The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-03-19

Well stated that on the occasion
he fought OF the second gas hearing
heard In this city. though he was not
Srtain whether II was the second or
the third hearing, that Mr.. Ogden told
him In their room at the hotel that
he had had a conversation with Com
missioner Bronson over the telephone,
ogden asked him II he had noted his
absence, caused by Bronson calling
him to the telephone. and that Bron-
son had told him on that occasion
that he was coming over TO Wheeling
on the order OF the governor and they
would be prepared 10 enter an order
~suspending the Increase In gas rates
Ogden told Well that he told Bron.
son thar n he did anything OF the
kind. he must bring at least another
Commissioner with him, as he would
not agree to give an order OF that kin
at that time. that the gas company
had presented a portion OF Its evidence
and at least made a prima facia case.
, and that for the Commission TO enter
tke order at that time would put II
In a ridiculous position. which cOufd
not be defended.
Ogden Desired Fair Hearing.
He adde also in speaking TO Wei
that the a company had opened w
its books and afforded him every IA.
cility for investigation. and said IN
effect. that "he would be a ine feI'
low" II he allowed the summary &C.
tlon TO be taken upon the gas company
at that time.
Well then said to him according &c
the witness. What il the use OF our
going ahead IL this case has bee pre-.
jNRedT"
Ogden in reply said that they ought
10 20 ahead and present their testi
mony. that he for one would not con
sent to any snap judgment and urged
him 10 continue presenting his case
We'll Does Not Remember.
On further questioning. We'll said
he did not remember at which OF this
meetings this occurred.
At the beginning OF the third hear
ing. according to Well. which was or
December 4th. he had another CONVEX
sation with Ogden. He could not 10
cate the place OF the conversation. was
not certain whether IL had occurred In
his room or at the place OF the hear
Ing. In the conversation. according
TO witness. Ogden said that he was
having difficulty on account Of the
attitude OF Governor HATFIELD. that
Governor Hatfield wanted to have tn,
a rates reduced. regardless OF tn,
proof. and that the other members o
the Commission would do what tn,
aovernor wanted.
Objections were made b ythe stat,
AS TO the Introduction Of this evidence
as being hearsay. and affecting othel
members OF the Commission. and a
expressing only an opinion. The OBJ
lection, however. vas overruled.
Ogden Not Controlled
Well then testified that he asked
Mr.. Ogden what was his position. an,
his reply was that the Governor coul,
not and would not control him.
Well said. THAT may be. but am
TO understand that this case has beer
~preiudiced and N so what Is the rs,
OF going ahead?"
Mr.. Ogden's reply was that. "Yo,
chad better 30 ahead in this case: 4
would probably 60 10 the court any
how. and you had better go aheas
and present your evidence"
The motion was made BY the stat,
20 strike out the whole conversation
This motion vas at first overruIed. bul
the Master seemed TO be in doubt A,
10 the admission Of part OF the con