The Wichita daily eagle., 1896-12-08
TRUSTS AND MONOPOLIES.

Another topic IN which our people
rightfully take deep interest may be-
here briefly considered. i refer TO the
expens OF trusts and other huge agsre-
cations OF capital, the object Of which 10
to secure the monopoly or some partc'i-
lar branch OF trade. industry. or COM
merce and 10 s,ife wholesome compets-
ton. When these are defended it IS usu-
ally on the ground that through their In
creased profits. they also reduce prices
and thus may benefit the public. IL must
be remembered. however. that rednc-
tion cr prices 20 the people is not one OK
the real objects OF these organizations
nor Is their tendency necessarily In that
direction. II II occurs In particular
case II Is only because II accords vita
the purposes or interests Of those man.
aging the scheme
OvERBALANCTNGE EVILS.
Such occasional results fall snort of
compensating for the paipable evils
charged 10 the account OF trusts and
snonopolies. Their tendency IL 20 crush
out individual Independence and 20 sind-
er aud prevent The free use or human
faculties and tho Pull development OF
human character Through them the
farmer. the artisan and the small trader
IS in danger Of dlslodgement from me
proud position OF being his own master.
watchful or all that touches his coun-
try's prosperity in which he has an indi-
yliual interest in all that effects the ad-
vantages OF business OF which he - q
factor, 10 be felesated 10 the level OF q
mere appurtenance 90 a great machine.
with little hope or opportunity of rising
In the scals OF responsible and heipfui
citizenship. To the instructive bsllei
tha. such Is the Inevitable trend a trusts
and monopoIies Is due the ~idsspread
and deep-seated popular aversion IN
which thsy are held and tfs no; unrva-
sonsbie inslstence that, whatever may os
their incidental ecnornio sdvaniaSes.
ehsir general effect upon pertonal char
acter, prospects and usefulDsss esnnos
be otherwise than injurious.
i NATIONAL LEGISLATION. -
Though congress has attempted 70
deal with this matter by legislation. ths
laws passed for that purpose thus tar
have proved ineffective. not becsuse OK
any lack OF disposition or attempt 20 en-
force them but simply because the Laws
themselves as interpreted by the courts.
do not reach the difficulty. IL the tnE1f-
fciencies OF existing laws can Be rene
died By furfhe- legislation. u should Be
done. The fact mus; be recognized. Row
ever. that al fecrrsi isEih4at3OA Oh Ase>
subject may fall short OF SIS purposs
because OF inherent obstacles. and .sso
because Of the complex character Of cur
governmental system. Which. Wills max
ing the federal authority supreme with
IN its sphere. has carefully limited that
sphere By notes and b5nds which eannos
be transxresse6- The decisioo OK or
hixhsst court on this question rsrd~rs -
QUITE doubtful whether t5e evils of trusts
and nonopolles can % Adequately trss,-
ed .hrnuxh federal action unless rhsT
seek. directly aad of purpose. 90 incfsde
in their objects transportation Or inter
course between states or between ne
Tinted Ststss ant foreign countries.
STATE LEGISLATION.
I. does not follow. however. that us
ls ths limit of the remedy iAzt may De
applied. even thsugn u may e@ fos1nd
,nat federal authority IL cot oroaf
enough 70 fully reach the eass- ;srTs can
Be 70 doubt os ss4 power os 'as several
states % act Effectively n ne pr~rszssss
and there should os 10 reason 20 DOUBT
thssr willingness % 5uesSo1sly exercise
surh rnxsr