davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington weekly post., 1899-12-12

the form Of trust or otherwise. or con-
spiracy in restraint Of trade or commerce
among the several States or with foreign
nations. 20 be unlawful. II denominates
as criminal every person who makes any
such contract or engages III any such
combination or conspiracy, and provides
q punishment by fine or Imprisonment
IL Invests the several circuit courts of
the United States with Jurisdiction to
prevent and restrain violations Of the act.
ana makes IL the duty of TIE several
United states district attorneys. under
the direction OF the Attorney General, TO
institute proceedings In equity to prevent
and restrain such violations. IL further
confers upon any person who shah be
injured In his business or property by any
other person or corporation by reason Of
anything forbidden OF declared to be un-
lawful by the act the power 10 sue there
for In any circuit court OF the United
states without respect TO the amount in
controversy. and to recover three-fold
the damages by him sustained and the
cost OF the suit, including reasonable at
torney fees. Ii will be perceived that the
act Is aimed at every kind Of combination
in the nature OF a trust or monopoly in
restraint OF interstate or international
commerce
The prosecution by the United States of
offenses under the act OF 1880 has been
frequently resorted 10 in the Federal
courts. and notable efforts in the restraint
Of interstate commerce. such as TIE Trans
Missouri Freight Association and the
Joint Traffic Association, have been sue
cessfully opposed and suppressed.
President Cleveland in his annual mes
sage of December I. 1S96-more than six
years subsequent 10 the enactment of
this law-after stating the evils OF these
trust combinations, says:
Though Congress has attempted to deal with this
matter By legislation the laws passed for that pur
pose thus far have proved Ineffective, Seesuse Of
any lack Of disposition attempt 20 enforce them.
but simply because the laws themselves inter
prsted by the courts do not reach the difficulty. II
the insuflciences OF existing laws be remeded
by further legislation, it should be done. The fact
must be recognized however that all Federal legis-
Iaton on this subject may fall short OF is purpose
because of Inherent Obstacles and also because OF
the complex character Of our governmental system
which. while making the Federal authority supreme
Il
The Washington weekly post., 1899-12-12

tice of modern States.
Brazil, Colombia. Denmark.
A convention of extracition with Brazil,
, signed May IL. 1897, has been ratified by
the Brazilian legislature.
During the past summer two national
ships of the United States have visited
Brazilian ports on a friendly mission and
been cordially received The voyage of
the Wilmington up the Amazon River
gave rise to a passing misunderstanding
owing to confusion in obtaining permis-
sion to visit the interior and make sur
veys in the general interest OF naviga-
ton, but the incident found ready ad-
/ justment in harmony with the close rela-
, lions Of amity which this government has
always sedulously sought to cultivate with
the commonweslths Of the western COR
tinent
The claim growing out OF the seizure OF
the American-owned newspaper, the Pan
ANA Star and Herald, by the authorities
Of Colombia has been settled, after a con-
troversy Of several years. by an agree
ment assessing at $4,000 the indemnity 10
be paid b. the Colombian government, in
three instalIments of $4,000 each
The good viii OF Colombia toward our
country has been testified anew by the
cordial extension CT facilities 10 the Mic
araguan Canal Commission In their ap-
preaching investigation Of the Panama
Canal and other projected routes across
the Isthmus Of Darien.
Toward the end CT October an insurrec-
tionary disturbance developed in the CO.
lombian republic. This movement has
thus far not attained any decisive result
and Is srill in progress
Discussion of the questions raised by the
action of Denmark in imposing restric-
tions on the inlpOrts ton Of American
meats has continued without substantial
result in our favor
The neighboring island republic Of San
to Domingo has lately been the scene Of
revolution. following a long period Of
tranquility. IL began with the killing of
President Herreaux in July last. and cul-
minated in the REIMBURSEMENT by the sue
ceeding vice president Of the reins OF
government 10 the insurgents. The first
act Of the provisional government was
the calling OF a presidential and constitu-
ent election. Juan Isidro Jimenez. having
/ been elected President, was inaugtrated
on the 18th OF November. Relations have
been entered into with the newly estab-
lisssd government
Greater Republic of Central America.
The experimental association Of Mica
ragua, Honduras. and Salvador under the
| title OF the Greater Republic Of Ce,.traI
! America, when apparently 6l the thresh-
old OF a complete federal organization by
the adoption OF a constitution and The
formation Of a national legislature. was
disrupted in the last days Of November,
1888. by the withdrawal of Salvador
| Tnereupon Nicaragua and Honduras
abandoned the joint compact. each re-
suming its former independent soyer-
eighty. This was followed by the reception
Of Minister Merry by the republics OF
Nicaragua and Salvador. while Minister
Hunter In turn presented his credentials
10 the government OF Honduras. thus re-
| yertins 10 the old distribution Of the dip
The Washington weekly post., 1899-12-12

murder. and following the established
doctrine that the government may not
be held accountable for injuries suffered
by individuals at the hands Of the pub
lie authorities while acting in the line Of
duty In sUppressing disturbance Of the
public peace. this government. after due
consideration Of the claim advanced by
the Austro- Hungarian government. was
constrained 10 decline liability to indenni-
fy the sufferers.
BelsiaB Cattle Restrictions.
II is gratifying to be able TO announce
that the Belgian government has miu-
Gated the restrictions On the importation
Of cattle from TIE Unitsd States. to which
referred in my last annual message.
Having been invited by Belgium to par
ticipate in congress. held al Brussels, 10
revise the provisions of the general act OF
July 2. 1seo. for the repression Of the Al
rican slave trade, to which the United
States was a signatory party. this govern
rent preferred not TO be represented oy
plenipotentiary. but reserved the righs OF
accession to the result. Notable changes
were made. those especially concerning
this country being in the line OF the in
creased restriction OF the deletsrious trade
IN Spurious u4uOfS With lhc udeifS
tribes, which this government has from
the outset urgently advocated. The
amended general act will be laid before
the Senate, with view to !ts advice and
consent.
Early in the year the peace OF Bolivia
was disturbed by a successful insurrec-
ton The United States Minister remained
at his post, attending to the American in
terests in that quarter, and using besides
his good offices for the protection of the
interests of British subjects in the absence
of their national representative. On the
establishment Of the new government our
Minister was directed TO enter into rela-
tions Herewith.
| Gen. Pando was elected president of
Bolivia on October g.
/ Our representative has been Instructed
/ to use all permissible friendly endeavors
/ TO induce the government OF. Bolivia to
amend its marriage laws so as to give
| legal status to the non-Catholic and civil
marriages Of aliens within its jurisdiction.
and strong hopes are entertained that the
Bolivian law in this regard will be
The Washington weekly post., 1899-12-12

iouuatjc agencies Of the United States In
Central America for which cur existing
statutes pt 'ie Nicaragua1 envoy has
been accredited to the Unites States.
An insurrectiouary movement. under
Gen. Reyes. broke cut at Biufields in Feb
ruary last, and for time exercised actu-
al control in the Mosquito territory. The
Detroit was promptly sent thither for the
protection of American interests. After
few weeks the Reyes government re-
nouneed the coniiiet, giving place TO the
restored supremacy Of Nicaragua. During
the interreSnum certain public dues ac-
cruing under Nicaragusn law were coll
lected from American merchants by the
authorities for the time being in effective
administrative control. Upon the titular
government regaining power second
payment OF these dues was demanded
Controversy arose touching the validity
of the original payment Of the debt 70 the
de facto regent of the territory. An ar
rangement was effected in April last by
the United States Minister and the for
eigu secretary OF Nicaragua whereby the
amounts of the duplicate payments were
deposited with the British consul pending
an adjustment of the matter by direct
agreement between the governments or
the United States and Nicaragua. The
controversy is still unsettled.
Nicaragua Canal Project.
The contract of the Maritime Canal
Company, OF Nicaragua was declared for
feited by the Nicaraguan government on
the 10th of October. on the ground of non
fulfllment within the ten years term stip-
ulated in the contract. The Maritime
Canal Company has lodged a protest
against this action, alleging rights In the
premises which appear worthy OF consid-
Grafton. This government expects that
Nicaragua will afford the protestants
fun and fair hearing upon the merits of
the case.
The Nicaragua Canal Commission,
which had been engaged upon the work
of examination and survey for ship
canal route across Nicaragua, having
completed its labors and made its report,
was dissolved on May 81. and on June 10 a
new commission. known as the Isthmian
Canal Commission, was organized under
the terms of the act approved March g.
1899, for the purpose of examining the
The Washington weekly post., 1899-12-12

American isthnus with a view to determ-
ming the most practicable and feasible
route for ship canal across that isthmus
with its probable cost, and other essential
details.
This commission, under the presidency OF
Rear Admiral John G. Walker, T. S. n,
tretired), entered promptly upon the work
intrusted to 1t, and is now carrying on
examinations in Nicaragua along the
route OF the Panama Canal, and in Darien
from the Atlantic, in the neighborhood of
the Atrato River to the Bay of Panama
on the Pacific side. Good progress has
been made, but un6sr the law a COM
prehensive and complete investigation Is
called for, which will require much labor
and considerable time for it's accomplish
ment. The work will he prosecuted as
expeditiousiy as possible and a report
made at the earliest practicable date.
Inc great Importance of this work can
not be too often or too strongly pressed
upon the attention of Congress. In NV
message or a year ago l expressed nv
views of the necessity of a canal which
would link the two great oceans 10 which
again invite your consideration. The
reasons then presented for early action
are even stronger now.
VI B0Od ill.
A pleasing incident in the relations of
this government with that OF Chile occur
red in the generous assistance given "a
the Warship Newark when in distress in
Chiiean waters. Not alone I'm this way
mas the friendly disposition OF Chile found
expression That country has acceded TO
the convention for the establishment OF
the bureau or the American Republics.
IN "hlch organization every independent
state OF the continent now shares.
The exchange of ratifeations of a rom
yention for the revival of the Uni,ed
States and Chilean Claims Commission
and for the adjudication Of claims bAra-
tofore presented, but not determined dur-
ing the life OF the previous Commission.
mas been delayed by reason of the neces
sity for fresh action by the Chilean sen
ate upon the amendments attached TO
the ratification OF the treaty BY the INIT
ed States Senate This formaiity is soon
10 be accomplished.
Trade Interests in China.
In view OF disturbances In The non,,Io,,s
provinces OF Northern China. where are
many OF our citizens. and OF the lyani-
nence OF disorder near the eapitaI and
toward the seaboard. a guard OF marines
was landed from the Boston and stationed
during las winter in the legation COM
pound al Peking. With the restoration OF
order this protection was withdrawn.
The interests OF our citizens in that vast
empire have not beer neglected during
the past year. Adequate protection has
been secured f9r cur missionaries and
some Injuries to their property have been
redressAd.
American capital has sought and found
various opportunities ~ competing 10 car
~ out the internal improvements which
the Imperial government is wisely en-
couraging, ard TO develop the natural re-
sources OF the empire. Our trade with
China has continued TO grow, and our
commercial rights under existing treaties
have been everywhere maintained during
the past year. as tssy will be In the
future.
The extension OF the area open to inter-
The Washington weekly post., 1899-12-12
Subject of Trusts.


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 peo-
pie, are justly provoking public discussion.
ana should early claim the attention of the
Congress.
The Industrial Commission, created by
me ACT OF the Congress Of June is, 1898. has
been engaged in extended hearings unon
the disputed questions involved in the sub
Ject Of combinations in restraint of trade
and competition. They have not vet com
pleted their investigation OF this subject.
and the conclusions and recommendations
at which they may arrive are undeter-
mined.
The subject is one giving rise to many
divergent views as TO the nature and Va
riety or cause and extent OF the injuries
10 the public which may result from large
combinations concentrating more or less
numerous enterprises and establishments.
which previously 10 the formation OF the
combination were carried on separately.
IL is universally conceded that combina-
tions which engross or control the market
Of any particular kind of merchandise or
commodity necessary. TO the general com
munity, by suppressing natural and ordi-
nary competition. whereby prices are IN
duly enhanced TO the general consumer.
are obnoxious not only 10 the common law.
bat also 20 the public welfare There
must be a remedy for the evils involved In
such organizations. II the present law
can be extended more certainly 10 control
or check these mouopolies or trusts IL
shOult be done without delay Whatever
power the Congress possesses over this
most important subject should be promptly
ascertained and asserted.
President Harrison IN HIS annual mes
sage OF December g. 1853. says:
Earnest attention shoali be given By Congress 70
consideration of The question hoE far the restraint
o. those combinations of capital commonly called
trusts 3 matter of FEDERAL Jurisdiction When
Organized they often are 10 crush ogt az healthy
competition and 10 m0n0polize the production sale
o. an article Of commerce and general necessity
;hey are dangerous oeHsgiFaeiss against the publc
good and should be made the subject of pFohibitoFy
and even EfHaf fggfefstlan
The Washington weekly post., 1899-12-12

by SIS efficient thorOughness.
IL is 10 be hoped that IN time the two
governments will act in common accord
toward the realization OF their common
purpose to safeguard the public health
and TO insure the purity and wholesome
ness OF all food products imported by
either country from the other. Were the
Congress 10 authorize an invitation 20
Germany, in connection with the pending
reciprocity negotiations. for the constitu-
ton OF q Joint commission OF scientific ex-
peTts and practical men OF affairs 10 con-
duct a searching investigation OF food pro-
duction and expectation in both countries
and report 10 their respective legislatures
for the adoption OF such remedial meas
ures as they might recommend for either.
the way might be opened for the desira-
BILE result indicated.
Efforts TO obtain for American life in
surance companies fun hearing as TO
their business operations I'm Prussia have,
after several years OF patient representa-
ton, happily succeeded, and one Of the
most important American compa MES has
been granted a concession TO continue
business In that kingdom.
/ am also glad 10 announce that the
German insurance companies have been
resdmitteG by the superintendent OF in
suranee TO do business IN the State OF
New York.
Subsequent 70 the exchange OF our peace
treaty with Spain. Germany acquired the
Caroline Islands by r.------hsss<e, paying
therefor gfop0o0- Assurances have been
received from the German goyeramen:
that The rights Of American missionarief
and traders there will be cOnsiderateiy OBJ
served
The Washington weekly post., 1899-12-12

ton was taken Dy congress IN the mat
ter.
! earnestly recommend that the subject
be taken UP anew and acted upon during
the present session. The necessity for
sonse such provision abundantly appears
Precedent for constituting Federal juris-
dfction In criminal cases where aliens are
sufferers IS nationally deducible from the
existing statute, which gives 10 the dis
irict and circuit courts OF the United
States jurisdiction OF civil suits brought
BY aliens where the amount Involved ex-
ceeds a certain sum. II such jealous So
llcitude be shown for allen rights In cases
OF merely civil and Decuniary Import, now
much greater should be the public duty 20
take cognizance Of matters affecting the
llse and the rights Of aliens under the set
tied principles Of international law no
less than under treaty stipulation. In
cases OF such transcendent wrong g-doins
as mob murder. especially when expert
ence has shown that local justice r. 100
often helpless 10 punish the offenders.
After many years Of enceavor on the
part Of this government 10 that end, the
Italian government has consented 70 en-
ter into negotiations for a naturalization
convention, having for one Of its objects
the regulation Of the status OF Italians
Except those OF an age for active mill
tsry ssrylce) who, having been naturslized
In the United states, may revisit Italy. 81
a hoped that with the mutually conciiis-
tory spirit displayed successful conclu-
sion will be reached
The Washington weekly post., 1899-12-12
Tru.tI.am of 1890.

An act 10 protect trade and commerce
against unlawful restraints and monopol-
les Was passed by Congress on the "a Of
July. 1889. The provisions OF this statute
are comprehensive and stringent II de-
c!sres every contract or combination, IN
The Washington weekly post., 1899-12-12
PRESIDENTS RECOMMENDATIONS
Support of the Gold Standard and Legislation to
Control the Operation of Trusts Cuba,
Porto Rico, and the Philippine
Islands Receive Attention.

nizes as the best. The financial transac-
tiOns of the government are conducted
upon gold basis. We receive gold when
we sell United States bonds and use gold
for their payment. We are maintaining
the parity of all the money issued or
coined by authority OF the government.
We are doing these things with the means
at hand. Happily at the present time We
are not compelled to resort TO loans to
supply gold. II has been done in the past,
however. and may have To be done in the
future. IL behoOves US. therefore. 10 pro-
vide at once the hest means to meet the
emergency when it arises. and the best
means are those which are the most GER
tain and economical. Those now author
lied have the virtue neither of directness
nor economy. We have already eliminated
one OF the causes of our financial plight
and embarrassment during the years 1893
1894, 1885. and 1896. Our receipts now equal
our expenditures; deficient revenues no
longer create alarm. Let US remove the
only remaining cause by comforting the
! fun and necessary power on the Secre-
tary of the Treasury and impose Upcn
him the duty to uphold the present gold
standard and preserve the coins of the
two metals on parity with each other.
which is the repeatedly declared policy Of
the United States.
In this connection / repeat my former
recommendation that portion of the
/ gold holdings shall be placed in a trust
/ fund from which greenbacks shall be re-
| deemed upon presentation, but when once
] redeemed shall not thereafter be paid out
/ except for gold.
The Washington weekly post., 1899-12-12
Brazil. Colombia. Denmark.

brought, as was that OF Peru some years
ago, into harmony with the general prac-
tice of modern States.
The Washington weekly post., 1899-12-12
The Merchant Marine.

The value OF an American merchant ma
rine to the extension of our commercial
trade and the strengthening of our power
upon the sea invites the immediate action
of the Congress. Our national develop
ment will be one-sided and unsatisfactory
so long as the remarkable growth of our
inland industries remains unaccompanied
by progress on the seas. There is no lack
Of constitutional authority for legislation
which shall give 10 the country maritime
strength commensurate with its industrial
achievements and with its rank among the
nations of the earth.
The past year has recorded exceptional
activity in our shipyards. and the promises
Of continual prosperity in shipbuilding are
abundant Advanced legislation for the
protection of our seamen has been enacted.
Our coast trade, under regulations wisely
framed at the beginning Of the govern
ment and since, shows results for The past
fiscal year unequaled in our records or
those OF any other power. We shall fail
TO realize our opportunities, however, if
we complacently regard only matters at
home and blind ourselves to the necessity
of securing our share in the valuable car
rying trade of the world.
Last year American vessels Transported
smaller share of our exports and i'm
ports than during any former year in all
our history, and the measure of our de-
pendence upon foreign shipping was pain
fully manifested to our people Without
any choice of our own. but from necessity,
the departments of the government
charged with military and naval OPERA
tions in the East and West Indies had 10
obtain from foreign flags merchant YES
sells essential for those operations.
The other great nations have not hesi-
tated to adopt the required means to de-
Velop their shipping as factor in national
defense and as one of the surest and
speediest means of obtaining for their pro-
ducers share in foreign markets. Like
vigilance and effort on our part cannot
fail to improve our situation. which is re-
garded with humiliation at home and with
surprise abroad. Even the seeming sacri-
fees, which at the beginning NAV be in
vOlved. will be offset later by more than
equivalent gains
The expense is as nothing comnared m
the advantage to be achieved. The re-
establishment of our merchant marine in
wolves in large measure our continued
industrial progress and the extension of
our commercial triumphs. I am satisfied
the judgment of the country favors the
policy of aid TO our merchant marine
which will broaden our commerce and
markets and upbuild our sea-carrvipp cs-
pacity for the products Of agriculture and
manufacture, which, with the increase of
our navy, mean more work and wages 10
our countrymen, as well as a safeguard TO
American interests in every part of the
world.
The Washington weekly post., 1899-12-12
Tinted state. and Canada.

In my last annual message I referred
10 the pending negotiations with Great
Britain In respect 10 the Dominica Of
Canada. By means Of an executive egree.
ment Joint High Commission lad been
created for the purpose OF adjusting ali
unsettled questions between The United
The Washington weekly post., 1899-12-12
Treaty with Japan.

The treaty OF commerce and navigation
between the United States and Japan on
November 2. 1891. took effect In accord
snee With the terms OF its XIXth Article
on the I7,h Of July last. simultaneously
sith the enforcement OF like treaties with
he other powers. except France. whose
convention did not go into operation until
August 4. the United States being. how
ever granted up to that date all the priv
ieges and rights accorded 10 French citi-
gems under the Old French treaty. BY this
notable conventional reform Japan's post
tion az a fully independent sovereign pow
er Is assured. control being gained OF tax
sfion. customs revenues. judicial admin
istration, eoastisg trade, and eli ethss