Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-10-21
EX-PRESIDENT TAFT
MAY BE A WITNESS
in NEW HAVEN CASE
Government Said to Contem-
plate Summoning Him to
Testify Regarding Boston
and Maine Deal
MELLEN AGAIN ON STAND

NEW YORK, Oct 21.-Former Presi-
dent William Howard Taft probably will
be called as witness in the Govern
ment's prosecution of II former directors
OF the New Haven Railroad, Il was re-
ported around the courtroom today. The
eX-President, II is understood, will be
examined as to conference he once had
with Lewis Cass Ledyard. one of the de-
PENDANTS, regarding the Boston and Maine
deal
Charles s. Mellen, former president of
the New Haven and the chief witness
on which the Government depends to con.
vict the defendants, resumed the stand
in Federal Judge Hunts court today to
narrate the second phase of the New
Haven's activities in gaining control of
New England traffic.
Melen, standing before huge man
showing all the arms of the octopus
with pointer traced the various lines
and how they finally converged into the
New Haven
MELLEN'S ACCURATE MEMORY.
For more than an hour Mellen continued,
describing New England's transportation
lines as they were a quarter of a century
ago. His memory for detail was aston
ishing. The accused millionaires listened
in open-mouthed wonder.
Speaking of one road, Mellen mentioned
Rochester, n. H., as a point on it.
what kind of town Is Rochester,"
asked Assistant Attorney General
Swacker
"oh It is a nice little town ali cut up
by railroad crossings" Mellen answered
MELLEN AND CLARK
Swacker asked Mellen more about his
dealings with Charles p. Clark while
the latter was president of the New
Haven. Clark is a defendant in the pres
ent case. Lindabury interposed his GUS
tomary objection.
I'VE are getting the facts as best we
can,' retorted Swacker, and referred tc
Mellen as hostile witness"
Lindabury defended Mellen. HE is not
hostile" he said He is anything but
hostile, and II is in bad taste for you tC
attack your own witness"
Judge Hunt rebuked Swacker. but over
ruled Lindabury's objection TO the Gov
ernment's line of examination.
What were conditions as regards com.
petition between the New York and New
England and the New Haven?" was one
of Swacker's questions
THE worst l ever knew-just cut.
throat work on both sides"
Mr. Mellen said that when the New
Haven announced a reduction in the run.
ming time Of three passenger trains from
Boston to New York. he went to Clark
and protested that the reduction was un.
fair to the New York and New England
'I told him all the things that were likely
TO happen" said Mr.. Mellen.
What were those things?"
well, I had in my pocket a copy o.
an advertisement which I said l wal
going to put in the papers that after.
noon announcing that we would run {
train at Allyus Point direct by boat Il
New York, and that the fare between
Boston and New York would be 81
Clark said: rs that honestT said
It is.
Two months after this Mellen said h.
became second vice president in charg,
OF the traffic OF the New Haven.
who employed your"
Charles +. Clark"
Did he say why he employed you p
He said made too much of a nuisanc,
Of myself on the New England"
Mr.. Mellen said Clark asked him I,
start suit against the New England, anC
that he did it through Boston brokers
This suit the Government alleges, wa,
intended to embarrass the New England
Asked about the Goldsmith suit, another
litigation which the Government aIlegel
was used to force the New England int
a receivership, Mr.. Mellen replied: 81
have heard Mr.. Clark talk about IT,"