Pine Bluff daily graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1893-1942, 1916-11-23
Judge Hook Renders Deci-
sion Hastily to Expedite
Appeal to High Tribunal.
SANTA FE'S SUIT
COMES UP TODAY
Railroad Attorneys Not Satisfied to
Rest on Decision In M. q. & G.. Suit.
Because Road Is In Hands
Of Receivers.

Kansas City. Nov. 22.-The Adam
son eight-hour law was held uncon-
stltutional here today by Judge VIM.
Z. Hook in the federal district court.
me court made 1t plain that the de-
cislon was not based OH mature con-
slderation Of the merits OF the case.
out on expediency, desired by ali
parties at interest because OF the nee
essity of final decision by the all
preme court Of the United States be-
fore January 1, next, when the law
goes into effect.
The legal moves in the process ~
sending the case directly to tho
highest court Of the country were
somewhat involved from lay point Of
view, but the attorneys concer ned
rushed the matter thru with speed
Selaom witnessed in courts of law.
Just what action Attorney General
Gregory would take remained close
~ guarded secret until yesterday
when Frank Hagerman, Retained MS
special counsel to represent the fed
eral government in the suit. suddenly
set the ball rolling by asking Judge
HOOK to instruct the receivers of the
Missouri, Oklahoma & Gulf Railway
company. compliments in an injunc-
tlon suit, to join with the defendants
IN proceedings which would consign
the case on its merits to the supreme
court OF the United States.
Moves In the Case.
Ioday these moves transpired In
court by agreement:
First, counsel for the RECEIVERS
asked that their bill for an iniunc-
ton be granted, and the Adamson law
be declared null and void,
second. Mr.. Hagerman, for the gov
eminent, asked the court to dismiss
tutional.
Third, The court overruled Mr..
Hagerman, and declared the law in
valid.
Fourth, Preparation Of transcript Of
the evidence for presentation to the
supreme court was begun, and it was
expected that the mails would deposit
copies IN Washington by Saturday.
Fifth. Council for the receivers
were instructed to notify counsel for
al railroads Of moves made here, end
10 invite them to join In the case be.
fore the supreme court.
Railroads Not Satisfied to Rest.
The present case. In the view of Mr..
Hagerman. provides all factors neces-
sary for test case, but it was said by
James Dunlap, of legal staff 6rsvhe
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe. that
among lawyers there is some differ
ence of opinion on this point. He
said that in some quarters it is
thought that perhaps one or two adj.
fQcf
AFFORD wider range OF inquiry and
analysis of the statute. The M. O. &
j. Is in the hands of federal receiv-
ers who could no only as directed by
Judge Hook. who has final say in the
direction Of the roads affairs. Mr..
dunlap said that certain additional
line phases Of the law might develop
IN a case where the complainant was
The case of the Santa Fe is schedul-
I'd to come up before Judge Pollock III
he federal district court at Kansas
City. Kansas. tomorrow. There is
much speculation as to what effect, II
my. Judge Hooks decision would
have on this case.
BrOtherhOods Eliminated.
One result of the procedure IN
Judge Hooks court was the elimina-
ion OF brotherhood chairmen in
Kansas as defendants to the action,
United States District Attorney Will
ION remained the only defendant in
he M. o. & G. suit.
To safeguard the interests OF the
'ailroad employees, should the courts
lecree not be sustained by the SUI
IRENE court, Judge Hook directed the
receivers as plaintiffs to keep their
and be prepared promptly to
Jay their employees on the basis Of the
Adamson law"