New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-09-16
THE EARLY PROCEEDINGS.
The EARL1 FItONET-DI-NT"
RELATION OF TRUSTS TO LABOR THE CHIEF
TOPIC-ANTITRUsT RESOLUTIONS.


Chicago Sept 15.-Workingmcn Socialists ad-
vocates Of the single tax theory and students OF
nol,tica1 economy were heard to-day at the Civic
Federation Conference Trusts and Combina-
tions 4 majority Of the speakers opposed indus
trial financial and transportation combinations
The problem in its relation to the worlNngman
was discussed in all its phases.
The Committee on Resolutions held It's first meet
ing and organized by eecting Ex-Governor Luce
Of Michigan chairman and Ralph ". Easley sec
rotary.
The morning session drew large audience but
the programme was ovcrshadowed 10y the an
rouncement that IN the evening William J. Bryah
and w. Bourke Cochran would speak from the
same platform.
Touis F post the New-York advocate OF tho
singh. tax. was the first speaker. Mr.. Post ana
lived the trusts as first. those that are mere com
binations Of competitive business. These would
he beneficial" he said. but do not exist Ac-
cording 10 the speaker, the real trusts rest Oh
monopolv abolish the tariff" he declared. apoI-
,sb all monopolies that be abolished take pun
lie highways for public use and collect from lAnd
owners the annual value Of their special advan-
taees-do that and you put an end to the trust
You cannot DO it in any other way
John W Hayes, secretary OF the hhish'S VI
Labor. was the next speaker He said IN part
maintain that these great combinations are an
assault upon the inherent and consututioha ris,,sa
nf thc citizens that the real and vital adN@ithbc
Dp
The trust. being an aggressive coihplnd4ty' to
purely selfish objects. attacks the individual ana
IS overthrowing his mutual rights seizes upon o n5
field II opportunity and production TINS hei9
having been conquered and the trust strehs %
In its financial power the aggressive spirit OF sesh
grecd looks for conquests in allied fields, which
are soon invaded and monopolized or other CON-
hiuatiOns seeing the success Of the fst attempt,
enter upon the same campaign OF eonques SoeH
tie individual Is overwhelmed. ana every n''' ol
production is monop0lized by trust.
Samuel Gompers president Of the American Fed
Grafton Of Labor followed Mr. Hayes. lie denied
that organized labor is trust. and continued:
The only practical use Of the Anti-Trust ana
Interstate Commerce laws mas DeeI 10 lahe IL IN
men for conspiracy believe that Instead of
trusts and combinations Of capital opposing ana
antagonizing the labor movement they shoud take
a more comprehensive view of the situation, ana
try 10 make better friends Of the organized wage
earners than they have in the past
Resolutions were drafted to-day for presentation
10 the conference 1t is said that they represent
tie sentiment Of the antitrust delegates who. ac-
cording TO their own claims. preponderate In num-
bors over the conservatives and pro-trust men.
The resolutions follow
Whereas, Trusts and industrial combinations have
been formed for the purpose OF gratifying the
ereed OF their promoters al the expense o.! We gen
eral public; they destroy competition. nullify the
n and. deprive the young men Of the country Of
opportunity advance. take away all incentive 10
ments 10 deterioration and base imitation Inspired
by no other or higher motive than the Unsuitable
chant. the wage Garner and consumer subject 10
their arbitrary dictates They are the evil Of the
hour and their suppression Is Of momentous i'm
/ portance 10 the American people Therefore. be it
Resolved, First-That We are unaterably OPP
posed TO all trusts and monopolies as in derogation
/ OF the common right
secpnd-That We demand q the several States
and cities that they take such action as VIII lead
F 10 the public ownership Of all public utilities. and
We demand Of the Federal and State government
such legislation as Will eectually control the rail-
way and prevent eXtortion and discrimination.
Third That demand OF Congress and The
.gIsl Of several states that tleV abolish
a.. sp(Sial pryeees ana take whatever action is
Fourth-That in our Judgment no candidate fof
low citizens who-does not earnestly declare his hos
the further granting OF any special PRIVILEGES, and
openly aVo~ his purpose TO favor such legislation
Erin Tina, il is the duty Of the people by organ
lied effort 10 secure the NOMINATION by nc polii
parties OF the opponents OF trusts. and who have
the integrity. courage and ability - defend the
rights OF the people against impending industrial
sixth That the growth Of private industrial cor
poratons under the general laws Of The severa
states and the advantages given to such artificial
persons by such laws threaten the extinction of al
natural persons as competitors with them in every
line Of business.
We therefore recommend that the several state,
take immediate action 10 limit the purposes fo
which such CORPORATIONS may be formed, and dis
courage their further formation by the adoption o
Other speakers were Thomas J. Morgan Of Chi
caeo. Henry White secretary Of the Tinted Gar
ment Workers Of America: Professor John r
clark OF Columbia University; VI l.. Lockwood
president OF the American Antitrust League. Pro
fessor f. ". Bemis Of the New-York Bureatl o.
economic research; Edward Rosewater. Of "Th,
Amagamated Association OF iron and Str.l Wor|
eIs, MI heasbey. OF New Jersey. and David Rose
At meeting OF the Committee on RrsolufIor,
man. and the following subcommittee was an
loimte1d 20 receive resolutions Edwin Keasbey. .
torney General Gather, Of Maryland s II c;reeley
Of Illinois. and Edward Rosewater. Of Omaha.