The Houston Post. (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 29, No. 46, Ed. 1 Wednesday, May 20, 1914 Page: 1 of 16
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FLY
S Will lilt
faHar f tatrty Pirbt in th prevee.
tM f lthm.i 4 Math. Kaay thlai
te .'
VILLA BATTLES
FOR SALTILLO
WH FEDERALS
Desperate Fighting Reported
io Progress but Reports
Are Puzzling.
WRREZ HAS GAINED
AT SAN LUIS POTOSI
.Foothold in That City Beported to
Have Been Seized by That Divi-
lion of Constitutiooaliati Army
in Fighting; There Tuesday.
(Associated Press Rtport.'
EL. PASO. Texas. My 19. Desperate
fighting is In progress before Saltlllo. but
the wires from the fiont silent it is be-
lieved under the order of General Fran-
cisco Villa haw omught no details of
the engagements. Whether Villa has
fought his way through the outer defense
of the federal stronghold and is knock-
ing on the gates ot Saltlllo Itself or
whether a defperate defense of the posi-
tions north of the town has sufficed to
check the constitutionalist advance was
uncertain froi.l the little news 'that cam
through.
The only dlrcc. Information reaching
here was in u dispatch from lsidro Ka-
bela acting minister of foreign affairs
in the constitutional government which
Informed thu constitutionalist Junta here
that Villa had defeated a force of 6000
federals at Paredon. inflicting heavy
casualties capturing 800 prisoners sev-
eral machine guns. 600.000 rounds of am-
munition and otlur valuable munitions
of war. Two federal generals were among
those said to have been killed.
May Be Delayed Wire.
Neither the time nor date of the en-
gagement was specified In Fabela's dis-
ratch. which was sent from Durango
early this afternoon and which reached
here four nours later. General Car-
ranza and his staff among whom was
Kenor Fabella. returned to Durango late
last night from Sombrerete. Zacatecas.
It Is regardeJ here as possible that the
news contained In till dispatch may have
been sent In a wire from the front some
days ago.
The mention M the engagement of
6000 troops at Part-don puzzled men here
who have followed the campaign closely.
The moat serious engagement of the
campaign was reported to have occurred
near that point Friday afternoon -.vhen
300 men of the Zaragota brigade under
Oeneral Raoul Madero surprised and
scattered a federal fore of 400. Madero
then occupied the town of Paredon. Trie
federal garrison was said to Nave re-
tired to Ramos Ariipe six miles north of
fialtltlo after cutting tne railroad from
Pareflon as they retreated.
Might Mean Federal Advance.
This it the last direct news of the
eampaign to reach here from the front
although other mtror skirmishes were
rumored.
If the Durango dispatch is correct and
the engagement took place after the de-
feat administered to the federal force by
General Madero. it may Indicate that the
federals Imve advanced in force from
Saltlllo driving before them the con-
stitutionalists scouts and reconnaissance
parties known to be operating in the
country between Saltlllo and Paredon.
Another possibility Is that an augmented
force of federals from Monclova. fleeing
before General Francisco Murgia. who
adanoed from Piedras Negras against
them stumbled Into a brush with General
Villa's forces
It is possible the news from Fabela
may be sn exaggerated account of the
first Paredon engagement.
FEDERALS LOST FIGHT
NEAR SAN LUIS POTOSI
Gen. Torres Reported That 380 of
the Enemy Were Killed While
Being Driven Into City.
Associated Press Report. )
MEXICO 1'ITY. May 19. The
situation in the capital Is consid-
ered serious and it is feared an
uprising will occur within a few
days.
The resignation of the minister
of communlcaUetia. Jose Marie
iozano lias been accepted but his
successor has not been named.
The telegraph wires to San Luis
Potoshave been cut and It is be-
lieved the federals in that district
have been defeated.
The constitutionalists tt la re-
ported are Bbout to attack Gua-
dalajara. There is great distress among
2 the poor of Mexico city.
Houston Post tiff Special.
DURANGO CITY Durango. Mexico.
May 19. In an official message to General
Carranxa received here this morning.
General Alberto Carrera Torres com-
manding the constitutionalist forces be-
fore San Luis Potosl reported that the
men under his command engaged in bat-
tlu with the federals In the capital of
Han Luis Potosl on May 16. He said that
his troops drove the federals back Into
the city and that the federal losa in the
first day of fighting was 380 dead.
General Torres further reported that he
had the railroad in operation to Pestillos
station and soon will have it In working
order to the capital Potoslna. "Many
federals from Ban Luis Potosl garrison
are deserting the federal ranks and Join-
ing with General Torres.
Orders for the Immediate attack on
Msxatlan and for the beginning of the
advance on the federals In the State nf
Jalisco was given by General Carranxa
to General Alvaro Obregon. commander In
chief of the constitutionalist forces In
Northwestern Mexico during a tele-
graphic conference between the two
chiefs on May 17. while General Car-
ranxa was at Sombrerete Zac.
General Carranxa on his return to this
city from Sombrerete was accompanied
by' Generals Panfllo Natera chief of the
central division of Mexico: Mariano and
Domingo Arrleta. Tomas Dominguex
Martin Trlana and Trinidad Cervantes.
In his conference with these ehlefa. Gen-
eral Osrranza has been Informed of the
disposition of all their forces and final
Elans for the attack on Saltlllo at San
ula Potosl. Agues Callentes and other
Important federal position'
Mini
VOL. 99. NO. 48.
i.-?..
NEWS SUMMARY
TEE WEATHEB.
(Associated Press Report)
WASHINGTON? May IS. Ksit Texas
sod -CUMhty wits leeal show-
era Wedoeailay and probably Thursday.
West This Lore I ahowera Wednes-
day; Thursday partly cloudy.
Forecast for Houston and f iclnity Wedeesasy-
Continued unsettles probably ibowers.
Temperature extremes:
Maximum 75 minimum sr.
Precipitation at Houatuo tor 24 lieurs endlsc
p. m. Tuesday l.tri.
Atmospheric pressure at Houston at 5 p. m.
TuiHlay. sea. ierel reading. 30.10.
Runrta- Wedneadaj . a. m.; aaaaet 7:11
p. n.
Comparatlte temperature record at Bnuston
for May 10:
1014. 1D1. lRi;.
a. m a ah t
10 a. in H8 SO 7.1
Noon US TO
3 p. m 7.1 an 8e
5 p. m 74 84 7S
Houston Calendar for Today.
Directors meeting of the Orchestra as-
sociation at 11 a. m. at Leyha Plana
company.
Special meeting of Houston Press club
members at 9:30 a. m.
Second day's session of the State board
of pharmacy.
Cabaret smoker and entertainment by
No-Tsu-Oh association on Rice roof gar-
den at 8 p. m.
Banquet by Houston retail druggists to
visiting members of State board of phar-
macy at Bender hotel at 7:30 p. m.
Amusements.
Queen theter: "The Countess VeschTs
Jewels."
Gem thester: Five reel feature "The
Money Qed."
Isis thester: Wqrld Famous Bible
tory In films "Samson."
. (
Mexico.
(JF.NKrtAI. .BT.AN01KT. Ilnerts's minister of
war. said no great battle had vet been
fixia-ht at Saltlllo and the X'.rnment is rtiali-
Itic war material and soliilera to that point.
GKNKRAI. TORREZ has trained a pwltlon in
the ntxklrte r San Luis l'otx.J and l re-
lorted to have delivered a ..vera blow to
the federal carriaon. .180 having been killed.
IT IS RKHiRTED that Major Navarette was
eveented hv his ima men Imtnedlatelv after
tlie battle at Tampleo because of the alleged
discovery that he had fnmlahed ammunition
to his two brothers In the federal army.
Dlt. I IIRITIA. who in assailed upon bl ar-
rival from Mexico City at Vera Crui. said he
left that eitv to escape aasaselnation and
that the antl-Huerta spirit in the capital was
at the point of breaktnc Into eoen revol.
CENKRAI. VILLA la reported to have defeated
V00 federals at Paredon and captured 800
prisoners several machine cuds and lanre
quantities of ammunition and military stores-
while two federal generala were reported dead
amontr the large number of killed.
Washington.
TI1K REMN ANT of J. 8. Coxey's "armT." which
tarted Its niareb from Maasttoa. Ohio baa
arrived at the capital.
SKNATOR JOHN SHARP WILLIAM read s
letter In the nenate in which the writer de
dared that the "noisest thins in Mexico was
tbe Americas dollar."
THK ADMINISTRATION still exeresses anxiety
about tbi fate of Consul Sllllman. who baa
not arrived at Mexico city although a train
from 8altfllu has suae tlirwsjh.
CHARLKS 8. MKI.LFN. former ttre.ld.nt of the
New Haven railroad has commenced hla story
of the nnanctal operations of the road before
the lateratat. commerca comiaiselua.
Domestic.
COI.OKL R008F.VKLT srflved In New Tor
from bis exploration trip in Brasfl.
THE METHODIST conference in aeasien it
Oklahoma city Is con (rob ted with another
split In the eonimlttee on Vsnderbllt unlver-
alty. FOREST FIRM are threatening million. 0f
dollars damage In Wisconsin and Mlnnetwta
and already lumkr yards and mills have been
de.troed.
THE PRFENSE In the eae of Charlea Becker
i-omrreneet lt evidence hy Putting wlteeiweB
ou the .land to testify to an alleged frame-
up against Becker In connection with the
kllliuc of Herman Rotentual.
Sports.
MANAOF.R rHAXCK has released Bill Rernolds.
formerlv of the Houston team to the Jersey
:it.v club of the International league.
NATIONAL LEAt.l'E RESl'LTN: Nw York ft.
rinelnnati 2: fhicago . Philadelphia 1: St.
Louia ti. Brooklyn 2; Plllahurg 7. Boston 5.
AMERICAN l-EAGI K RESI'LT: 8t. lul 3
New lork 0: Washington 4. Cleveland 2-
Boston ti. Detroit 0: (outgo 3. Philadel-
phia O.
FEDERAL l.FAC.I E RFSCI.T8 Buffalo II. Rt.
Umls :i. Baltimore 7. Kansas Cltv 3; In-
rilanaPMtia W Brooklyn 2. Chicago 4. Plttv
hitrx 0.
SOCTIimtN I.KACI'R RF.Fri.TS. Nashville 7.
New Orleans 0: Mobile I. Atlanta 'I; Mont-
gomery 1.1. Chattanooga l; Memphis 3. Bit
uilngluim 1.
TEXAS I.Pli'.IT RFSt'l.TF: Pallas 7 2. San
Autonlo l-O. double-header: Fort Worth "..
Calvcntnrt 2: Houaton-Waco. rain: Austlb-
Bemininnt. ruin.
1'RFSIPRN.T riAVIDSON has decided not to
allow the proteat of Manager Newnam of the
Houston basehtill team made during the asc-
end inning r the game .t Waco Mondav. and
au apiwal trill be taken to the national board.
Commercial.
COFFEE market vms less active and dull.
ST'OAR priee. were advanced 10 points.
COTTON made net gains after early depres
.ton.
I'ATTI.F. were In liberal receipt and prices wers
steady.
WHEAT advanced on report ef damage to
crops.
tjTOCKF during mot of the dav were nnder
pressure but closed with small net gains.
Texas.
THE State board of water engineers hss grant-
ed permission to build nine dama across the
(tuadalupe river.
W. H. TORAIN of Waco waa elected Presi-
dent of the Texas Hardware Dealers associa-
tion at Galveaton.
INSIRANCE COMPANIES doing business un
der the workmen s compensation act have all
elected to do hualnce under tbe new rate
In the opinion of Insurance Commissioner
Col Her.
Honston.
A. I. HF.IUII placed under bond to answer
chartre of lilgsmy.
lETAIIS complete for 'budget dav" of the
(hamper of commeive.
TAT J. iMil'fillKKTY. well known newapaper
man. died Tuesday evening.
FIRST LETTKR ha been rH-eltcd In Houston
telling of condition In Tampleo. "ousvon
F.KiHTYSIX nr.- taking the examinations be-
fore the State board of pharmacy.
COMMENCEMENT of dental students of Texaa
Dental college will be held May -Ji.
STONE I.EDC.E weighing abont SCO pottnda fell
fpun second story of police atatioe Tuesoav
MAYOR CAMrBKI.L ssra he will look after
drainage on the Harrlshnrg mad Immediately
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE directors adopted
resott Hop favoring Increase In freight rates.
CITY IM'BI.IC SERVICE COMMISSIONER ex-
liects sppsrstus soon to te.t light meter and
globes.
ESTIMATES received by Commlsslnner Pas-
torlsH ou the installation of fana at the eltr
market.
W. O. CONNOLLY brakrmsn on the Houston
and Texas Central railroad was klllee at
Cypties.
HID 7 YEAES IN TEXAS.
Defaulting: Cashier Walked Into
Iowa Court and Surrendered.
(Associated Press Retort. i
GARNER la. May 19 After seven
years of hiding In Texas. John H. Stan-
drlna; defaulting cashier of the First
State bank at Corwith. Ia. walked Into
the district court room here today and
pleaded to 15 Indictments charging forg-
ery which were returned agaittat him in
the fall of I!iii7. He threw himself on
the mercy of the court and waa sentenced
to It years in the penitentiary.
r af I I I I
yy
. HOUSTON
aAaMa m stasia a
THE LITE OF ETJ10PE S
HEW KI5Q THREATENED
uancswooa a unb-iswooo m. v
King William.
Of Albania the latest of the sovereigns
of Europe crowned head of the new
Independent provisional government rec-
ognized by the world powers as an out-
growrth of the Balkan war. Is a fine up-
standing royal figure barely 39 years of
age. His Is truly a crown of thorns
for his country has a lone standing record
of distress plunder and brlpandase. Close
to 2000000 Albanians live In the moun-
tains and the valleys mostly of Indo-
European stock with Mohammedan lean-
ings the catspaw of tlielr neighbors with-
in and without Albania. The great pow-
ers recognized their government as a re-
sult of appeal for protection aaralnut Bul-
garia Greece and Servla and Prince Wil-
liam of Weld with romantic eagerness
under this mantle of protection and regal
authority has essayed the task of bring-
ing order out of chaos. He is the elder
of two brothers of Frederick the sixth
prince of Weld. He has been living at
Potsdam and holds a commission In the
Prussian army.
newbtkTng
is threatened
Albanian Ministry Opposed
(o Prince William.
Force of Marines From Interna-
tional Fleet Landed to Protect
Life of New Ruler and Essad
Paiha Was Arrested.
fc Associated prrss J?.rr'.)
DURAZZO. Albania. May 11. A mixed
force of marine) from the international
fleet was landed here today for the pro-
tection of Prlnc" William of Albania who
accepted the rulcrshlp of the country on
February" 21
The position of the prince had been
threatened 1- the increasing hostility of
Kssad rasha. founerly Turkish com-
mander at Scutari and other members
of the Albanian ministry. Essad rasha
ws arrested today and conveyed with
the members of his family on board an
Austrian warghir.
Many section of the people refuse to
Join the new Alhanisn principality estab-
lished by the European powers at the
conclusion of the 'lalkan war.
Fire Upon Prince's Palace.
t Asso iated I'rtss Report.)
VIENNA. May VJ. A serious situation
has arisen im Albania where the life of
the new ruler. Prime William has been
endangered according to Durazzo dis-
patches to the Neut Frele Presse Essad
Pasha had an oudlcnce with Prince Wil-
liam Monday and tendered his resigna-
tion as governor. Essad rasha had 300
adherents In his residence and 5000 in
Durazzo. Thes started a revolt Tuesday.
Essad Pasha himself firing the first shot
against the prince's palace
The prince appealed to the command-
ers of Italian and Austrian warships who
landed detachments and set up machine
guns In front of Essad Pasha's house.
The Turkish commander then asked per-
mission to be allow ed to go aboard an
Italian warship. This was refused and
he was arrested and placed aboard the
Austrian warship Szigetvar as the
prince's prtso-ier According to other re-
ports Prince William a fortnight ago dis-
covered secret plana drawn up by Essad
Pasha and ordered him to disarm his
bodyguard. Essad refused whereupon
the Albanian gendarmerie commanded
by Dutch officers attacked the pasha's
residence arrested him and turned him
over to the Aaslrlm commander.
Five hundred turn from the Austrian
and Italian v.nrshlp.s are guarding the
prince's palac.
Co-operation That Co-operates
It's Double Jointed
Mr. Manufacturer:
The local dealer has the final
word as to whether your goods sell
In largv or small quantities. You
need his co-operation.
He doos not believe that adver-
tising In mediums of "national
circulation" helps him much and
ha does not enthuse over goods so
advertised. That's a condition not
a theory. To argue about whether
he la right or wrong. Is unprofit-
able. You need his co-operation.
If you advertise In his loeal
newspapais you comply with his
Idea .nd gain his support. You
need his co-operation.
Co-operation is an operation at
which more than one muat oper-
ate. Get that?
If you are Interested In the new
way of increasing sales write to
the Bureau of Advertising. Ameri-
can Newspaper Publishers Associa-
tion World Building. New York.
Booklet on request.
ft.
jr''' Si
TEXAS WEDNESDAY MAY 20. 101 .
awaaMaaMM
With Funston's
in the Outskirts of Vera Cruz
if
V2
Water Works Where General Funst
trrZT n i TT nam
rm TrrTjiwe.
. Feeling Their Way Towards Mexico City.
Mewing towards the outposts of Vera Cruz and cautiously feeling their
way in the direction of Mexico CWy the American batteries made their way
towards the defensive places selected by them.. The photo shows Ensign
L. B. Ard's command with Its 3-lnch gun located safely in an entrenchment
overlooking one of the main exits from Vera Cruz.
STILL NO NEWS
OF SILLIMAN
State Department Trying to
L'ocate American.
Excuses Still Emanate From Mexico
City and Fate of Private
Parks Still Official
Mystery.
'Associated Press Report.)
WASHINGTON. May 19. With media-
tion proceedings removed to Niagara
Falls. Ont . activity here In the Mexican
situation was notably relaxed today It
was the evident purpose of the Washing-
ton government to give the conference
the amplest opKrtunilv to work out Its
plans Willi the least possible Influence
from the outside.
President Vilso:i and the cabinet dis-
cussed conditions today but there were
no notable developments relating to
Mexico. In the s. nate brief debate was
precipitated when Senator Williams of
Mississippi i?ad h letter from a govern-
ment otfb lal at ua Cruz whose iden-
tity he withheld. Mating that "the noisi-
est things in MexLu were American dol-
lars." No Newt of Sllllman.
Anxiety over insistent lack of Infor-
mation as to American Consul John It.
Sllllman at Saltlllo and 10 members of the
Smith family reported held at Tonola.
Chiapus. continues at the state depart-
ment and diplomatic efforts to obtain
definite reports were pressed.
The state department in response to an
urgent me.-sage received a report from
the Brazilian minister in Mexico City
staling that representations had been
made to the Mexican foreign ofllce sev-
eral times concerning the Smiths and
that (tie Brazilian mininster had urged
tbe Brazilian onstil at Chiapas to use his
good offices to secure the release of the
Americans.
Sllliman Failed to Reach Capital.
Broken railroad communication was ac-
cepted as the reason for the failure to
hear from BllMman. although the arrival
of a train in Mexico City from Pan Luis
Potosl without him caused disappoint-
ment. The Brazilian minister. Secretary Bry-
an announced reported conditions quiet
in Mexico City and stated that arrange-
ments had been made to send I'OO refu-
gees from the capital tomorrow night to
Puerto Mexico.
Navy department dispatches made it
clear that Meu. an federals fleeing from
defeat at Tampleo had left the oil fields
about that city. Admiral Badger re-pori-d
that between 2000 and 4000 troops
(Continued on Page Two.)
DENIED AUTHORITY FOR
HUERTA'S ELIMINATION
Mexican Delegates Declared in New-
York That They Held No Pro-
visional Resignation.
i A .. i.ifr.f "r.-it ReforM
NEW YORK May 18. The Mexican
delegates to the mediation conference at
Niagara Falls who stopped over here on
their way to the Canadian city departed
tonight.
When the delegates' attention was
called to a statement In a newspaper
that a cable message from General Huerta
received by them after arriving In New
York gave them authority to tender
Huerta'a resignation E mil to a(abaaa. chief
of the delegation said no such dispatch
had been received.
FUM.
-mr-T
Fifth Briaade
A
. JS. A? Is e.
osysioht ummswoob a unbx swoon n. v.
on Expects Battle With Mexicans.
.
jneviuaHTuHMawooo uNBaawaoetjLjrs;
eaaee
T. ROOSEVELT
BACK AGAIN
Hasn't Talked Politics
Mexico He Said.
or
Denied Ambition to Be New York
Governor Mysteriona Manu-
script Object of
Solicitude.
( Associated Press Report.)
NEW YORK. May 19. Theodore
Roosevelt today returned home from his
visit of many months to South America.
With a few crisp sentences. Colonel
Kooseelt reaffirmed the verity of the
"river of doubt.'' curtly denied having
expressed himself as to presidential prob-
abilities for 1916. declared he would net
run for governor of New York made a
fen deprecatory remarks about his critics
and with harbor craft tooting and flags
fluttering was taken on board a tug
which pro. eeded to Oyster Bay.
Friends who had been alarmed by re-
porta of Colonel Koosevelt's severe Ill-
ness were greatly surprised when they
saw him. lie was noticeably thinner and
he used a cane but his face wore a
healthy tan and lie apparently had not
lost an ounce of his vigor and energy.
After stopping 10 days In this counlry.
Mr. Roosevelt will go to Spain to attend
the wedding of his son. Kermlt.
Mr. Roosevelt anticipated most of the
tilings people were anxious to know as
he submitted 'to a fusilade of questions.
Not Talking Mexico.
"Not a word about the political situa-
tion." said Mr Roosevelt. I don't know
anything about it. for I haven't seen a
newspaper. Any papers which have given
my views on the Mexican situation have
misquoted me."
"That applies to what h;s been said
about my presidential Intentions" lie
added.
The colonel was informed by newspaper
men I hat he was reoited to have said
thai he would not run as candidate on
the republican ticket and that If he be-
came a candidate it would be on the pro-
gressive ticket.
"Not a word of truth in this." said the
colonel. "I have not made a single decla-
ration about the political situation In
lSlfi
"I haven't been asked if I would run
for governor of New York" he replied In
answer tu an tliei" question. "If asked
I would ssy that I. would not.
"As to the river 'it Is extraordinary to
put on t he i.'.tp a river as long as' the
Rhine but then- i. po more doubt of its
existent c thai there is of the Rhine."
It was leai tied that the colonel still
suffered fidii slight symptoms of fever.
(Continued on Page Three.!
VILLA HAS SPECIAL
GUILLOTINE BUILT
FOR PRES. HUERTA
K.4 ss oc tnted Press Report.)
SAN ANTONIO. Tcxas May W
tcnrufz that "Saltillo will gn
('own in liisior as the graveyard
nf tlio MiierUstan ant tha! from
Its k) ia?t)y rvniHtnfl a new repub-
lic will be horn" Kruesto Rlo.
personal agent of Oeneral Villa
and mminrrial emissary of the
constitutionalist! here today on a
ppei:il mission made a brief
jttnteintMit In which he ald a spe-
cially .instructed guillotine has
leen constructed fnr the execution
of Huerta
' It n rh Invention of General
:iiIh1io 'iutlerre.-' said Snor Rioa
"one of the best officer In the aer-
vlce of General Carranea. The
guillotine has been given a test
with sheep and we plan to land it
In Mexico 1'ity with our troops."
f w ' -: mijr m fan i
"J.-aflP' ... .at
o
PRICE 5 CENTS
- -i irjT.qjx-jruivtrwn'
STARTLING
OF FINANCE TOLD
Millions. Expended in Ignorant Silence at Com-
mand of J. P. Morgan.
ADVICE OF PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT
SOUGHT BY FINANCIER MELLEN
( Letter From Henry W. Whitney Suggesting "Little Father'
in Washington (Wight WantFiogerin Pie Introduced
at Hearing by Counsel Folk. "Ti
i Associated Prttt Report.)
WASHINGTON. May 19. -A story of
the late J. P. Morgan's absolute domina-
tion in affairs of the New Haven rail-
road of the spending nf millions in awed
and ignorant silence at the command of
the all-powerful financial ruler was told
to the Interstate commerce commission
today by Charles S. Mellen. former presi-
dent of the New Haven. It waa the most
extraordinary chapter yet unfolded in the
commission's Inquiry into the exploitation
of the great New England railroad and
disappearance of fortunes from its treas-
ury through ' acquisition at extravagant
prices of subsidiary properties.
There was not time In a single day in
wthich to crowd details of all the Inci-
dents and events dealt with in the wit-
nesses' testimony. He barely touched on
some of the big things paving the way
for exhaustive questioning that will con-
tinue tomorrow.
Hung on Words of Mellen.
Members of the commission and coun-
sel interested and spectators fairly hung
on every word of Mr. Mellen today as
his story developed dramatically under
the examination of Chief Counsel Folk.
Everybody listened with absorbed at-
tention and at times evident amaxement
as he related how he had stood In awe
of Mr. Morgan because of his comprehen-
sive grasp and perfect prescience of finan-
cial matters; how he had consulted with
Theodore Roosevelt then president of the
United States regarding the purchase of
the Boston and Maine railroad; how he
had prevented the late E. H. Harrlman
from acquiring the Boston and Maine by
getting It himself for the New Haven'
and how he had dealt with the late Police
Inspector Thomas F. Byrnes f New
York to obtain the Westchester stock
held by persons whom ha assumed to be
connected with Tammany nail.
Humiliated by Morgan.
As when on the ataad last week. Mr.
Mellen tv hit testimony with apparent
willingness answering every quastlon
readily and concisely that la. every
question except one. He did try tp avoid
telling about the time when Mr. Morgan
humiliated him by brusquely refusing to
give him information concerning the
Westchester transaction to which he
thought as president of the New Haven
he was entitled. When he finally related
the Incident his face was drawn into hard
lines and he clasped his hands over the
table In front of him almost convulsively.
His voice indicated no signs of emo-
tion however continuing clear distinct
and resonant.
Iter he gae the story a touch of
humor. When Directors Hemingway
end Skinner of the New Haven demand-
ed of him why the road was spending
Jll.ooO.OOO on the Westchester purchase
he said he offered to appoint each of
them a committee of one to find out;
that he had "barked his shins" In a fu-
tile erdeavor to obtain Information from
Morgan; and that they could try If they
desired.
Touch of Humor In Finance.
"They ducked" concluded Mr. Mellen
gTlmly and a ripple of laughter ran
around the hearing room.
Particular Interest was aroused hy Mr
Mellen's aocount of his conference with
the then president. Colonel Roosevelt re-
specting tlie acquisition of the Boston
and Maine. He explained that he was
a great admirer of Colonel Rooacvelt and
frequently conferred with hlni about im-
portant questions Colonel Roosevelt
said to him at that conference accord-
ing to the testimony that he was not a
lawyer and was not prepared to advise
what he should do about the- proposed
purvhase but on Mr. Mellen's statement
of the situation he thought there might
be nothing objectionable in it Mr. Mel-
len added that the president had refused
to countenance any legal action in the
matter and suggested that he confer with
Commissioner Ijine of the Interstate
Commerce commission. From Mr. I.ane
he said he got no expression of opinion.
A letter was submitted hv Mr Folk on
May CI. 1907. by Henry V Whitney to
Mr. Mellen. suggesting that he "say
something at an early day touching the
Hoston and Maine matter." that "a large
public is still to be reckoned with" and
concluding with this paragraph:
"Ulttle Father's" Finger.
"1 have thought It possible the 'little
father at Washington might like to get
his finger Into the pie. in which case if
It should happen before the public should
become reconciled to the change might
result in Infinite harm to all your In-
terests." Mr Folk then offered In evidence the
replv to that letter made the following
day. in which Mr. Mellen wrote:
"It has been thought advisable by all
Plan " Weed Cutting" Campaign
When Dry Weather Comes Again
Dr. C. C. Green city health officer stated Tuesda that as soon as the
weather would permit he Intended to inaugurate a city wide "Weed Cutting"
i emnalgn. He. refuses to order property
dlately on account of the rain that falls practically eer day. lie says that If . '
the weeds should be cut while It was raining they would he just flourishing " '
inside of a week.
The new -health code gives the city health depriinent the power to coin- 1
lel property owners to cut all weeds and tall grass from their premises aitt
the vacant property but the code also lequire that the health department"
cut the weeds and grass from the ditches gutters and street crossings. At g
present the health department has no weed cutting gang but It Is expected that"
one wH be organized to work in conjunction with the "Weed Cutting" i
campaign as property owners w ill objn t to cleaning their property If (;h j".
city falls to do ita part. -'3Fv"'l
Patches of weeds especially in low places are splendid places for
quitoea to breed and are also Insanitary. For this reason Dr. Ureen has 5t-t J
ctded to act whe the weather permits and when the campaign will not wotftf -it
a hardship on property owners.
aaaaaaa
POST PHONESl
The phene numbers uses' by The Pes far- '
ae many fears have bean ehanged. CaR
' for MtOO and tall the eperater mat-v
artmew you wlsft.
r.-i-ri-m-ir -ru u'u
STORY
concerned that Juat as Utile InformHtoif;
should get out to the newspapers- ya.
garding the Boston and Maine matter '
upon hy Mr. Iedyard. Mr. Tut tie anil
myself and we are acting on thia theory .
ai me present time. The Washington; '
situation. I have. I think completely. eared. v
for. One never knows for a certalnty-r-c
garding mailers there but the ground. "-?
hss been carefully plowed and .ermfy-
chance for trouble considered arul. X
think successfully eliminated."
Mr Mellen told of his relations wiUl' ' .
John I. Blllard and of the transaotlosuf
between the New Haven and the BjUar4 :
'uiui-anj. rid inuMiaien wun a insula '
that Mr. Billard was a shrewd tra4f ;;'
sajinar tnat '.vhen he was conducting with '
him any business he never looketf any "' '
where except straight Into hla eve. ; ' :.
Acquisition of Boston arid Main. -t
Mr Mellen tnM .if ih. . r.
leading to the a?uisltlon of the Botn'.
ana Maine oy the .New Haven. He Mia .
he learned iha tue American Express -company
wanted to sell Its holding lit..-;
the Boston and Mama and that soma ot
the other large stockholders would do th.
ulmp : '
Mr. Mellen explained that Mr. Ledyard
press company and a director of the Bo(s
ton and Maine at the time. s -''
"I wrote him a letter said Mr. MSI- "
len. "suggesting tlfat he make a rontM :
with the Boston and Maine for thdr ;;'
American Express company before I got
hold of the road. He did this and tiM.
contract was extvuded to CO yeara.
Hi
Air. r oik reaa a leuer irom n. at
nirnev wnuen ij Air. .Meiien in muy.
1907. in which the "little father at Willi
Intr.n" wna ref.'rr.-fl to
I
t
"Little Father" Roosevelt. x v ;
"Who was the 'illtle father at Wft .:
ington?1 ' ho was asked. "Let's. .;?:
1907. I think probably that was 7ri
rtent Knnaeve.lt i
"Did yon have a conference .wlUS-
President Roosevelt concerning th WVti' .
ton and Maine fchrchase?" askel.i;at?
Folk. "I had" repl.ad Mr. MaUaii tWW ;
time in tne spring at iswi. - - tr
"Why did you confer with Frealdmt
Roosevelt'."" "In those days I frequently
conferred with Mr. Roosevelt. I admired! .
Theodore Roosevelt very much and '
did not want to do anything contrary te
nia wifiies. tt -li
VI nil aia Air. twosevrn. : r.
Roosevelt told me as near as 1 can feJ
call." said Mr. Meilcn. "that he was not "
a lawyer; tha he did not know whether v
the law woull permit anything of that
kind and he couU not aaaure pie it I
waa In violation of the law that I weuld. 1
not be treated jus" the same sa anybody
else but the reason I gave him why;tt c
... . ... . n V...u . Ik. '
Boston and Maina shares he said ap- .
pealed to him. and if there were no legal
queations Involved and if he were intnw
place be would ho dispsed to do wht hr
plainly saw 1 was disposed to do that t; '
acquire the shares "
'What reason did you give blm for de :
siring to acquire tlie shares of the Bostd ;
.nH fale" askeri Mr Folk. TV.
Dahmu.ii r.nulHn't Heln. !'.'-
"The shares were going to be sold. lk--
my judgment and they were likely tC;f
o to tinea nnRsihlv nut of the country.'r.
nni.hlv the I 'nAilinn Pnclflc or the QestnA:
Trunk. He sent me to discuss the mat-:
ter with Mr. Lane who then was lnterV .v
state commerce commissioner and I Want- .
anl tnlWnrl with Mr ijinn and then vaafe'
hack and saw the president and I MtC .
this statement Irom the president that nev
couldn't help me in any way. shape Ot:
If .nrlhln. T AIA n-aa faun! tea '
he in violation of the law but from ffljr:
ntandnoint. assuming that I told him tha C
story as ir. was. it seemea to mm inei
If he were in my place he would not be
inclined to make the purchase. Thai i
all I got from him on the subject."
"Then what did you do after that In-
terview?" "Bought."
"Hid you tell any one of your confer-
ence?" "I never made a confidant of
anybody on anything anv president ot
the I nited States ever told me."
Used Harrlman as Bogle.
Mr. Mellen told of efforts made by tha
late E. H Harrlman to get the stock ot
the Boston and Maine before it waa ac- '
quired for the New Haven. He said he)
had held discussions with Harrlman and
that but one price. $20 a share had ever
been mentioned.
"You speak in a letter of saving New
England from Harrlman ' Why waa
that?" "I was using Harriman aa A
bogle. I wanted to get the Boston and
Maine stock. If we had not gotten it. 1 .
would have gone to Harriman."
"What kind of a business man is Mr.
Billard?" If I am trailing with him I.
do not look elsewhere than right in hi
ayes." answered Mr. Mellen. I
"Wcruld you turn over 109.948 shares of.
stock to a man of whom you thus speak?'
"I would turn over the shares to any :
man to whom ttie directors had instructed
tne to deliver them We got five point
more ner share from Mr. Billard than hei
nrst offered to pay. lie would agree a$ I
first to pay only 120. but we got lft." ::
"While Billnrd held the 109.918 shares
of the Boston and Maine stock you sold. .
eeee a eeeeeeeeeeeeeop
owners to cut their weeds Imma-
2
iai
a
TrTtrtmg
t . ?
' sV
c
t v: f ' '-' "A
4
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The Houston Post. (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 29, No. 46, Ed. 1 Wednesday, May 20, 1914, newspaper, May 20, 1914; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth607572/m1/1/: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .