New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-05-14

and he has told some or his close
friends that they are filed with dyna-
mite, and that some sensational testi
mony will come out when Mr.. Mellen
goes on the stand.
0uarreIsome Meeting.
To-day's row in President Wilson's
official family was spirited--so much so
that at conference between Attorney
General McReynolds, Senator'S Kern
and Norris, Mr.. McChord and Mr..
Folk fist fight was narrowly averted.
Efforts were made by the Attorney
General TO entangle the President. but
Mr.. Wilson was diplomatic. There
was a story that he was responsible
for the Attorney Generals weakening
in his opposition. At the White House
it was asserted that President Wilson
had taken no hand in the mix-up be-
tween the Attorney General and the
Interstate Commerce Commission.
Attorney General McReynolds main
tanned to-day that his reason for OPP
posing the putting of Mr.. Mellen on
the stand was that II would have
dampening effect on the governments
case. An altogether different view OF
Mr.. McReynold's activity was generally
entertained by some. 1t was that he
had become greatly disturbed over the
depressed condition of business. and
felt that any further investigation OF
the New Ravens affairs, such as the
calling of its directors. would further
depress business.
Senators Kern and Norris stayed. but
not for long. According TO reports or
what happened while they were there
the Attorney General practically or
dered Senator Norris out OF his office.
Certain il Is that there was quarrel.
The Attorney General declared that he
was acting for the best interests of the
administration and advised conserVa-
tive course. The Senators and the In
terstate Commerce Commission officials
asserted that Mr.. McReynolds's con-
tention was weak compared with the
benefit of giving wide publicity to the
New Haven's financial transactions.
Later Senator Norris, Commissioner
McChord and Mr.. Folk held an indig-
nation meeting Of their own at the
office Of the Interstate Commerce Com
mission. after which Mr.. Norris de-
clared that nothing had taken place
which to his mind would prevent their
~ OF
Attorney General McReynolds placed his
side Of the controversy before the public
this afternoon in the following state
ment:
"By appointment Senator Kern. Senator
Norris. Interstate Commerce Commission
or McChord and Governor Folk. counsel
for the commission, came In this morn
ing to see the Attorney General in ref
erence TO New Haven matters The ~
tornev General read TO them the follow
ing letter sent TO the commission yester-
day:
Gentlemen: on April wrote you
as follows 81 am advised that you issued
subpoenas for Messrs. Charles 5. Mellen
f. u. Robbins and perhaps others at
some time connected with the New Haven
Railroad Company.
"''T assume that YOU have in mind the
possibility Of examining them concerning
the affairs of that railroad.
"''In view of these facts II seems not
inanpropriate to suggest that YOU con-
slider very carefully the effect OF such an
examination upon any criminal prosecu-
ton which the government may hereafter
desire 20 institute"
Two or three days ago I noticed IN
the public press that you summoned
Charles s. Melen, William Rockefeller,
George Macculloch Miller, Charles f.
Brooker. Edwin Miner. Lewis Cass Led
yard. George i. Baker and Edward D.
Robbins 10 testify before yoL concerning
matters relating to the affairs Of the New
York. New Haven & Hartford Railroad
Company.
"'Being temporarily out or the CITY, j
asked nv assistants to call your attention
10 the possible unfortunate effects OF an
examination of these witnesses at this
time. Returning to my Office this morning,
| am informed by them that they acted
upon my instructions and advised with
you fully upon the subject.
"'Of course. have no desire to inter-
fere with or to urge any objection to the
course you may deliberately decide upon,
but It seems my duty to the government
TO suggest again that you carefully con-
slider. along with other factors, the effect
which an examination at this time Of the
persons named above may have. Fra
ternally yours, J. c. MREYNOLDS,
attorney General"
The Attorney General made II plain to-
night that he had not given his consent to
the appearance of Mr.. Mellen on the wit
ness stand. He said he had warned those
conducting the investigation Of the results
which he believed would follow and had
pointed out TO them that they would have
TO take the blame for their course.
In private letters. already produced In
the pending proceedings, Mr.. Mellen has
said that he was tired OF bearing the
brunt Of criticism and contumely In con-
nection with the New Ravens transac-
tions and has indicated his desire to place
the responsibility where II may belong.