596 



over 10,000 acres than that of the appraisers, which is. unquestioned. 

 Has Mr. Basselin, upon that state of facts, been guilty of any lack of 

 good faith to the State ? Can it be said that when upon his motion, 

 as it is shown to have been, it was provided that the exchange should 

 only be made if 26,000 acres could be obtained for 12,000, or at 

 that ratio,, that he has failed to do his whole duty by the State? Is 

 it just or fair an attack should be made upon his character and repu- 

 tation, when in truth he has done that which redounds to his credit 

 and to' the credit of' the commission and to the benefit of the State? 



A siDgle' correction -in regard to a statement made by the counsel 

 that Mr. Knevals did not 'know of the fbrmation of this lumber 

 company. At page 556 it will be found that Mr. Knevals states 

 that he, did know the fact, so that it was not concealed by Mr. 

 Basselin from his associates.| and the only result of the connection of 

 Mr. Basselin that this lumber company has been, that it has probably 

 made him more careful in his dealings with it, in view of the fact 

 ■that he might possibly be subject to criticism by reason of being 

 connected in business with some persons who are connected with the 

 Everton Lumber Company, and the result of it is shown in the very 

 cautious, careful, prudent resolution, which provided f or J|j||!fprotection 

 of the State and which cftred for it in so effective a manner. The 

 evidence with regard to 'Mr. Kneval's knowledge of it is, "Q.*Did ybu 

 know at this time that Mr. Basselin had any negotiations with Mr. 

 Patton and other gentlemen for forming the Beaver Biver Lumber 

 Company ? A. I think I knew that that company was in existenee. 

 Q. Now, think a minute; my question is, during that summer, did you 

 know that negotiations were going on between Basselin and Mr. 

 Patton for the formation of the Beaver Biver Lumber Company? 

 A. I have answered it; I say I knew in August or September of the 

 creation of the Beaver company. Q. My question is, previous to 

 that time, in July and before, if you were aware or knew the facts 

 that Basselin was negotiating with Patton for the formation of the 

 Beaver Biver Lumber Company? A. No; I should say I did not. 

 Q. And the first you- knew of it was along about September ? A. No; 

 I think in August." 



Mr. Adams.— Organized the 14th of August. 



Mr Fieko — " Q. All articles were filed on the 14th of August ? A. 

 I think that was about the time I knew it." 



It seems to me any statement that Mr. Basselin concealed the facts 



from Mr. Knevals can not stand a moment in the face of any such 



testimony as that, 'and it does seem the action of this commission for 



'ijihe protection of the State with regard to the Everton Lumber 



