The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-03-20
DANGEROUS WARFARE.


The war on corporations has taken
now turn in Chicago. ana o movement
AGAINST department stores is causing a
great stir in the windy city. TO show 10
what extent the prejudice against cor
poratons exists. We reproduce the fol-
lowing bin, which has been introduced
in the Legislature by Delegate Suite.
The bill reads:
"section i. That from ana after the
taking effect Ct this act it shall be I'M
lawful for any person or persons TO
form q corporation for the purpose or
engaging in any mercantile business 1Ol
the sale or exchange of any kind OF
merchandise at retail; and all aueh
corporations heretofore organized, or
existing under the laws OF the STATE LOT
tine purpose Of carrying on such retail
lnefn,ss shall terminate and cease 10
exist. except for the purpose OF enforcing
the contracts and obligations held by
them. and for tho purpose of being com
noue5 IN Uauidatc their Liabilities within
Six months from the time this act takes
effect.
"sccton Q. 1t shall be unlawful for
lany foreign corporation 10 carry Oh
any retail mercantile business IN TINS
state. from and after six months from
the time this act shall take effect.
Section 9. ANY person or assecialion
Of nersons who shah hereafter attempt
or assume 20 carry on such business rs
, cornoration. either foreign or domestic.
contrary to the provisions or TINS act
shall forfeit and pay the sum OF SlO'J
~ al
make. 10 De recovered 10y qui tam
action in the name OF tho people OF the
sfate az Illinois. as plaintiff. against
fine violating corporation. one-half or
which shall 90 to tho State. ana the
other half to- the party CT parties caus-
ing the action 20 be brought
IL IS not our purpose 10 discuss the
pros and cons Of department stores
as no such issue has arisen or is hkely
70 arise I'm this state. But we cite the
above biz as illustrative Of the growing
sentiment Of the age against corporations.
The author Of the bill is not so much
AGAINST department stores as he is
against corporations in general. He
would prohibit them from conducting not
only dcnartmcnt stores. but from en-
RAGING in any sort Of mercantile business
at retail. and he would force all sucn
corporations out Of business. no matter
at what sacrifice.
We mentioned the fact some time
AGO that q wealthy citizen of Chicago
had announced his intention Of removing
from that city. because he did not feel
that his investments were safe from
disastrous legislation. Others are no
doubt beginning TO feel the same way
and Chicago will suffer. Agitation OF
This character. and especially such DIS
ae tho above-ouotod. whether they pass
or not. show a sentiment that IS con-
slant menace to business. No prudent
man feels Ike investing his money IN
business in community where there Is
constant danger OF legislation that Will
destroy him. A mans peace OF mind
is worth something, and he does not
want TO spend his days in dread OF hos
tile laws.
il is bad condition. and those who
are hoping TO improve business by max
ing war on capital should be brought L
realize that by such course they
are doing the enc thing that is sure
10 deprcss business. Capital is a grea
coward. and when men begin 10 make wal
on 81, Il runs away and hides.