The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-09-19

Chicago, September 15.-Working
men, socialists, advocates Of the single
tax theory, and students Of political
economy were heard today at the Civic
Federation conference on trusts md
combinations. A majority Of the speak
ers vigorously opposed industrial, finan-
claI and transportation combinations
The problem in it's relatiOn to the work.
kngman was discussed in all it's phases.
The committee on resolutions held its
first meeting and organized by e~lecting
Luce, of Michigan, chair
man, and Ralph NJ. Easley, secretary.
The morning session drew a large au-
dience, but the programme was over
Swallowed by the announcement that in
the evening w. j. Bryan, of Nebraska,
and W. BOurke Cochran, of New York,
would speak from the same platform.
The political prominence of the two
orators gave rise to a general feeling
that the night session would be more
political han economic in interest.
Louis F. Post, Of New York, advo-
cate of the single tax, was the first
speaker today. His address was en-
Enthusiastically cheered.
Thomas ]. Morgan, of Chicago, fol-
lowed on THE Trust From the Social
list Point of View"
Henry White, secretary of the United
Garment Workers of America, followed.
Mr.. NJ. NJ. Garland, billed to speak on
A Iron and Steel Workers View of
Combinations" and E. E. Clark, grand
chief of the Order of Railway Conduc-
tors, were not present when the chair
man called their names, and John w.
Hayes, secretary of the Knights of La
Dor, was called. He said:
Il maintain that these great cOmbi-
nations are an assault upon the in
h~-CJ-+ @~I ~~-4;E1N.~~ .-l4 e Al
citizens; that the real and vital advan-
tage to be gained is the despotic cOntro
over labor.
Violence is not the only means Of
making c~CnQuests and enslaving the
people, and it can be proved beyond any
question that the methods of the trusts
are the methods of the invader, and
the ends to be accomplished by the in
stigatOrs are exactly those intended to
be accomplished by arms directed by
military genius. Taking this view OF
the trusts, l assert that they are the
enemies Of society and as such should
be destroyed"
Strong resolutions were drafted to-
day for presentation at future session
of the conference. They are signed by
the following delegates: w. L. Grogan
Texas, chairman; NJ. L. Lockwood
Pennsylvania; c.. Smith, Texas; Law.
son Purdy, New York; H. V. Johnson
Colorado; W. H. Claggett, Idaho, and
w. c.. McCOmas, Maryland.
1t is claimed the resolutions represent
the sentiment Of the antitrust dele
gates to the conference who, according
to their W claims, ~preponderate IL
numberS over the conservatives and
prO-trust men. The resolutions will BIZ
referred to the committee on resolu'
tiOns without reading or debate.
Samuel GOmpers, president of the
\ va ria N nIny~a +INr @f T 0nNo~ q111or
ed Secretary Hayes. He declared tina
organized labor is a trust, and con
tinued:
The only practical use of the anti
trust and Interstate ommerce law.
has been to take from us the right O.
trial by jury and to imprison Workmel
for conspiracy.
Il believe that instead of trusts ant
combinations of capital opposing ant
antagOnizing the labor movement, the,
should take a more comprehensive view
of the situation and try to make bette
friends of the organized ~Wage-earner