The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1914-05-01
BAKER
WITNESS
TODAY
A. M. Baker, Former General
Manager of COURIER News,
on Witness Stand Today
TOLD ABOUT DR.. GUILD
Baker Said He Had Little
knowledge of Books or
Subscription List
TOLD ABOUT DR.. GUILD

eF OF Inc Cour1er-NeWS during he
sole ownership of A. Y. More and
Prior TO mat advertising manager Of
that paper under the management
just preceding Mr.. More's purchase Of
the plant, was the chief witness Of
the day in The Courier-News-Guild-
More case in district court before
Judge Pollock.
Mr.. Bakers testimony began yes
terday afternoon at 2 o'clock, when
Judge Young concluded the cross-eX-
animation of Mr.. More, the defend
ant. The direct examination of the
present witness continued until near
~ IL o'clock this morning, when
Counsel Pollock turned him over to
Judge Young for cross-examination.
On direct examination Mr.. Baker
testified as to the value of the AS
ISOLATED Press morning franchise. He
said the valuation placed upon it was
correct in his opinion as the Associ-
ated Press service was absolutely nee
essary to a morning newspaper Of any
pretentions. So far as the afternoon
franchise Of this service was con-
%cerned, Mr.. Baker said he did not re-
gard 1t so valuable, as in the after
noon field the Associated Press had
aggressive competition in the United
Press associations service.
Met DR.. Guild.
Mr.. Baker testified that he first
met DR.. Guild in Fargo, Aug. 1, 1918,
and that after conversation with him
he could soon tell that the doctor was
an ardent admirer of the Scripps-
McRae system Of newspapers over the
country. Mr.. Baker was asked to
describe this system Of papers, which
he did, briefly, saying they were
snappy and successful afternoon pa
pers for the most part.
He said he told DR.. Guild much of
the advantages Of Fargo, of the splen-
did train service and other features.
In this particular Mr.. Baker said he
wanted to tell DR.. Guild many things
about Fargo and the local situation
regarding this newspaper field and
other points, but that DR.. Guild told
him he would prefer to ask questions
and have them answered rather than
hear what Mr.. Baker could tell him.
The witness said he then endeavored
TO comply with DR.. Guilds request.
Asked as to some of the details Of
that conversation with DIR. Guild, Mr..
Baker said he told the doctor Mr..
More had been drawn into the pur-
chase Of The Courier-News through
his admiration for Mr.. Roosevelt, n
former president of the United States,
and defeated for reelection to that
office W years ago.
He said he told DR.. Guild Mr.. More
had not made the paper a success in
a financial way and never would.
Had Limited Scope.
Mr.. Baker said he was general man
ager under Mr.. More with a limited
scope. He said he signed no checks
nor contracts.
TestifyiEg about the condition of
the press at The Courier-News plant,
he said it was in pretty good condi-
| zion uyhn- toS+oI 1AJ 1NI 49,
DIR. Guild bought into the
Concerning some of the details of
DR.. Guilds first visit to Fargo, he said
the Plaintiff came over to his office at
The Courier. News at 9:10 o'clock on
the first morning of his visit here,
that he talked with Mr.. Baker until
about lilo when he (Mr. Baker) call
latter came around to the Office in his
automobile and tool them driving
over the city.
The occupants O. the car on that
trip he said were Mr.. More, DR.. Guild,
H. r. Turner and himself. He said
they drove over both cities of Fargo
and MooThead, though assured Coun-
sci Pollock in good humor that they
made no stops on any wet territory
across the river.
Later he said they picked up DR..
Creegan, former president of Fargo
college, and they drove through the
residence section. At luncheon at the
Waldorf ho-el, he said, they told DR..
Guild of the many educational advan-
tages of the city, of the colleges.
churches and the political situation in
the state.
He said they told of the I;rowess Of
the progressive or bull moose party in
it's showing for the national ticket
headed by Mr.. Roosevelt, and Of their
regret ove' the defeat of Mr.. Sweet
for governor. Mr.. Baker said they ex-
planned both defeats were due to lack
of organization.
That night he said DR.. Guild called
men in action. He said DR.. Guild
had full access to the place and went
through it completely. Mr.. Baker also
said he was told hat DR.. Guild stayed
at the plant all one night. The court
sustained Judge Young's objection
that this was hearsay evidence, SO
that was stricken from the record.
Told About Metealf.
This morning Mr.. Baker told about
Mr.. Metcalf's connection with the pa
per, and of their former agreement to
purchase the plant. from Mr.. More
which failed in the enc.
He said he felt Mr.. Metcalf had Valu
ed his Montana land too highly In his
offer to Mr.. More, that MI. More had
in fact cautioned him about it, ano
that he had virtually told Mr.. Metcalt
that he was afraid that he would "
to be counted out Of the transaction.
Mr.. Baker explained the trip to New