New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-07-08

SuSpSCtlilB lNdl IL was III uOupN az ~
what line of questioning to take for
fear of rendering him immune from
prosecution, Lauterbach voluntarily
disclaimed any purpose Of taking ref
uge behind the immunity provision.
IF there is any question in your
mind as to immunity waive it abso-
lutely," re- said at the outset of his tes-
timony.
The witness proceeded to explain his
connection with the alleged conspir-
acy, but before he had gone far mem
bers Of the committee subjected him
TO cross-examination which only made
his part in the chain of incidents set
forth by MIR. Ledyard more perplexing
and unintelligible
Lauterbach admitted that he had not
told the exact truth when he said that
he had come to Washington, had
looked over the situation and was con-
WINGED that the Democratic leaders OF
the House did not want to begin
war with the Morgan interests. He
said that he had seen no Democratic
leaders and did not know them, but
had received the information from La
mar.
Your statement, then" said Sena-
Tor Cummins. was a falsehood?''
MY statement" replied Lauterbach,
was an exaggeration.'
Could Stop Steel Inquiry.
The witness also admitted that he
had told Charles Steele. a banker, that
he could stop the contemplated inves-
tigation of the Steel Trust. He had
done this, he said, not with the idea
that he could bring any influence to
bear on Congress, but with the convic-
ton that the Democratic leaders would
be placated if the trust would retrieve
the step it had taken in acquiring the
Tennessee Coal and Iron Company.
Lauterbach said he had once ar
ranged an option with George Kessler
for the transfer of the majority of the
Tennessee Coal and Iron Company
stock at $50. This was rejected by she
Morgan house on the ground that the
price was too high. Subsequently, he
added, the United States Steel Corpo-
ration did acquire the stock, with gov
eminent sanction, at much lower
figure.
by reason Of my intimate knowl-
edge Of the affairs of the corporation"
the witness said he told Steele, II felt
that 1 could stop the necessity of
steel investigation. l often felt that il
might be my duty to mention the Ten
nessee Coal and Iron negotiations in
connection with the Steel Trust suit
Lamar showed him the resolution
providing for an investigation Of the
Steel Trust, Lauterbach continued,
under questioning from the committed
Ions before ii was introduced in the
House 1t had no sooner been brought
10 his attention. he said, than he went
over to Morgans Office and asked that
he be instructed to use his influence
to persuade Lamar not to have it in
troduced.
Resents "shake Down" Insinuation.
You thought you could shake Mr..
Morgan down." interjected Senator
Reed.
THAT insinuation,' rejoiped Lauter-
bach, sis an insult and an outrage. l
believe that Mr.. Lamar would have
yielded out of affection for Mr.. Morgan.
/ believe If Mr.. Morgan had said TO
me: You go and stop it, out Of friend
ship and regard, so help me God! be-
leve l could have induced Mr. Lamar
TO do it."
MY dear Senator" protested the wit
ness, you seem TO think there was not
a communication between Mr. Lamar
and me in which money was not in
VOWED. There is an impression here
that value, value, value was what was
wanted. That is not the case"
Charles NJ. Schwab's name was
brought into the testimony by Lauter-
bach in connection with an incident
which he cited TO show the Impartial
interest he had in the Steel Trust suit.
The witness said that he had been
asked by Lamar TO ask the Attorney
General to make arrangements TO nave
]. NJ. Dickinson, special counsel In the
Steel Trust suit confer with witness
before he was called on the stand.
This witness. it appeared, was Charles
NJ. Schwab, who was introduced to Mr..
Dickinson by Lauterbach. according to
the latter's testimony.
Farce" to Others Only.
AT an evening session Of the commit
q tee Mr.. Lauterbach gave second de-
scription of the triple cross" he de-
tailed in the afternoon. He declared
he was the victim Of Lamar and Led
yard, both of whom knew that he was
entrapping himself when he held the
conference with Ledyard.
1T was a roaring farce to everybody
but me. and to me it was a deep trag-
edy from which l am now suffering
exclaimed Mr.. Lauterbach, while La
mar grinned.
In response to a question by Sena-
tor Nelson, Mr.. Lauterbach said he
thought il was beneath him to seek 10
be employed by the interests after his
services had been cast aside. 1t was
unworthy OF me-" he remarked.
Mr.. Lauterbach corrected his testi-