The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-02-20


do you not believe that it is against
the public sentiment that you and your
colleagues are concentrating everything
in the hands Of a few Individuals"
II believe that in all human organiZa-
tons disadvantage may arise. L am
satisfied. however, that these combina-
tons offer the only means in this coun-
try for cheapening the product to the
consumer and the result is TO the best
interests of the many They also arc
the means of keeping up the price Of
labor"
The propriety of combinations of cap
ital from the standpoint of public inter-
ests. was argued at some length by tn.
witness and the chairman of the COM
mitttee.
Mr.. Flint said ii was probable tha.
prices had increased since the consolda-
ton, but attributed the increase in prices
to the production of a higher grade Of
rubber boots and shoes.
SAYS PRICES ARE LOWER.
Senator LeXow then asked Mr. Flint
if it was not a fact that mems long rub
Der boots had increased 81 per cent in
price since the consolidation; rubber
shoes and boots "a per cent; gum rub
bers "A per cent; mems Alaska % per
cent; imitation sandals 40 per cent; wo-
mems foot covering % per cent, and wo-
mems imitation sandals so per cent.
Mr.. Flint testified that prices are low
er today, generally speaking, than they
were prior TO the amalgamation. He
presented the figures of prices in 1892
and today, and in each case they were
higher. In fact. ne verified in most in
stances the increase as stated by Chair
man Lexow. Mr.. Flint said, however,
that the discount paid to iobbers in
1892 was much in excess of that paid
them at present.
THE HORSE LAUGH
How can the prices be lower when
the prices you give US are higher?"
Because the discount to jobbers was
higher before the organization of the
company"
This was received with laughter.
How many men have been discharg-
ed since your organization?
Il can say positively that we have
manufactured as many goods we could
sell, but owing to the recent depression
in trade we could not run as fully as we
wished
Witness again denied that the bank
ing firm Of Hollins & Co. had any under
standing with the United States Rub
Der company in regard TO the DISPOSAL
Of stock. He, however, admitted that
the bankers had an ARRANGEMENT with
the stockholders. with the text OF which
he was not familiar.
In the question Of agreement. il was
brought out that the bankers had agreed
to devote their energies in the future to
the acquiring of additional rubber man
ufacturing concerns in the United States
and Canada. for the company.
How, then, do you explain the agree
ment in the line of a monopoly"
From the fact that the United States
Rubber company controls only 90 per
cent Of the rubber trade. have never
anticipated any monopoly
Mr.. Flints testimony having conclud-
III, Wee President James r. Ford. Of the
United States Rubber company, was
called. He said he was connected with
the New Brunswick Rubber Shoe com
pany before the consolidation and added
that the rate of wages was as great as
before the amalgam.tion Of the several
companies.
Senator LeXow-Was il not because
Woonsocket company was a competitor
against you that induced you to acquire
that property?
Mr.. Ford-It was not. They were
turning out a superior class OF goods
and il was for that reason that We &C.
| CURED the property. which We consider
| ed valuable
| Mr.. Ford said he had no knowledge Of
| the schedules referred 10 in the test!
! mony OF Mr.. Flint.
| BURN GIVEN ANOTHER TURN.
He was subjected 70 a long exan1ina
ton in relation Ia the price Of rubbei
! boots and shoes. after which he was ex
cused and President Burn. OF the Ma
| t.onal Wall Paper company. vas asket
II he had secured the required data anC
| labor statistics referred 10 in his exam
| inat.on az the morning session. Mr.
Burn promised 10 furnish the desired IN
formation - the committee and Wa.
further examined regarding the factor
| agreement
Have You any rebate system in ope7
alton now -
NO sir. but We offer a discount /
jobbers"
Adjourned until tomorrow
|
THERE are people who would do grca
acts; but because they wait for great oppoI
tunities, life passes. and the acts OF love ar
not done at aL-Chicsgc Standard