Norwich bulletin., 1913-07-08

Bridgeport, Conn, July 7.-Presideut Charles $. MeIlen of the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroad. the principal witness at Coroner Phelan's final hearing this afternoon into the probe of the Stamford wreck, declined to answer questions concerning the du- ties and powers of high officials of the road, including his own, upon advice of counsel,
 Meilen Declines to Answer.
 "As a layman. do not know ths meaning of these proceedings" he said to the coroner. For my part I am only too willing to answer all questions that l can; but am under indictment for the Westport wreck. and must face trial in September. My counsel mas advised me not to say anything def1n- ing nay duties, or the duties of otterg linked with me in the indictment. l don't feel competent to conduct my own case, therefore I must abide by the decision of my counsel, and decline to answer. If I were not under indict- ment I would be glad to answer al. questions, for I have no desire to con- ceal anything
 No Single Unit ef Authority.
 MT. Meilen was on the stand for near 1y an hour He gave a general outline of his own duties and the duties of his subordinate officials. He said there were no WT1kI6u TQl0S OellIl1IB HIS OWu duties, being guided by experience and common sense" There is no single unit of authority, he said. He had au- thority up to a certain point, but the executive committee and board of di- rectorS had final authority in all mat terS.
 Railroad Attorney Protests.
 When the coroner asked as to who had charge of the roadbeds and track 711 fr1- f h d V74a f7 a vigorous protest saying that these matters had nothing to do whatever as to the cause of the Stamford wreck. He could not see the reason for the Ques- ton, saying that the cause of the wreck, from the evidence, was due to either the brakes or the engineer being at fault. The coroner insisted, how ever, that he had the right to ask any question he chose, as he wanted to de- terrnine who was responsible for the wreck. MT. Spock pointed out that at the inquest into the Westport wreck the officials answered every qquestion that was asked them, without hesita- ton.
 The coroner put several other ques- tions to MT. MeIlen later, but each time he declined to answer.
 Bardo Denies Doherty's Testimony.
 The remainder of the hearing was taken up with the examination of Gen. eral Manager c. L. Bardo and J. Ii. Morrison, signal engineer, to clear up certain points in their previous testi- mony.
 MT. Bardo explained the working of the rule concerning the spare list for engineers. Engineer Charles J. Doher- ty, who was in charge of the ill-fated engine in the wreck, had testified that although he was not feeling we'll, he would have been put on the foot of the list if he did not take the engine out on the day of the wreck. MT. Bardo said this was not so. If an engineer had ? reasonable excuse he would not De dropped to the foot of the list, nor would he be disciplined in any way.
 Reasons of Doherty's Demerits.
 Doherty said that he had been given six demerits because he had missed a train, and was unable to report for his run, about year ago. MT. Bardo, n reply, said that this was because he was working in New York and living in New Haven. An engineer is supposed to be within convenient distance from his work. Doherty said his pay was so small that he could not afford to live in New York at that time.
 MT. Morrison was asked concerning automatic train stops. He had never recommended that they be installed, ne said. because he did not know of any sure stop. He had recommended, show- ever, that the company make expert- ments as to these stops
 No More Public Hearings.
 Coroner Phelan announced that the inquest would be indefinitely postpon- ed. He wanted to secure some more information as to technical matters. but said there would be no more public hearings. His finding is expected within a few weeks.