Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1896-12-19
trusts.

Another topic in which our people
rightfully take a deep interest may be
here briefly considered. l refer to the
existence of trusts and other huge ag-
gregations of capital. the object OF
which is to secure the monopoly of
some particular branch of trade, indus
try or commerce, II SO stifie whole
some competition. When these are de-
Tended it is usually OF the ground that
though they increase profits, they also
reduce prices n thus they benefit the
public. 1t must be remembered, how
ever, hat a reduction of prices to the
people is not one of the real objects OF
these organizations. Nor is their ten
dency necessary in that direction. If
1t occurred in a particular case 1t is only
because it accords with the purpose or
interest of those managing the scheme.
Such occasional results fall far short
of c~ompensating the palpable evils
charged to the acoun of trusts and mo-
nopolies. Their tendency is to crush out
individual independence and TO hinder
or prevent the free use of human facul-
tiese and the full development of human
character. Through them the farmer,
the artisan and the small trader is In
danger of dislodgement from the proud
position of being his own master
watchful of all that touches his coun-
try's prosperity, in which he has an in
dividual lot, and interested in all thai
affects the advantages of business of
which he is a factor. To be relegated to
the level of a mere appurtenance to a
graf machine with little free will with
no duty but that of passive obedience
and with little hope or opportunity OF
raising in the scale of responsible
healthful citizenship.
To the instructive belief that such is tho
inevitable trend OF trusts and monopolies
Is due the widespread and deep seated
popular aversion in which they are held
and the not unreasonable renaissance that
whatever may be their incidental economic
advantages their general effect upon per-
sonal character prospects and usefulness
cannot be otherwise Than injurious.
Though congress has attempted to deal
with this matter by legislation the laws
passed for that purpose thus far have
proved ineffective not because of any lack
or disposition or attempt to enforce them.
but simply because the laws themselves a "a
interpreted by the courts do not reach the
difficulty. If the insuficiencies of exist
ing laws can be remedied by further legis-
lation II should be done. 1t should be re-
cognized, however, that all federal legis-
latlon on this subject may fall short of ire
purpose 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 bounds which cannot be
transsressed The decision of our highest
court on this precise question renders II
quite doubtful whether the evils of trusts
aud monopolies can be adequately treated
through federal action unless they seek
directly and purposely to include In their
objects transportation or intercourse be-
tween 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 an
piled, even though 1t may be found thai
federal authority is not broad enough TO
fully reach the case, there can b. no
act effectively in the premises, and there
shoui be no reason to doubt their willing
ness to judiciously exercise such power
Appeals for Economy.
In concluding this communication. its
last words shall be an appeal to the con-
gress for the most rigid economy In the
expenditure of the money it holds in
trust for the people. The way to perplex-
ing extravaganza Is easy, but a return To
frugality Is difficult. When. however, IL il
considered that those who can bear the
b Soresfs care al .a saxe n nave aSe nd nSs guarantee an Of
I public officials, the duty of all possible re-
trenchment is plainly manifest. When
our differences are forgotten and our con-
tests of political opinion are no longer re-
membered nothing in the retrospect of
our public service will be as fortunate
and comforting as the recollection OF or
fetal duty performed and the memory of n
constant devotion TO the interests OF our
confiding fellow countrymen.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Executive Mansion. December Z. 1895.