New Britain herald., 1928-02-17
SEN. REED SAYS COMMISSION HAS
 BEEN FRIGHTENED
Missouri Democratic Lsldl Scores Intastlts Commdct
 Body for Reversal of Decision

DECLARES II 10 BE
 MOST ARBITRARY" CASE Tells Senate That Commission is In-
 timidetcd by Influence From
 Pennsyivania That Goes Clear
 Through to White House-Attacl
 Comes on Eve of Stumping Tour
 Of U. S.
 Washington, Feb. 17 R}AIntimi- dalton of the state commerce cofn- mission In the lake cargo coal rate case by ! political influence eman- ating from Pennsylvania and run ming into the White House itself was charged today in the senate by Sena- tor Reed. democrat, Missouri.
 Asserting that the commission had reversed itself in this case so as to favor the coal operators of Pennsyl- vania over those in West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia, Senator Reed declared it had rem dered decision mot only revolu- tionary and unjust" but probably the most arbitrary yet handed down by federal board of tribunal
 Going On Tour.
 Speaking on the eve of his depar- ture on stumping tour which is to take him across the continent. the Missouri democrat said 1t was ''hard to escape the conclusion that the interstate commerce commission re- vened itself because 1t sat under the shadow of the suspects sword of Pennsylvaria," wielded by Senator Reed. of that state, who, the Mis- sourian said, possessed the advant- age of long experience and intimate association with the secretary of the treasury"
 Recalling that only two years ago the commission had refused the pe- tition of the Pennsylvania coal operators for a. higher differential in rates on coal to the lake ports and the northwest. the Missouri senator said then 1t was that the political 'sa attalten' was eaiaeda>i Into action. with the Pennsylvania Reed boldly declaring that Pennsylvania should have the representation on the com mission which would correct the conditions of which the Pennsyl- vania operators complained.
 Having lost the case upon its merits in the court" he said, "it was now determined to change the personnel of the court"
 The Missourian reminded the sem ate that his Pennsylvania cousin had oposed the nomination of Thomas F. Woodlock. of New York. to the commission until he had had assur- aice from the White House tha. Pennsylvania would be considered in the next appointment.
 Time ran on," the speaker con- tinued, but 1t did not run very long until the articles of the treaty or peace between the senator from Pennsylvania and the president were plt into force.
 ''The term of Commissioner Cox. one of the commissioners who had concurred in the majority Of opinion fagainst the Pennsylvania opera tors) was about to expire.
 Good Commissioner.
 He had been q good commission CT. So far as I know, neither his ability nor fidelity had ever been questioned
 But Pennsylvania had to be talk en care Of"
 The Missourian then told of the appointment of Cyrus E. Woods, Of Pennsylvania, to succeed Cox and of the rejection of his renomination by the senate, because he had been connected with the Pennsylvania coal industry, both as Attorney and stockholder.
 Under the cirmustances. it would rot have been wise to have just them and there appointed another man Nike Wood" Reed continued. 50 Mir. Brainerd was appointed to fill the seat made vacant by Cox. And be 1t said to Brainerd's credit, he did not undertake to participate in the decision on rehearing.
 But, nevertheless, the removal ol Cox had removed one of the ob- stacles to the reversal of the case.
 The term Of Commissioner Esch was about to expire.
 His emoluments and honors were. of course. dependent upon reap pointment.
 ''He must have known of the threat of Senator Reed that Penn sylvania proposed 10 be represented.
 He had doubtless observed that the senator from Pennsylvania had climbed to the very apex of political power and influence.
 Cox Removed.
 T doubt not that the commission  CT often viewed with disconsoiate eyes Cox's scalp already suspended from the pole of the Reed tepee. He naturally desired to avoid similar fate.
 "Cox had been removed. And upon rehearing. although the case had been fully tried in the first in- stance and there had been no change in conditions. Esch and Atchison charged their votes and rendered . decision fixing the diff ferential at the point demanded by the Pennsylvania interests"
 S95O, ,OOO FIRE LOSS
 Providence, R. l.. Feb 17 tT-A &c5O.O00 Ire partially destroyed the Rh0de Island proreHairp CO mill af