The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-09-17
=, AK rs. THOUGHT IN CHICAGO.

The two ablest American political Or
etcrs. Nessrs. bryan and Cochran, have
given the fullest expression to their views
on the trust problem before the confer
ence assembled in Chicago. The intelli-
gent public naturally look for serious
enIIghtenment from these two gentlemen,
and their respective addresses have been
or will be generally read all over the
country.
There is no point of view from which
these addresses can be regarded that ad-
lnits of their being considered as Of ex-
ceptionaI importance. They throw no
light on The subject which has not been
reflected through other channels since the
very beginning of the public considera-
ton OF the evil. Each man appears to be
flied with the sense of their own person
olity and regards his subject from the
personal and political point of view alone.
III the arena of political activity, no
doubt. Messrs. Bryan and Cochran are
qualified TO play an important part in the
practical dispositions Of the question. Mel
theg Of them however, has shown through
his Chicago speech Such grasp of the stu
alton, in power. OF analysis or adequacy
O. suggested remedy, as entities him to
be listened TO with more than ordinary
attention.
Thus far, it must be said, the scholar
has shown more comprehensive I'M
Outstanding OF the trusts in their different
bearings on economic society than have
the statesmen ana politicians. Most that
has been really worthy of being offered
Ror public consideration on the trust ques-
ton has thus far come from the men
who are engaged in our public colleges
and universities in the study and elucida-
ton of economic questions.
Il would be desirable in the highest de-
gree if this great problem could be set
tied without an appeal to political con-
troNersy. But the discussions thus far
had in the trust conference and in pub
lie prints. all point to the political arena
"a the place Of final arbitrament The
trust evil is in 50 marked a degree the
product of special privilege and immunity
dealt out through the agencies of govern
Tnent that nothing short of the interven-
ton oil The legislative and administrative
arms Of the government will suffice for
fits termination.
it is surprising to find man of prime
ability, such as Mr.. Bryan. to whom so
large a proportion of the people look for
effective work in this direction when the
time for action comes, offering 50 weak
and futile programme of public remedy
as he outlines in his Chicago speech.
A keen, if not over friendly, critic Of Mr.
Bryan has recently said that that gentle
man is chargeable with talking too much
and thinking too little and with gener-
ally assuming such relationship to the
everyday progress Of affairs as tends to
cheaper MIN The criticism Is certainly
entitled to much weight, regarded in the
light of his Chicago performance.
The open discussion thus far had on the
subject OF the trusts has lasted several
months The Chicago conference has had
fits principal value in the facility with
which 1t has placed before the general
reading public, through the daily press,
all the thought that has thus far been
evolved on the subject, on bodh sides of
1t, which is really entitled to be consid-
cred. 1t may have been designed to do
more; but it will not. The remedy must
come from another source. That rem
edy is needed IS plain. No special plead
ings on behalf of the trusts thus far in
dulged in, concerning their influence in
cheapening production, has been avail
able in the slightest degree to lessen the
suspicion and concern with which the
continued organization of these bodies Is
regarded by the intelligent American pub
lie
Whether 1t will be advisable to supple
ment the Chicago conference by another
gathering Of more restricted membership.