Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-01-07
New Haven Railroad Reorgani-
zation Conferences Take
New Turn.
BOSTON MEN APPROVE
SEPARATION OF LINES
Believe, However, Disposition of
Steamship Interests Should Be
Handled by I. c. C.

:, Reorganization OF the New York
New Haven and Hartford railroad took
; new turn today when committee
representing the Boston Chamber OF
Commerce presented the views of that
organization on the whole transporta-
!, ton problem in New England to At
torney General McReynolds. The COM
mittee was introduced by Senator
Weeks. and consisted of George Hutch
inson, c. F. Weed and Russell Robb. 7.
W. Gregory, the special assistant who
has had charge of the New Haven case,
was also present.
The Boston committee told Mr.. Mercy
nolds that it had no objection to sepa-
ration of the New Haven from the Boston
and Maine, the Boston and Albany rail-
roads and from its interstate trolley
lines, but it was said to have taken the
position that the question of the dispo-
sition of the New Ravens steamship
lines should be solved by the interstate
nal act gives to the commission authority
for such action.
" Elliott Frames Agreement.
Chairman Elliott of the New Haven did
not appear at the conference today, and
it was said he was working on draft or
an agreement complying with the demands
of the Department of Justice for reor-
ganization About the only point left in
doubt today. 1t was said, was the ques-
ton of how to separate the interstate
and intrastate trolley lines controlled by
5 the New Haven, but it was believed that
point would be adjusted before Mr.. Ell
lott leaves Washington.
The Attorney General went over condi-
tions in New England with the business
; men and discussed how reorganization
of the New Haven would affect that sec
y ton. He told his callers he was anxious
E TO better conditions and that all the de-
partment wanted was restoration OF
competition.
{ The Bostonians declined to comment on
their visit further than to say that it had
been satisfactory.
! Tells of Conference.
> Attorney General McReynolds said the
Boston business men discussed particu-
: larly- the extent of holdings of Boston
and Maine stock and stock of other cor
porations affiliated with the New Haven
in that section. They were fearful of the
effect a receivership for the Boston and
Maine might have on business conditions
In New England.
Although Mr.. McReynolds would make
no statement. it was well understood
that the reorganization plan does not
contemplate a receivership for the Bos-
ton and Maine, and that whatever is
done with that road, sufficient time Will
be given to market without loss it's
securities held by the New Haven.
Department Statement.
The Department of Justice issued this
statement:
THE Department of Justice is con-
stantly receiving letters inauiring why 1t
does not direct the prosecution of officers
and directors who have been responsible
for the financial irregularities in the
MANAGEMENT of railroads. as disclosed
from time to time.
."These inquiries proceed from a mis-
taken Sut very common view of the
powers Of the Department of Justice.
There is no law under which it can
prosecute the officers. directors or other
agents of railroad company for i'm
provident or dishonest management Of the
financial affairs Of that company, since
Congress has not undertaken to regulate
the issuance of securities by corpora
lions created by the states. or the con-
duct of iduciary relations of their Of
ficers, but has left those matters to the
states, respectively