The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1896-12-11
Trusts and MOnopoIies.

Another topic in which our neon,a
rightfully take a deep interest NAV he
here briefly considered. 1 refer to the ex-
1stence of trusts and other huge aggre-
cations OF capital, the object of which Is
to secure the monopoly of some particular
branch of trade, industry or commerce
and so stifle wholesome competition
When these are defended, it is usually
on the ground that though they increase
prontS, they also reduce prices and thus
may benefit the public. 1t 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 direc-
ton. If it occurs in a particular case. it
is only because it accords with the pur-
pose or interest of those managing the
scheme. Such irrational results fall far
short of compromising the palpabe evils
charged to the account of trusts and mo-
nopolies. Their tendency is to crush out
individual independence and hinder or
prevent the free use of human faculties
and the full development of human char
acter. Through them the farmer, the ar
tisan and the small trader is in danger of
diSlodgment from the proud position of
being his own master, watchful of all that
touches his country's prosperity in which
he has an individual lot, and interested in
all that affects the advantages Of bust
ness of which he is a factor, to be rele-
gated to the level of a mere appurte-
nance to a great machine, with little free
will, with no duty but that of passive
obedience, and with little hope or oppor-
tunity Of rising in the scale of response
BILE and healthful citizenship. To the in
stinctive belief that such is the inevitable
trend of trusts and monopolies is due the
widespread and deep-seated popular aver
sion in which they are held, and the not
unreasonable insistence that, whatever
may be their incidental economic advan-
tages, their general effect upon personal
character, prospects and usefulness can
not 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
of disposition or attempt to enforce them,
but simply because the laws themselves,
as interpreted by the courts, do not reach
the difficulty. If the insufficiency of ex-
listing laws can be remedied by further
legislation, it should be done. 1t should
be recognized, however, that all financial
legislation on this subject may fall short
of it's purpose, because of inherent obsta-
cles, 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 can
not be transgressed.
The decision of our highest court on the
precise question renders 1t quite doubtful
whether the evils of trusts and monopolies
can be adequately treated through federal
action, unless they seek directly and pur-
posely to include in their objects trans
portation 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
applied. Even though 1t 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
to act effectively in the premises ana
there should be no reason to doubt their
willingness to judiciously exercise sucn
power.