The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1915-12-07
New Light on the 1912 New
Haven Investiga-
ton
HAD CONFERENCE
WITH WASHINGTON
Reported Results Would Be
Satisfactory-Action Con-
fined to Grand Trunk

New York, Dec. Testimony was
admitted into the trial of the ii former
directors of the New York, New Haven
& Hartford railroad yesterday that Lew
is Cass Ledyard a New Haven director
successfully used his influence with Presi-
dent Taft and Attorney General Wicker
sham to have the grand jury investiga-
ton into New Haven affairs in 1912 linn
tied in its scope. This investigation
contemplated an inquiry similar to the
one begun two years later which result
ed in the indictmcat of the defendants
| in this case on the charge of conspiracy
to monopoIze. The earlier inquiry was
confined, Charles S. Melen testified yes
terday, to the so-called New Haven
Grand Trunk deal, by which it was then
alleged, and is also alleged in this case,
the Grand Trunk was induced to aban'
don the proposed extension of its New
England line from Palmer, Mass, to
Providence, r. /. sMellen said that after
a discussion between himself, Ledyard
and Edward ID. Robbins, the New Ravens
general counsel, over the effect of such
an investigation en the New Haven, Led
yard sat my earnest insistence" went to
Washington, saw the president and the
attorney general and reported back that
he thought the result OF the interviews
would be satisfactory in limiting the
investigation to the Grand Trunk"
When Mr.. Mellen resumed the witness
stand yesterday he was prepared for
cross examination by the defense. He
had been on the stand, government
witness, for 20 court days, during which
he had been examined on New Haven
transactions covering a period of rs
years.
Before finally turning him over to
Charles r. Choate, cross-examiner for the |
Frank NJ. Swacker for the
government, further questioned Mr.. Mel
len on the dealings between the New
Haven and the Grand Trunk. He asked
again whether Edward ID. Robbins, the
New Ravens general counsel, had not
told him that the company would not
have a leg to stand on" should the
grand jury investigation into the deal in
1912 be broadened to include the ques
ton of monopoly. Mr.. Mellen on Fri
lay testified tat he could recall no such
"That." he said yesterday, twas I'M
my own attitude, but ! can
lot remember that either Mr.. Robbins or
Mr. Ledyard used that language"
did you discuss the acquisition of
he New York 4 New England railroad
n that connecticut"
I'VE discussed the whole system, and
have no doubt the New York & New
England was one of the matters"
"Now YOU have testified that your con-
fusion was that steps should be taken
o limit the scope of the investigation.
What were those steps,"
To this question the defense made Wig
'rous objection and Judge Hunt finally
nnounced TO the jury, This evidence is
omitted as against the defendent Led /,
ard and him alone"
1--WE felt" the witness then continued,
that every influence should be brought
o bear TO limit the scope OF this inves.
igation. Mr.. Ledyarc "A my earnest in /;
istence undertook 10 see the attorney
eneral. Mr.. Wickershsm, and see II he
Guild have il confined TO the Grand /.
'umk"
Mr.. Ledyard. he went on. called Wick
rsham on the telephone az Mellen's Of
&c and made an appointment 60 meet
he attorney general in Washington. J
"And what did Mr.. Ledyard report p
sked Attorney Swacker
"He said he had s,sa the attorney !
eneral and the president president
att and bad discussed the situation
it'll them. and that be believed the re- \
ats would be- satisfactory
"And was that investigation thereafter 4
,nfined 20 the Grand Trunk" J
III was" said the witness. TIE added
iat il resulted IN bic indictment. he
Iplained. a. the suggestion Of Judge :,
unit the nature Of the charge alleged {
lnspiraey under the sherman Law. he 4
"a that the indictment was still pend J
q under q "plea IN haI" which he had :
tered against Il. claiming immunity.