The Washington times., 1912-07-31
ice TRUST INQUIRY
HALTS FOR RECORDS
TO Be EXAMINED
American Company Opens
Books and Promises.to Re-
form If Violation Is Found.

Investigation of the suspected "ice
trust by the grand jury was tempora-
rily suspended today to permit an ex-
animation of the records of the Amefi-
can Ice Company by agents of the De-
partment of Justice. an agreement to
this end having been reached at a con-
ference o. Attorney General Wicker
sham. Acting District Attorney Reginald
s. Huidekoper and william A. Tucker.
New Yorker, banker and director OF
the ice company.
The grand jury will convene Friday to
hear testimony relative to local Ice
companies, but will then adjaurn to
await the call of the United States At
torneys Office.
Overriding the action of Wesley M.
Oler. Of New York. president of the
American Ice Company, in refusing to
produce the books and records of the
concern covering the past six gears,
the board Of directors Of the corpora
ton, through Mr.. Tucker. have agreed
to give the Government prosecutors full
access to the records.
1t 10 further agreed that II after an in
quiry or examination of the records. 1t
is found that there has been any viola
ton OF the law, especially the Sherman
antitrust statute, that the company will
promptly endeavor to bring its business
within the requirements demanded by
the Department Of Justice.
Mr. Tucker disclaimed any intention
OF his corporation to violate the law,
and. declared that his associates wished
to conduct a lawful business, and would
abide by the decision of the Attorney
General after the Government agents
have made free and full investigation
OF the company's affairs.
Acting District Attorney HuidekopeI
VIII make personal examination Of
the records of the company. and will
go to New York city for that purpose
No doubt he will be aided by agents
from the Department Of Justice, includ-
ing expert accountants.
Mr.. Oler, the head Of the ice COM
pany, did not attend the conference re-
sulting in the sudden suspension of the
grand jury investigation, although he
was In Washington. He was averse to
producing the books of his company
| ness. Whether he has changed his at.
| titude in the matter Is not known, but
| 1t is assured that his views do not coin
eide with those of his associates on th'
board Of directors.
The investigation Of the suspected ice
combine was made at the instance oi
| the Department of Justice, and the new
I turn in the proceedings was taken with
the approval Of Attorney General Wick
ersham.
| Examination of witnesses by tn
grand jury began this week, but tn,
I inquiry was halted by the position takeI
by Mr.. Oler in refusing to comply will
| the terms of the subpoena issued b!
| the United States attorneys office.
More than dozen local ice dealer
| were summoned and several have givel
testimony. Just what effect the actiol
| taken with regard to the affairs of tn
American Ice Company will have ol
! the investigation of Washington ic
| dealers has not been determined. al
| though II was announced by Mr.. Huide
| koper that the grand jury will adjourn
| on Friday subject TO his call
| Besides the Attorney General, the De
| partment of Justice was represented
the conference by Jesse c.. Adkins, az
assistant, who has aided in the investi
| cation.