The Topeka state journal., 1899-09-20

trust almost without exception, owes
its existence to a governmental grant
of privilege, exemption and power IN
this form of business activity the ind1-
vidual shields himself under the pro-
tecting advantage and immunity of
corporate existence, created by statute
Were is not so, trust formations
would be fewer in number smaller IN
magnitude and less dangerous to so
ciety. The fact that the trust almost
universally owes it's very life to the
creative power of public authority
makes it the imperative duty of gov
ernment to protect the people against
any abuse or misuse of its opportunl-
ties to the detriment of the general vel
fare. This is in my opinion complete
answer to any objection that might
be urged against governmental inter-
ference to restrain and if needs be TO
entirely destroy the trust power when
ever it shall become hurtful or peril
ous.'
Governor Sayers declared that in
none of the generally accepted authori-
ties upon finance. commerce, or me
chanic and agricultural industry can
there be found a rational defense OF the
system that has so suddenly and so
firmly fixed its iron grasp upon the
material interests of the country. The
gravity of the situation, the speaker
declared, could not be over estimated,
nor permitted to pass unchallenged by
those charged with important and re-
Sponsible public duties 1t was not the
time for evasion, nor was it subject
worthy only of discussion. Action,
careful, thoughtful, intelligent and
courageous action he said was the
hours greatest need.
Constitutional obstacles lie in the
way and the evil can not be eradicated
by either federal or state authority
acting singly," the governor continued.
There must be cooperation between
both governments, general and local,
each working earnestly and sincerely
within its sphere"
n n
ments may be rightfully held re-
spOnsible for the existence of the trust,
and the subject was indisputably with
in the domain of federal legislation.
Governor Lon Y. Stephens followed
Governor Sayers in an address in which
he told of what had been done in Mis-
souri, to fight the trusts.
The roll call showed these states rep
resented as follows:
Michigan-GOv. Pingree and Attorney
General Oren.
MisSOuri-GOv. STEPHENS and Attor-
ney General Grove.
Texas-Gov. Sayers and Attorney
General Smith.
Arkansas-Gov. Jones and Attorney
General Davis.
Tennessee-Gov. AdcNTillin.
IOwa-GOv. Shaw.
COlorado-Gov. Thomas and Attorney
General Campbell.
Indiana-Attorney General Taylor.
Montana-Attorney General Nolan.
ississippi-Monroe McClurg, Demo-
cfatlc cand1date for attorney general.
Insurance Commissioner c. G. Heif-
>ner of Washington appeared on the
floor as the representative of the attor-
ney general of that state and by unan-
imous vote was accorded the right to
sit in the conference.
Attorney General Smith of Texas
made a motion which was carried, pro-
viding for the selection of committees
on order of business and resolutions.
There was some opposition to the ap-
po1ntment OF a committee on resolu-
tions by Attorney General Taylor of
Indiana and several other Republicans
present, their contention being that
this was no place to adopt resolutions.
The committee on order of business
was selected as follows:
Governors Jones, Thomas, Shaw and
Pingree, and Attorney Generals Nolan
and Taylor and Mr. McClurg
Committee on esolutions-Governors
Stephens, McMillin and Attorneys Gen
eral Davis, Campbell, Oren, Nolan and
Smith and McCIurg.
A recess was then taken until 3 D. m