The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1883-01-20


most could be secured have as yet yielded
30 measure Of benefit or left any visible ef-
feet. This is particularly true of article IL
OF that instrument, regulating railroad aud
canal companies. By tacit consent a con-
sttuction Of that article has been acquiesced
in by which the great corporate bodies oi
the State have escaped it's limitations and
beou exempted from its provisions. They
have violated IT constantly, defantly and
hagrantly. The people are entitled to have
at least fair trial made Of their ability TO
bring the vast corporations they have Great
ed and fostered under their just regulation
and control. More than this :s not contend
ed for in article II Of the Constitution. It
commands nothing but what is right and
iurbids nothing but what is clearly wrong.
1t simply requires corpora tions to act Justly
and treat all the people alike,with unilerm-
ity, fairness and impartiality. 1t prohibits
unfair discrimination against persons or
places, forbids extortIon and seeks to pre-
vent monopolies and compel the creatures
Of the law, who owe their breath to the peo-
pie, 10 be law -ohedient and not uso their
granted powers to harass and oppress. The
same article specially commands the Legis-
lature TO enforce its provisions by "appro-
pirate legislation" Surely an honest effort
should be made TO give adequate effect TO SO
wise and just a section of the fundamental
law.
1t leads me to say that, in my judgment,
there is much to be done in the way of leg
islation to prevent the'power of corporations
from becoming too vast and irresponsible.
They are a new element in our modern
civilization. They have outgrown the most
sanguine expectation in their development
and have introduced new eyils as well as
I a.. sa.Nz ILL.,
influence has extended itself into almost
every department Of business and Of life.
Their motions not only affect the great
centres Of money and of trade, but the min
utest affairs of individuals are affected by
| their caprice. Thousands of laborers look
to them for employment and depend alone
| upon their determination for the measure of
hire. The prices Of the necessaries of life
| too, are often regulated by their will. All
this is an exhibition Of power not conlem-
plated in their creation, which had in view
solely the public interest and general good.
The existence of such power IN any combi
nation of men is to be deplored and, il pos
sible, prevented, or at least regulated and
controlled. 1t is idle to lament this con
dition of affairs unless something is done to
cor rect it. II is vain for those in authority
to shut their eyes TO the fact that some
thing must be done to bring into proper
regulation the corporations Of the country
and adjust, upon some fair and reasonable
basis, the contentious between these objects
of the bounty of the State and the people.
At the proper time may transmit to the
Assembly some further suggestions on tins
subject with possibly some formulated
thoughts, Meantime it may be said that in
the settlement of matters of this kind much
de ol, hr;,,
to the controversy. If passion shall rule
then will no good be accomplished, bu
rather evil to all. But if Justice shall be
the guide and her principles the criterion
then there can be no doubt Of equitable con
illusions and satisfactory determinations
The people, am convinced, ask for moth
ing unreasonable If their fundamental Law
is the expression Of their demands. 1t il
the sworn duty OF the Assembly and all in
authority to protect and defend that char
ter oil the peoples rights.
Competing telegraph companies hav,
J consolidated in open violation of law and tC
the public detriment Citizens of the Com
} monwealth have recently invoked the in
terposiiion of the State authorities to pre-
vent the continuance of tins fngran wrong
1t is to be hoped that the proceedings thu
inaugnr0ted will result in the vindlcation o
the constitution and establish the adequac,
Of its powers. Corporate lswlessness mus
be made as amenable to punishment as per
sonal lawlessness.
While the augmentation of corporal,
power has arisen also other large acaumu
lations OF capital devoted to various forms
of industry. Our own State, in the deyel
opment Of its peculiar sources of mipera
J wealth, is exceptionally prominent in thi
respect. The aceumulations OF corporate
and other capital invested in business en-
terprises employ armies of workmen, con
, centrated at single establishments. From
this has arisen contests between those wht
} pay and those who receive wages. In re
cent wears these conflicts have beeA Of ir,
quent occurrence throughout the entir
country aud have often resulted in violence
not only to public peace, but to person an'
property. A continual, though irregular
struggle is now and has tor years been goinj
on between these two conflicting elements
; Complaints Of injustice are constantly beini
, made against the other, and each in turn
7 appeals 10 the State for remedial legislation
I Such appeals should not he unheeded. bu
. should be attentively listened To and care
fully considered. These questions at time
have threatened to become formidabl
| element in our politics and disturbing fac
tor in our elections. This is not as it shoull
be and nothing but evil can result from tn
intermiugling of such matters. 1t give
= excuse for reckless demagogues to ply thei
3 vocations, expose labor 10 debasement iron
| the intrgues OF politicians and injeets rash
. ness and passion INTO discussion which la
peculiar need for calmness, deliberation an
e dispassionate reason.
t For the government to shut ITS ewes an
close its ears to the complaints and petition
OF any body Of its citizens is folly. Such
p course corrects nothing and settles nothing
: Particularly should heed be given TO th
I, appeals of so large and important part {
= the community as those depending for snt
Y sistcnce upon the wages OF toll. Labor
: the main pillar of the State. As an honor
Y ed statesman OF our own country has said
!. "Labor is the superior of capital and de
: serves much the highest cons derdi n
: But the consideration given 10 such matter
o should be deliberate and searchlngsnd th
] relief thorough and systematic, il IT'S TO /
= lasting and efiectual. | cannot but indulg
the belief that our political system is car
= able Of providing some other remedy tina
: the bayonet for the settlement of such dii
IS putes. Our form Of government, ! have n
doubt, is competent to deal with this ma
II ter iairly and effectively, without injustiC
II 10 the rights or interests of either party t
Q the controversy. Upon the wisdom OF IN
: Legislative Department rests, in the fir
= instance, the responsibility for a props
solution of this question.
9 The Assembly has also failed to enforC
d by appropriate legislation a number Of Oth'
= provisions of the Constitution and pass Law
6 the enactment of which is eLjoined by th'
g instrument.
The salaries Of certain Judges OF the Con
IS mon wealth have not been fixed by III
e Legislature, and they have been receivin
i compensation almost without authority
d law aud by the sufferance of the accountiu
n officers.
Il The Assembly at the last session, thoug
5, prolonged beyond precedent, and at grei
: expense to the Commonwealth, fail ed
n apportion the State into Legislative an
J. Congressional districts, though the Const
o tuition commands that such apportiOnmer
q shall be made "immediately after eac
S. United States decennial census" Thel
l. WAS not even IN attempt made to obey tn
,f Injunction. Such default is inexcusible.
y is the duty OF the present Legislature
e promptly perform this neglected duty. I'll
d Assembly will not be called tn act upon
l. mara inn noria nj nansnFe lurinq lis sessiO