing of the investi- gation last February and then told Judge Archibald of the departments
 Did you and Judge Archibald dis cuss why the deal was not consum- mated ?" asked Clayton.
 williams reiterated denial of the knowledge that the departments in- vestigation of Judge Archbald's con- duct thwarted the deal.
 'sThree or four weeks ago we con cluded we did not want to sell it" he explained.
 Tt was after you learned of the departments investigation ?"
 '.Yes, sir."
 williams said he told Judge Arch bald. three or four weeks ago that Captain May refused to make out the Erie's deed to them. to close the op- tion and, the deal.
 Then the judge said he would see Brownell," added Williams.
 Brownell Is vice president and gen. eral counsel of the Erie railroad.
 Didn't the judge get excited when you told him about Mays refusal to close the dead?''
 'T don't know" said Williams. denying he had made such a state ment to Ridgley Brown, the inyesti- gator of the Department of Justice.
 Did you make a statement that the iyl1Oo told unn hn xuo1Y1d On fn ooe