The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-02-20
ARE MUCH ABUSED
OFFICIALS OF TRUSTS POSE AS
PUBLIC BENEFAOT0RS.

Trusts Don't do Thing, Is the Burden of
Their Song and Dance, But to Keep up
the Standard OF Wages Paid to Labor
and Keep Down the Prices of the Goods
They Sell to the Pubiic-Mr. Flint, of
the Rubber Trust, Gets the Langh
Upon Himself on One Claim. Though
Wall Paper Man on the Stand.
New York, Feb. 1s.-The joint legisla-
tive committee appointed to investigate
the existence of trusts and monopolies in
this state, continued its session here to-
day.
James B. Ford, president Of the Unit
ed States Rubber company, was early on
hand with an armful OF books and pa
pers asked for yesterday by Senator
Lexow. Treasurer Charles r. Flint
came in a. few minutes later. The inqui-
,itors will meet tomorrow morning at the
usual hour, and the inquiry will be con-
1inued Tuesday, Wednesday and Thurs
day Of next week Time permitting, the
committee will probe into the coal, grain
and tobacco combines. The report OF the
committee must be filed with the leglsla-
ture March 1.
In case an extension OF time be grant
ed by the legislature the committee VIII
continue its work. and will look into the
methods Of increasing capital ana GlVl-
dends in the coal, grain and tobacco com
panies.
WALL PAPER TRUST.
Henry Burn. president OF the National
Wallpaper company, was called TO the
witness stand as the first witness OF the
dav. He had with him, and handed %
the chairman, a copy of the agreement
between the corporation and its factors
The witness vigorously denied that mis-
company drove a large number OF JOB
bers out of business.
Mr.. Burn said the jobbers we're not
obliged TO sell at the price fixed by the
company and also that jobbers in their
respective districts controlled the trade
within specific territorial lines.
Witness. in reply 20 Senator Lexow on
the question of labor. testified % having
an agreement with the abor union, I'M
der which he was compelled 10 give his
employees work eleven months IN eacn
year
Asked by Senator Lexow what had
been done with the men thrown out Of
employment through the closing of the
] ]. Lindsay factory, Mr.. Burn said they
had been transferred 10 two Of the four
factories in Philadelphia.
I'VE can't keep our men in bondage
added Mr. Burn.
What do you mean when you say
that"
II mean that it is optional with them
TO leave when they feel SO disposed
After considerable questioning witness
said that the trust had closed down ten
plants since consolidating. These were
mostly small concerns but aggregated 80
per cent Of the annual output and en-
ployed Is per cent OF the total help in the
various plants.
PAYS UNION WAGES.
In regard to wages, witness said that
the trust graded salaries according to
the ability of its employees and denied
any discrimination or that the general
wage scale had been lowered. He said
that they had paid, and were paying.
union prices. Witness said the company
employees a large staff of clerks, book
keepers and statesmen now. more than
were employed before the consolidation.
The price Of wallpaper 10 the consum-
er had declined since the amalgamation
of the companies forming the National
Wallpaper company.
In conclusion he said that they never
had forced any competitor out OF bust
tess.
RUBBER MAN RECALLED.
Charles R. Flint was recalled, and by
way of explanation said the distribu-
ton of the stock of the United States
Rubber company was made by the bank
ers. but that the corporation as a whole
had no knowledge Of the matter.
II knew, however" said he he, "tha.
the stock was distributed on the basis
Of preferred stock for tangible assets,
and common stock for trade marks,
patents, etc.
Mr.. Flint then handed Senator Lexow
the original copy of the Simmons COM
mittee report, which had been so much
asked for by the senator.
Where was this document kept?" ask
ed Senator Lexow.
Il don't know. II was handed be to-
day by the counsel for the company"
You were requested TO produce the
schedule OF particulars that was attach
ed 10 this document. Have you these
schedules?'
There were no schedules OF particu-
lars attached TO this document. That
data was never in the possession Of the
nj.
You have never seen it?''
No SIR, have not
we understood you to testify the 9TH
e. day that j twas kept in the archives
Of the company"
That was not So
How much was paid TO the Simmons
committee for their services"
Il don't know. They were appointed
by the United States Rubber company.
could not call them employees"
To what extent was the stock water
nd?"
There was not watered stock"
The stock was issued for value. Mr.
Flint replied.
MR.. FLINT is MODEST.
"Were You not one of the actual or.
ganizers fthe United States Rubber
company?
Il would not like TO claim tina. dis
tncton"
.'Stop-you've given us that too Of
ten before shouted Senator Lexow.
Now is il not fact that You were a
thief promoter Of the combine?"
Il took an active part in bringing II
about"
Aha RR1A AsuNvB