The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-12-05

other pOW 2r We shall fail to realize
our opportunities, however, il we COM
placently regard only matters at home
and blind ourselves to the necessity Of
securing our share in the valuable carry
ing trade of the world
Last year American vessels trans
ported a smaller share Of our exports
and imports than during any former
year in all our history, and the measure
of our dependence upon foreign shipping
was painfully manifested 10 our people
The other great nations hay G not hesi-
tated 10 adopt the required mems to de-
velop their shipping as a factor in ma
tional defense and as one OF the suresi
and speediest means OF obtaining foi
their producers a share in foreign mar
kets. The expense is as nothing COM
pared TO the advantage to be achieved.
The re-establishment OF our merchant
marine Involves In a large measure OUT
continued industrial progress and the
extension of our commercial triumphs.
THE CONTROL OF TRUSTS.
Combinations of capital organized
into trusts 10 control the conditions of
trade among our citizens are justly pro
voking public discussion. and should
early claim the attention of the congress
The industrial commission. engaged in
extended hearings upon the subject of
combinations in restraint OF trade and
competition. have not yet completed
their Investigation. The subject is enc
giving rise TO many divergent views as
10 the extent Of the injuries to the pub
lie which may result from large com.
binations concentrating more or less
numerous enterprises and establish
ments IL is universally conceded that
combinations which engross or control
the market Of any commodity necessary
10 the general community by suppress
ing natural and ordinary competition
whereby prices are unduly enhanced 10
the general consumer are obnoxious not
only to the common law, but also to the
pubic welfare. There must be a remedy
for the evils involved in such organiza-
tions. u tho present law can be ex-
tended more certainly TO control or check
these monopolies or trusts, il should be
done without delay
An act TO protect trade and com
merce against unlawful restraints and !
monopolles was passed by congress on |
the End of July 1880 The provisions OF |
this statute are omprehensiye and |
stringent. It declares every contract |
or combination. in the form of a trust !
or otherwise. 10 be unlawful. II de- |
noninates as a criminal every person /,
who makes any such contract or engages |
IN any such combination or conspiracy !
and provides a punishment by fine or |
imprisonment, IL invests the several !
circuit courts OF the United States WITH I
jurisdiction TO prevent and restrain vio-
lations OF the act, The act is aimed at |
every kind of combination in the nature |
of 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 I
frequently resorted to In the federal !
courts, and notable efforts in the re- /
straint of interstate commerce such as
the Trans Missouri Freight association |
and the Joint Traffic association have |
been successfully opposed and sup
pressed.
President Cleveland in his annual mes |
sage of Dec T. 1896. 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 purpose thus far have |
proved Ineffective not because of any |
iack OF disposition or attempt 90 enforce |
them, but simply because the laws |
themselves as interpreted ty the courts |
90 not reach the difficulty The decision |
OF our highest court on this precise Ques-
uon renders IL quite doubtful whether |