Arizona republican., 1920-10-21
COMMITTEE WILL PROBE NEW YORK
 BUILDING TRUST
TRepubIIcan A. p. Leased wIrel

lNcpupltcan A. P. Leased Wtrel
 NEW YORK. Oct. 2o.--Attempt to show that master plumbers. stone cut ters and steam heating and ventilating contractors in Greater New York have an unlawful scheme to throttle compe- tition was made here today by Samuel Untermyer at the opening of the joint legislative Investigation of the alleged building materials trust.
 Mir. Untermyer said he expected to develop evidence that would show that the contractors had associations' and operated under a 'code of practices" by which bids were put through a central clearing house."
 John P- Hettricl<, attorney for the Association of Master Plumbers of Greater New York, was subjected to a severe cross-examination regarding this alleged code" Hettrick also is counsel for groups of stone cutters and steam heating and ventilating contractors.
 The witness testified that he had realized from 1 to 3 per cent on mill lions of dollars of contracts that had passed through his office This money was paid him for furnishing "insur- ance against mistakes and the hundred evils surrounding the business" of his clients, he said. The witness admitted that a system of colored cards was used to notify contractors regarding the status of various bids and the 'in- surance rislS' involved.
 When Mir. Untermyer produced a stack of index cards, the witness rec ognized them and exclaimed:
 My mail has been robbed down ai my office. If you are using any of my cards 1t is my duty to warn you. hope nobody that robbed the United States mail has turned anything ovel to you" T don't know how they got here said Mir. Untermyer, but you will agree with me that they are signifi cant"
 The witness then asked MT. Inter myer if the cards were "all blanks"
 'sNot one" replied Mir. Untermyer smilingly holding up a card, adding;
 What is the item marked2 lnsur ance. isn't it7 That is the way the, pay in their money. These cards ar membership cards. aren't they2"
 'Yes. that represents their legal fe to me-" replied the witness.
 MT. Hettrick resented any referenc to the group of contractors as "asso ciations." expressing the desire tha thev be recorded as his clients.
 MT. Untermyer said he would de velop evidence to show that they ar associations" and that many member have resigned during the last te' weeks when they heard things wer stirring"
 The index cards held by the com mittee's counsel showed that Mir. Hei trick numbered his clients instead giving names. which he said he wa unable to divulge.
 When Mir. Untermyer announced ma he could furnish the names Of some the contractors represented by t numbers, the witness volunteered bring before the committee tomorro the "l<ey sheet" Co the index system.
 The morning session of the comm tee wrs marked by a clash betWee William P. Brindeu. president or " building trades council and Mr. UT termycr when Che labor leader pro tested against allcgcd bullying ar insulting tactics hy thc committed counsel
 Samuel T. DOnnclly. secretary or Jl Building Employers association, g." was questioned ny Nr. tutermyer to thc agreements mad" by his ass ciatior with tho building trades cou cil.