The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1889-08-10

compulsion has been two fold; first,
as the condition of securing the
larger market which he is obliged to
have for his goods, and secondly,
from the competition of rival pro-
ducers.
Now, the very object of the trust
is to relieve him from the last com
pulsion. Mr.. f. B. Thurber, testify
ing as to the sugar trust, summed
up the whole in these words: "A
combination unquestionably can eff
feet great economy. They can buy
cheaper, work cheaper, and, if they
choose, sell cheaper than scattered
and disorganized forces" 1t is the
chief purpose of the trust to vindi-
cate and make sure its right to
"choose" the price at which it will
sell its products, and only its minor
object to effect that great economy
which results from large production.
Indeed, it cannot be truthfully said
to aim at large production, for the
mode by which it seeks to secure
this power of choosing is through
controlling and REFRESHING produc-
ton.
The public has received in the end,
and generally very soon, the chief
benefit of the skill and efforts of
those who were bidding for it's pa
tronage. Through their rivalry it
has secured the best service and the
most reasonable rates. While in ev-
cry line of business those who could
not offer it that service and those
rates have properly gone to the wall.
The object of the combination is not
to give it the service of the best
only, and relieve it from the support
of all others, but to force it to put
up with average service, and for this
average service pay enough to sup
port and afford profits to all
HOW THE PEOPLE ARE SQUEEZED.
"Have you made any money in
your business in the last ten vears?"
was asked of the head of the largest
firm that went into the sugar trust
Lots of it" was his prompt re-
ply, while other refineries were sing
ing different tune. If, at the mar
ket prices of sugar, his firm could
make "lots of money" while other
refineries were unable to work profit
ably, it was positive proof that the
public was paying enough for its gu
gar, and those who could not furnish
it at the prices then prevailing
should have given place to those who
could. But the trust threw upon
the consumer the cost Of supporting
and maintaining all these refineries.
some of them even in idleness.
Can any one look at the phenome-
nal profits of these trusts in their
brief history, so far beyond the ordi-
nary and legitimate profits of indus
try as perhaps to call for some
other name without knowing that
whatever economies have been effect
ed by them through larger produc-
ton, better processes and "a single
harmonious management have been
entirely appropriated to their own
enrichment, and not as heretofore
shared with the public? 1t has been
stated that the sugar trust has since
its organization been able to refine
sugar one-eighth of cent a pound
cheaper than under the system of
independent refineries before exist
ing. If so, who has appropriated all
of it? The sugar trust itself One
eighth of cent pound meant to
that combination from two to three
million dollars. Why, too did it go
still further and add one half cent a
pound to its profits through its pow
er of choosing" the price at which
it would sell to the consumer? An
other declared object of the trust is
to prevent the debasement of the
quality and purity of its products
through excessive competition But
it has not entirely eliminated
the rivalry of the different
companies in the combination as to
which will earn the largest dividends
for the common purse, nor rooted
out the desire of the combination it.
self to make the largest profits for
its certificate holders.
But we do not need trusts for
these purposes. The public can
take care of itself. By its inspection
laws and other familiar means it can
protect itself from the fraudulent
practices of those who refine it's su
gar or it's oils or in other branches
supply its demands.
WIN. l.. WILSON.