Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 76, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 February 1909 — “BIG FINE” CASE ON TRIAL AGAIN [ARTICLE]

“BIG FINE” CASE ON TRIAL AGAIN

Rehearing Begun Today In Chicago Federal Court. GREAT ARRAY OF LAWYERS Legal Lights Representing Government and Defense In Retrial of Suit In Which Judge Landis Imposed a Fine of $29,240,000 —Scores of Subpoenas Issued For Witnesses, Among Them Officials of Company. Chicago, Feb. 23. —The retrial of the famous Standard Oil “big fine case” began today before Judge Albert B. Anderson of Indiana in the United States circuit court in this city. The present proceedings constitute a rehearing of the case in which the Standard Oil Company of Indiana, a subsidiary company of the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey (the parent of all the Standarfl Oil companies) was fined $29,240,000 by Judge Landis for rebating. The famous fine was imposed Aug. 3, 1907, and on July 22, 1908, the United States circuit court of appeals reversed the decision. On motion of the government the supreme court ordered a rehearing of the case. A brilliant galaxy of legal luminaries represent the two sides in the famous case. The government’s interests are in the hands of District Attorney Sims of Chicago, acting as special counsel, assisted by J. H. Wilkerson. Moritz Rosenthal, the head of the Standard’s legal forces, who is frequently referred to as “the highest priced lawyer in the United States,” and John S. Miller, wjth numerous assistants, have charge of the oil company’s side of the matter. Scores of subpoenas have been issued to witnesses in the case. One subpoena was issued for President Moffatt of the Standard Oil Company of Indiana. Other Standard Oil officers who have been served are G. W. Stahl, treasurer; John C. McDonhld auditor, and Edgar Bogardus, traffic manager.