Omaha daily bee., 1899-12-06
EVILS OF TRADE M0NOPOLIES
femedy Should BE Found and
Promptly Asserted by Congress-
COMPLEX Subject.

Combinations of capital organized into
trusts to control the conditions of trade
| among our citizens, to stifle competition,
| limit production and determine the prices
| or products used and consumed by the
| people are justly provoking public discus
sion and should early claim the attention of
| the congress.
The Industrial commission, created by the
act Of the congress of June IS, 1898, has
been engaged in extended hearings upon the
disputed questions involved in the subject
or combinations in restraint of trade and
competition. 1t has not yet compile ed
Its investigation of this subject and the
conclusions and recommendations at which
1t may arrive are undetermined.
The subject is one giving rise to many
divergent views as to the nature and va
riety or cause and extent of the injuries
to the public which may result from large
combinations concentrating more or less
numerous enterprises and establishments,
which previously to the formation OF the
combination were carried on separately.
1t Is universally conceded that comblna-
tlons which engross or control the market
of any particular kind of merchandise or
commodity necessary ito the general COM
munity by suppressing natural and ordi-
duly enhanced to the general consumer, are
obnoxious not only to the common law, but
also to the public welfare. There must be
a remedy for the evils involved in such Or
ganizations. II the present law can be ex-
tended more certainly to control or check
these monopolies or trusts it should be done
without delay. Whatever power the con-
gress possesses over this most important
subject should be promptly ascertained and
asserted.
Quotes President Harrison.
President Harrison, in his annual mes
sage OF December 8. 1889, says:
Earnest attention should be given by
congress to consideration of the question
how far the restraint of those combinations
OF capital, commonly called trusts is mat
ter of federal jurisdiction. When organized.
as they often are, to crush out all healthy
competition and to monopolize the produc-
tion or sale OF an article OF commerce and
general necessity, they are dangerous con-
spiracies against the public good and should
be made the subiect of prohbitory and even
penal legislation"
An act to protect trade and commerce
against unlawful restraints and monopolies
was passed by congress on the I'd Of July.
1890. The provisions OF this statute are
comprehensive and stringent 1t declares
every contract or combination in the form
Of a trust or otherwise, or conspiracy in the
restraint of trade or commerce among the
several states or with foreign nations, 10
be unlawful. Il denominates as a criminal
every person who makes any such contract
or eagages in any such combination or con-
spiracy and provides a punishment by nne
or imprisonment II invests the several orr
cult courts of the United States with juris-
diction 20 prevent and restrain violations
Of the act and makes il the duty OF the !
several United States district attorneys un-
der the direction of the attorney general, TO /
Institute proceedings in equity TO prevent |
and restrain such violations, 1t further con-
fers upon any person who shall be injured |
In his business or property by any other /
person or corporation by reason Of anything |
or declared 20 be unlawful by the |
act the power to sue therefor in any cir |