Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-02-17
/. {. c. INTIMIDATION
| IN LAKE COAL CASE
CHARGED BY REED
Missouri Senator Involves
Presidential Appointments
in Allegations.
CLAIMS VOTES CHANGED
TO AID PENNSYLVANl
Namesake in Senate Accused of
WELDING Sword Over Rate.
Making Board.

ht w" Ssspt1dtto tSSS'
Intimidation of certain members OF
the Interstate Commerce Commission in
the lake cargo coal rate case by po-
litical influence emanating from Penn
svlvania and running into the White
House itself was charged in the Senate
today by Senator Reed. Democrat, Mis-
souri,
Asserting that the commission had
reversed itself in this case so as TO
favor the coal operators OF Pennsylva-
MIA over those in West Virginia. Ken
tucky, Tennessee and Virginia. Sena-
tor Reed declared 1t had rendered a
decision mot only revolutionary and
unjust" but probably the most arbi-
trary yet handed down by Federal
board or tribunal"
Names Pennsylvania Senator.
Speaking on the eve of his departure
on a stumping tour which is to take
him across the continent, the Missouri
Democrat said 1t was hard to escape
the conclusion that the Interstate Com
merce Commission reversed itself be-
cause II sat under the shadow OF the
suspended sword Of Pennsylvania.
welded by Senator Reed of that State,
who. the Missourian said. possessed the
advantage of long experience and inti-
mate association with the Secretary OF
the Treasury"
Recalling that only two years ago the
commission had refused the petition OF
the Pennsylvania coal operators for
higher differential in rates on coal to
the lake ports and the Northwest. the
Missouri Senator said 1t was then that
the political battalion" was called into
action, with the Pennsylvania Reed
boldly declaring that Pennsylvania
should have the representation on the
commission which would correct the
conditions Of which the Pennsylvania
operators complained.
Cites Woodlock Case.
Having lost the case upon Its merits
In the court" he said, sit was now de-
termined TO change the personnel OF the
court"
The MiSsourian reminded the Senate
that his Pennsylvania cousin had op.
posed the nomination OF Thomas r.
Woodlock of New York TO the commits
sion until he had had assurance from
the White House that Pennsylvania
would be considered in the next ap-
pointment
Time ran on." the speaker continued.
but it did not run very long until the
articles OF the treaty Of peace between
the Senator from Pennsylvania and the
President we're put into force.
The term Of Commissioner Cox. one
OF the commissioners who had con-
CURED In the majority opinion against
the Pennsylvania operators, was about
to expire.
He had been good commissioner.
So far as know. neither his ability
nor fidelity had ever been questioned.
But Pennsylvania had TO be taken
care Of"
Woods Was Rejected.
The Missour!an then told of the an
pointment OF Cyrus E. Woods of Penn
sylyania, TO succeed Cox and of the re-
lection OF his nomination by the Senate.
because he had been connected with the
pennsylvania coal industry. both as at
torney and stockhoider.
Under the circumstances. Ii would
not have been wise TO have just then
and there appointed another man like
Woods" Reed continued. 80 Mr.
Brainerd was appointed to fill the seat
made vacant by Cox. And be 1t said to
Brainerd's credit. he did not undertake
u participate In the decision on rehear-
ing.
But nevertheless, the removal OF
Cox had removed one OF the obstacles
TO the reversal OF the case.
The term Of Commissioner Esch was
about TO expire,
His emoluments and honors were. of
course. dependent upon reappolntment.
Charges Votes Were Changed.
He must have known OF the threat
OF Senator Reed that Pennsylvania pro-
posed 10 be represented
He had doubtless observed that the
Senator from Pennsylvania had climbed
TO the very apex OF political power and
influence.
Il doubt not that the commissioner
often viewed with disconsolate 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
rchearing, although the case had been
fully tried In the first instance and
there had been no change I'm conditions.
Esch and Aitchison changed their votes
and rendered a decision fixing the diff
ferentia! at the point demanded by the
Pennsylvania interests"