Attorneys for the wealthy Hunt brothers of...

Attorneys for the wealthy Hunt brothers of Dallas want the public and press barred from a civil hearing today into what prosecutors say was an attempt by the Hunts to manipulate world silver markets in March, 1980. The government contends Nelson Bunker Hunt, William Herbert Hunt, and other big money traders made concerted, massive silver purchases in hopes of cornering the silver market and driving up the price. The Hunts, who lost at least $1.3 billion in the silver crash, face up $80 million in damages and a ban from future commodities trading if found guilty.