The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-05-11
EXTENSION or TIE Trust IDEA.

Is the consolidation or trust prlnciple,
which has been making such progress in
the business world in the past decade now
TO be applied to. the future grouping of
natous and the distribution OF political
carried from National affairs into interna-
tioual relations? Are the strong powers
going to absorb the weak?
The press of both Europe and America
arc discussing, along the line of thought
Just suggested. the significant speech of
Lord Salisbury before tile Primrose Leagu,
at its annual meeting the other day. The
distinguished premier, among other things.
said:
We have today a few great countries OF
enormous power full OF vigpr, with Armies
vi a magnitude never dreamed OF ia former
umrs, with Weapons OF increasing efficacy and
with railways that give them means of con
eentrating speedily at one pot.t the whole
nlilithry force of their population side hy
side with these splendid organizations there
are number of communities that are per,
ishing. They are mainly non Christian CONS
muuitics, but not exclusively so, and in those
states REORGANIZATION and decay are al
Nnncing almost us fast ms the power OF tho
other class rs increasing. Tho pro-
cess Is preceding the weak States are be-
The inevitable rcsult M that the living ma
lions will gradually cpcronch upon the torr-
tory OF tho dying ones and the seed OF con.
nct VIII speedily appear. England would moi
be allowed to he at disady antagc In any
Encouragement that takes place. ON the
other hand she would not be Jealous 4 desc
lation Hnd stcrlity were removed by the Az
grondiaement uf "a rival power.
Spain has interpreted these remarks as
an intimaton from the British government
that Il Is looking on with approval at the
possible absorption of Spanish territories
hy the United States II was also aud
evidently Lord Salisbury's purpose to ex-
press Englands recognition OF the newt
able partition Of China, and BritOin's ac-
quiescence In the big scheme II was In
word. an official declaration from the
highest source that the map changing of
the world had again begun. aud that the
little or weak nations must be prepared to
SEQ the great aud growing nations put into
operation a kind OF International trust
| The same arguments are used to Justify
| this International absorption process that
are urged in behalf of business combines.
| IL is claimed that the weaker and poorsr
peoples viii yet better government at less
cost and be able to count multiplicity of
| benefits and comforts and profit that they
are unable in their present separate polit-
ical existence 10 secure for themselves.
| Fortunately there is more to be said In
favor OF the trust plan applied In this way
than when put into practice among in
dividuals in the business world, The eases
and conditions are widely dissimilar and
therefore the effects. but after all 1t Is
tina same old consolidation plan that in
commercial and industrial walks of life is
making the rich richer and the poor poorer.
| And II seems to be as apparent that the
International applications aud Develop
ments will be as Impossible TO stay, whether
We would check them or not, as the con-
tinued organization and operation of COM
bines in the business world As Salisbury
said TO England. so we must say to our
selves, That We must not allow the United
States to be placed at any disadvantage in
any Encouragement" that may take place
We must guard against being crushed out
of business by the future political trusts
formed by the Great Powers.