Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1883-01-24

is clearly wrong. 1t simply requires
corporations to act justly, and treat all
the people alike, with uniformity, fair
ness and impartiality. 1t prohibits
unfair discrimination against persons
or places, forbids extortion, and seeks
to prevent mOnopolies, and compel
the creatures of the law, who owe their
breath to the people, to be law-obedi-
ent, and not use their granted powers
to harass and oppress. The same ar
ticle specifically commands the Legis-
lature to enforce its provisions by ZAP
propriate legislation" Surely an hon.
est effort should be made to give ade-
quate effect to so wise and just a sec
tion of the fundamental law. This
leads me to say that, in my judgment,
there is much to be done in the way of
legi. lation, to prevent the power of
corporation from becoming too vast and
; irresponsible. They are a new ele-
ment in our modern civilization They
! have outgrown the most sanguine eX-
pecia ton in their development, and
have introduced new evils, as well as
new benefits, into our system. Their
influence has extended itself into al
most every department of business and
| life. Their motions not only effect
the crest centres Of money and of trade,
but the niinutest affairs of individuals
are effected by their caprice. Thou
sands of laborers look to them for en-
ployment, and depend alone upon their
determination for the measure of hire.
The prices Of the necessaries, too, are
often regulated by their will. All
this is an exhibition of power not con-
templated in their creation, which had
in view solely the public interest and
general good. The existence of such
power in any combination of men is to
be deplored, and if possible prevented;
or, at least, regulated or controlled 1t
is lille to lament this condition of af-
fairs unless something is done to cor
rect it. 1t is vain for those in author
ity to shut their eyes to the fact that
something must be done 10 bring into
proper regulation the corporations of
the country and adjust upon some fair
and reasonable basis the contentious
between those objects of the bounty Of
} the State and people. At the proper
time [ may transmit TO the Assembly
some further suggestions upon this
subject, with possibly some formula
ted thoughts. Meantime it may be
said that in the settlement of matters
of this kind much d'pends upon the
temper each party brings to the con-
troversy. If passion shall rule, then
will no good be accomplished, but
rather evil to all. But ifjustice shall
be the guide, and her principles the
criterion, then there can be 10 dnubt
of equitable conclusions and satisfac-
tory determinations. The people,
am convinced, ask for nothing un-
reasonable, if their fundamental law
is the expression of their demands.
1t is the sworn duty of the Assembly,
and all in authority, to protect and de-
fend the charter of the peoples rights
Competing telegraph companies
have consolidated in open violation of
law, and to the public detriment, Cit
izens of the Commonwealth have re-
Gently invoked the interposition of the
State authorities to prevent the con-
tinuance of this fragrant wrong. 1t is
to be hoped that the proceedings thus
inaugurated will result in the vindica-
tion of the Constitution and establish
the adequacy ofils powers. Corporate
lawlessness must be made as amenablu
to punishment as personal lawlessness.
With the augmentation of corporate
power has arisen, also, other large ac-
cumulations Of capital, devoted to
various forms of industry. Our own
State, in the development of it's peculiar
sources of mineral wealth, is exception
ally prominent in this respect. These
accumulations OF corporate and other
capital invested in business enterprises
employ armies of workmen concentrate
ed at single establishments. From
this have arisen contests between those
who pay and those who receive wages.
In recent years these conflicts have
been of frequent occurrence throughout
the entire country, and have often re-
suited in violence, not only to the pub
lie peace, but to persons and property
A continual, though irregular, struggle
is now, and has for years been, going
on between these two conflicting ele
ments. Complaints of inju. tice arc
constantly being made against the
other, and each in turn appeals to the
State for remedial legislation. Such
appeals should not be unheeded, but
should be attentively listened to and
carefully considered These questions
at times, have threatened to become O
formidable ellen ent in Gu politics and
a disturbing faction in our elections
This is not as it should be and nothing
but evil can result from the inter.
mingling of such matters Itgives ex
cuse for reckless demagogres to ply
their vocation, exposes labor to debase
ment from the intrigues of politicians
J and injects rashness and passion into 8
! discussion which has peculiar need for
calmness, deliberation and dispassionate
reason. For Government to shut its
} eyes and close its ears to the COM
: plants and petitions Of any body Of
citizens is folly Such q course cor,
rects nothing and settles nothing Par.
} ticularly should heed be given to the
appeals of so large and important part
of the community as those depending
for subsistence upon the wages of toll
Labor is the main pillar of the State
. AS an honored statesman of our own
country has said Labor is the
; superior of capital and deserves much
the highest consideration. But the
} consideration given to such matters
should be deliberate and searching, and
the relief thorough and systematic, if ii
is to be lasting and cffectual | cannot
, but indulge the belief that our political
system is capable of providing some
other remedy than the bayonet for the
settlement Of such disputes. Our form