The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-12-18

whether he was a Commissioners or
not
mo, the principle is the same"
"Wha led Johnson to think he had
n right to demand that the directors
authorize his payment to Wood
81 don't know"
"Had HI ever made a similar demand
before"
NO"
Finally there came TO the stand Col.
Prout, dapper. precise In the Use Of
words, very calm and smooth. not look
Ing ut all like a man who. says rumor,
once risked his life to bring out OF
harms clutches the great wal lord Of
England. He faced the fire Of ques-
tions without getting excited in the
least, refused the prefer of a waiver of
immunity as he might decline another
cup OF coffee n then went on to weave
his course to the end Of the hearing.
He wanted II clearly understood that
his IN had been refreshed by read
Ing the newspapers. In the mex place.
he wanted 1t understood that he insisted
on making the directors of the company
decide this momentous matter. Again
he wanted II most particularly UNDER
stood hat when he and other officers
OF the company discussed the matter
their discussion was OF the most aca-
demic character. Any suggestions that
were made were merely suggestions. No
one proceeded to that guilty line where
decisions are made IN such matters. He
disagreed with Mr.. Johnson that Mr..
Cptegran had suggested TO him that the
So 900 be put In Johnson's personal ac-
count. Some one made a suggestion
bearing on this. but not actually that
the amount be SO entered on the com
pany's books. The suggestion was only
that this might he "A way to do It. He
must do Mr.. rptegraff he justice Of
saying that IL Mr.. Uptegraff made the
suggestion 1t was only an academic
suggestion.
"When did Mr.. Johnson see you about
his matter and what did he say"
Wei, ! would not undertake to gay
specifically what his exact words were.
or the occasions. He did say In general
that Wood would expect to he paid II
the contract went our way through his
influence.
Did Johnson tell you that Wood
would undertake to see that the con.
tract was awarded to your company IL
the money were paid"'
Not Aware Of Promise.
We'll. yes. I should think ! would
he safe enough in saying that. He said.
l think, that he had assurances that
WYNN N'uih ~ We u
huence in our favor
What did you say to Johnson ."
Now. Senator. you questions up I'd
the present m imply that johnson
had promised to pay him the money. !
am not aware that he had promised.
Johnson brought the matter to me. II
Is highly improbable that he would have
promised until he got my consent"
did he have any right To xpe that
you would deliver?"
II came to me and asked me what
he should do. l said to him, III stu
alton Is a critical situation. II IL a seri-
to use his influence in our direction for
money he will be willing to use II in
other directions, and It il our duty to
carry OH such negotiations as would
keep him In line"
You idea was to make him think he
was going to get the money"
Yes"
The witness then described meetings
with the other directors, at which took
place the academic discussion OF ways
to handle the situation that had arisen.
There were two of these meetings and
as a result the directors were formally
called together.
That was as far Ms Col. Prout got
with his testimony. He will be a wit
ness again this morning.
Public Service Commissioner Wood
had no statement to make yesterday In
addition to what he has already said,
except hat he had no intention OF re-
signing.
1t IL the intention Of the Thompson
committee not to prefer charges against
Mr.. Wood with the Governor Until the
whole matter has been cleared up.