The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-02-17

had put up a fast gait and COW
cred q great deal OF space.
In spite OF objections raised by
the state that all Of TrissalPs evi-
oenee - being hesrsay, Incapable
Of contradiction on the part Of the
chief person referred 20. he then
was allowed TO tell his story. and
u was received In evidence.
The witness then went on 20 say
that Ogden had said that when
ne went on the public service
commission. he found the law a
very crude piece Of legislation,
with no teeth In u. u fell 20 him
az a lawyer 20 arrange plans Of
procedure and work. a test Of the
strength OF the law came when
they undertook TO investigate the
affairs Of the Manufacturers Iioht
and Heat company. He said that
Ogden said that Governor Hat
heid had been insistent that the
rates for gas charged by this COM
pany should be reduced.
Formal complaint had not been
made TO the commission and
there We no basis TO work upon.
Mr.. Ogden had 10 find a basis for
work, basis for proceeding, had
called a meeting OF the customers
OF these companies, 20 which rep
resentatives Of the gas company
were Invited TO be present. Ne
said that after he had returned
from the hearing In Wheeling, he
was startled TO receive a COM
munieation from the governor,
stating that further meetings on
the gas case should be held at
Charleston.
He said Commissioner O9der
thought thai this implied an attacl
upon his integrity. and he did not fee
mat his services in this particular
case were desired longer. Soon aftel
TINS meeting OF the commission wa.
heid AT Charleston. at which the atti
tude OF the general counsel for the
gas company was entirely changed.
Controversy Arose.
A controversy arose which ended IN
the counsel being directed by the
chairman OF the commission TO retir,
from the case. This brought on a row
and later Mr.. Ogden went TO see Gov
ernor Hatfield about the case. or was
sent for by Governor Hatfield. The
witness did not remember which was
the statement.
Mr.. Ogden said that he was greeted
by the Governor with the statement
That he thought that the Commission
understood that he, the Governor
wanted the gas rates reduced. Mr.. Og
den replied that he had been working
Tor months on the case, the law pre
scribed his course. and he would be
compelled to follow IL. The gas rates
could not be reduced. no action could
DC taken without a thorough investi
cation and without evidence beinf
prepared. He had hoped the gas com
pany would continue in the case. HI
went on to explain to the Governor
that the investigation must be mad,
and the decision must be thorough,
supported by the facts before actor
could be taken. Otherwise the ga,
company would be able to have tn,
decision set aside.
He said he told the Governor thaf
he did not think that the Goyerno,
wanted to be in a position of dictatinl
TO the Commission, and its action mus
be legal
He alleged that the Governor. re
piled that he did not care what an,
court ruled. He wanted the Commits
sion TO understand tkst the gas rate,
must be reduced. and that they would
have 10 be reduced.
At this point the witness hesitatet
In his testimony. and then. as IL sum
moning up his courage for the ordeal
added:
Mr.. Ogden then said that you will
lose your respect for me when | tel
you that following this converse
ton an order was entered reducinl
the rates. and acquiesced in Il, as tn,
action OF the Commission.
Judge Holt cross-examined the wit
ness.
O. TO whom did you first commu
nicate this conversation?