§ 17-3. Pleadings, trial, judgment and appeal.

If the defendant shall fail to appear or file answer on the day mentioned in the citation, such failure to appear or file answer shall be deemed an admission of the truth of each and every material allegation in such affidavit, or information, and the Commission may render judgment without further hearing or testimony; or the Commission may in its discretion require additional evidence before rendering judgment in any case of default.  Upon the appearance and filing of answer of the defendant, such appearance may be by plea, demurrer or answer, and when the issue shall have been settled, the Commission may hear evidence as to the matters and facts in reference to the alleged violation of the order or requirement, and may continue the hearing from time to time, and the defendant shall be given ample opportunity to introduce proper evidence and be fully heard in the premises.  Upon the conclusion of the evidence and arguments of counsel, the Commission shall render judgment, a copy of which shall be delivered to the defendant, and the defendant shall have five (5) days from the receipt of copy of the judgment to file its exceptions thereto, and shall be allowed to appeal from the judgment of the Commission, to the Supreme Court, as provided in other cases, upon its filing a bond with the Commission in double the amount of such fine or judgment, with such security as may be required by the Commission.  Upon the filing of such bond with the commission and allowing of the appeal, the same shall operate a suspension of the fine and judgment appealed from.

R.L.1910, § 1194.