New-York tribune., 1922-11-21
Bids Forced Out
By Bus Changes.
Arndt 'Testifies
Professor Admits His Speci-
fications in Second Order
for frackiess irolIeys
Barred Atlas Truck Firm
Clashes With Shearn
Attorney Insists ON Direct
Answers, While Witness
Stands for Full Replies

Professor Morton Arndt, OF the de-
psrtnent of electrical engineering at
Columbia and consultant 20 the Depart
inent OF Plant and Structures, proved a
difficult witness yesterday when he APP
peared. under subpoena, before the
Transit Commission in it's inquiry into
the operation of the Hylan bus system,
80 testify concerning his activities as
chairman OF the committee on trackless
troileys appointed by Commissioner
Grover A. Whaien. The time that Pro-
fessor Arndt passed on the witness
stand was taken up by continuous
tilt between the witness and Clarence
J. Shearn, counsel to the commission,
which threatened TO become bitter.
The change in specifications for the
c;ty's second order OF trackiess trolleys
Tor use on Staten Island. which result
cd 10 the Atlas Truck Corporation, the
eYiginators OF this type Of conveyance,
being forced out of the bidding, was
the subject on which Professor Arudt
was questioned. These changes were
made BY Professor Arndt after prelim-
mary invitations to bid had gone out
10 manufacturers, among them the
Atlas company, which had built the
first trackless trolleys used on Staten
l2lands
Had Chip on Shoulder
The lack OF cordiality between Mr.
Shearn and the witness was evident
from the first question. Professor
Arndt insisted on his right to make
complete answers and Mr.. Shearn was
equally insistent that he answer the
questions directly. Finally Mr.. Shearn
observed that the witness "had chip
on hs shoulder" which Professor
Arndt admitted, giving as a reason an
the attorney. The pickering continued
until Mr.. McAneny cautioned the wit
mesa to answer directly, assuring him
that an opportunity to make a state
nept could be accorded him later.
Comparative peace being restored
temporarily Mr. Shearn drew from the
witness the admission that he knew
the changed specifications would make
il difficult for the Atlas company TO
bid. Allan S. Cosgroye, vice-president
Of the company, had come to him end
told him, 80 Professor Arndt said, but
he was Of the opinion that the COM
pany could build the husses on the re-
vised plans at an increase of only 10
yer cent in the cost lie wrote to Mr..
Cosgroge telling him TO submit 3 bid
Win an alternative proposition to sup
ply the old type vehicle, and this the
company did.
The Cosgroyc letter precipitated an
other clash. Professor Arndt was
asked why he had written assuring Cos
grove that the change in plans indi-
Gated no intention on the part of Com
missioner Whalen to keep the Atlas
company from bidding Mr.. Shearn and
Transit Commissioner Hardness at
tempted 10 learn why this statement
had been included in the letter, and
after considerable questioning the wit
ness said:
well. perhaps shot my mouth of. /"
ais that the language OF the Colum
bia class rooms?" asked Mr.. Shearn,
sharply.
mo" the witness answered, "but [
thought it was language you could best
understand
"i'lI Accept the Insult" Says Shearn
"I'n accept the insult" responded
Mr.. Shearn. quietly I'm getting used
to them from Commissioner Whalen's
department.
The intimation at a previous session
that the failure of William Crompton,
q salesman, to obtain the New York
agency from the Atlas company pre-
eeded by only week or two the change
1 ~irira IONS which put the Atlas
company out of the bidding was dis
pe..eu at Yesterdays session when
Mr. tosgrove was on the stand. 1t was
brought out that Crompton's talks with
Cosgroye concerning the New York