New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-16
THE DECAY OF TRUSTS.

The window glass combination. according 10
current REPORTS is likely TO go down next ms
is another of the organizations which came into
existence as a purely defensive measure in
time of unnatural depression. but has so USED its
nover as TO give over a considerable part of the
home market to foreign producers. while Ameri'
oan works are closed in part. 1t is not to be
inferred. as some say. that this is because the
combination has raised prices 40 per cent. III an
association is formed at a time of extreme ana
rulnous competition for the express purpose OF
preventing the destruction of an industry ana
tjdinc over period of deficient demand II ought
to advance prices TO reasonable Ievei' anu TIE
published quotations do not show that WINDOW
glass is as dear now as it was in years OF pros
ner.i,y. But il is so much dearer than foreign
class that 100000 pounds were imported last
wear. although the duty is relatively higher IMAM
ON most articles under the Wilson tariff. 1t is
now stated that. unless material concessions de-
mandcd by Eastern dealers and manufacturers
are granted, the combination cannot be main
tanned
The nublic is often unable 10 judge correctly
regarding the necessity or the rlghtfulness OF
combinations in different industries. because
some Of the essential facts are not publicly
known. For instance, il Is known that the or
pan;zaton of window glass workers IS one OF
rho strongest and most successful in the coun-
Try and that il has been able TO secure and
maintain a rate of wages higher than exists in
most other industries How far this is respon
sibIe for the comparative inability of the man
u.acturer TO overcome foreign competition ana
rake nosscssion of the home market the public
;uIo Nor is
~ imnlv that the wages demanded. though rela-
lively high. are excessive; the work IS pecular'
and the effects upon the health are to he con-
sldered But it does not appear probable that
\ combination Of manufacturers can be regard
cd in a permanent sense as likely to be benenclal
10 the public or to those engaged In the INDUS
fry. The time Of especial stress having passed
the tendency in this. as in other Industries, Is
for the most progressive and enterprising manu-
facturers 10 desire by open competition to Sc
cure larger business.
~ there is 10 be work enough for all the con-
Germs engaged in an industry, restriction of out
mt is not necessary for It's safety, while estaD-
llshment of a fixed price tends TO repress and
prevent progress by the more enterprising ana
CAPABLE They are assured OF comfortable
profits without spending money for better plants
superior machinery o. more careful methods, so
that the Improvement in manufacture is likely
TO be retarded, in times Of fair prosperity by the
methods deemed essential to its preservation in
times of depression. If the wages paid are rela-
lively too high. all conditions fairly considered,
open competition among American works may
rlaCc before the workers the question whether
they will see their establishments closed through
inability to compete with others, or will prefer
unbrOken employment with somewhat lower
pay.
II II not for the good Of the country or Of the
workers as a whole that any one class should