The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-02-27
BIG STORES IN POLITICS.
Illinois Republicans Will Enact Adj
verse Laws.

Springfield. ILL.,. Feb. 27.-Tommie jamie
son and Billy Lorimer have induced the
Republicans of the house to recommend
legislation doing away with the big Chi
cago department stores. They had no
trouble in getting the city machine men to
agree to this, but many of the country
men either did not care for it or are dis
posed to fight it.
Lorimer made the talk in its behalf at
the meeting of the steering committee
last night. He said the matter was going
to be an issue in the campaign and that
the Democrats intended to indorse it. He
wanted the Republicans to forestan the
action of the Democrats in this particu-
lar. The matter has not been agitated to
any very great extent and difficulty may
be experienced in getting its support by
a full party vote of the house.
The caucus was held chiefly for the pur-
pose of considering the subject of depart
over by Mr.. Selby.
Mr. Miller offered the following resolu-
ton:
Whereas. 1t is desirable in the interest
of good citizenship that in every cOmmun-
ity the people may engage in the various
business Industries on their own response
bilities; and,
and control of the shop, store, or factory,
be it great or small, breeds contentment,
which follow better homes better people
and better government: and,
Whereas, Anything which tends to CEN
tralze and place under the domination
and control of a few the business of the
tradesman and reduces them from en-
ployerS to employees is detrimental to the
interests OF the people. and,
Whereas, The tendency of the age is to-
ward the Capitalization of various lines
of trade under one management. thereby
reducing the possibilities of industrious
tradesmen and mechanics from success
fully mpeting with concentrated capital;
and,
Whereas Department stores have be-
come a grave menace to the business and
property interests of the state and have
retarded the development and general
welfare of the communities wherein they
exist and have destroyed to a dangerous
degree the individual occupations of the
citizens and their ability to earn a liveli-
hood; and,
Whereas, Such stores have centralized
numerous lines of business under one
mana cement in such a way as to lessen
and in some cases entirely drive out of
business the small dealers, therefore be it
Resolved, That the Republicans of the
house of representatives of the Fortieth
assembly, in caucus assembled, hereby de-
clare tn emSelVeS in favor of enacting into
the form of law such measure or meas
ureS will regulate, control, or abolish
such department stores or cause them to
be confined to such lines of trade as will
remedy the existing evils which have
arisen from their growth and continu-
ance: and, be it further
Resolved That the chairman of this
caucus be and is hereby directed and au-
thorized to appoint a committee of seven
to prepare a bill or bills such will
complish the purposes of this resolution
to be presented to this general assembly
for immediate passage.
Mr.. Miller'S resolution was then adopt
ed. The committee of seven, for which it
provides, will be appointed within day
or two.