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

v~ersation alleged to lea with the
talk with Mr.. Bronson over the tele-
phone.
Mr.. Price argued that the conversa-
ton should be admitted simply as a
statement OF the occurrence. and not
as Indicative of gubernatorial control
over the commission.
Mecsmis Talks Of conspirators.
Mr.. McCamic argued that the pro-
eeedings showed a conspiracy in which
the governors and the commission
were a part and this was a yer
ton between two OF the conspirafors.
MIR. Holt very promptly inquired IL
the gas company had changed its con
tention. Heretofore IL has contended
and presented evidence all to show
that the members OF the commission
were coerced by the governor. Now
they were attempting to charge
that II was a joint conspiracy. A con-
spiracy presumed freedom OF action
on the part Of the c~onspirators.
The commissioner finally ruled that
the statement concerning the CONVEX
sation OF Mr.. Bronson might be ad-
mitted as simply a statement of facts,
and TO be considered later.
Witness Continues.
Well continued his testimony. saw.
ing that on the day before the hearing
IN Wheeling was finally completed.
Commissioner Ogden conferred with
him as to an arrangement to maintain
the status quo. and asked thai som
amicable agreement be made by which
existing gas rates should be continued,
pending final decision. The advanced
rates promulgated by the gas company
we're TO go into effect November 1
The case. IL was apparent. would not
be decided before November 1. and
the question was as to what rate the
November bills should carry.
Mr.. Ogden said that he did not want
to have to go into court and ask for
an Injunction. and said that they
should make a friendly arrangement.
Wei finally suggested a number OF
ways, and one OF them was agreed
upon as satisfactory. At the conclu-
sion of this Mr.. Ogden said a number
OF complimentary things as to the
manner in which Well had handled
the case and presented his evidence.
We'll Became Angry.
Well said; You have said these
things a number OF times. and yet
you lead me 10 believe that this entire
case has been prejudged. What is the
use of our going ahead and present
ing u evidence?"
Ogden, according TO Well. replied:
You ought TO 10 ahead and present
your evidence. This case may go into
court. and I ma yhave a very vigorous
dissent from the final opinion
Mr.. Ogden urged him to 10 ahead
I and nraaanf hts evidence .pA 4kav
continued the case.
Another Alleged Conversation.
Wei then proceeded 10 give an &C
count OF another conversation he as
serted he had with Judge Ogden De
cember 2Oth, in Charleston, after the
hearing adjourned TO that city from
Wheeling. Well there accused Mr..
Ogden OF changing his attitude toward
the company. toward the other mem
bers OF the commission. and the hear
ing itself. Well affirmed that Mr.. Og-
den replied that he did not blame the
cOmpany's counsel for getting angry.
Il don't blame you he said. for
becoming angry. The trouble Is that
Che Governor commanded US to have
the hearing fixed for Charleston. and
gave me a calling down for making
arrangements for the Wheeling hear
ing lie gave us notice to have the
hearing In Charleston. and also that
no arrangements we're TO be made
without consulting him.
Mr.. Well said he asked Mr.. Ogden
for the letter. The latter did not have
1t but said copies might be procured
from other members Of the commits
sion. Mr. ogden repeated the sub
stance Of the letter. however.
Well affirmed that he demonstrated
with Judge ogden. sayinR:
This e. trying the case before one
body and another body decides n. n
put Bronson on the stand. what VIII
he say In court a. 20 this7".
He'll have 10 admit g." MI ogden
b. said 10 have replied
And n J put you on the stand"
'ill have 20 admit n. TOO"
Well then said that he toId MIR Oa-
den the whole commission seemed 10
BE- getting its instructions from tho
governor and that he did not believe
they would get any decision from the
commission except o. tho governors
orders
Mr. OGDEN replied for HE part ne
could not do anything. that tho cover
nor controlled the commission. 10 ne
raised TOO strenuous opposition the
governor would zee that hts APPOINT.
ment was not confirmed. He believed
that he could DO more good on Toe
commission than on
Tells We'll 20 Proceed.
Mr. Well then testified he told Tufr.
ogden there vas no use in p-roceedIng
with tho hearing Tho latter seemed
10 b. under the governors fhumb
Just like Tho remainder 81 me Com