The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-06-06
CONVENTION To
FIGHT TRUSTS
Call Issued by Governor
of Texas.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

AUSTIN, Tex, June 5.-Governor Jo-
seph D. Savers to-day issued a call for
a convention of the Governors and At
torney Generals of the several States
and Territories to consider antitrust
legislation, to meet in st. Louis on Sep
TENDER 20. 1t was originally intended
to set the date for about July %. but
advices were received from a number
of interested parties that larger at
tendance would be obtained by holding
the convention some time in Septem-
Der.
While the announced object of the
convention is to discuss and formulate
some concerted plan OF campaign
against the trusts, the gathering will
definitely determine whether or not the
antitrust question is to be made a ma
tiOnal political issue by the Democrat
ic party. The invitation of Governor
Sayers is extended alike to Republican
and Democratic Governors and Attor-
ney Generals. If the Republicans do
not respond to the call the Democrats
will take it to mean that the repre-
sentatives of that party are not in
sympathy with the movement. The
call is as follows:
AUSTIN, Tex. June 5, 1899
Dear Sir: After much reflection | con-
cluded that 1t would not be improper for
mo to suggest that q oonferente Of Coz
errors and Attorney Generals of the sew
eral States and Territories be held to
consider the effect which the formation OF
trusts is having upon the country, and If
possible to agree upon a character of
legislation that will not only force those
now existing into dissolution, but will
also prevent their further creation. l am
firmly of the opinion, if as many as
twenty States can be induced to adopt a
ally admitted evil and will enforce such
policy with f1rmnesS, impartiality and
vigor, relief will surely and quickly fol-
low. 1t cannot be doubted that In this
matter State action is necessary and that
uniformity in the enactment and enforce
ment of legislationis Indispensable. l have
therefore to respectfully suggest to your
EXcellency and to the Attorney General
sst of the Governors and Attorney Gen
erals of such States and Territories as
may see proper to attend be held at St.
Louis on Wednesday, the Goth day of Sep
TENDER, 1899 for the purpose of taking
such action as may be deemed proper re-
specting the subject matter of this COM
munication.
An early reply advising me of your
views and intentions is requested. 1 have
the honor to be very respectfully your
obedient servant,
JOSEPH D. SAVERS,
Governor of Texas.
Speaking in reference to the pro-
posed conference, Governor Sayers
said to-day:
1t is my desire that the Governors and
the Attorney Generals of the several
States give the matter careful attention
and that they will come to the convention
prepared to take an active part in its
proceedings. l have named date over
three months In advance of the present
for the very reason that / desire that all
the time possible be given in which to
create an interest in the movement.
feel confident that the attendance will be
large and that much good will result
whatever action or concerted Legislative
policy toward the trust evil may be
agreed upon. There is no politics in the
proposed meeting. and every Governor
and Attorney General is cordially invited
to attend.