New-York tribune., 1915-03-24
Classes Governor with
iapiratical Politicians" at
P.S.C. Hearing.
EXECUTIVE RED WITH
ANGER AT ATTACK
u.call and Other Commission
arc Enter DenialS-Decision
in Two Weeks.
,r.,r s,.- corrcspoudsn, Of The Trieuue.l

Williams hHSNANN
"a startled the two hundred persons
zen. to-day at the hearing on the
L.rves against the Public Service
..rrissioners of the lst District.
chairman Mccall and Commissioner
ram had made their answers 10 the
,,,rges. when Commissioner Williams,
!, nj. statement. used the expression:
pYou and your cruel, piratical poll
ticisns.'
What was that you said?" demand
81 the Governor, leaning forward in
bis chair
AZ said that you and your pi-atical
poltieians"--
The Governors jaws snapped. He
,runs around in his chair and again
a.msnded: What was that you said"
~ said that you and your cruel, pi-
ra,ieal politicians
what do you mean? Do you mean
hiatt" fairly roared the Governor.
@Cruel and piratical politicians,
mean" answered Williams.
you take that back right row! Do
vop understand" ." exclaimed Mr. Whit
nan.
Ignores the Governor.
Mr.. Williams began turn ag over
some pages Of manuscript, Indifferent
% the Governor, who repeated his de
mand
The Commissioner again ignored the
oues,ion and began turning over more
pages Of his answer
DO you call the Governor Of the
State Of New York a piratical poll
faan." demanded the Governor, his
face deep crimson.
q apologize. l take tina. back"
finally answered Williams.
DO you apologize-most humbly
,pologize:" persisted the Governor.
AZ d." said Williams. "fhe only
hing that stands between me and dis
grace is your honor as man, Gov
GrOr. You are the complainant, the
prosecutor, the Judge and the jury ard
the appellate court"
III YOU repeat that offence I'll re-
move you right now," shouted Governor
Whitman.
Nr. Williams continued to turn over
pages Of his manuscript. He seemed
not TO hear.
DO you let that statement stand"
thundered the Governor. DO you
realize you are talking to your su-
perior officer? Do you realize what you
are saying -,
a have no choice in the matter"
answered Williams.
what DO YOU mean demanded the
Governor.
Asks TO Strike It Out.
"I humblv ask YOU to strike it from
the record, said Williams. May l
proceed"
"You may do as you please" snapped
the Governor.
Governor. ] cannot belle that you
have predicted my removal" said the
Commissioner q moment later, and
again the Governor demanded to know
what he meant.
"How could I believe l could get a
fair trial said Williams, when the
papers said We we're TO col.-e here for
decent burial and that the grave
was already dug?"
"Confne yourself 10 the facts" eX-
claimed the Governor. What the
papers say doesn't concern you or me" !"
Just then Chairman Mccall passed
note 10 the Governor, which read
Substantially: Williams is a sick
nan"
Governor Whitman, without COM
nent, at once assumed a more tolerant
attitude
Were you ever Investigated by a
legislative committee hostile L you?'
asked Williams.
i have had questions asked, and |
answered them" replied the Governor.
Quieted by Mccall.
Nr Williams persisted further in his
questions. The Governor ignored them,
and finally Chairman Mccall whispered
70 his colleague
We'll, if you say I'm through, Pm
through said Mr. Williams. who threw
MS manuscript answer on the Cover
hors desk and retired.
Thus ended what old-timers declare
10 De the most dramatic scene that has
Sken place in years il the Executive
tambers.
w. his also ended the hearing. Governor
"nitman announced that he would
make make known his decision in two weeks.
aiI here believe il will be against the
"1t COMM sioners.
Chalrman Mccall and Commissioner
Sism, who spoke before Mr.. Williams,
Noled themselves to an expo ition of
c1sit answers. Only once did Mr. Nc
SaA grow personal, and then it was
suggest that Colonel William Hay
ssfd, who sat beside the Governor and
fHO mas acted as counsel TO the Pub
- service Investigating Committee,
sAould study law little longer before
SsPflng TO be chairman of the Public
service Commission.
commissioner Wood who vas pres
"'' merely filed his answer.
Mccall Demands Fair Trial.
,;hairman Mccall declared he was en-
Sueo 70 the same fair hearing and de-
sIsioh on competent evidence as if
siges for cause had been preferred
sshst him when he was sitting on the
supreme Court bench.
aN Is, Of course" Nh. Mccall said,
more more or less common in connection
os % : change of admi 4istration for
or or ials TO be removed for partisan or
ts.S purposes without there neces-
tSs being involved any reflection on
az ouSted official. If tais were case
e,,suh sun a character hould not be
., e,uy concerned, for, whether right
wrong, charges for political reasons
continued on page 4. column 5