New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-11-22
MR.. GOMPERS ON TRUSTS.

The trust exterminatOr. whatever his name or
party, has an unexpected obstacle to overcome
II has been calculated that the labor organiza-
lions would toin in trust hunting with zeal AND
unapimty Some Of the shallower leaders made
haste to court the supposed prejudices OF wage
earners by vociferous denuncatlon Of all comOi-
nations of capital no matter how conducted.
But President Gompers Of the Federation OF
Labor has evidently given some thought to the
subject and he testified before the Industrial
Commission on Monday that he would not favor
any legislation against the trusts. AS his adj
vice will have weight with by far the largest
body of organized labor and in such matters the
influence of the great organizations is strong
with unorganized workers. It seems probable
that Mr.. Bryan will not find his antitrust cru
SADIE SO profitable as he expected For Mr.
Gompers gave some substantial reasons for his
position.
Mr. Gompers held ii too early TO say whether
the tendency of trusts was TO benefit labor or
the reverse, as some had raised wages. while
Others had not. But he thought the labor or
CARNATIONS would be able TO take care or them
selves in any contest with the trusts, thus dell
cately suggesting that the new organizations,
with their enormous capitalization, would be al
least as vulnerable in any contest as the sepa-
rate concerns which were united In their forma-
tjon. The mere fact that these monster organi-
cations will have nowhere to look for supply
of labor skilled ia their particular work II they
engage in a struggle with those they have EN-
Moved adds greatly TO the power OF the laooi
oroop,zotions When II is also considered that
,be hia combinations are also peculiarly exposed
to competition. and that a comparatively small
number of skilled workmen. with the aiu oi
capital which could always be found LOT such
venture. could set up an opposition OF the most
costly kind, It may be perceived that MT uoni'
ners had more reasons for his suggestion man
he thought IL we'll TO state.
lie deals another rude blow 10 the trust hunter
IN saving that he did not attach much impor-
lance 10 the alleged tendency OF trusts TO III
crease prices because the general trend or
prices was always downward. AS time goes on
the wage earners get a larger share or the
wealth which they produce. and though MIR.
Gompcrs does not say that this is the necessary
effect of laws with which organizations on either
side have little to do It is nevertheless the fact.
When there was DO organization Of labor or OF
CAPITAL in any branch the tendency was the
same. and IL does not change when practically
all the employers are combined and practically
also all the workers. The process is greatly &c
CELEBRATED by wise measures Of National policy,
as It is retarded by unwise measures, but
whether more or less rapidly, in good times or
bad. the progress IL in the long run always in
the same direction.
One other suggestion on which Mr.. Gompers
does not enlarge may perhaps have more weight
with the great body Of organized workers thar
any other He fears that any law that nigh
he enacted against trusts might be turned
against organized labor, though he denies tina
n can be called a labor trust Certainly II cal
not nor can any Of the great combinations o
capital now existing be properly called trusts
But II will be found practically impossible I