Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-12-08

in an isolated case. It is only lecause il
accords with the purposes or interests Of
those managing the scneme Such occas-
ional results fall far short of compensat-
ing the palpable evils charged IN the ac-
count of trusts AMI monOpo'ies. "heir
tendency is to crush out individual inde-
pendence, and to hinder or prevent the
free use of human faculties and the full
development of human character. Through
them the farmer. the artisan and the small
trader is i'm danger Of dislOdgment from
the proud position of being his own mas
ter. watchful of all that touches his coun"
trys prosperity in which he has an indl-
vidual lot and interest. 1t effects the bus
mess of which he is a factor and he Is
relocated TO the level of a mere appur-
tenance TO a great machine, with little free
hope or opportunity or rising in the scale
of responsible and healthful citizenship.
To the instructive belief that such is the
inevitable trend OF trusts and monopolieS
is due TO the widespread and dep-seated
popular aversion in which they are held
and the not unreasonable insistence that
whatever may be their incidental econ
omic advantages. their general effect upon
personal character, prospects, and useful
ness cannot be otherwise than injurious
Though Congress has attempted to deal
with this matter by legislation and laws
passed for the purpose have thus far prov
ed ineffective. not because of any lack OF
disposition or attempt to enforce them but
simply because the laws themselves rs IN
terprctcd by the courts do not reach the
difficulty. If the insuficiencies OF exist
ing laws can be remedied by further lesis-
lation il should be done. The fact must
be recognized. however. that all legislation
on the subject may fall short Of its pur-
pose because of inherent obstacles, and
also because of the complex character of
our governmental system. which, While
making the federal authority supreme
within its sphere. has carefully limited
that sphere by mctes and bounds which
can not be transgressed. The decision OF
our highest court on this precise question
renders it quite doubtful whether the
evils Of trusts and monopoies can be adj
e0uatelv treated through federal action,
unless they seek directly and purposely
TO include in their objects transportation
or intercourse between States or between
the United States and foreign countries.
1t does not follow however that this is
the limit of the remedy that may be APP
piled
Even though it may be found that fed
eral authority is not broad enough TO full
" reach the case. there can bee no doubt
of the power Of the several States to act
effectively in the premises. and there
should be no reason TO doubt their vii
lineness 10 iudiciously exercise such pow
cr
In concluding this communication its
last words shall be an appeal 10 the Con-
gress for the most rigid expenditure of the
money it holds I'm trust for the people. The
way to perplexing extravaganza is easy,
but return to frugality is difficult.
When. however. it is considered that
those who bear the burdens Of taxation
have no guaranty of honest care save in
the fidelity Of their public servants. the
duty of all possible retrenchment Is plain
ly manifest.
When our differences arc forgotten. ana
our contests of political opinion are no
longer remembered. nothing i'm the retro
spect of our public service Will bee AS for
tunate and comforting as official duty well
performed and the memory of constant
devotion to the interests Of our c1liiinS
fellow counyymen.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Executive Mansion. December g. 1896.