New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-05-23
MELLEN TOOK BLAME
FOR GRAND TRUNK

70 control the trolleys OF that state. The
S25s prayer OF tho Hiltowu Association
had an important part in bringing this
about
Mr.. MelIen slso said he had to agree
to buy at big price tho stock OF the
Worcester Railway and Investment
Company, which controlled the trolley
situation in Worcester, in order to
stife the opposition to tho bill by
Sherman L. Whpple, a Democratic
politician. This hs characterized as a
"holp-up."
Mr.. Whipple. he explained. was an able
lawyer in Boston OF much influence who
had served notice on him verbally that II
he wanted to get that legislation he had
better trade with the Worcester stock.
Tho bill passed the Legislature. but was
vetoed by Governor Foss.
Used Even tho Bible.
Melien almost succeeded IN having j.
passed over his veto at that time. II was
passed again the following year ana
again vetoed b. the Governor. but this
time Mellen was successful in having the
LEGISLATURE override Governor Fosss
Veto
Mr.. Me,len said that Bibles, prayer
books, almost everything, were used to
brina pressure on the Massachusetts,
LEGISLATURE. Concerning the propriety
Of paying 1888 for tho "Prayer from
the Hills" Melien said sharply: "Why,
isn't it perfectly proper that railroad
corporation should help man pray?"
William Rockefeller financed the pur-
chase OF the Ontario e. Western Railroad
by the New Haven. Mr.. Mellen said,
because lie lent the money one-haf or
l per cent cheaper than Morgan q Co
or any other bankers. This purchase
was the beginning Of all his troubles with
the Grand Trunk.
Tho total indebtedness Of the Now
Haven system Mellen estimated at ap-
proximateIy $1,000, 100000.
The New Haven Road itself had an
indebtendness of $3Jo,00o,o0o the Boston
4, Maine and its subsidiaries. total In
debtedness of approximately s7p,Wo."o
The New Haven controls the Boston d
Maine, although it must give it up under
the dissolution plans agreed TO with the
Department OF Justice.
Mr.. Mellen also said that the passes
he had given We're "as numerous RS the
leaves in the fall" but that this was be-
fore passes were prohibited. He also
hot
bates were illegal.
How Mellen Viewed Directors.
Mellen's personal view Of the directors
Of the New Haven was given IN an ihiil-
liable manner. Judge Robertson, he saiu,
illuminated the discussions OF the Board
Of Directors with scintillauons OF WIS
dom" John l.. Billiard was the salt Oh
the earth" Mr. Brewster, ne said. had
a large fortune, and. he added: Larse
fortunes are not an incentive TO exeruoh'
Mr.. Rea was 1.-The president Of a branch
line that runs into Boston"
at was fashionable in Boston, Mr.
Mellen said, in discussing Lawrence
Minot, "wl,en you die to leave your
money to Minot. He is such a high
toned man that he took exceedingly
good care of it,"
The hearing was adjourned until Tues
day morning. Mr.. Folk and Commits
sioner McChord in the meantime will de-
eide whether or not to proceed with other
witnesses. Inquiry will also be made into
the condition of William Rockefeller.
show
ing that he is unable to testify.
When Mr.. Folk read in The Tribune
this morning, however, that Rockefeller
had attended a meeting Of the New
Haven directors yesterday, he decided
to make the investg cation OF his condi-
! ton on his own account.
/