The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-06-24
But Mainly Strive to Defeat Mcmillan
per Branch of Congress.
VIEWS OF THE "COMBlNERS'
SECRETARY OF WAR SAYS HE Is or
POSED TO MONOPOLIEs.
He Denounces the Consolidation OF
Industries-Governo Pingree Tells
why He Entered the Partnership.

CHICAGO, June 23-Gen. Russell A. AL
ger, secretary of war, announced here to-
day that he is in the Michigan senatorial
fight with Antitrust and election of sem
ators by direct vote of the people, on his
banners.
The general is at present taking life easy
at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles
Pike, after his trip in northern Michigan,
Wisconsin and Minnesota. He gave his
platform on the heels of its announcement
by Governor Pingree, who, commented the
secretary of war, always gets in ahead"
'Tt is perhaps a little early to say that
trusts and trust legislation are to be great
factors In coming elections" said General
Alger. "Other issues Of greater Importance
may arise. but however that may be, it is
certain that the widespread spirit of con-
solidation of great financial interests is an
evil which must be contended against legis-
latively. ] am foe to these great amalga-
nations and believe in the election of sena-
tors by the direct vote OF the people, and,
as Governor Pingree states, on these planks
will stand.
THE concentration Of wealth in trusts Is
detrimental to the interests Of the people.
1t squeezes the small dealer out of business,
and, greatest Of all, eliminates the middle
man and stiles competition. With a GER
tain commodity controlled by one man or
coterie Of men they are not compelled to
seek customers. The dealer must come to
the trust, take what he can get and pay
without a murmur the price asked.
Everywhere manufacturers are meeting
to agree on increases In their prices for
articles manufactured from raw material
and monopolized by trust. This Is notice.
able in articles in which iron and steel are
used. The results Of monopoly are so ap-
parent and have been so widely discussed
that further comment is not necessary. I
am not an extremist, but the growing ten
dency to absorb a certain part of the indus
tries Of the country into one big company
that others may be frozen out and a monop-
oily secured is a matter for consideration by
legislators on behalf Of the people who are
vitality interested.
THE present system OF electing senators
through the agency of legislatures is one
which has always had its critics, and be-
lieve the criticism Is just. / think the di-
rect vote is the better method. and. while
the attainment of this end will doubtless
take years. II is worth laboring for. A SEN
atorial fight in state legislature generally
sends to Congress a man who is more the
representative OF a machine than Of the
people.
THE contest in Michigan for the nomina-
tion will be a fair. stand-up fight. Mr.. Nc
MILAN. aided I believe. by Burrows will
try for denomination. Governor Pingree
has shown himself very friendly to me, es-
peciaIly since the beginning OF the war. 1t
is too early % make calculations on the
strength of the forces which will enter the
contest, but there will not be two Repub-
: lican candidates In the field-nothing to
disrupt the party
Besides talking of his senatorial candidacy
General Alger discussed the Philippine sit
uation and stated that on his return to
Washington he would recommend TO the
President an increase of the army now un-
der General Otis's command. Asked whether
there was any intention on the part of the
administration TO send General Miles 10 Ma
Mia. he said: mot that I know OF. All 1
know about 1t Is what have read in the
newspapers. The matter never has been dis
cussed. so far as am aware. General Otis
Is doing good work. He Is conservative.
ievel-headed and aggressive. His conduct
OF the war In the Philippines has been salts
Factory. But there is no doubt he needs
more men. We intend to give them to him.
cannot say how many. After I return 10
Washington and the President gets back
there will make recommendations to him.
l am not prepared to say there will be
call for volunteers. General Otis's fighting
force has been reduced by reason of the
fact that large number of men have been
stationed at different points to hold them.
But do not apprehend any new regiments
viii be sent before Oct. or in time to ar
rive there when the rainy season is over"