Smith had been present at the hearings
during th?* first two days, but that
after counsel for the carriers had con
ferred with him. he left Washington,
and was not put upon the stand. Mr.
Norman said he did not desire to
subpoena Mr. Smith, and requested that
counsel for the carriers have him re
turned to Washington. Counsel for the
carriers said the shippers "would have
to pursue their own course."
Commissioner Hall merely announced !
that the commission would be very glad
to hear from Mr. Smith.
Mr. Norman, in malting the applica
tion for the appearance of Mr. Smith,
said "it wos my hope and expectation
that he would take the stand and give
Fill of his views on the vital questions
that we have under consideration, but
lie did not do so. and I am now c/viscd
that he has left the city. Mr. Smith is
generally recoenized as the ablest rail
road operative in the country. lie has
built up under adverse circumstances
In a territory where most other roads
have failed to posper, a strong and
successful road. ?
ro r;it.\NT tiikih i>k.mam>
mav ni-; ritAi'tiirr with dim nr
"It may be that the carriers should
have additional revenues in order to ;
properly perform their function in this
time of crisis, but. on the other hand,
to grant their demand may bring to a I
head the ever-growing demand for gov- '
r-Vnment ownership, which 1 believe is
fraught with many dangers under our I
form of government.
"In such circumstances. 1 feel that j
the commission and the country is en- j
titled to benefit of the advice of Mr. :
Smith.
