Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-09-21

CHAIRMAN - AN ADDR ESS
WHICH DRAWS ATTENTION TO
THE DANGERS THREATENING
THE C0UNTRY-A LIST OF THE
GOVERNORS AND ATTORNEYS
GENERAL IN ATTENDANCE.
ST. LOUIS. September 2o.-Prompt-
~ at IL O'clock, Attorney General
Crow, of Missouri. called TO order in
the ladies' ordinary of the Planters
Hotel. the trust conference originated
by Gov. Sayers, of Texas
Mr. Crow made short address. well
coming those present to Missouri
Gov. Lon V. stephens, of Missouri,
nominated Gov. ]. d. Savers, of Texas.
as permanent chairman, and he was
unanimously chosen. Paul B. Moore,
priva,e secretary of Gov stephens,
was chosen secretary of the confer
ence. Gov. Savers was greeted with
hearty applause when he assumed the
chair He read a somewhat lengthy
address. setting forth his views on the
question of trusts, which was frequently
applauded. Gov Sayers said in part:
mo motive prompted my action in
suggesting this conference other than
the desire to induce. il possible, con-
cert of action among such Governors
and Attorneys General of all the States
that might aid in an effort to suppress
an evil which has become gigantic in
proportions. and, which in the opinion
of very large number of good and
patriotic citizens of the Republic,
threatents the most serious and dis
aetrous consequences to the country.
1T is true that in some sections mon
ey is plentiful, trade active, speculation
rife and that certain products have
largely and rapidly increased in selling
value. This prosperity, however, Is
born, in a great measure, of war; and Is
largely attributable to the enormous
expenditures that have been and are
nov being made by the general govern
mcnt for special purposes and in par
ticular localities. and SO long as war
shall continue this unusual activity will
be maintained. Considering the situa-
ton conseryatively. impartially, AMI
with the assistance OF an intelligent ex-
perience. it cannot be reasonably ex-
pected that the present prosperity will
long survive the settlement Of our for
eign difficulties and the restoration o.
peace.
Next to the war itself and to the in
cidents directly connected with 1t. the
wonderful revolution that has occurred
in business life is calculated to arouse
the gravest anxiety in all thoughtful
minds. For the past quarter Of CEN
fury we have heard much Of trust for
nation and notes OF alarm have been
sounded again and again to warn the
people of the danger that threatened
them in that direction. But during the
past two years that which was prev
iously but a shadow on the horizon, has
become a dark and protentious cloud.
and on every side and from every quar-
ter are heard warnings OF imminent
danger that should no longer pass un-
needed
Every combination and association
the name or guise OF trust, almost
without exception, owes its existence to
a governmental grant Of privilege. ex-
emption and power The fact that the
trust almost universally owes II very
life to the creative power Of public au-
thority, makes 1t the imperative duty
OF government to protect the people
against any abuse or misuse OF aa
opportunities to the detriment Of tho
general welfare. This In my opinion ~
a complete answer to any objection that
might be Urged against governmental
interference to restrain and, if needs
be, to entirely destroy the trust power
whenever il shall become hurltul or
perilous.
There must be cooperation betwecD
both governments, general and local,
working earnestly and sincerely within
its sphere"
In the speakers opinion both governs
ments may be rightfully held responsi.
BILE for the existence Of the trust and
the subject was indispuHbly within the
domain Of federal legislation
Gov. Stephens followed Gov. sayers
in an address in which he told Of what
had been done in Missouri to fight the
trusts.
The roll cali showed these States repre-
scented as follows:
Michigan. Governor Plngree and Attoro
ney General Oren.
Missouri. Governor Stephens and Attor-
ney General Crow.
Texas. Governor sayers ana Attorney
General Smith.
Arkansas. Governor Jones and Attornew
General Davis. 4
Tennessee. Governor MeMiIiin.
Iowa. Governor shaw.
Colorado. Governor Thomas ami Alto
ney General Campbell
Indiana. Attorney General Tas5or.
Montana Attorney General Nolan. 4
Mississippi. Monroe Meclurg. Deno1