Majority
Syllabus
IN EQUITY.It is now here Ordered that the motions to consolidate the cases for the pujóse of taking the proofs be, and the same are hereby, granted.
It is Further Ordered that Mr. Levi Cooke, of the District of Columbia, be, and he is hereby, appointed a Commissioner to take and return the testimony in these causes, with the powers of a Master in Chancery, as provided in the rules of this Court; but said Commissioner shall not make any findings of fact or state any conclusions of law.
It is Further Ordered that the complainants shall take their evidence, at such place or places as they may indicate, between the first day of May, 1920, and the first day of October, 1920, upon giving ten days’ notice of the time and place of taking such evidence to the counsel for the defendant; that the defendant may take evidence, at such place or places as it may indicate, between the first day of October, 1920, and the first day of March, 1921, upon giving ten days’ notice of the time and place of taking such evidence to the counsel for the complainants; that the complainants shall take their evidence in rebuttal between the first day of March, 1921, and the first day of April, 1921, at such place or places as they may indicate, upon giving ten days’ notice to counsel for defendant, and the defendant shall then conclude the taking of its evidence in surrebuttal on or before the first day of May, 1921, upon giving ten days’ notice of the time and place of taking such evidence to the counsel for complainants. Provided, however, that if complainants shall conclude the taking of their evidence in chief before
It is Further Ordered that the said complainants and the defendant, respectively, shall make such deposits with the Clerk of this Court for fees, costs and expenses of the said Clerk and of the said Commissioner as they may from time to time be requested by said Clerk.