Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1913-02-08
rockefeller IS
Nearing DIVIDE
AGED MILLIONAIRE SUFFERS
sPASM OF THROAT WHILE
BEING EXAMINED.
CASPED AND Then FELL
Money Trust Committee Asked But
Four observation-disclosures Spoke
in Whispers.

JEYKL ISLAND, Ga, Feb. "A
spasm Of the throat that left William
Rockefeller strangling, trembling
old man, on the verge Of a nervous
collapse. abruptly terminated his ex-
animation by Chairman Pujo and
coWnscl Samuel Untermyer, of the
house money trust committee here to-
day,
Mr.. Rockefeller was asked just -four
questions, all practically immaterial,
before the attack forced the conclu-
sion of the hearing. The aged stan
dard Oil magnate was closeted with
the committeeman for Just ~ min
utes. At the end of that time he was
assisted to his couch by DR.. Walter
+. Chappell, his physician. who de-
clared his patient exhausted.
Condition Doubtful.
The next result of the examination,
so far as the money trust investiga-
ton was concerned, added practical
~ nothing of value to the record. 1t
did demonstrate to the satisfaction OF
Mr.. Untermyer and Mr.. Pujo that Mr..
Rockefeller was hardly a fit subject
physically for a gruelling cross-ex-
animation on the Details Of his tnan-
clal career. Members of the Jekyl
Island club and DR.. Walter f. Chap
pell tonight shok their heads doubt
fully when asked about Mr.. Rookie
fel,er's physical condition.
Committee Welcomed.
Contrary to expectations, the ex-
elusive Jekyl Island club interposed
no objections to the invasion of It's
private domain by the congressional
inqulsitors. The club launch, shining
with holystone and brass polish, met
Mr. Pujo and Mr.. Untermyer at the
Brunswick dock and carried them,
with their retinue of clerks and stem
ographers to Mr.. Rockefeller's apart
ments. which is in the same build
ing with those off James J. Hill and
]. p. Morgan.
The trembling hands OF the once
active head of the powerful Standard
Oil group Of Dangers settled on the
arm Of his chair as he arose to greet
his visitors He did not remain stand
ing long however, and his whispered
word Of greeting was inaudible to
even those nearest him.
Was Sworn.
"You will please be sworn, Mr..
Rockefeller" said Chairman Pu1o,
but as the oil magnate endeavored
with considerable difficulty to arise,
the chairman motioned him back to
his seat Seated with trembling
hand upward. the Standard on mill
llonalre acknowledged the oath 10
speak 'the truth, the whole truth and
nothing but the truth"
Throughout the hands OF the wit,
ness trembed and his grey head wag-
ged violently, under the influence OF
palsy.
As soon as he was sworn. the mag
nate handed to the stenographer a
slip Of paper with the whispered re-
quest that the stenographer read 1t
a Written Message.
"I am urgently advised and warn.
3D." read the stenographer, "by my
physician that this examination rs
5reoarious to the condition Of my
throat / desire, however TO make
.he effort. as ! have not now and
aever had any disposition to avoid
tostifying before your committee ex-
o1pt as / have been cautioned by my
physician that doing so would en-
danger my life. If I find that the
strain Is too great for me to take the
,.Sk ] shall have to ask your indulg.
aree in not pressing the examination
flrther.
"As | have lost my voice, would
eeiaem il privilege If you would
5armit me to whisper my answers to
t1a official stenographer who sits be-
side me and who will read them
a,oud. It Is impossible for me TO
write them"
Examination Started.
The bowed head of the witness
S5ided assent and the examination
asFan in earnest.
what is your residence" asked
Afr. Untermyer.
The strained face Of the witness
aanf close to the ear of the waiting
siaROgrapher. For a few moments
ias room was silent except for the
hsezing breathing of the Standard
Oh magnate and the scratching OF
tas stenographer's pen. The witness
lss ned back and the stenogra pher
Fsail
1859 Fifth Avenue, New oYrt city,
ifleferrlng to the statement just
n, de by you. Mr.. Rockefeller" said
M+ Untermyer. at Is currently re-
5srted that your health is such that
you are able to play golf ana indulge
ia sports Of that sort. What is the
fact as to that.
Doesn't Play Golf,
II have never played a game of
golf in my life. l try to take open
air exercise every day. That Is the
extent of my amusement. taking out
door exercise"
'sDo Won recall tha occasion Of the