Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1846-11-11
MONOPOLY.


. - @T MONOPOLY.
The term sMonopoly" when understood de-
rrisatiEely, Pfecisely indicates the thing; it is
compounded of 'monos' and 'spoteuein" two
Greek words, meaning alone, only, and to be
engaged in any pursuit. To grant monopo-
ly of any business, is, therefore, to give an in
dividual, or a certain class of individuals the
privilege of engaging in any pursuit to tie ex
clusfon of all others; he, or they alone, having
the privilege of following that particular pur-
suit.
The manifest injustice of such monopolies
Is seen at once; they have existed from time
immemorial and do still exist. A government
as enlightened as that of France, holds the mo-
nopoly Of the tobacco trade; So does Mexico.
q In this country we profess perfect equality
and Of course monopolies are odious; but so
subtle Is the principle, that we doubt very much
whether there is country under heaven where
tits more active and successful. In some ca
SEES 1t disclaims all interference of Government;
in others it hypcriticalIy processes to assist the
Government in guarding the interests of the
lpcopiesY A case of the first kind may be found
in the Lake combination. The growing profits
of the carrying trade on the Lake, led to the
construction of so large number of steamers,
that the business was likely to become only
moderately profitable. Under these circumstan-
ces, the owners of steamboats, form combina-
ton and agree upon rate Of fare and freight
which shall not only support the boats actually
employed but pay bonus to the owners of those
which are laid up for want of business. Should
a competitor appear powerful concentration of
means enables the combination to buy or drive
him off, and thus monopolize the business
The money invested this way is so productive
that new and splendid boats are every year built,
not because they are actually needed, but to en-
able the owners to force themselves into the
combination-to obtain for them share in the
monopoly.
= Here every advantage of a monopoly is gain
ed without the restraints which government
might, impose, and of course no Legislative
aid is asked or wished. By this arrant conspr-
acy, how many ''free and equaF' citizen, with
as great need and as good right to travel
as the richest, has remained at home because
he could not command the exhorbtant price de-
manded by the monopolists. How many more
under the absolute necessity of employing these
nabobs, have parted with their last cent, and
stood on deck, the objects of scorn and contu-
nelly to their richer fellow passengers, many
of whom secretly think the privilege of having
distinction made between their noble selves,
and the groveling herd, was cheaply paid for by
the enhanced price of passage. Not many
years since, the Journeymen Tailors of New
York formed combination and 'sstruck'' fo-
higher wages; the employers, backed by the
wealth OF the city, interested in buying clothing
.cheapIs, commenced suit against them, for
a conspiracy to obstruct trade and commerce,
and mpIcted them, poor as they were, in severe
fines and penalties. Why, We ask, is not the
Lake Erie Steamboat combination IS inble to
such an indictment, as the Journcyme n Tailors
of New York!
7s,Anexample of monopoly which needs the as
sistance of Government, is foand in Railroad
and Canal Companies. Th,se, when charter
ed for the accommodation of small section OF
the country, where the convenience is great and
the profit moderate, are worthy of but little
more; consideration than ordinary copartner-
ships: but there are many cases, such as that
of the Erie Canal, and Central Railroad, which
are mediums of Transmission of the products Of
entire States; in the proper conduct OF which a
whole people, SO to speak, are interested; and
whosereyenues are so great as to place their
proprietors far above the average level of their
fellow citizens; in such cases, the interference
of government is necessary and is egerlly
sought. The right of way, and the privilege
of constructing the necessary works must be
granted by special Legislation. A company Of
individuals cannot enter upon the lands OF cltl-
zens and take possession for their own purpo-
ses; cannot erect works across public highways
and streams: cannot divert water channels; can
not, in fine, by any means place themselves in
situation to monopollze the transPortion of a
State, unless endowed with these extraOrdiary
powers by the Legis lature representing the reo.
pie of the State. But in republican govern
n,ent, no individual or class of individuals ought
to be SO privileged. Wevery much question
whether the spirit of our institutions is notgrossy
violated by every suchLegislative act. Was il
ever intenGel that our Republican Government
should Iegislate wealth out of the pocket of one
citizen into that of anotherl Certainly mott
Yetevery act of incorporation on our great thor
oughfares has that very effect. Granting thai
awoff like the Central Railroad, belongs t.
the, State, its revenues are paid by the citizens
gointo the Treasury and return again in thu
saving of other taxes. In other words, the PEG
pie charge themselves ON one account and cred
it in another performing two exchanges will