The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-05-21


brought to bear upon Governor Ann
mons. We have published statements
or the earnings of the miners, which
the agitators disputed and the gov
ernor expressed great doubt to its
accuracy
Commissioner Walsh also called Mr..
Rockefeller'S attention to another let
ter written to him by Bowers on De-
cember %, 1913, in which the latter
said:
IF the governor had acted on Sep
TENDER %, as he has been forced to
act during the past few weeks, this
strike never would have existed ten
days.
h Every Possible Weapon.
I'VE used every possible weapon to
drive him into action. but he was
glove-in-hand with the labor leaders
and is today, but the big men of af-
fairs have helped the operators in
whipping the agitatCrs, including the
governor. Now these fellows are ours
ing him without regard for common
decency, so everybody is giving hir1
more or less taffy TIC keep him from
backsliding. The enclosed is sample
of the resolutions being sent to him.
besides any number of personal let
ters."
DO these letters show y our policy?'
asked Chairman Walsh.
Did l write these Ietters?" de-
manded Mr.. Rockefeller.
mo, but you received them" said
IL.
But 1 did no twrite them, so they
can scarcely be said to show my pol
ICY" returned Mr.. Rockefeller.
Il propose to call your attention to
six letters written by you, in which
you say that you back up these actions
by Mr.. Bowers
1.-The letters mean," returned Mr.
Rockefeller, that there was disorder
in Colorado. Naturally every citizen
would use every influence to get the
public officers to do their duty
He declared emphatically that it
was absolutely necessary for him to
back up the men placed in charge
of the coal properties Several times
ne objected to form and nature of the
chairman's question.
Walsh Still Aggressive.
Despite protests led by Mrs. Bor-
den Hartman, Chairman Walsh evil
IDENTIFY was not inclined to reduce his
vigorous attitude and repeatedly piled
Mr.. Rockefeller with questions which
the latter declared improper. Once
Mr.. Walsh and Mr.. Rockefeller par
ried hotly with questions and answers.
Walsh demanding yes or no. ex-
planning, however, that the witness
could develop his answer.
But you said 1 must say yes or
mo- and stop there. declared Mr.
all day and heard a witness who was
permitted to answer questions at any
length he desired, and I demand the
same right
When Mr. Walsh agreed that Mr.
Rockefeller could answer questions as
he wished, the tense situation ap-
peared to be relieved.
Walsh Recalls Ludlow Horror.
Mr.. Walsh asked if Mr.. Rockefeller
was acquainted with the details of the
Ludlow massacre and gave a graphic
description of it. Mr.. Rockefeller said
he had no knowledge of the details.
"On the same day as the Ludlow
massacre Walsh said, did you not
learn that there was little boy
killed."
Il heard a boy was shot" said
Rockefeller.
Walsh then called attention to
company statement that the women
and children at Ludlow were smooth
cred and then read a postcard adj
dressed to him by Mr.. and Mrs. Sny-
der at Trinidad, saying:
We wish tc inform you that there
is enc of the little victims of Lud-
low, not smothered, but was shot
through the head while caressing his
little sister,
ION the back of this card is pho
tograph of the little boy Frank Sny-
DER said Walsh. DO you wish to
see it?" Walsh handed the card to a
messenger, who offered it to Rookie
Teller.
you have described 1t thoroughly"
card as it was passed to the steno-
grapher.
Walsh read from letters and reports
to show that troop A, a volunteer Or
ganization, was formed of superin-
tendents, clerical forces and mine
guards of the coal companies.
Knows of No Outrages.
DO You know that this troop fired
into the tents of the women and chill
dren at Ludlow, and that they looted
the dead and set fire to the tents OF
the people?" asked Walsh.
II do not"
II regard any instance where pri-
vate individuals have to supplement
regular authorities to protect life and
property as most depIorable," Mr.
series Of questions. "Our officers had
to use means at hand 20 supplement
the efficiency of the state. l deplorc
the necessity for putting mine guards
into the field"
"As the men of troop A were paid
by the Colorado Fuel & Iron Co. do
you not feel u moral responsibility for
the Ludlow MASSACRE" asked Walsh.
Il would have felt much greater re-
sponsibility," Rockefeller replied eff
officers of the company had not made
an effort to protect life and property"
Asked if he thought it was right for
guards to loot the homes of people.
Mr.. Rockefeller replied:
Certainly not, whoever they were"
No Contempt for People
Replying to questions based on
statements sent out by Lee, Mr.
declared emphatically
that he never thought of or referred
to the American people with con-
tempt"
II think TO have watered stock an
thing was another as
sertion. Il would not have it in any
company of mine
Walsh referred to an article by Prof
John j. Stevenson of New York uni