Las Vegas optic. (East Las Vegas, N.M.) 1908-1921, 1914-04-10
THE BANKING CONNECTIONS
EFFORT is MADE TO LEARN HOW
ROAD WAS INVOLVED WITH X
BILLIARD COMPANY
WITNESS WILL NOT TALK
AND THE COUNSEL FOR THE RAIL
LINES URGES HIM NOT TO
REVEAL SECRETS

Washington, April 10.-Mandamus
proceedings to compel the production
of books and prepare to disclose finan-
eial dealings between the New Haven
railroad and the Billiard company will
be started Immediately by the inter-
state commerce commission.
Chief Counsel Folk announced that
he would bring the proceedings, prob
ably at New Haven. His decision
came following a morning of exami-
nation of witnesses wno refused to
answer questions intended to develop
evidence of dealings involving mill
lions of dollars. On the advice of
their attorneys they denied the right
of the interstate commerce commits
sion to inquire into the financial af-
fairs between the company and the
railroad.
When the hearings adjourned there
was probability that the testimony of
Charles D. Mellen, former president
Of the New Haven system, might be
delayed TO await the outcome of the
mandamus proceedings
Further inquiry into the New Ha-
ven railroad was begun by the inter
state commerce commission today af-
tel. several weeks of investigation Of
the books of the company. The in
quiry, under the direction of Commits
sioner McChord, is being made in com
plance with a senate resolution di-
recting the commission to develop all
facts regarding the New Haven's
banking connections, the purchase Of
its subsidiary properties, the money
paid for them and the emoluments
or commissions paid for negotiating
the various transactions.
Mr.. McChord announced that the
principal subject to be considered
at present was the relation Of the Bill
lard company to the financial opera
tions Of the New Haven. Walker D.
Hines, counsel ofor thebpfesent man
agement, said at the opening that 1t
was the policy Of Chairman Elliott
to cooperate with the commission
and furnish all information.
Harry v. Whipple, president Of the
Merchants National Bank Of New
Haven, Conn, the first Witness, refns-
ed to testify as to bis business reia-
tions with the Billiard company. He
said he was not now a stockholder in
that company, but had been up to last
fall.
Judge Stoddard, counsel for the New
Haven, explained Mr.. Whipple's decli-
nation to answer certain questions.
eve challenge the rights and juris-
diction Of the commission" said he,
Ito inquire into any act Of the Bill
lard company. Our conclusion is that
such an inquiry would be beyond the
scope of the commissions authority.
Acting on that conclusion, we have
decided to decline to answer questions
relating to such matters
suppose suggested Chief Counsel
Folk Of the commission, "that it can
be shown that the Billiard company
owes the New Haven many millions
Of dollars, do you think that it would
be desirable TO conceal this fact, in
view Of the desire Of the senate for
the information?9
q think" interrupted Judge stod-
dard, that the senate resolution has
gene far beyond the power either
of this commission or Of congress-
Neither the commission nor congress
has any power to Investigate the re-
lations, if any, Of the Billiard company
and the New Haven railroad"
A series Of questions was put to
Whipple, intended to develop evidence.
Of financial relations between the Bill
lard company and the New Haven or
Ehe Billiard company and the New