The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-02-08
AFTER Big TRUSTS.
Congress to Investigate COmbi-
nations in Various Industries.
A Resolution, Reported From Com
mittee, Passes the House,

Congressman Bacon, OF New York, Char1'
man Of the House Committee on Manufac-
tures, few days since reported from com
mittee the following resolution TO investigate
the subject Of the so-called trusts which
are daily being formed in the various indus
tries of the country:
"Whereas, 1t is alleged that certain in
dividuals and corporations in the United
States engaged in manufacturing, mining or
dealing in some OF the necesSares of life have
combined for the purpose Of controlling or
curtailing the production or supply of the
same, ana thereby increasing their price to
the people Of the country, which comblna-
tions are known as associations, trusts, pools
and like names, but are not Incorporated
under the laws of any State; and
"Whercas, Such combinations not only in
turiously affect commerce between the States,
but impair the revenues Of the United States
as derived from its duties on imports; there
fore,
Resolred, That the Committee on Manu-
factures be and the same is hereby directed to
inquire into the names and number and ex-
tent Of such alleged combinations, under
whatever name known, their methods OF
combining or doing business, their
necessaries of life to the people OF
the country. upon its internal or foreign
commerce, and its revenues from import
duties, together with any and oil other mat
tiers relating to the same which may call for
or suggest legislation by Congress, and 10
report tho same to the House, with such
recommendations as the said committee
NAV agree upon; and for these purposes
the Committee on Manufactures is author
lied to sit during the sessions Of the House,
to employ a stenographer, to administer
oaths, examine witnesses, compel the attend
ance of persons and the production of papers;
and the expense Of such investigation shall
he paid out Of the contingent fund of the
House.
The resolution was. read and provoked a
spirited debate, during which a number
Of amendments were offered increasing
the scope Of the investigation and TAX
ing in such trusts as are incorpor-
ated under State laws, as we'll as under Fed
eral The resolution was adopted with q
few amendments.
To a correspondent Representative Bacon
said:
~ am heartily in favor Of investigating
to the very bottom. They are springing up
around US like mushrooms. Every
Iay we hear of new trust
The Standard Oil Trust, the Sugar Trust,
the Salt Trust, tho Coal Trust and dozen
others What are they and what do they
seekt They are pro lurers and manufacturers
who have banded themselves together in
great monopolies to control trade and stitle
competition. Th ~ say to the small producer:
Come in with US and you can live; stay out
side and we will crush you. And if the
producer joins them they tell him. You shal
SELL your goods for so much and your output
shall be no more than we desire you to make
it. The effect Of all this upon the trads of
the country is terribly demoral:zing and
Congress must leave nothing undone to re
lieve the people.
'In my mind there is for the first time in
my life doubt OF our ability to grapple with
this question under the provi ions Of the
Constitution. An effort was made to break
up the sugar trust in Louisiana. The parties
comprising the trust at once declared that
they did not reside within the limit of the
State, and the courts found themselves
helpless. The Attorney General of New
York State attempted to bring some Of these
people to justice They at once asserted that
they exercised no corporate functions anil
nothing more could be done. Congress now
has ah excellent opportunity to test the ques'
tion fully"