The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-03-09
HARDWOOD MEN
. TELL OF EFFORTS
FOR PRODUCTION
Defense Continues introduce
ton Of Affidavits in U. S.
Governments Case Against
Lumber Associations Plan.

Hardwood manufacturers have re-
q sorted to every resource possible to
increase production of mills. according
20 affidavits from numerous manufac-
turers. secretaries of associations Of
consumers of hardwood, officials of mill
Supply firms and other interests in
Produced by the defense Tuesday dur
ing the second day of the trial in U, S.
court involving the open competition
plan" operated by the American Hard
wood Manufacturers association.
The affidavits tended to refute al
legations made by the government that
There had been efforts to restrict pro-
duction to keep lumber prices on the
present high level Many of those
whose affidavits were read were not
pnembers of the open competition
plan"
M An interesting affidavit offered was
that of w. a. Babbitt. secretary of the
National Association of Wood Turner's.
I'm his review of conditions he said pro-
kluction had been restricted throughout
ahe country because of shortage of cars
NRnd labor and that mills in the South
bad been handicapped by rain and mills
in the North by cold
New England producers, he said. had
Suffered one of the worst seasons in
history because of billiards. and the
Western Pennsylvania forests were
water and snowbound The rise in
prices, he said was due to increase in
ences mentioned. y.
Similar ideas were expressed by all
II affiants. Mill supply firms reported
\ business far greater than ever and SAID
operators were making every effort to
y increase production. -
Judge Comments.
~ The court entered into several discus
sions of the open competition plan"
tiuring the session. He once interrupt
I'D Gen, l.. C.. Boyle, counsel. for the de-
fense. to ask:
E# What advantage do members of the
#open competition plan gain over BROTH
fskr members of the association who are
Mot members Of the plan?'
| 1t was explained that they got pro-
\ Nuction, sales and market reports is
n Aued by the statistical department Of
HE associations
How useful is this benefit and in
What lines?r asked Judge Mccall.
# Reports carry information OF the mar
K Net, he WAS informed General Boyle
HEN said dealer might have a
buyer who offered less than the market
Nrice for products, but if he had the
reports he could see what commodities
We're bringing and could get the market
price.
Then it enables him to get more
money said Judge Mccall eonclusiVely
N absolutely So" replied counsel for
\ the defense, land we maintain that we
have a right to do So
IA At another point Judge Mccall said
n all references in prices made Ill litera-
lture ISSUED by the association seemed
TO favor high prices or even higher
$prices. He then asked IL the associa-
tion had an affidavit showing that a
healer had cut the price OF his stock
/ Bitter getting report from the associa-
Mon.
|# The defense admitted that it did not
Nave concrete example. but argued
Mat the present was an exceptional and
ABNORMAL time on the market and in
Aerred that a bearish influence would
Dc difficult to discover.
Case Prolonged.
|# 1t will take three days to hear all
fhe testimony and arguments in the
Base according to announcements made
luesday by Gen. Boyle, general counsel
for the defendants. Before the case
WAS opened it was believed all testi-
1nony could be heard in one day. The
aefense did not complete its case Mon
nay and Gen, Boyle stated Tuesday 1t
brobably would take all of Tuesday to
complete the defendants testimony.
Ri l., T. Fitzhugh and Harry B. Ander-
Son, Memphis lawyers, retained !. as
tounsel in the case, win take active
part in the. case Tuesday: General
Boyle spoke for the defendants through
but Monday afternoon, but stated Tues
Nay that the Memphis lawyers would
Make active part in the proceedings Of
Ahe second day.
Testimony probably will be completed
B#Tuesday afternoon and arguments on
4 "wednesday.
WI Lumbermen were driven to the open
decomposition" plan because there is no
central market for lumber, said General
Boyle In federal court Monday, while
presenting the case for the defense.
10 ntrul ri o q
ssaid where prices are quoted The
humber industry is unlike the cotton,
tobacco or live stock industry or doz-
zen other industries. No newspaper quo
tatons are carried daily Gil lumber. The
INproduct is bringing is by this plan of
open competition which is the clear
hing house for stimulating trade