Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-09-21
c.. @. STERL g. GO.

TO industrial. financial and transporta-
ton combinations. The problem in its
relation to the workingman was dis
cussed.
Resolutions denouncing the trusts
have been drafted by the antitrust
delegates. The resolutions set forth:
Unalterable opposition to all trusts and mo-
nopoles; demand Of the several states and
cities that they take such action Us will lead to
the public ownership OF all public utilities;
demand that the federal and state governments
enact legislation looking To the control OF rail-
ways demand that congress and legislatures OF
the several states abolish oil privileges and take
action TO destroy monopoly; assert that no
candidate for public Office Is entitled 10 the SUI
frages Of his fellow-cltzens who does not ear
nestly declare his hostility to oil trade comb-
nations; declare that II Is the duty OF the people
by organized effort to secure the nomination by
the political parties Of the opponents Of trusts
recommend that the several states take imme-
diate action to limit the purposes for which pri-
vate Industrial corporations may be formed,
aud discourage their further formation.
John W. Hayes, secretary OF the
Knights of Labor, was the first to
speak. In part he said
maintain that these great combinations are
on assault upon the inherent and constitutional
rights OF the ctizons; that the real and vital
advantage TO be gained Is the despotic control
over labor. Violence Is not the only means OF
making conQuests and enslaying the people and
1t can be proven beyond any question that the
methods Of the invader and the objects TO be
accomplished by the instlgators Of the trusts
are exactly those intended TO be accomplished
by arms directed by military genius
Samuel Gompers, president OF the
American Federation of Labor, fol-
lowed Secretary Hayes. He said in
part:
1t has been said that organized labor Is O
trust, and want TO say In connection with this
that TO our minds that Is an absolute misnomer
Organized labor throws open It's doors To all
who work for wages. and asks them TO come In
and share In the benefits You cannot break
into trust
The exciting joint debate looked for
last night between William j. Bryan
and Bourke Cochran on trusts did not
take place. Central Music hall was
packed with an eager audience, but
the people present had to content them
selves without the oratory of the
famous Nebraskan, who, however, oc-
cupied a seat on the platform. Mr..
Bryan explained that he did not wish
to let the impression go out that he
was to enter into debate with Mr..
Cochran. For that reason he said he
would not speak with Mr.. Cochran at
the same session Mr.. Bryan will speak
at tv-day's session.
Though disappointed in failing to see
such a spectacle as Bryan and Cochran
pitted against each other, the audience
nevertheless enjoyed rare treat as
Mr.. Cochran was at his best and his
speech was punctuated with frequent
and prolonged applause. When Mr..
Bryan made his appearance at the en-
trance 1t was the signal for tumultuous
cheering which lasted until the Ne
braskan had taken his seat on the
speakers stand. Mr.. Foulke, OF Indiana,
who was in the middle Of an address