Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-07-27
TRUST REGULATION.
4 Plan to Place Big Combinations
Under Federal Jurisdiction.
IMMIGRATION QUESTION DISCUSSED.
Testimony Of Commissioner Thomas BE-
fore Sub Committee Of the Industrial
Commission on the Workings of
the Immigrant Law.

the Immigfan. Law.
Chicago, July 2b.-In q Washington
dispatch published here yesterday
George L. Douglass, of Chicago, for
merly well-known lawyer and politi-
clan, has proposed a scheme for placing
trusts under federal jurisdiction, which
Is attracting wide attention. Mr..
Douglass was formerly a resident Of
Wichita, Kan, during the administra-
ton Of Gov. Lewelling, and was the
speaker Of the house Of representatives
at the time there were two bodies fight
ing for possession of the executive
chamber at Topeka. He has also had
an honorable experience in the service
Of the federal department OF justice.
He Is prominent member of the Mar
quette club of Chicago and contem-
plates launching his idea in crusade
under the prestige Of that organization.
1t is possible therefore, that the Mar
quette, which played an important part
In the early canvass of Maj. Mckinley,
will blaze the way for far-reaching
political move in the coming presiden-
tial campaign.
Mr.. Douglass proposition Is to move
for the adoption Of constitutional
amendment giving congress full au-
thority to regulate and control the big
combinations known as trusts. Attor-
ney General Griggs, in his recent let
ter, showed that under our peculiar
system of divided jurisdiction it was
impossible for the United States attor-
neys TO carry on successful actions
against the so-called trusts He pointed
out that only state courts had the nee
essary jurisdiction, but past experience
has not shown many important results
from the efforts Of state authorities.
With 45 states and as many different
laws the situation is as chaotic as the
widest Of opera bouffes The demo-
cratic leaders hope to score on
the republicans next year by
denouncing trusts and charging
their origin to the protective
tariff. Mr.. Douglass would extract
the fangs from this issue by having the
republican congress next winter pass
resolution for the submission to the
states Of a constitutional amendment
bringing the trusts under the jurisdic-
ton Of the national legislative and
judicial authorities There is such
strong and widespread feeling against
combinations formed unjustly to mulct
the public that Mr.. Douglass is con.
hdent such an amendment would be
ratified by the states at the first OPP
portunity. There are many great az.
gregations Of capital that are In no way
inimical to theNpublic good, but rather
serve the masses by cheapening the
cost Of production. With proper au-
thority the federal courts would soon
lay down a system Of rules that would
draw the line between the legal and
Illegal concerns. The problem would
be simplifed and conclusive results OBJ.
tanned.
IMMIGRATION QUESTION DISCUSSED.
New York, July 2b--The sub-com.
mittee Of the industrial commission
met here yesterday to investigate the
immigration question. Only three
members were present-ex-Congress-
man John NJ. Farquhar, of Buffalo; e.
lison A. Smythe, of North Carolina,
and Col. Albert Clark, of Boston. Sem
ator Boies Penrose, Of Pennsylvania,
and Congressman Livingston, Of
Georgia, were unable to attend.
Commissioner Of immigration Thomas
Fitchie was the first witness. He ex-
planned the workingof the immigra-
ton law in detail. He spoke of the
great care taken in the examination of
the new arrivals as regards their moral,
physical and financial condition. Not
withstanding this, the commissioner
stated that many persons were un-
doubleday received who were suf-
fering from dangerous contagious dis
eases, He mentioned the case of u
woman who arrived here in the steer
age OF a French line steamship and who
was suffering from trachoma, dan.
gerous contagious disease. She was
deported, but arrived here again on
the next trip Of the vessel in the second
cabin and again was sent back. Mr..
Fitchie suggested that the law be
changed so as to impose a fine on any
company landing or attempting to land
any passengers suffering from a con-
tagious disease. He believed that II n
specific fine were imposed for each vio-
lation Of the law the steamship compa-
mics would be more careful. Nine per
cent. of one shipload Of immigrants, he
said, were found undesirable and or
dered deported Mr. Fitchie declared
that 65 cases of trachoma were detect
ed in a single week, besides many cases
Of favus, another dangerous contagious
disease. He urged a more rigid medi.
cal examination at the port of embarha.
ton.
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To Teach Agriculture In Turkey.