Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-09-21

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John ". Hayes Of the Knights Of
Labor, created . sensation BY declsr.
ing that HE did not intend to be
classed with the New Jersey delega.
ton, even II he did vote in that cradle
OF trusts" The non-attendance Of
many delegates was not unexpected
and Secretary Easley announced that
probably 100 Of the tardy ones, includ-
ing Gov. Pingree, Of Michigan, would
he present at the next days session.
Chairman Head delivered an address
Ia explanation of the call for the con-
ference. He said in part:
1t Is uota trust or an antitrust conference,
but conference In Sc arch OF truth and light.
With this end in view the attendance has been
solicited Of men Of every shade Of opinion upon
the general subject; from the men who rega I'd
trusts and trade combinations as the standing
menace to our national prosperity and even to
the perpetuity Of our system Of government TO
those who feel that trade combinations and
On active evolution in the development OF our
Industrial and commercial life, and that
such aggregations are absolutely neces-
sary to compete with the vast accumu-
lations and experience Of the older nations, and
their almost total control, outside Of food prod
ucts, OF the markets Of the world We are also
to hear from those holding views between either
extreme; those who believe in the value OF
combinations properly organized, but who
recognize In the reckless and excessive capt.
talizition of many Of such combinations peril
leading To widespread panic and distress from
such inflated stocks being absorbed by the small
investors whose savings may be thus In great
measure lost.
Prof. jerks followed with paper
under the caption Problems Before the
Conference. twas one o'clock before
this paper was finished and adjourn.
ment was taken until three O'Clock.
The afternoon session opened with a
paper by Prof. Adams on the same sub.
ject as his predecessor, Mr.. jerks.
These addresses were received atten.
lively, but it remained for Dudley
Wooten, of the Texas delegation, to
stir up enthusiasm of the camp meet
ing variety. He was frequently inter-
rupted by cheering and was rapturous-
ly received by his fellow delegates
from the Lone Star state upon the COM
pletion OF his preoration. He said in
part:
Accepting in good faith that amendment
which the heroic legions OF the south resisted
unto death on 1000 battleheds we believe
that neither slavery nor lnvol'' ntary servitude
except as punishment for crime, shall exist
within the United States or any place subject
to their jurisdiction. And we confidently assert
that the commercial and industrial bondage be-
ing rapidly imposed upon the toll and talents Of
7O,OOO0OJ American citizens by the syndicated
wealth OF few great corporate monop olies Is
more dire and daug -ous than the slavery which
Doweu inc ictus auu ~. 1870. ;se I;soa. u
3O00,0UO southern black men. And over and be-
yond these great written guarantees Of equality
and Justice we look to the lessons of history and
appeal to the authority OF experience When
we ore told that the spirit Of commercial COM
blnaton promises golden rewards to the pres
ent tendencies OF our economic system, we re-
member tbat no republic has ever survived the
mercenary despotism Of merchants and money
changers
Chicago, Sept. 15.-The second days
session of the trust conference opened
with a falling off in the attendance of