1903-11-06-New York Times-Steel Rivals Conferred
New York Times
6 November 1903, page 16
STEEL RIVALS CONFERRED
Trust Officials Gave Advice to Bethlehem Directors. Lewis Nixon at Shipbuilding Hearing Tells of Joint Inspection Tour of Rival Bidders for Government Contracts.
After four hours of testimony from Lewis Nixon, who punctuated his evidence with an impromptu speech denouncing his cross-questioner, the most sensational testimony of yesterday's shipbuilding hearing was elicited during the last five minutes of the session by Samuel Untermyer, counsel for the complainants. On re-direct examination, Mr. Nixon disclosed the fact that officials of the United States Steel Corporation accompanied official of the Bethlehem Steel Company on a tour of inspection to Bethlehem last Spring, at a time when the Steel Trust and the Bethlehem Company were rival bidders for Government contracts.
As to his letter written to John W. Young, the promoter, on Aug. 27, 1902, stating that the shipyards had been appraised by eminent experts, Mr. Nixon testified that he had direct opinions from the experts in some cases, but that he relied upon Mr. Young and others in the remaining instances.
Among those present at the hearing were Charles M. Schwab,who may take the stand to-day; Oliver Wren, his private secretary; John W. Young, the promoter, and Robert H. McCarter, Attorney General of New Jersey.
