The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1899-12-15
lect Of trusts and devotes a great deal Of

trade among our citizens to stihe com
petition, limit production and determine
the prices of prodHcts used and consum
ed by the people are justly provoking
public discussion and should early claim
the attention of congress. The subject
is one that gives rise to diversified
views as to the nature and variety OF
cause and extent of the injuries to the
public which may result from large com
binations concentrating more or less nu-
merous enterprises and establishments
which previously to the formation of the
combination were carried on separately.
OBNOXIOUS COMBINATIONS.
at is universally conceded that com
binations which engross or control the
market of any particular kind of mer.
chandise or commodity necessary to the
general community, by suppressing nat
ural and ordinary competition, whereby
prices are unduly enhanced to the gen
eral consumer, are obnoxious, not only
to the common law, but also to the pub
lie welfare. There must be remedy for
the evils involved in such organization.
If the present law can be extended more
certainly to control or check these mo-
nopolies or trusts, it should be done with
out delay. Whatever power the con-
gress possesses over this most important
subject should be promptly ascertained
| and asserted"
Following the trust question the presi
dent takes up foreign relations, first re-
viewing the status of several disputes
which the government has on hand and
finding them moving toward success
full settlement. He finds that the 18th
milan canal commission is making good
progress in carrying on examinations in
Nicaragua and Darien with a view to
establishing canal between the At
lantic and Pacific oceans, and he asks
congress to help in the work.
Referring to China, Mr.. Mckinley says
that the interests of our citizens in that
vast empire have not been neglected, and
adequate protection has been secured for
American missionaries there. Our trade
with China has continued to grow, and
our commercial rights under existing
treaties have been and will be maintain
ed. He again urges an appropriation for
a commission to study the commercial
and industrial conditions in the Chinese
empire so that American trade may be
enlarged in the empire.
OUR RELATIONS WITH GER
MANY.
Next the Paris exposition is touched |
on, and concerning Germany the presi |
dent finds that our relations continue to
be most cordial. He says:
I'm all that promises closer relations of
intercourse and commerce and a better |
understanding between two races hav-
ing so many traits in common Germany
can be assured of the most cordial CO.
operation of this government and people.
We may be rivals in many material
paths, but our rivalry should be generous
and open, ever aiming toward the attain
ment of larger results and the mutually
beneficial advancement of each in the
line of it's especial adaptabilities."
Mr. Mckinley contends that our sys-
tenn of the inspection of food products
for export is Of the best, and he hopes
that the German government will come
to realize this and suggests that congress
authorize an invitation to Germany in
connection with the pending reciprocity
negotiations for the constitution of
Joint commission of scientific experts and
practical men of affairs to conduct
searching investigation of food produc-
tion and expectation in both countries.
The president hopes that the disputed
dian boundary will soon be satisfactorily
settled.
THE TRANSVAAL WAR.
Touching on the war between Great
Britain and the Beers, the president
says:
"This government has attained an at
titude of neutrality in the unfortunate
contest between Great Britain and the
Roer states of South Africa. We have
been faithful to the precept of avoiding
alliances as to affairs not of
direct concern. Had circumstances
suggested that the parties to the quarrel
would have welcomed any kindly express
sion of the hope of the American peo-
pie that war might be averted good Of
ices would have been gladly rendered.
THE United States representative at
Pretoria was early instructed to see that
I'll neutral American interests be re-
,pected by the combatants. This has
leen an easy task in view of the positive
declarations of both British and Boer
that the personal and prop
,rty rights of our citizens should be OBJ
erved.
Upon the withdrawal of the British
gent from Pretoria the United States
# the British government and with the
ssent of the South African and Orange
free State governments, to exercise the
good offices of a neutral for
he care of the British interests. In the
discharge of this function | am happy to ,
ay that abundant opportunity has been
fforded to show the impartiality of this
.overnment toward both the combat
nts."
Taking up the subject of the lynching =,
f certain Italians in Louisiana, Mr.. Nc
<inley follows President Harrison in
rgng that congress extend the powers d.,
f the federal courts so that they may
ave jurisdiction over offenses against
he treaty rights of foreigners domiciled
n the United States.
The president after a complimentary I.
eference to the friendly feeling the gov
rnment of Japan has for the United
states hopes that that country will soon
re brought into telegraphic relation with
his country and also calls attention to
is special message of Feb. 10, $780, I
oncerning the necessity of a cable to e
Ianila, recommending that congress au- 0
horize the postmaster general to invite Z
ompetitive bids for the establishment of Il
uch n ca hla