The McCook tribune., 1896-12-18
TRUSTS.

Another topic in which our people right
fully take a deep interest may be hero
briefly considered. refer TO the expanSc OF
trusts and other huge aggregations of capi-
tai, the object of which IS to secure the mo-
e. nopoly of some particular branch of trade,
industry or commerce, and to stife whole
some competition. When these are defended
it is usually on the ground that though they
increase profits, they also reduce prices and
thus may benefit the public. II must be re-
membered, however, that a reduction OF
prices to the people is not one OF the
real objects of these organizations
nor is their tendency necessarily in that
direction If II occurs in 4 particular case
it is only because it accords with the pur-
poses or interests Of those managing their
scheme. Such occasional results fall short
of posing the palpable evils charged to
the account Of trusts and. IN monopolies Their
tendency is 70 crush ont individual incc-
pe1sencc and TO hinder and TO prevent the
free use of human faculties and the full de-
velopncnt of human character.
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 Of
disposition or attempt to enforce them but
simply because the laws themselves as in
terpreted by the courts do not reach the
dificulty. If the insuhaciencies of existing
laws can be remedied by further legislation
it should be done. The fact must be recog-
nized. however that all federal legislation
on this subject may fall short Of its purpose
because Of inherent obstacles. and also
because of the complex character Of our
governmental system, which, while making
the federal authority SUI rene within its
there, has carefully limited that sphere by
metes and bounds which cannot be trans
gressed. The decision of our highest court
on this precise question renders Il quita
frr1- ey-f1r CF
nopolies can be adequately treated through
federal action unless they seek directly and
purposely 20 include in their objects trans
portation or intercourse between states OK
between the United States and foreign
countries.
It does not follow. however, that this IS the
limit Of the remedy that may be applied.
Even though il may be found that federal
authority is not broad enough TO fully reach
the case, there can be no doubt Of the power
Of the several states 70 act effectively il the
premises and there should be no reason %
doubt their willingness TO judiciously exer-
else such power. In concluding this COM
nunication its last words shall be an appeal
to the congress for the most rigid
economy II the expenditure OF
the money it holds in trust for
the people. The way 70 perpleziag extrava-
gance is easy, but return 70 frugaity Is
dinCulL When, however, IL is considered
Il1L IEOse NlO pear LLt D-L OG-AS CL LdA1LAOA
have no guaranty Of honest care save in the
fidelity OF their reliable servants, the duty
OF all posi- Bile ret-enChlent IS plainly man
ifest
When our differences are forgotten and
our contests of political opinion are nc
longer remembered, nothing IL the retro
spect of our public service viii be as fortu-
| nate and comforting as the recollection OF
Official duty well performed and the memory
OF constant devotion to the interests of ou1
confdiEg fellow Countrylen-
GROVER CLEVELAND
Executive Mansion December Z. 1890