The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1914-04-14
To Compel Production OF Books and
Papers To Show Financial Deal.
inss With Billiard Co.

Washington, April 1O.-Mandamus
proceedings to compel the production
of books and papers to disclose tin-
ancial dealings between the New Ha-
ven railroad and the Billiard company
will be started Immediately by the
interstate commerce commission.
Chief counsel for the commission.
Folk, announced that he would bring
the proceedings probably ut New
Haven.
His decision came at the end Of
morning of examination of witnesses
who refused TO answer questions In
tended to develop evidence OF deal
ings involving millions Of dollars. On
the advice of their attorneys they de-
MED the right of the interstate CON-
merce commission to inquire into the
financial affairs between the company
and the railroad.
When the hearing adjourned there
was probability that the TESTIMONY
of Charles s. Mellen, former presi-
dent of the New Haven system, might
be delayed to await the outcome OF
the mandamus proceedings.
The Aim Of Inquiry
Further inquiry into the financial
affairs of the New Haven railroad was
begun by the interstate commerce
commission today after several weeks
of investigation of the books Of the
company. The inquiry, under the
direction of Commissioner McChord.
is being made in compliance with
senate resolution directing the COM
mission to develop all facts regard
ing the New Ravens banking conneI-
tions; the purchase Of its subsidiary
properties. the money paid for them
and the emoluments of commission
ers 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
tons of the New Haven. Walker ID.
Hines, counsel for the present man
agement. said at the opening that 1t
was the policy Of Chairman Elliott
and the present management to COOP
crate in every way with the commits
sion and furnish all information.
Harry v. Whipple, president Of the
Merchants National Bank Of New
Haven. Conn, the Hrst witness, re.
fused to testify as to his business re-
lations with the Billiard company. He
said he was not now stockholder In
that company but had been up to last
fall.
WhippIe Declines to Answer
To whom did you sell your stock
in the Billiard company? he was ask
ed must decline to answer that
question because regard it as invs-
sion of my personal rights. replied
Whipple.
Judge Stoddard, counsel for the
New Haven explained Mr.. Whipples
declination to reply.
We challenge the rights and the
Jurisdiction of the commission, said
he, to inquire into any act Of the
Billiard company. Our conclusion is
that such an inquiry would be beyond
the scope of the commissions author
ity. Acting on that conclusion we
have decided to decline to answer
questions relating to such matters.
Were there any relations between
the Billiard company and the Ne"
Haven during your incumbency as
treasurer of the Billiard company?
Mr.. Whipple was asked,
The witness again declined to an
swer by advice of counsel.
Suppose, suggested Chief Counsel
Folk of the commission that 1t can
be shown that the Billiard company
owes the New Haven railroad many
millions of dollars do you think that
1t would be desirable to conceal this
fact, in view of the desire of the