Evening star., 1951-05-06
Gas Refund Fee
.Stirs Criticism
|0f Officials
Citizens Federation
Meeting Marked by
Biust at z Leaders

Inc Two ottlclalS OF the Feder-
alton of Citizens Associations who
participated in the gas rate refund
litigation drew sharp criticism last
night over their claims to a share
in $55,0OO counsel fees.
Targets of the remarks made
from the Federation floor were
President Herbert P. Leeman and
Vernon V. Baker, chairman of
the committee on public utilities.
At the outset, Mr.. Leeman an
nounced that when his share of
the fee, which is to be split three
ways with the bulk going to a
private law firm, is settled he will
leave it to the Federation to de-
eide how much, if any, he should
keep.
Mr.. Baker in response to later
comments firmly declared he has
no apologies" to offer for ac-
cepting a fee in the case.
Let Down Charged.
Both officials action in petition
ing District Court for fees to be
paid from the more than $1.2
million refund was described by
one delegate as letting down"
the Federation.
Another delegate, Harry N.
Stuh of Lincoln Park, said that
never in his long career of civic
activity has he known of ANY
funds taken by Federation presi-
dent or. committee chairman in
return for public services done"
IF these men ARE to enrich
themselves by their civic duty
then We ought to know about it,"
Mr.. Stull declared. This is one
of the gravest questions that has
ever come before u.s." he added.
1t is being talked about through
out the city. 1t is a question Of
principle, not personalities"
announces Position.
Mr.. Leeman announced his posi-
ton last night even before the
federation launched into it's busi-
ness calendar.
He said his statement was
prompted by some criticism" of
the court grant OF counsel fees by
persons endeavoring to create dis
sension and dissatisfaction"
Reciting past public service po-
Sltlons he has held. Mr. Leeman
declared that "in all those I have
I1ot received one cent of compensa-
Ition."
And should any fee be received
by me in this matter would pre-
sent the matter to the federation" !"
he said. Regardless of any order
OF the court I would be guided by
what you folks feel is the right
and just thing to do"
John H. Connaughton made the
charge that "the delegates feel let
down" during discussion of a plan
TO appeal a Pepco rate increase
granted by PUG. Action was de-
ferred by a 36-35 vote.
| Baker Answers.
Mr.. Baker retorted that Mr..
IConnaugton was "as usual taking
sides with PUC," in complaints
that. he said. were inspired by
the gas company.
i could be criticized for doing
something inconsistent with nv
duty to the public, but not this.
l want to reiterate that a fee was
not in my mind at all at the be-
ginning, !" Mr.. Baker asserted. Mi
Baker revealed that the law firm
Iof Roberts and McInnis had
offered him and Mr.. Leeman a
2O-8O split in the total fee, with
the two Federation officials shar-
ing the 20 per cent.
In other actions the Fedora
ton:
Joined nearby communities in
petltloning the Interstate Com
merce Commission to investigate
public transportation in the
Metropolitan area.
Asked immediate appointment
with adequate staff and facilities
OF Peoples Counsel.
Recommended f1uoridation of
the District water supply.
Urged that the crippled chill
dren's clinic at Gallinger Hospital
continue to be operated separately
from the hospital administration.
Joined the interfederation coun-
Gil in plea that public transpor-
'atlon authorities maintain great
est vigilance" to see that Capital
transit Co. is not used as a pawn
IN a speculative scheme" The
recently attempted .4-to-1 stock
split was mentioned in this con-
nection.